Sea Otter Victory

International Marine Mammal Project

Not all endangered marine mammals have fins and flukes: Some are outfitted with paws and fur.

Last November, US-based International Animal Consulting Group, Inc. (IACG), submitted two applications to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to capture five northern sea otters for export to two Japanese sea-parks - Izu-Mito Sea Paradise and Toba Aquarium. The otters were to have been taken from waters off the coast of Alaska.

On February 2, after intense opposition from US and Japanese animal rights and environmental groups, IACG withdrew both applications from further consideration.

The US Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) recommended against the Izu-Mito Sea Paradise application and suggested either denial of permit or an on-site inspection of the Toba Aquarium. The MCC's recommendations were based on documents submitted by the FWS' Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

"We applaud APHIS' and MMC's sound and fair evaluation of the care and management levels and other conditions of both aquaria," declared Mark Berman, Assistant Director of EII's International Marine Mammal Project. "It is evident that these aquaria can not successfully care for marine mammals in view of the huge mortality rate at both facilities. Both have a history of assisting in the notorious drive fisheries that slaughter thousands of dolphins and sell a few of the best-looking captives to sea-parks."

"Japanese aquaria should stop 'collecting' animals as if they are lifeless items and start seeking ways to become educational facilities in the true sense of the word," stated Fusako Nogami, Director of Japan's ALIVE Organization (All Life In A Viable Environment). "There are various methods available to educate people without putting live animals in small enclosures and tanks." This is a victory for sea otters and marine mammals.