Humane Issues Round-Up: Dolphin Dilemmas

In the last month there has been so much in the news about dolphins, and the issues have been so varied and exemplifying of the interconnectedness of animals, people, and the environment, that we wanted to highlight some of these recent stories. Singly or collectively, these issues serve as great springboards for discussion (whether in the classroom or with colleagues).

1. While the Peruvian government insists that the recent deaths of nearly 1,000 dolphins off the northern Peruvian coast are due to natural causes, experts insist that the deaths are linked to sound waves from seismic tests used to locate oil deposits.
2. A new report highlights how U.S.-based company, Yahoo!, profits from the sale of whale and dolphin meat via its website Yahoo! Japan.
3. Studies show that dolphins can learn undesirable behavior from each other (such as begging for food from humans). Dolphins who learn to beg are more likely to be injured or killed by boat strikes or fishing nets.
4. Scientists have developed a new device that may one day allow humans to communicate with dolphins.
5. Recently the World Trade Organization ruled that the U.S.'s "dolphin-safe" tuna label discriminates against Mexico.
6. The U.S. Navy recently admitted that its use of explosives and sonar could potentially harm more dolphins (and other marine mammals) than previously thought.
7. Two dolphins who have been held in captivity in Turkey have finally been released after more than a year of preparing them to live in the wild.
8. In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a judge in South Korea has ordered the release of five captive dolphins who are imprisoned in small tanks at a theme park. 

~ Marsha

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