Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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07 May 2021

Animal activists to protest dolphin captivity this weekend

Danica Hansen (Berea Mail) Picture: Prathna and Nasheena Singh will host the Empty the Tanks protest on Saturday.

Animal rights organisation, Ban Animal Trading will host the Empty the Tanks protest on Saturday, 8 May at the intersection of Albert Terrace, Anson Road and King Shaka Avenue from 8 am to 10.30 am. Ban Animal Trading founder, Prathna Singh said the aim of the protest is to raise awareness about dolphin and whale captivity.

“Ban Animal Trading is opposed to the keeping of any wild animals in captivity in general. With Empty the Tanks, we are specifically focusing on dolphins because most people don’t realise how bad captivity is for dolphins – how traumatic it is for them, mentally, physically and emotionally. Dolphins are highly intelligent and socially complex. Being in captivity for them is the same as it would be for us. It’s the same as lockdown was for us,” she said.

According to Singh, uShaka is the only aquarium on the African continent that has dolphins in captivity.

“People think dolphins are happy and enjoy the dolphin shows because they have a permanent smile on their faces. Dolphins swim vast distances in the wild and hunt for their fish. They have very strong social bonds in their families,” she said.

 

Sea World responds

Ann Kunz, spokesperson for South African Association for Marine Biological Research at uShaka Marine World, said there are nine dolphins in the aquarium, eight of which were born there.

“Animal care is Sea World’s top priority. Our team are experienced and committed to ensuring that every animal is cared for in the best way possible. This is done by a team of behaviourists, aquarists, water quality technicians, vets and laboratory technicians. The team communicates with facilities around the world in order to ensure that our standards are world-class,” she added.

Kunz added that the dolphins would require an intensive rehabilitation programme if they were to leave the aquarium.

“Based on what has happened at other dolphinariums, successful rehabilitation is unlikely. They are habituated to their home at uShaka Sea World, and based on the best assessments we can make, their welfare will not be served by setting them free,” said Kunz.

She said Sea World helps to promote sustainability by raising awareness about marine life

“At uShaka Sea World we are able to introduce people to animals that they had only ever heard of, and through life-changing experiences, help people to care for dolphins, and other amazing marine life,” she added. “We have tried to create an environment at uShaka Sea World where you, and the animals of the marine world, can connect. Our research shows that these connections do change people’s behaviour and help them to behave in more environmentally sustainable ways,” concluded Kunz.

 

 

 

Online Article