Transcript How does the United States regulate marine mammals in captivity

Maria Luna
U.S Environmental Politics
University of Alaska Fairbanks
05/07/2014
Abstract
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For my paper I reviewed many published
studies that focused on measuring the
effect of zoos and aquariums on the
public and contributions to science.
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I also provided an insight of the
development of animal exhibits, shows
and studies with wildlife experiences and
encounters.
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Viewed different lawsuits and analyzed
how we should evaluate the value of
captivity into conservation by:
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1.) Observation of animal behavior
2.) Ability of zoos and & aquariums to
engage with visitors.
3.) Understanding the importance of
captive wildlife studies
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Introduction
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Zoos and aquariums (AZA facilities) must obey and follow international, national,
regional and local laws when dealing with captive marine mammals.

Ethical debates have emerged.
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Can captivity provide conservation efforts for endangered species ?
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My paper focused on different lawsuits towards marine life parks.
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In relation to these lawsuits, I describe purposes of conservation and effects of
education on the public through captivity.
Marine Mammal Management
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The Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA) prohibits the take by hunting,
killing capture and/or harassment of
marine mammals, and also stops
import, transport and the selling of
marine mammal parts and products
(USFWS 2014).
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Marine Mammal Commission reviews
and makes recommendations of
policies and actions of the USFWS
and NOAA.
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American Zoo and Aquarium
Association (AZA) was organized in
1924. The AZA is the oldest of the
North American zoo industry
associations.
Marine Mammal Permits and
International Coordination
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The Division of Management Authority
reviews and authorizes permits for the
import and export of marine mammals.
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Manage marine mammal species that
reside in both United States and
international waters. i.e: the West
Indian manatee, sea otter, polar bear
and the pacific walrus.
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Convention on International Trade of
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and
Fauna (CITES) is responsible for the
trade regulation of about 5,000
endangered species.
The Case:
Animal Protection Institute, INC V. Mosbacher
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March 10, 1988, John G. Shedd
Aquarium requested a permit to
import six pseudorcas (false killer
whales)

Eight different animal rights
organizations opposed the permit.

The approval of the permit made
animal groups challenge the validity
of the decision.

Arguments against this permit stated
that Japan did not provide some type
of conservation and preservation
program to benefit the species and
ecosystem. Therefore it should not
be approved under the MMPA.
Japans’ Nuisance Killings
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The reason behind this permit was to
remove nuisance animals from waters
where commercial fishing takes place.

The Japanese had captured these
animals due to entanglement in fishing
gear.
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The had no intention of selling animals
for profit nor did they provide any
economic incentives.
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Most fishermen beach the animals and
kill them on the spot.
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The denial of the permit to marine life
facilities reduces the opportunity to save
animals from nuisance killings and
counteracts with the MMPA policy of
marine mammal conservation
PETA and the State of California V. SeaWorld

October 2011: asking the federal
court to declare that the orcas held
captive at SeaWorld are being held
as slaves in violation of the 13th
Amendment of the U.S Constitution.
This was the first filing to seek the
13th Amendment to non-human
animals.

In response to public concern,
California State Assembly member
Richard Bloom introduced the Orca
and Welfare Safety Act on February
2012.

The bill was put on hold on April 8th
2014 and is to be revised and
returned to the committee after a
year and a half (Kirby 2014).
Case Analysis: Are marine
mammals in captivity justifiable?

Over the years, AZA facilities have
developed numerous ways to educated
the public with their animals.

AZA institutions have upgraded to
modern enclosures for both land and
marine animals and have also
incorporated enrichment techniques to
mimic feeding behaviors and natural
foraging, marking scent trails, creating
shelter and areas where animals can
feel secure and safe and most
importantly they stimulate the animals
interests with toys, bonding sessions,
mental and psychological stimulus
(Tofield et al, 2003).
Visitor Impact

Published studies show, that the
ability to interact with wild animals
leaves a positive impact on visitors.

When educators were present and
had educational talks on endangered
status and habitat destruction for
example, visitors were influenced to
care more for those specific animals
(Moscardo et al, 2000).

Yerke and Burns studied the power of
animal shows and changes in
people’s attitudes towards
conservation. They found that the
overall agreement of pro-conservation
at the beginning of the show was
54.9% and after the show it increased
to 86.5%.
Research Studies and Contribution to Science

In 2012, estrous cycles in female beluga
whale (Delphinapterus leucas) were
recorded on order to gain evidence of
facultative induced ovulation (Steinman
et al. 2012)

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Research
Center and focused on bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The focus
of the study was on Artificial Insemination
(AI) as well and how it is an important
tool for biased sex ratio towards females
in the wild (Robeck et al 2013).
Take Home Message

Many factors influence experiences at zoos and
aquariums.

It is important to not always rely on the media for
information on controversial topics and reside to
published works and studies.

When the public is able to connect with animals
they obtain a whole new appreciation for that
species.

Those individuals go home with knowledge and a
better understanding of the species natural
habitat.

They learn what actions they should implement
to protect their ocean home.

AZA facilities continue to improve their exhibits,
animal trianing techniques, interactions with the
public and continuous efforts towards education
and conservation.
Works Cited
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