Schofield, D., Miliou, A., Pietroluongo, G., Martίnez-Macipe, M. An alternative to captive cetacean displays in the Mediterranean: The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary. World Marine Mammal Conference 2019.
Abstract:
The future of cetaceans comes into question as they face increasing risks in the ocean and as popularity for entertainment venues declines. At the same time, some travel companies no longer offer visitation to cetacean display facilities; new technologies are effectively replacing the educational function of dolphin displays and research innovations are taking place via non-invasive research studies on wild cetacean stocks. As a result, there is an increasing need for accredited rescue and refuge centres where wild, injured animals have access to high-quality veterinary care and former captive cetaceans can be rehomed in a naturally enriching environment where their health and welfare is paramount to all else. The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary will provide a home to dolphins in a natural environment, providing them expert veterinary care at a research and educational facility on the Greek island of Lipsi. After a comprehensive analysis of numerous potential sites, the setting at Vroulia Bay fulfils all necessary environmental and social criteria: the geomorphic and oceanographic characteristics, high biodiversity and water quality, overwhelming local support at a remote but easily accessible island in the northern Dodecanese.