Bita'ama community ban motor vessels from entering harbour to protect dolphins

The people of Bita'ama in North Malaita Constituency have agreed to ban ships and motorised canoes entering the Bita'ama Harbour.

Manager of the Bita'ama Dolphins Investment company, Emmanuel Tigi, told SIBC News that the people made the decision at a gathering yesterday.

He says the company has revived a tradition and recently called hundreds of dolphins ashore.

Mr Tigi says after releasing the dolphins back to the wild, the company is currently keeping only four in the Bita'ama Harbour.

He says his company is working with the owner of Marine Mammal Centre in the Central Province to find ways to earn money from either selling dolphins to overseas aquariums or keeping them as tourist attractions.

"From yesterday, Sunday, the people have agreed to ban ships and motorised canoes from entering Bita'ama Harbour. I have already informed some authorities on Malaita that while we are keeping dolphins in the harbour ships and motorised canoes wishing to enter the harbour must seek our permission."

Source: SIBC