One of the sea's most exquisite life forms for which I have great affection is the bottlenose dolphin. They are our mammalian counter-parts, bearing a brain capable of great intelligence. Years of scientific research now shows evidence that these animals exhibit sophisticated self-awareness, a trait also found in humans.

But some of these intelligent animals are being hunted right now.

Sadly, despite our capacity to behave in a caring and humane way, we too often choose to ignore our conscience, and in some circumstances, pick economic and cultural practices over the protection of irreplaceable ocean life.

Just off Taiji and Futo, Japan, the yearly dolphin massacre is happening.

Despite years of international outcry, this cruel fishing process continues as a government sanctioned activity. The dolphin hunt is a brutal, inhumane process, unwisely designed to cull dolphin populations that are considered competitors for precious fish stocks and provide a traditional food resource long fallen out of popularity from the modern Japanese diet. In fact, the meat may no longer be consumed by people at all, but rather used in pet food and fertilizer. Once this is removed as a reason for the hunt, all that is left is the long-standing cultural tradition of the annual dolphin massacre, as simply something to do for the sake of doing it.

It doesn't have to be this way. You can take action right now to help end this brutal dolphin hunt. Make your voice heard by taking just a few seconds to sign a citizen's petition here.

It's aimed at getting one million people to sign an online petition directed towards the Japanese government. There is also an informative statement prepared by scientists that gives more detail about the dolphin hunt and the call for the government to stop issuing permits allowing the hunt and for a halt to the purchase of dolphins caught in the drive.

For more information, please read this excellent article from The Washington Post:

Intelligence Of Dolphins Cited in Fight Against Hunt Others See Equal Weight In the Value of Tradition

Thank you for your time and for taking action.

"Protect the ocean and you protect yourself."

Sincerely,

 

Jean-Michel Cousteau
President
Ocean Futures Society