Back on the Ground in Taiji

By Johanne Aa Rosvoll
Cove Monitor
Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project

(Note from Ric O’Barry:  Johanne came from Norway to Japan to help us out in Taiji, and she has been coming ever since.  She is one of our dedicated Cove Monitors who comes at her own expense to keep the pressure on the dolphin hunters and the Japanese government.  She submitted this blog about her recent experiences in Taiji.  We thank her and all our wonderful Cove Monitors.  What Johanne and our monitors do does matter!)

My 4th time here in Taiji!  Can`t believe it’s been three years since my first time to Taiji. My first time witnessing a dolphin being slaughtered; my first time seeing dolphins being taken to a life in captivity.  My first time feeling like I have found my place – a place that is frankly tough to have found.  A place I wish did not exist, but now, since it is here, I am glad I’m here on behalf of the dolphins.

My first two days here have gone without any dolphins being slaughtered or taken to captivity.  It’s such an indescribable feeling when the days go by and the dolphins of the ocean are safe, and I can breathe a sigh of relief.  Well, at least for a couple of hours until the boats go out again.

My passion for these dolphins is beyond any feeling I can describe.  Seeing them swim for their lives while they are being chased is something I will never get used to.  And I don’t want to get used to it, either, because that would send out the message that I accept what is happening to them.  And I don’t!  I never will!  They belong in their right environment, and that is in the ocean, that is where they are free and happy.  That is where they have always been, and that is where they should always be!

This time I’m here with my beautiful friends and Cove Monitor colleagues Tia and Sakura.  I’m so blessed to be able to be here with these two.  They are my rock, and together with them I feel like I can get through anything while I’m here!   Because being here on some days can really knock you down, and then you have to have someone to pick you up again, tell you it’s going to be okay; tell you that they’ll have you’re back; tell you that what you are doing does really matter!

My wishes for the dolphins are for their freedom!  Dont ever buy a ticket, please!  I know it can be hard sometimes to understand that the ticket you are buying to a dolphin show is the reason why I’m here in Taiji, Japan, but that’s the truth!  Please be a voice for these desperate dolphins instead, by not purchasing a ticket – ever!  It is such an easy thing to do to help make a change for the dolphins to happen!

I’m so thankful to be able to be here again, and I will forever be the dolphins’ strongest voice for justice and freedom!  That is a promise!

With love from Johanne!