Latest Developments

Dolphin Quest (Dockyard)
An application in December 2002 for an extended swimming facility for Dolphin Quest outside the Bermuda Maritime Museum at Dockyard was reviewed by the Marine Environmental Committee and a letter of objection was lodged with the Planning Department. The Trust’s principal concern with the planned expansion of the dolphin habitat is that the larger open water facility would enclose a great number of soft corals and subject them to large high energy marine mammals not normally found in proximity. The Committee’s position is that corals are a protected species in Bermuda and are legally safeguarded from detrimental impacts by new development. The Trust wrote:

"The Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the applicants is flawed. It states that there are no corals in the area; in fact there are extensive corals growing throughout the area proposed for restriction for the swim-with-dolphins programme. The vast majority of the corals found in this location are ‘soft corals’, predominantly Pseudoplexaura porosa.

"The Trust is concerned that the corals will be impacted by the activity of both dolphins and human participants in the programme. Corals are a protected species under Bermuda law and should be afforded the greatest sensitivity in respect to ensure their continuing health and to minimize potential detrimental impacts. These corals should be properly surveyed and their condition monitored on a regular basis. We would discourage relocation of corals, as this would be contrary to their status as a protected species. It should be noted that the proposed swim-with-dolphins enclosure is close to the North Shore Coral Reef preserve and care should be taken to ensure that this protected marine conservation area is not negatively impacted, through further expansion or uncontrolled pollution.

"In addition, we would like to raise the following points:
• Breeding of dolphins in Bermuda should be recognized as commercial breeding and should be regulated and licensed as such.
• The total number of dolphins at the site should be limited, in the best interests of the dolphins, the marine environment, and the historic Dockyard.
• This enclosure further restricts access to areas previously considered to be in the public domain.

"The Trust would like to recommend the following conditions be attached to any approval given for the expansion of the Dolphin Quest programme.
• All coral species should be recorded, indicated in the Environmental Impact Statement, monitored and protected.
• To avoid the problems experienced at the South Shore site, a bond should be placed with the Ministry of Works & Engineering foreshore licensing authority to guarantee performance for the reinstatement of the site in the event that Dolphin Quest vacates the site.
• The breeding of dolphins should be managed and licensed prior to foetal conception.
• International standards from either the UK or USA in respect to marine mammals in captivity should be applied to the Bermuda swim-with-dolphins programme.
• Further expansion having an impact on the marine environment needs to be limited.

"In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that we have carefully considered the expansion of the existing facility into the open waters of the Bermuda reef platform as proposed for this site. We have especially focused on the impact on the marine environment, historic structures and health and safety of both humans and marine mammals. Overall, the fundamental purpose must be in keeping with the historic Dockyard location while ensuring sustainable and sensitive marine development and protection of the environmental and historic character of the surrounds. The creation of a new facility catering to the future needs of Bermuda’s tourism industry when developed with respect for, rather than in spite of, the marine environment is welcome. We urge the Development Applications Board – and the developers – to apply conditions to this unique development that will integrate a function and sustainability for the good of Bermuda’s marine environment and cultural heritage."

The Trust believes that a cautious approach must be applied to development in all cases where protected species are found. The Trust is monitoring the planning process for this project which continues to evolve to accommodate impute by other Government departments, advisory boards, and the Bermuda SPCA.

Updated: January 1, 2004