The regulatory framework related to cetacean and dolphins in captivity, in connection with initiatives taken by countries such as India and Cyprus to ban the captivity of dolphins and other sea mammals, dominated a meeting of Environment Minister Yiannis Maniatis with Oscar-winning marine mammal specialist Ric O’Barry.

According to the ministry, the discussion focused on maritime protected areas and the protection of species.

O’Barry was featured in the Academy-Award winning documentary “The Cove”; he is in charge of the “International Marine Mammal Project” organisation and the founder of “Dolphin Project” environmental organization under the Earth Island Institute programmes.