Report on Mexico’s Legislative Advancement in Marine Mammal Protection

Introduction

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has unanimously approved a significant amendment to the General Wildlife Law, banning the use of marine mammals—including dolphins, sea lions, and orcas—in captive entertainment such as fixed or traveling shows. This legislative action follows a favorable vote by the Senate, marking a pivotal moment in Mexico’s commitment to animal welfare and sustainable development.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This legislative amendment strongly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – By protecting marine mammals and prohibiting their exploitation, Mexico contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The law promotes the protection of wildlife and biodiversity, fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and animals.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The ban discourages unethical entertainment practices and encourages more responsible treatment of animal life.

Details of the Amendment

1. Immediate Legal Effect: The amendment takes effect immediately, with regulations to be implemented within one year.
2. Scope of the Ban: The law prohibits:
   • Wild capture of marine mammals
   • Captive breeding
   • Keeping marine mammals for entertainment purposes
3. Scientific Research Exception: The only permitted use of marine mammals is for scientific research aimed at conservation, species preservation, reintroduction, restocking, or translocation to restore natural populations.
4. Relocation Efforts: Approximately 350 dolphins currently in captivity in Mexico will be relocated to sea pens as mandated by the new law.

Stakeholder Contributions and Support

• Legislative Support: The unanimous votes in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate demonstrate strong political will to advance animal welfare.
• Expert Advocacy: Dr. Claudia Edwards, Programs Director at Humane World for Animals Mexico, and Dr. Yolanda Alaniz, a marine mammal expert, played key roles in supporting and championing the bill.
• Academic Collaboration: Bioethics experts from Mexico’s National Autonomous University contributed to the development and promotion of the amendment.

Implications and Future Outlook

This landmark decision represents a major victory for marine mammal welfare and conservation in Mexico. It addresses the ethical concerns associated with keeping highly intelligent and wide-ranging species in captivity, recognizing their natural behavior and ecological needs.

Mexico’s leadership in this area sets a precedent for other countries to follow, advancing global efforts to end the use of captive marine mammals for entertainment and promoting sustainable coexistence between humans and marine life.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on the protection of marine mammals, which directly relates to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Although primarily about marine mammals, the article touches on wildlife protection and conservation efforts, which align with SDG 15’s focus on protecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The ban on exploitation of marine mammals for entertainment promotes sustainable practices and ethical treatment of animals, contributing to responsible consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By promoting animal welfare and reducing cruelty, the article indirectly supports mental and social well-being linked to ethical treatment of animals and conservation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 – Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
2. SDG 14 – Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
3. SDG 15 – Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
4. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination, which can be extended to reducing harm caused by animal exploitation and cruelty.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 14.2: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
2. Indicator for SDG 14.5: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas.
3. Indicator for SDG 15.5: Red List Index to monitor species extinction risk.
4. Indicator for SDG 12.2: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
5. Additional Implied Indicator: Number of marine mammals held in captivity and relocated to sea pens, as a measure of reduction in exploitation for entertainment.
6. Legal Implementation Indicator: Enforcement and compliance rate of the new amendment banning marine mammal captivity for entertainment.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: worldanimalnews.com