Italy to establish Europe's inaugural marine sanctuary dedicated to dolphins

Next year, Italy will unveil the Mediterraneans first sanctuary dedicated to dolphins that have spent their lives in captivity. The initiative comes as more marine parks across Europe are closing, increasing the need for safe re-homing solutions.

"We need a fresh approach for caring for dolphins in a natural yet supervised environment," said Carmelo Fanizza, director of the San Paolo Dolphin Refuge.

The sanctuary, situated off Taranto in southern Italy's Puglia region, is awaiting final government approval. However, construction is nearly complete, and the first dolphins are expected to arrive by May or June 2026, according to Fanizza.

Countries such as Canada and France have banned the capture of dolphins, porpoises, and whales due to animal welfare concerns. As marine parks continue to shut down, a pressing question emerges: how to care for cetaceans that have only known life in captivity and cannot survive in the wild.

The Italian government granted the San Paolo Dolphin Refuge approval in 2023 to use a seven-hectare area in the Gulf of Taranto near the island of San Paolo. Fanizza emphasized that the location is "sheltered from open sea conditions, winds, and strong currents," alleviating concerns about its proximity to the industrial city of Taranto. Despite the city hosting a major steelworks with a history of pollution issues, current measures ensure air quality, water, and sediment are safe for the animals.

The sanctuary is located approximately four kilometres from the coast and includes a main enclosure of 1,600 square metres, a smaller area for potential transfers, and a veterinary quarantine facility. It also features a floating laboratory, on-site staff accommodation, a food preparation section, underwater and above-water surveillance, and sensors relaying data to a control room in Taranto.

Construction funding has primarily come from the Jonian Dolphin Conservation group, with additional support from private donors and European public funds. Operating costs are projected between 350,000 and 500,000 per year. Although the sanctuary can legally house up to 17 dolphins, Fanizza stressed that the focus will be on the well-being of a select group rather than maximizing numbers.

"Our priority is to choose dolphins whose health, behavior, and social structure make them suitable to start this project," he said.

Muriel Arnal, leader of the French animal rights organization One Voice, which advocates for marine sanctuaries, highlighted that Europe currently has around 60 dolphins in captivity. She expressed hope that San Paolo could also provide refuge for dolphins from other countries, including France.

Analysis: The Growing Need for Marine Sanctuaries in Europe

The upcoming launch of the Mediterranean's first sanctuary for dolphins that have lived in captivity signals a significant shift in how Europe addresses the welfare of marine animals. With marine parks gradually closing across the continent, the need for alternatives that ensure a dignified life for cetaceans has never been more urgent. Italy’s initiative to create a safe haven for these dolphins could set an important precedent for other countries grappling with the ethical challenges of keeping marine mammals in captivity.

The sanctuary's location in southern Italy's Gulf of Taranto is strategically chosen, as it provides a controlled, yet natural environment free from the unpredictable conditions of the open sea. While concerns about the proximity to industrial zones have been raised, stringent measures to monitor environmental conditions suggest that the refuge can maintain a healthy ecosystem for the animals. This careful planning speaks to the sanctuary's commitment to offering a life as close to the wild as possible for dolphins that otherwise wouldn't survive in their natural habitat.

One key aspect of the project is the careful selection of dolphins based on their health, social structure, and behavior. This ensures that only those who are best suited for life in the sanctuary will be relocated. While the sanctuary can accommodate up to 17 dolphins, the focus remains on their welfare rather than capacity, which marks a positive shift from the more commercial-driven motives of traditional marine parks.

With governments like Canada and France taking proactive measures to ban the capture of dolphins, it is clear that public sentiment around marine mammal captivity is changing. The San Paolo Dolphin Refuge stands as an example of how a well-structured sanctuary can provide a new life for dolphins that have been held in captivity, and it could potentially inspire similar projects throughout Europe.

Ultimately, the San Paolo Dolphin Refuge is not just a sanctuary; it is a statement on the evolving approach to marine mammal conservation. As more marine parks close, the need for such safe havens will continue to grow, and Italy’s initiative could pave the way for the future of dolphin welfare in Europe.

Sources:

• Italy to open Europe's first marine sanctuary for dolphins