March 28th 2025

Le Parisien Highlights France’s Dolphinarium Ban and Ongoing Legal Battle – Focus on Bureaucratic Delays in Greece

A recent article in the French newspaper Le Parisien discusses the future of marine mammals housed in French dolphinariums, whose operation has now been banned by law. Environmental organisations in France have taken legal action to prevent the transfer of these animals to dolphinariums in Japan and Spain, arguing that such moves contradict the spirit of the new legislation.

The article also makes special mention of the persistent bureaucratic obstacles that have stalled the licensing of the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary on the Greek island of Lipsi. Despite being under development for over 6.5 years, the sanctuary still awaits the necessary approvals.

Lamya Essemlali, Director of Sea Shepherd France, recently visited the sanctuary site along with experts and a representative from the French government. She shares her impressions and raises serious questions about the purpose and motivation behind these prolonged administrative delays.

Read the full article (in French) here:
Le Parisien – Marineland: une action en justice