Historic Victory for Marine Mammals in Mexico!

On June 25, The Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a groundbreaking legal reform, banning the reproduction of marine mammals including their use in concrete tanks, as well as prohibiting physical contact during swim-with-dolphins sessions. The reform, which was already passed by the Senate, amends Articles 47 Bis 4, 60 Bis, 122, and 127 of the General Wildlife Law, representing a milestone in the protection of marine mammals in Mexico.

“We celebrate this progressive policy recognizing animal sentience. Lawmakers explicitly acknowledged the suffering and exploitation of marine mammals, and humanity’s duty to forge a new ethical relationship with other species. This goes beyond marine mammals — it sets a precedent for how we treat all animals.” ~ Dr. Yolanda Alaniz Pasini, Marine Mammal Conservation Consultant, COMARINO

The following are key points of the approved decree:

• Full ban on marine mammals in concrete enclosures – dolphins currently kept in concrete tanks must be relocated to sea pens within 18 months,
• End to captive breeding – breeding of marine mammals is now banned, except for endangered or threatened species for conservation purposes. Clear protocols must be established to prevent captive breeding otherwise,
• Restrictions on human-animal interaction – touching sensitive areas is prohibited. Only supervised diving or parallel swimming is allowed,
• National inventory required – facility owners must submit a full inventory (including species, age, microchip number, dorsal fin photo ID, etc.) to the Ministry of Environment within 90 days,
• Significant penalties – violations will result in fines up to 75,000 times the UMA (Mexican Unit of Measurement and Update),
• Immediate enforcement – the law takes effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette, and
• Management plans required – all Umas and Pimvs must submit updated management plans aligned with the reform. Non-compliance with reporting obligations will result in permanent revocation of permits.

Restrictions will now be placed on human-animal interaction in Mexico. Credit: Empty the Tanks Mexico

This reform aligns Mexico with a growing international movement against the use of marine mammals in entertainment. Scientific evidence confirms that these practices severely compromise their physical and psychological well-being and are ethically unjustifiable.

“Today marks a historic moment. After years of advocacy, legislation now protects marine mammals, thanks to a consensus among environmental authorities, civil society, academia, and even industry. This is a step forward in a global transition away from animal abuse.” ~ Mariel Tejeda, Director of Empty the Tanks Mexico

Next steps

The Executive Branch must update the Regulation of the General Wildlife Law within 180 days. Protocols will also be created to ensure the safe and ethical transfer of all animals currently in captivity to appropriate marine sea pens.

Thank you to Empty the Tanks Mexico for providing the information used in this blog.

LEARN MORE about dolphin captivity, and what you can do to help.

Featured image: On June 25, The Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a groundbreaking legal reform, banning the reproduction of marine mammals including their use in concrete tanks, as well as prohibiting physical contact during swim-with-dolphins sessions. The reform, which was already passed by the Senate, amends Articles 47 Bis 4, 60 Bis, 122, and 127 of the General Wildlife Law, representing a milestone in the protection of marine mammals in Mexico. Credit: Empty the Tanks Mexico