Mexico stops dolphin imports from Solomon Islands

Mexico has agreed not to import any further dolphins from the Solomon Islands following official approaches from New Zealand.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) New Zealand manager Kimberly Muncaster said Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff had written to her confirming Mexico's move.

"As a result of our approach, Mexico has assured us that, in light of the new information it now has on the situation in the Solomon Islands, it would not, on scientific grounds, authorise further imports," the letter said.

Ms Muncaster said WSPA was delighted with the development.

"The captures and subsequent trade in dolphins from the Solomon Islands should have never taken place and we are calling on officials there to take immediate action to protect the welfare of these dolphins."

Mexico had launched an investigation into the recent shipment of 28 dolphins to Cancun, one of which died after arriving in the country.

WSPA remained concerned about the surviving 27 dolphins, as well as dozens being kept in shallow, overcrowded sea pens off the Solomons.

"Several have already died, food is scarce and locals have reported scratches and blisters on the marine mammals, caused as a result of the dolphins being unable to dive deep enough to avoid the sun's rays," Ms Muncaster said.

"WSPA is leading calls for authorities to intervene, stop the captures and return the animals to the wild."

Their efforts were complicated by fact that the industry was so lucrative; trained dolphins could be sold for up to $30,000.

- NZPA