Report on the Sale of Florida Dolphinariums and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Overview of Asset Liquidation

An investigation into the commercial listing of three Florida-based marine parks reveals significant challenges and opportunities related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The properties, owned by The Dolphin Company, have been listed for sale following the company’s bankruptcy filing.

• Gulf World Marine Park (Panama City Beach): Listed on July 15.
• Miami Seaquarium (Miami): Listed on July 17.
• Marineland Dolphin Adventure (St. Augustine): Listed on July 17.

2.0 Property Valuations and Land Use Considerations

The sale of these properties involves substantial land assets, raising questions about future land use and its impact on coastal ecosystems, a key concern of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

1. Miami Seaquarium: 38 acres with an assessed value of $45.6 million.
2. Marineland Dolphin Adventure: 6.06 acres with an assessed value of $4.5 million.
3. Gulf World Marine Park: 7.98 acres with an assessed value of over $2.3 million.

3.0 Corporate Failure and Unsustainable Business Practices

The Dolphin Company filed for bankruptcy on March 31, citing “numerous financial and operational issues” and “years of neglect.” This event underscores the financial non-viability of business models that do not align with principles of sustainable and ethical operation, directly impacting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

4.0 Violations of Animal Welfare and Marine Conservation (SDG 14)

The operational history of the facilities, particularly Gulf World, demonstrates a significant failure to uphold the principles of SDG 14 (Life Below Water), which mandates the conservation and protection of marine species.

• A raid on Gulf World was conducted by U.S. law enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) due to severe animal welfare concerns.
• Official reports cited issues with the sanitation of aquatic enclosures, the poor condition of habitats, and the declining health of captive bottlenose dolphins.
• The facility recorded the deaths of five dolphins in less than one year, a critical indicator of unsustainable and harmful captive conditions.

5.0 Global Shift Towards Responsible Tourism and Stronger Institutions (SDG 12 & SDG 16)

The sale of these parks occurs within a broader global context of shifting consumer behavior and strengthening legal frameworks, reflecting progress toward SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• Regulatory Action: In France, a 2021 law banning live shows with dolphins and whales led to the closure of Marineland theme park in Antibes, showcasing the power of strong institutions to enforce conservation standards.
• Market Pressure: Major travel corporations, including Tripadvisor, Expedia, and British Airways, have ceased partnerships with attractions that feature captive cetaceans, signaling a market-driven move towards more ethical and sustainable tourism.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues that are directly and indirectly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus on animal welfare, marine life, and the operational standards of marine parks links to goals concerning life below water, responsible business practices, and the role of legal institutions.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most relevant SDG as the article’s central theme is the welfare of captive marine animals, specifically dolphins. The issues of animal deaths, poor enclosure conditions, and the general health of the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park directly relate to the goal of conserving and sustainably using marine resources and protecting marine life.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is relevant through the lens of the business operations of The Dolphin Company and the changing attitudes of consumers and other businesses. The company’s bankruptcy due to “neglect” and “operational issues” highlights a failure in sustainable production/management. Furthermore, the decision by major travel companies to cut ties with such attractions indicates a shift in consumption patterns towards more ethically and environmentally responsible tourism.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The involvement of law enforcement and the implementation of new laws connect the article to this SDG. The raid on Gulf World by “US law enforcement and wildlife officials” and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) demonstrates institutional action to enforce animal welfare regulations. Similarly, the French law banning live cetacean shows is an example of a strong legal framework being used to protect animals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific targets under the identified SDGs can be pinpointed:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” While this target typically refers to wild ecosystems, its principles apply here. The article highlights a failure to manage the captive environment of the dolphins, leading to “significant adverse impacts” such as “deaths of five dolphins,” “concerning reports related to the sanitation and condition of aquatic enclosures,” and poor “health and welfare of captive bottlenose dolphins.”

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.6: “Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices…” The Dolphin Company, which “operates more than 30 marine parks and dolphin habitats in eight countries,” is a transnational company. Its bankruptcy, attributed to “years of neglect” and “financial and operational issues,” is a clear example of the consequences of failing to adopt sustainable operational practices.
   • Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.” The article notes that major travel companies like “Thomas Cook, Tripadvisor, British Airways and Expedia have cut ties with attractions featuring captive cetaceans.” This action reflects and promotes greater public awareness and a shift towards consumption choices that are more in harmony with nature and animal welfare.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels…” The article mentions that the Marineland theme park in France closed “due to a 2021 law banning live shows with dolphins and whales in the country.” This is a direct example of the rule of law being implemented at a national level to address animal welfare concerns.
   • Target 16.6: “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.” The raid on Gulf World by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in response to “concerning reports” demonstrates the functioning of an institution holding a company accountable for its animal welfare standards.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress or lack thereof towards the identified targets:

1. Indicators for SDG 14 (Target 14.2)

   • Animal mortality rate in captivity: The article explicitly states “the deaths of five dolphins in less than a year” at Gulf World. This serves as a direct indicator of poor animal welfare and management.
   • Condition of captive habitats: Progress can be measured by official reports on facility conditions. The article mentions “concerning reports related to the sanitation and condition of aquatic enclosures,” which is a qualitative indicator of failure to meet standards.

2. Indicators for SDG 12 (Targets 12.6 & 12.8)

   • Corporate adoption of sustainable policies: An indicator is the number of companies facing severe consequences (e.g., bankruptcy) for unsustainable practices. The article cites The Dolphin Company’s bankruptcy filing due to “neglect.”
   • Market-based actions against unsustainable practices: The number of corporations divesting from or cutting ties with certain practices. The article provides a clear indicator by listing that “Thomas Cook, Tripadvisor, British Airways and Expedia have cut ties with attractions featuring captive cetaceans.”

3. Indicators for SDG 16 (Targets 16.3 & 16.6)

   • Enactment of protective legislation: The number of national laws aimed at protecting wildlife. The article points to the “2021 law banning live shows with dolphins and whales” in France as a specific indicator.
   • Enforcement actions by regulatory bodies: The number of official investigations or enforcement actions. The “raid” on Gulf World by the FWC and other law enforcement is a direct indicator of institutional accountability in action.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: blooloop.com