Dolphins undisturbed by concert music

Dolphins held captive at the Mediterraneo Marine Park in Bahar Ic-Caghaq did not seem to experience any disturbance by the sound emitted during Saturday's Robbie Williams Tribute Concert held at the neighbouring Splash and Fun Park, a representative of the Veterinary Services Department said when contacted.

Mireille Vella explained that the marine mammals were monitored both before and during the concert by a team set up to ensure that the dolphins would not be distressed by the sound.

The team included a vet and head trainer from the marine park, two representatives from the department, a sound engineer and police officers.

Dr Vella explained that the preset sound limit, that was not to exceed 100 decibels, was never exceeded.

"The dolphins were not disturbed one bit and behaved normally throughout," she said.

Last week three animal welfare organisations contacted The Times to express concern over the detrimental effect the loud noise generated by the concert could have on the dolphins' health.

All three organisations - the US-based Humane Society International, the UK-based Marine Connection, and local organisation Cetfree - explained how dolphins are very sensitive to loud noise and could even be harmed by excessive sound levels.

In light of such concerns, which were also aired to authorities, a meeting was held between all stakeholders involved in the concert on Friday. This meeting led to the setting up of the team to monitor the dolphins.

Dr Vella also said that, whenever a concert or event was to be organised in the area, the department was to be consulted before a permit was issued (by the police). This was important to ensure that the event in question was not harmful to the mammals who lived there.