The Keep Dolphins Free in the Cayman Islands group is to make its presence felt at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s annul conference and trade show, which begins the end of this month.
The event takes place in Grand Cayman from October 31 through November 3, 2006 and is the largest conference ever to take place in Cayman.
KDFCI states in a press release: ‘The objective of our booth is to provide environmental education, information and awareness of the facts surrounding the captive-dolphin tourist entertainment industry, including ‘Swim with the Dolphin’ programmes. The cruise lines operating in the Caribbean provide the captive dolphin attractions in this area with about 80 per cent of their customers.’
The cruise conference will be attended by representatives from across the Caribbean, the USA, Europe, and other regions, displaying products and services available for cruise visitors.
Information available to delegates from the KDFCI booth will include media kits, scientific reports, books, DVD videos and a new release of an original print, ‘Break the Chains – Keep Dolphins Free’, by renowned marine artist Ron Steven. Many other supporting materials will be available to study so that informed decisions can be made, said the release.
It continues, ‘In 2005 one cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly Radisson) studied the captive dolphin industry then took the responsible stance of deciding to no longer offer captive dolphin-encounter excursions at its ports of call.
‘While our local group is dedicated to keeping dolphins free in the Cayman Islands, the implications of the industry are of great importance to the wider Caribbean and, in fact, the international community.
‘Some other local groups and foreign organizations that share our position that dolphins should remain free for a multitude of reasons will join us in the booth. Visitors to the booth will get a chance to speak with scientists and conservationists from across the region including Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and the United States, as well as the Cayman Islands.’
Mr. Billy Adam of KDFCI noted that organisations represented include the Cayman Islands Humane Society, the Jamaica Environment Trust, The Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International, and the Antigua and Barbuda Independent Tourism Promotion Council.
The booth is supported and assisted by other international organizations including Captive Dolphin Awareness Foundation, The Dolphin Project, Global Coral Reef Alliance, LMitchell Enterprises, Marine Connection, One Voice, PHXX, Rogest, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
‘We welcome all delegates and visitors from fellow Caribbean destinations to stop by the booth for an exchange of information on sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, including the benefits of being environmentally responsible, educated, and innovative partners in the care of both natural resources – our primary tourism ‘product’ – and marine mammals,’ said Mr. Adam.
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