With governments and aquariums worldwide starting to phase out cetacean captivity, French courts have controversially overturned a ban on the breeding of dolphins and orcas implemented by the previous government.

The ban – which would have brought to an end the captivity of all whales, dolphins and porpoises, except for orcas and bottlenose dolphins already held in authorised aquariums – was put in place in May last year as part of an event to improve living conditions of the animals.

Following an appeal from a group of operators, including Marineland, Parc Asterix and Wild Planet, France’s highest administrative court overruled the decision, saying that there were “irregularities” in the decree putting the ban in place.

According to The Citizen, former environment minister Segolene Royale had tightened the ban at the last minute, and failed to consult the public and others on a measure that could have forced aquariums in France to close.

“This is excellent news for our animals and animal parks in France,” said Pascal Picot, managing director at Marineland, adding that “significant changes to the rules governing the treatment of our animals should be based on scientific facts, and be carried out as required by law.”