Animal conservationists celebrate Kenya's decision

A whale shark tourist attraction has been officially rejected by the Government of Kenya, following concerns from various animal welfare activators.

The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya judged that the proposal for an artificial marine enclosure situated off the southern coast should be denied.

Its decision was made on the grounds that it would deny whale sharks their right to exist in their natural habitat, it would be in contravention of Kenya's 1962 Animal Cruelty Act and it fails to recognise that the whale shark tourism can be promoted in the wild.

NEMA also made it clear that the project, which would create an artificial marine enclosure stocked with wild-caught specimens of the world's largest fish, would not adequately engage with local communities.

Aaron Nicholas, conservation manager for Born Free Foundation, said that the charity has been working with regional marine scientists, local marine charities and other campaigners to mount a lobby against the Seaquarium scheme.

In February, the foundation presented its concerns at a public hearing.

"[We lobbied] particularly on the grounds that it is unethical to incarcerate these magnificent creatures and that the venture undermined Kenya's rich legacy of conserving and promoting wildlife conservation and tourism in the wild," he said.

The foundation also highlighted that whale sharks are an internationally important migratory species that plays a key role in the marine ecosystem.

Will Travers, CEO of Born Free, commented: "We are determined to support actions that protect whale sharks, while ensuring that benefits are shared with local communities.

"We plan to fund the training of boat skippers and crew in Tanzania later this year, to ensure that they understand and adhere to regulations concerning whale shark tourist viewing. We hope that we can extend this important initiative to Kenyan waters as part of a regional approach to whale shark conservation."

Image courtesy of Born Free Foundation