Three Gulf World dolphins sold to Theater of the Sea – WJHG

Report on the Sale of Marine Assets by The Dolphin Company and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

This report details the recent sale of assets, including three dolphins and two marine park properties, by The Dolphin Company as part of its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The transactions raise significant questions regarding the company’s alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning marine life, economic stability, and responsible corporate practices.

2.0 Overview of Transactions

Court documents confirm several key sales conducted during The Dolphin Company’s bankruptcy case:

1. Sale of Marine Mammals:
   • Three dolphins, identified as Capri, Soleil, and Sandy, formerly of Gulf World Marine Park, were sold to Theater of the Sea for $500,000.
   • Prior to the sale, the dolphins had been relocated to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, another facility owned by The Dolphin Company.
2. Sale of Properties:
   • The Marineland property was purchased by Delightful Development LLC for $7.1 million.
   • The Gulf World Marine Park property was sold to By The Sea Resorts in a separate transaction.

3.0 Analysis of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Implications

The corporate restructuring and sale of assets, including live animals, have direct implications for several SDGs.

3.1 SDG 14: Life Below Water

This goal aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The sale of dolphins as financial assets in a bankruptcy proceeding highlights a conflict with the principles of marine conservation.

• Animal Welfare: The transfer of dolphins between multiple facilities raises concerns about the stress and potential harm to the animals, directly impacting their well-being. The long-term care and conservation commitment of the purchasing entity, Theater of the Sea, is now critical to aligning with SDG 14’s objectives.
• Commodification of Marine Life: Treating sentient marine mammals as transferable assets challenges the ethical framework of conservation and sustainable use, reducing them to commodities rather than subjects of conservation efforts.

3.2 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

This goal promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. The bankruptcy of a major operator like The Dolphin Company indicates economic instability within this sector of the tourism industry.

• Economic Sustainability: The failure of the company’s business model points to a lack of economic sustainability, which can lead to job losses and negative impacts on local economies dependent on tourism.
• Sustainable Tourism: The events underscore the need for developing more resilient and sustainable business models in marine tourism that do not rely on practices that may be ethically or economically precarious.

3.3 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

This goal calls for ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The business practices leading to the bankruptcy and subsequent sale of live animals warrant scrutiny under this goal.

• Corporate Responsibility: The situation questions the sustainability of a production model that involves the captive breeding and commercial trade of marine mammals for entertainment.
• Ethical Consumption: It encourages a broader discussion on responsible tourism and consumer choices, prompting consideration of whether such attractions align with global sustainability and ethical standards.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Based on a thorough analysis of the provided article, no Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly addressed or connected to the issues highlighted. The article is a factual news report detailing a business transaction involving the sale of dolphins and property as part of “The Dolphin Company’s bankruptcy case.” The content focuses exclusively on the financial and logistical aspects of the sale, such as the parties involved, the assets sold (“Three dolphins formerly housed at Gulf World Marine Park” and “the Marineland property”), and the prices (“$500,000” and “$7.1 million”). The text does not contain any information or discussion related to environmental conservation, sustainable economic practices, social equity, or any of the other core principles of the SDGs.

2. Specific SDG Targets

• As no SDGs were identified in the article’s content, no corresponding specific targets can be identified. The article does not discuss topics such as marine conservation, sustainable tourism, economic growth, or legal frameworks in a manner that aligns with any of the 169 targets under the 17 SDGs.

3. Relevant Indicators

• Since no SDGs or specific targets could be linked to the article, there are no indicators mentioned or implied that could be used to measure progress. The article mentions financial figures and the number of animals sold, but these are details of a private commercial transaction (“sold to Theater of the Sea for $500,000”) and do not serve as indicators for any of the official SDG targets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary Table

Source: wjhg.com