21/07/2003 17:00:18 | ABC Radio Australia News

Arrests on the arrival of Solomons dolphins jet

Solomon Islands police have arrested an Australian journalist and photographer, and chased and abused other media filming the arrival of a cargo jet that's being used for the export of live dolphins.

Our reporter in Honiara, Sean Dorney, says police have tightened security around the main terminal at the country's only international airport.

He says some of the police at Henderson airport have been very aggressive and a freelance television team from New Zealand were chased and the cameraman kicked.

A journalist and photographer from the Sydney Morning Herald were detained and taken to the police station in Honiara but senior police apologized to them and let them go.

Last week, an Australian animal welfare group called on the Australian government to stop the Solomon Islands government from allowing the capture and sale of dolphins.

The government was told the Solomons Fisheries Department is allowing dolphins to be caught and put into small pens, before being transported to Mexico and sold to aquariums.

Australians for Animals says the practice breaches international laws and conventions.