Sea Life Marine Conservation Trust (SLMCT) Statement Condemning the Dolphin Drive Hunts
January 22nd, 2014~ In light of the ongoing dolphin drive hunt season in Taiji, Japan, the Sea Life Marine Conservation Trust (SLMCT) – the conservation charity launched by the global network of Sea Life centres – strongly condemns these activities and calls upon all zoos and aquaria to cease association with the dolphin drive fishery in Japan.
“The Taiji drives involve the herding of dolphins at sea to be then driven and corralled into the confines of a cove. After sometimes being held for days, the dolphins are then slaughtered for meat or kept alive for sale to marine parks and aquaria across the globe,” said Sarah Taylor, Head of the Sea Life Marine Conservation Trust.
“Yearly quotas for these drive hunts reach into the thousands. They are a brutal reminder that we have a very long way to go towards securing a safe and humane future for all whales and dolphins,” she added.
Sea Life, with 44 attractions around the world, is working with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), to establish the first permanent sanctuary for captive whales and dolphins where they can be retired or rehabilitated and live a more natural life.
Astonishing Discovery Down Under
A species of jellyfish not seen for more than a century has surfaced off the Australian Sunshine Coast, and is now being studied at the soon-to-be new Sea Life centre in Mooloolaba.
The incredibly rare Crambione Cookii was last seen by American scientist Alfred Gainsborough Mayor off Cookstown, Queensland in 1910.
His detailed sketch was until now the only record in existence, and helped jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-Ann Gershwin, of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Service, confirm identity.
Ironically, it was another jellyfish specialist, aquarist Puk Scivyer, who chanced upon the animal while releasing a rescued sea turtle.
Puk had been recruited by the Sea Life network to take charge of a new jellyfish exhibit planned at UnderWater World aquarium in Molooloba, which will be re-launched as Sea Life, Molooloba next month after a $6.5 million redevelopment.
“As soon as I saw it I realised it was a species I’d never seen before,” said Puk, “but to then discover I was the first person to see this species in over a hundred years was just incredible.”
The Crambione Cookii will not appear in the new exhibit, but will be observed closely behind the scenes to learn as much as possible about it and afterwards donated to the Queensland Museum.
Nothing is known about the species, and marine scientists are baffled as to how it could have evaded notice for more than a century…but Sea Life aquarists will now be on the look-out for more whenever they venture off-shore.
New in 2014: "Planet of the Crabs"
eet the new exhibition at the SEA LIFE Aquarium Val d'Europe!
Embark on "Planet crabs" and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of crabs and shellfish! Through an original label, games and fun accessories, many surprises await visitors! No doubt, at the end of visit, you pincerez for them!D
This new exhibition, staged in the manner of a sci-fi Hollywood, invites visitors to observe the lifestyle of crabs and their cousins clip, these singular animals, similar in appearance and behavior, the armored division of the marine world!
Visitors will discover in pots fantastic design, several species of crustaceans
crabs rainbow bright colors that can live out of water, hidden in the mangrove roots
of Land hermit crabs which do not have a hard shell, take refuge in shells found on the beach
a European lobster that you can watch in views unusual
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of Land hermit crabs which do not have a hard shell, take refuge in shells found on the beach
?DID YOU KNOW
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