Mexican authorities have banned the use of dolphins and other marine mammals for entertainment purposes

The General Congress of the United Mexican States unanimously supported the draft reform of the Wildlife Law. The changes propose a complete ban on the use of marine mammals (including dolphins) for commercial or entertainment purposes.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this is written by RIA Novosti.

"No marine mammal, regardless of species, can be subjected to extractive exploitation, whether for subsistence or commercial purposes. Capture may be permitted only for recovery, replenishment of populations, and reintroduction of these species into their natural habitat," states the published legislative bulletin.

The draft law reform has already been approved by all members of the Upper House of the Mexican Parliament - both deputies representing the ruling coalition and representatives of the opposition voted for it. According to the deputies, the main purpose of the reform is to stop cases of forced breeding of marine mammals in captivity and to end their use in various animal shows, both stationary and mobile. Such entertainment is very popular in Mexico.

The changes will also affect scientific research involving marine mammals: approval from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will be required to conduct them. Only academic or scientific institutions with official registration will be able to engage in such research.

Whales and other members of the cetacean order can only be kept in marine enclosures. The use of concrete structures (such as pools or tanks) is now prohibited. These mammals are allowed to be kept in open facilities with constant water exchange.