Dolphinaria in the EU
3.10.2011
Question for written answer E-009001/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)
35 dolphinaria holding up to 300 whales, dolphins and porpoises are currently in operation in the EU, primarily for shows and other public entertainment such as swimming-with-dolphins programmes. These dolphinaria, which operate in 15 EU Member States, are thus primarily commercial enterprises. Eleven of them operate in Spain, the majority in coastal tourist resorts.
A recent report from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society concludes that dolphinaria in the EU do not meet the requirements of the EU Zoos Directive (1999/22/EC). Although required by the Directive, educational provision is poor and participation in conservation activities limited.
Furthermore, dolphinaria in the EU fail to meet the biological requirements of cetaceans in captivity and do not provide appropriate species-specific enrichment, another key requirement of Directive 1999/22/EC.
- —What action will the Commission take to address this lack of compliance by dolphinaria in the EU with Directive 1999/22/EC?
OJ C 154 E, 31/05/2012