UN Declares 2007and 2008 the Year of the Dolphin

Cool Dolphin Article

United Nations declares 2007 “The Year of the Dolphin.”

These wonderful, magical and joyful beings are the subject of a joint initiative between the United Nations and other organizations. The year of the dolphin campaign is a program of the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development. See the website http://www.YOD2007.org.

This is good news both for marine mammal lovers and anyone who cares about the environment. Focusing on the threat to dolphins is a perfect way to bring attention to global climate change, pollution, over-fishing and habitat loss.

For ages past, dolphins have inspired much appreciation and joy, and are often said to even lead sailors and their ships in distress to safety. Even a picture of a dolphin has the effect of eliciting a smile.

Recently I led a small group to the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica and a unique and tropical place called Drake Bay. Together on our small boat we drummed and offered our gratitude to the dolphins, whales, and turtles who make this marvelous bay their home.

More than 500 dolphins surrounded our boat, jumping in synch to our drumming. What seemed like a timeless experience, I felt in my heart that the dolphins offered their unconditional love and joy to us.

Tragically, Drake Bay, which is home to many species of dolphins and whales that travel from both hemispheres to breed and birth, is unprotected. Ocean fishing trawlers indiscriminately sweep the bay’s waters in unrestricted net fishing causing harm to dolphins and other marine mammals and turtles.

Fortunately an organization, called Vida Marina, exists that is dedicated to halting this type of destructive fishing and making Drake Bay a protected marine sanctuary. I urge you to join this effort. Contact Vida Marina at http://www.vidamarina.org.

If you are interested in hosting an event in Santa Fe or want to be kept informed of local activities, to celebrate the Year of the Dolphin, please contact me at rubystone1215@hotmail.com

Now is the time to get involved and participate in the campaign to protect dolphins and raise the awareness of our beloved brothers and sisters of the seas.

Write a letter in your local paper, blog your heart out, even organize events at schools, churches, and festivals. Make music, sing, drum, and dance for the dolphins.

We all share one blue planet and by protecting the dolphins we are helping to ensure our own survival.

Marta Macbeth

Santa Fe, NM