Live-capture, holding in captivity and export of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins from the Solomon Islands began in 2003. These activities stimulated global interest and generated concern about the potential conservation implications. This report is based on a workshop on the assessment of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), with the Solomon Islands as a case study, that took place from 2123 August 2008 in Apia, Samoa.
The legislation of five countries on environmental and natural management is examined and analyzed in terms of its effectiveness in addressing the major environmental issues existing in each country. Practical recommendations are made, building on the findings of the review carried out by SPREP with the technical assistance of IUCN, and support from the ADB.