'The Cove' to become the basis of a new TV series

[onestepforward]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2010/03/the-cove.html

Fans of "The Cove," the environmentally themed film that won the best documentary Oscar last night, will be happy to know there's more where that came from.

A new television series about the controversial dolphin trade in Japan, tentatively titled "Dolphin Warriors," has been greenlit by Animal Planet.

The series picks up where the movie leaves off and, like the film, stars animal activist Ric O'Barry. Two episodes of the series -- which is being executive produced by O'Barry's son, Lincoln -- have already been completed, although a premiere date has yet to be announced, Ric O'Barry said.

Animal Planet says the series may premiere in the fall, after "The Cove" debuts on the channel this summer.

snip-

FYI for Cove fans!

[dipsydoodle]

1. In South America they kill freshwater dolphins as bait for cat fish

In the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, fishing has begun of the carrion-feeding Vulture Catfish
(Calophysus macropterus) known as Mapurito in the Orinoco region and Mota or Simí in the
Amazon. The fish is caught using dolphin meat as bait. Formerly, pig’s innards or viscera from
other animals were used to capture the Vulture Catfish, but this practice has now been replaced
by the use of threatened species such as dolphins or caimans.

http://assets.wwf.ch/downloads/factsheet_pink_river_dolphin.pdf

[onestepforward]

4. Thank you for mentioning this problem.

http://www.globalocean.eu/content/view/87/94/

River dolphins are amongst the world’s most endangered cetaceans. Virtually wiped out in Asia, South America’s rivers present the best chance for freshwater dolphin survival. However, here as in other parts of the world, dolphins are persecuted, accidentally caught in nets and affected by water pollution. Recent studies show the Pink River Dolphins endemic to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins face a new threat -they are being deliberately killed for use as fishing bait for Colombia’s catfish market. The situation is a dramatic example of the unsustainable fishing practices that threaten two of the largest river systems in the world.

snip-

Winner of the 2007 Whitley Gold Award, Fernando Trujillo has studied the river dolphins of South America for over 20 years. By working closely with local people and involving them in scientific research, Fernando is showing how the main threat to fisheries is not dolphins, but the activities of people themselves. By understanding that the presence of a dolphin indicates a healthy river, many fishermen are realising their future is closely linked to that of the dolphins, and that fisheries can only recover with improved river management. Supported by a strong educational campaign raising awareness of why dolphins are important, the team is helping diversify local livelihoods and exploring economic alternatives for fishermen.

snip-

Education is the key.

[dipsydoodle]

5. I didn't notice specific reference

to Colombia in the link I used but your's does. I only knew of the issue becuase of a tv program here in the UK last night which definately mentioned Colombia - Eden Channel I think on satellite.

:hi:

[onestepforward]

7. The catfish that are being caught with the dolphin bait

are unfortunately considered a delicacy in Columbia. It is also illegal to catch the catfish.

:hi:

[nashville_brook]

8. holy shit. i've never heard of this.

[Cetacea]

2. Perfect timing for the resumption of the slaughters in September.

[flvegan]

3. Fantastic news!

It's nice to see more and more shows dedicated to exposing the ugly side of some of these industries in the animal trade.

[Ignis]

6. K&R

:kick:

[nashville_brook]

9. says the govt of Taiji, "respect...regional food cultures...based on tradition and long histories."

Ugh.

[Coventina]

10. F*ck that noise.

I haven't used a curse word on DU for a few years now, but that attitude (I know it's not yours, nashville) deserves it.

You know what the tradition and long history of my people is? To sail up and down coastlines burning and looting villages, raping the women and killing the men.

Culture, tradition, and history are no justifications for ANY practice.