The "Dolphin Safe" label on tuna cans ensures us that no dolphins were injured or killed while capturing tuna for sale. It's
important that we're able to keep the label to prove the safety of dolphins. Americans need to be sure which tuna companies to
support, therefore these labels are important.
Dear Mr. McInnis,
I am writing to express my grave concern over your pending decision whether to allow the "Dolphin Safe" label on tuna caught
in the Eastern Tropical Pacific that involves the chasing and netting on dolphins and to be sold under this label in the United
States. I urge you not to allow this and to preserve the true meaning of the "Dolphin Safe" label.
American consumers have come to learn and trust the "Dolphin Safe" label. This label ensures the public that no dolphins were
chased, injured, or killed during the catching of tuna for sale in the United States. This label alone has been responsible for
decreasing by 97% the high mortality rate of seven million dolphins killed since the 1950's. It is extremely important that we
preserve the true meaning underlying the label given its success, and to continue to allow dolphin populations, which are still
depleted, to recover fully.
If the "dolphin safe" label is permitted on tuna from the Eastern Tropical Pacific caught with the chase and net catch method, it
will create tremendous public confusion. Consumers will not know which tuna is truly dolphin safe and which is "dolphin
deadly." Many of the dolphins caught in the nets die immediately. Many that escape die from stress related injuries. Chasing
and netting also oftentimes separates mothers from their calves who cannot survive on their own. Americans do not want to
support or subsidize an industry that causes harm to or the death of animals, in particular these highly intelligent and sentient
beings.
The "dolphin safe" label program is one of the greatest success stories of our time. Please do not turn back the clock on it or
the dolphins. There is no need to allow the entry into the United States of tuna that involves injury or the death of these marine
mammals. I look forward to learning of your decision.
