DOLPHIN DISCOVERY SUSPEND OPERATIONS

ORDERED PROFEPA A 'DOLPHIN DISCOVERY' SUSPEND OPERATIONS IN THE MOON PALACE CANCUN

MEXICO CITY The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) ordered to suspend the activities of swimming with dolphins in the Moon Palace Hotel in Cancun, Quintana Roo.

As part of the inspection carried out by the PROFEPA dolphin, a visit to the facilities where takes place the dolphin swim at the Moon Palace Hotel, in order to review and verify their authorizations and health status are made copies and installations.

Due to the above, the company Dolphin Discovery, which operates the activities of these aquatic mammals swim in that hotel, did not submit the authorization in environmental impact issued by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) for such activity a Natural Protected Area (NPA), so PROFEPA personnel ordered as a precautionary measure the immediate suspension of swimming with dolphins.



In addition to this, staff of this Office also inspected the dolphinarium in wildlife, in which it was found that it is inscribed in the register of land or facilities for handling wildlife confined shape, and has the plan inventory management and approved by SEMARNAT.

During the inspection visit revealed that the swimming activity was performed ten bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), one adult and nine juvenile, who were in apparent good physical condition.

It is noteworthy that the PROFEPA has inspected the 16 dolphin that are located in Quintana Roo. He found that two of them are not operating, one is subject to administrative procedures for various irregularities and the remaining 13 comply with the provisions issued by SEMARNAT for operation.

Of the total of 174 inspections dolphin Tursiops truncatus species, 21 species of dolphins Tursiops aduncus 12 manatees (Trichechus manatus) and 17 sea lions Zalophus californianus species and Zalophus byronia were reviewed.

Through these actions, the PROFEPA verifies that the dolphin, as well as the works and activities conducted in protected natural areas, are conducted in strict compliance with the obligations under environmental regulations, besides ensuring the protection of wildlife and flora. (Source: Profepa)