Dolphins saved in Queensland!

Applaud Australia and Urge the U.S. to follow suit!

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As a result of nine dolphins perishing in pilchard purse seining nets in 1997 and 1998 in Queensland, Australia, the Primary Industries Minister, Henry Palaszczuk, announced on March 7th 2000 a ban on purse seine fishing in Queensland waters.

The nets used are square purse seine nets which are shot off the back of fishing trawlers to encircle and capture entire pilchards schools, entrapping dolphins which are feeding on the schools. The nets are ``pursed'' when a drawstring closes the bottom of the net in order to haul the catch onto the boat.

The ban will apply only to Queensland waters, from the shoreline to 20 km offshore. Waters from 20km to 150km offshore and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef are under federal control and are not covered by the ban. . PM Palaszczuk called upon on the Australian government to impose a similar ban in all Australia waters.

We urge you to call upon the Australian government to extend the ban to all Australian purse-seining fisheries known to harm dolphins.

We also urge you to help bring this ban to the attention of the U.S government through our "Cry Out" section. The Queensland ban was imposed after the deaths of NINE dolphins and yet the U.S. has set an "allowable kill" of 5000 dolphins in its tuna fishery for the ETP, and calls THAT "dolphin safe"!

sample letter:

Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon. John Howard MP
Address: Suite MG8, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Prime Minister Howard:

I applaud the actions taken by Primary Industries Minister, Henry Palaszczuk to protect dolphins in Queensland by banning purse seining for pilchard. I urge you to follow his lead and impose a similar ban for all Australian waters. Australia is a leader in efforts to protect marine mammals and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,






Applaud Australia for banning purse seines that kill dolphins!