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Clearwater Aquarium Seeks Permit for Greek Dolphins

Staff Report / clearwaterlocal.org

**Clearwater Marine Aquarium Seeks Permit to Welcome Dolphins from Greece**

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has applied for a permit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to bring five male dolphins from Greece to their facility in Clearwater, Florida. These dolphins, born in human care, cannot survive in the wild due to a lack of necessary survival skills. CMA aims to provide a lifelong home and care for these animals.

A third-party review, conducted by a team of scientific and medical experts, led CMA to commit to enhancing social structures for its dolphin residents. By introducing experienced role model dolphins, the facility plans to improve the health and well-being of its current and future dolphin populations. This review also influenced CMA’s long-term population management strategy, which balances the needs of dolphins born in managed care and those rescued from stranding events.

The final decision to transport the dolphins will involve regulatory approval from agencies in both Europe and the United States. CMA states they are prepared to uphold their mission of rescue, rehabilitation, release, and research, ensuring the facility is suitable for the dolphins' lifelong welfare.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the NOAA permit application online by February 3, 2025. For more details, visit the following link: [NOAA Application Comment Submission](https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2024-0140).

Source: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Clearwater

Jan 9, 2025 at 7:52 PM

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