By Linda McSweeny
July 17, 2003
www.news.com.au

Bid to block dolphin trade

AUSTRALIA will try to block the imminent illegal export of as many as 200 dolphins caught off the Solomon Islands and being sold to Mexico for $400 a head.

Environment Minister David Kemp today said he had asked his diplomatic post in Mexico to urgently call on the Mexican Government to block the import of the dolphins.

Australia has also voiced concern to the Solomon Islands Government.

It is understood the dolphins are being held in pens in the Solomons, awaiting shipment to Mexican marine parks.

The condition of the dolphins is not known, but at least one has reportedly died after being attacked by a crocodile after its capture