Taranto, Italy – The city that traces its name to the mythic founder Taras is now making history of its own. The Jonian Dolphin Conservation (JDC) has received final permits to build the San Paolo Dolphin Refuge, Europe’s first sea‑based sanctuary for dolphins that have spent years in captivity.
Local effort, global impact
Marine biologist Carmelo Fanizza, founder of JDC, explained that the refuge will occupy a seven‑hectare area off San Paolo Island, marked by buoys that monitor water quality, air quality and acoustic noise. Underwater cameras and an AI‑driven system will alert staff to any environmental irregularities, while a floating cabin will provide space for food preparation, staff quarters and veterinary care.
The refuge is designed for a modest “family group” of dolphins, not a large population. Fanizza stressed that the pilot project aims to discover the best practices for caring for animals that cannot be released back into the wild after decades in concrete tanks.
Why the refuge is needed
France’s new law, taking effect in December 2026, bans dolphin and whale shows, forcing several marine parks to close. While animal‑rights groups praised the legislation, it left hundreds of dolphins without a home. Fanizza said the French government’s action was “very important,” but without a plan for the animals, their welfare remains at risk.
“It’s not possible to take an animal that has spent its life in a concrete tank and release it into the open sea,” Fanizza told CNN. The San Paolo Refuge will give these dolphins a more natural environment with open water, fish, and contact with the sea floor, while still providing the care they need.
Community involvement and research
Since its founding in 2009, JDC has combined tourism with citizen‑science. Day trips from Taranto’s old town let visitors observe wild dolphins and, for a fee, become “Researchers for the Day,” recording sightings and helping with data collection. The organization now counts over 6,000 active members.
Although the refuge itself will not be open to the public, the nearby Kètos Center – the Euro‑Mediterranean Center for the Sea and Cetaceans – will feature an observation room with live feeds, screens and educational displays. The center also houses a library, laboratories and a large refrigeration unit for storing fish to feed the resident dolphins.
Environmental safeguards
Taranto has worked to distance itself from its heavy‑industry past, especially the Ilva steel plant, and has invested in environmental monitoring. Fanizza’s team began systematic water, air and seabed testing in 2018 and now runs a 24/7 real‑time monitoring system to ensure industrial activity does not threaten the refuge’s habitat.
“We are sure that the big industries are not having any influence in the area,” Fanizza said, noting that the data supports a safe environment for the animals.
Looking ahead
The first dolphins are expected to arrive later this year, marking a new chapter for Taranto’s historic bond with the noble cetacean that once saved its founder. The project not only offers a humane solution for displaced dolphins but also positions the city as a leader in marine conservation and ethical wildlife stewardship.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
