Background on the Issue
Óscar Rébora, the Secretary of Ecology and Environment for Quintana Roo’s government, has addressed the issue of illegal marine mammal breeding in dolphinariums following a reform to the Ley General de Vida Silvestre (Wildlife General Law) that explicitly prohibits such practices.
Current Status and Actions
Rébora mentioned that although swim-with-dolphins programs still exist, they are heavily restricted to minimize animal stress. He also highlighted the collaboration between state and federal governments, dolphinariums, and environmental organizations to establish responsible transition mechanisms.
- No immediate violations of the reformed law have been found during inspections.
- Some businesses are seeking amparos (legal protections) against closures, prompting the development of a strategy for a smoother transition.
- The rapid approval and implementation of the reform have allowed some businesses to seek legal protections, necessitating coordination mechanisms for the new reality of dolphinariums.
Impact of the Reform
The reformed article 60 Bis of the Ley General de Vida Silvestre (LGVS) in Mexico, approved in June 2025, prohibits the use of marine mammals in shows and their breeding for profit, as well as their commercial exploitation.
This reform ultimately leads to the closure of dolphinariums in Mexico, but not immediately; rather, as the life cycle of existing marine mammals in these businesses concludes.
It is anticipated that agreements with dolphinariums will transform several of these facilities into species protection sanctuaries, with half of the captive marine mammals currently located in Quintana Roo.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue addressed by Secretary Rébora? The illegal reproduction of marine mammals in Quintana Roo’s dolphinariums following a recent law reform.
- What measures have been taken to ensure compliance with the new law? Inspections in collaboration with relevant authorities have not found any violations, and a strategy is being developed for a responsible transition.
- How will the reform impact existing dolphinariums? The reform will eventually lead to the closure of dolphinariums as marine mammals’ life cycles end. Some facilities may be transformed into species protection sanctuaries.
- What is the significance of the rapid implementation of the reform? The swift approval and enforcement of the reform have allowed some businesses to seek legal protections, necessitating coordination mechanisms for the new reality of dolphinariums.
