Without BlueVoice the slaughter of these dolphins would have remained secret and never have made headlines around the world. There would be no hope of ending this catastrophe. Because of our efforts in collaboration with our Peruvian partner Mundo Azul, investigative expeditions brought back video evidence of the harpooning of dolphins for use as shark bait. Using these highly intelligent creatures to perpetuate the reckless destruction of shark populations for shark fins is beyond atrocious.

Presentation of the footage in Peru by Mundo Azul caused explosive reaction. People from journalists to members of the Peruvian government to ordinary citizens were horrified and action has begun to end the killing.

BlueVoice disseminated the English language version of the video via the internet to the media, and we received extensive press coverage worldwide.

Needless to say, intensive followup is necessary moving forward to turn this anger into policy changes.

In late November I (along with representatives of AWI and HSI) met with officials at the Peruvian Embassy in Washington. I delivered petitions signed by over 130,000 people, as well as video evidence of the dolphin and shark slaughters.

We made it clear that this issue will not go away. The tone of the meeting was constructive and there is hope that Peru will take the steps needed to end the killing of dolphins and the destruction of the shark populations.

It is imperative that we continue the fight. Here are a few of our plans to stop the massacres:

* Most importantly, keep this issue alive in Peru and in international commissions and meetings around the world, as well as the media.

* Upload Spanish language videos about the illegal dolphin killing in Peru in cooperation with the Peruvian internet TV channel.

* Collaborate with Mundo Azul working with Peruvian congress members to pass a law prohibiting harpoons on fishing boats - used solely to kill dolphins - and increase jail time for violation of Peru's law protecting dolphins.

* Organize raids with police on dealers selling dolphin meat.

* Develop apps for smartphones enabling Peruvian citizens to get geo-referenced pictures of illegal dolphin meat sales directly to Mundo Azul in Lima, who will then coordinate response with local police.

In November, 2014 Peru will host the next big climate change meeting and, according to the official at the Embassy in Washington, Peru wants to showcase its ocean resources. They will not want the story of their total mismanagement of dolphins and sharks intruding into this forum. This is hopeful news for the dolphins and sharks.

We have a unique opportunity to save thousands of dolphins, but we must continue to act forcefully. We can't do it without your support.

For the dolphins of Peru,

Hardy Jones,
BlueVoice.org

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