From left to right, Mr. Richard O'Barry, Dr. Samuel Hung, Mr. Allen Zeman.
AIESEC Open Forum
On Friday March 16th, 2012, AIESEC hosted an open forum discussion on dolphin captivity. Special guest Mr. Richard O’Barry, Campaign Director of “Save Japan Dolphin” and Star of The Oscar-winning Documentary:”The Cove”- Many of us know him as the trainer of the dolphins in the hit 1960’s TV show, Flipper.
Mr. Richard O'Barry, Save Taiji Dolphins
Ric O’Barry shared his concerns about the captive dolphin industry and why he thinks it’s a trade that needs to be phased out. Allen Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park, presented his arguments for the captive dolphin industry which he believes supports conservation and education. Dr. Samuel Hung moderated the event.
The highlight of the forum was Ric O’Barry’s encouragement for our city to set an international example and help put an end to this threat to marine biodiversity.
Linc sends a special thank-you to Hong Kong Baptist University and Unity Holding Investments limited for sponsoring the event and bringing this sensitive subject back to the table for public discussion. We are grateful for all of the hard work everyone involved put into organizing and executing this important day. We will definitely be attending future AIESEC events!
March 16th is a day to be remembered for us because…(drum roll please…) Ric O’Barry and Linc Chairwoman, Lee-Ann Ford, met for the first time in 8 years!
Xie Xie AIESEC!
When we asked our Chairwoman how the two came to know each other, she said “I first started collaborating with him on and off through email . In 2004 -2005 there was a dramatic reduction in dolphin sightings. Linc sent out an inquiry to colleagues to investigate why dolphin sightings in Taiwan had become significantly reduced. After learning about Taiji, it was suspected that local dolphin sightings were reducing because the migratory route was being compromised by captures in Japan . That was the original reason I started working on Taiji Dolphins; that is what The Cove was known as back then.
It was a real boost for me to be able to finally meet Ric. He is an amazing man with a very important message. Our city should seriously consider his advice.”
Richard O'Barry and Lee-Ann Ford compare reports on Ocean Park's marine mammal mortality rate.
To tell the truth, we are quite disappointed that Ocean Park did not take the time to prepare for public engagement. We believe that the comments made by Ocean Park’s representatives lacked substance and were dismissive of public concerns. At LINC we believe that as our international representatives, it is irresponsible to respond to this sensitive topic with humour and disregard for the facts. We don’t have an expectation of sweat and tears, but we do of respect.
To clarify our position, it is our understanding that there has not been an independent review on Ocean Park’s mortality rate since 2002. We asked other relevant organization at the event including Ric O’Barry So far, none of us have been able to find an updated report. Ocean Park said they publish a report every year and we hear them, however the key word we using here is “independent”.
With a breath-taking mortality rate between the 1974 and 2002 and more recently between 1990 and 2002; questions need to be raised. Which government organization is responsible for monitoring and reviewing marine mammal (and other animal) deaths at Ocean Park? Are the deaths required to be reported to the public? What is the international point of view on conservation in Hong Kong? Is what we do here a hindrance or a benefit to the global conservation effort?
According to a thesis written by Reimi Kinoshita and published in 2003,”between 1973 and 2002, 76 pinnipeds, or fin-footed marine mammals, of different species diet at Ocean Park, with more than 20 of them dying between 1990 and 2002.
Meanwhile 131 cetaceans, mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises, died at Ocean Park between 1974 and 2002, with nearly 20 deaths occurring between 1990 and 2002.”
That equals 207 marine mammal deaths between 1973 – 2002, with approximately 40 or more deaths between 1990 and 2002.
After our meeting, we decided there was a need for further follow-up with the Agricultural Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
Stay tuned to our blog to find out what happens next…
