Aquariums and zoos across Japan announced Wednesday that they will stop hunting dolphins in Taiji, an activity that has received widespread criticism over the killing of hundreds of the species.
The slaughter of dolphins and other marine mammals in the town was the main topic of "The Cove," a 2009 Oscar-winning documentary that showed large groups of scared dolphins banging against each other into a cove where fisherman speared them for meat, according to CTV News. Some dolphins aren't killed, but instead sold to aquariums for being the best looking.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA)'s membership last month, saying it wouldn't change its decision unless the organization ends the Taiji hunt, resulting in JAZA voting in favor of staying part of WAZA to avoid expulsion.
The vote puts an end to Japanese aquariums and sea parks hunting dolphins in the town, The Guardian reported.
Reports claim that the number of dolphins captured by such organizations has doubled in the last decade. Observers say over 5,000 dolphins have been killed at Taiji in the past five years, and that 750 were captured for aquariums in this period.
JAZA, which consists of 89 zoos and 63 aquariums, would have also been prohibited from buying rare animal species from zoos and aquariums overseas if it didn't vote in favor of ending the Taiji hunts.
The move has received praise from numerous conservation groups, such as Australia for Dolphins, which said aquariums and zoos make up to $100,000 from capturing live dolphins and that JAZA's decision will lead to a large decline in demand for Taiji dolphins, The Guardian reported.
"We are absolutely delighted to hear Japan's peak zoo body has voted to uphold international animal welfare standards and stop purchasing Taiji dolphins, said Sarah Lucas, CEO of Australia for Dolphins.
"This momentous decision marks the beginning of the end for dolphin hunting in Japan."
