Definite no to live capture

BERTCHEN KOHRS WRITES:

Earthlife Namibia is very concerned about the proposal by a Chinese company to undertake live capture of Namibian cetaceans and seabirds.

As an environmental CSO, Earthlife has sustainable development and environmental and social justice high on the agenda.

It is understood that the proposal for the live capture of Namibian marine animals include the following species:

300 – 500 African penguins annually;

5 – 15 killer whales (orcas);

50 – 100 common bottlenose dolphins;

50 – 100 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins;

500 - 1000 Cape fur seals;

various sharks.

When considering the species, and the lack of scientifically based knowledge by the proponent, the following aspects are of great concern:

African penguins are listed as "endangered" on the IUCN red data list. Their breeding grounds are confined and limited only to distinct areas within Namibia and South Africa. Since decades the population is decreasing, and any further reduction will have disastrous consequences for the species.

Orcas (killer whales) are rarely seen in Namibian waters, and a rough estimate indicates that there are around 15 orcas. They are listed by IUCN as "data deficient", meaning that the size of the population is unconfirmed.

Common bottlenose dolphins are considered globally to be threatened. The Namibian Dolphin Project (NDP), stationed in Walvis Bay, monitors the population since 2008 and estimates a population of about 100 individuals. Therefore if 100 common bottlenose dolphins are removed this would wipe out Namibia’s entire population.

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins do not occur in the Namibian waters. This is a clear demonstration of the lack of scientific merit by the proponent.

Cape fur seals are not considered to be threatened. However, catching, relocation, and confinement of any wild species roaming in vast areas is extremely stressful and this artificial relocation might serve as their death sentence.

Various sharks are mentioned. This again demonstrates the lack of knowledge by the proponent. One quarter of all shark species are listed by IUCN as "threatened".

Besides the fact that many of the species proposed are considered "threatened" or "endangered" by IUCN, they are under the protection of several international rules and regulations. Giving the green light for the proposal may imply the breaking of the law. Allowing the capture of certain marine species such as African penguins and orcas is also against the Namibian policy of sustainable management.

By accepting China’s proposal, Namibia, having a globally respectable reputation by conserving its serene natural beauty, the abundant wildlife and biodiversity, and attracting tourists from all over the world, places this favourable ranking in jeopardy.

It is for these reasons that the Namibian Government is respectfully requested not to grant any permits for the capture of marine species and therefore rather to protect the indigenous animals and the uniqueness of Namibia.

Earthlife wishes to thank the Namibian Dolphin Project and other sources for valuable information.