Recommendations against dolphinaria in India: based on worldwide scientific research on the welfare of dolphins in captivity

"This document is to serve as a guide for government agencies and other relevant authorities by providing a brief overview of significant global research studies on the welfare of captive cetacean populations with special emphasis on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), that are held in Dolphinaria worldwide. The information presented here, provides a strong case against the keeping of these marine mammals in captivity and can provide government authorities with relevant data to refuse permission to those organisations, government bodies and individuals who propose to set up such captive facilities in India. The objectives of this document are to present in brief, the current known proposals for Dolphinaria in India, followed by an overview of the existing national policies and legalities related to the capture, import and display of cetacean species.