In school, we learned about the "Dolphin Safe" labels on tuna cans, and how important it is. The "Dolphin Safe" labels on the tuna cans are important because it makes sure that dolphins are not killed in the nets when fishermen are fishing for tuna. Since the 1950's over seven million dolphins have died.

In 1990 "Dolphin Safe" labels were placed on tuna cans reducing dolphin deaths in tuna nets by 97%. Pressure from foreign trading nations has weakened the standards of the current label. Some schools of yellow fin tuna associate with dolphins. Fishermen have found that setting nets on dolphins is a great way to catch te tuna swimming nearby. Three dolphin species that are depleted and are under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) are the Coastal Spotted Dolphin, the Northeastern Offshore Spotted Dolphin, and the eastern Spinner Dolphin.

Government experts say that the depleted dolphin populations are not recovering and that chasing and netting dolphins cause stress and injuries. It separates the mother dolphin from her calves. We must not weaken our nation’s "Dolphin Safe" tuna standards. Dolphins are an important animal and have an important place in the balance of nature. If dolphins become extinct, it will upset the balance of the ocean and all interactions dolphins have with other animals.

If we weaken our nation’s "Dolphin Safe" tuna standards, the consumer will not be aware that dolphins are getting harmed to give them their tuna. I have found that there are certain stores that are not committed to "Dolphin Safe" tuna standards, like Shop Rite and Path mark. There are other stores that are committed to safety of the dolphins. They are A&P, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart. There are other restaurants that are committed to the dolphins. They are Subway, Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Walt Disney. I know you are a very busy man, but I wanted to write you this letter to tell you about this very important topic. Please don’t let us weaken our nation’s "Dolphin Safe" tuna standards. We need our dolphins.

Sincerely,

Joseph P.
Levittown, NY