HELP! Chinese Company Wants Endangered Namibian Marine Life for Aquarium Allegedly

According to an anonymous message on Facebook, there is currently a Russian boat docked in Walvis Bay, Namibia, with a Chinese owner and crew who are seeking permission to catch a ton of dolphins, orcas and endangered African penguins to take back to China for an aquarium.

The boat is allegedly equipped with tanks and devices to catch the animals at sea.

The Facebook user who posted the message says: “Yes, this is unheard of for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere but this stuff still goes on under the radar in Africa. They take advantage of the system and often bribes win over rightful laws.”

A petition is being presented to Namibian government officials in two days to “stop this boat from catching our rare and beautiful Namibian species and illegally transporting them to China for profit”.

The petition organisers are asking everyone to please sign the petition. “We have over 5,000 signatures at the moment, and any more will only help make our case stronger. We would really appreciate it!!”

The petition – organised by Marcia Fargnoli, Founder and Director at The Earth Organization Namibia – will be delivered to the Hon. Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhard Esau.

According to the petition on Avaaz, a Chinese company has applied to the Namibian Government for the yearly live capture and export of endangered marine animals including Orca (Killer Whales), Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, and Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as sharks and other species which have not been disclosed.

The petition organisers say they are “alarmed” by this proposal and that all species intended for this live capture are listed as endangered, are migratory and do not belong to Namibia, and are protected under international law.

If you are overseas and able to bring this to international attention, it would be appreciated by the organisers.

Sea Shepherd SA is apparently working on the matter at the moment and peaceful protests will be taking place in Namibia this weekend and next week.

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View the petition here.