HOW DOES THE UNITED STATES REGULATE MARINE MAMMALS IN CAPTIVITY AND

HOW DO ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS PROVIDE A CONSERVATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL

PURPOSE?

Maria Luna

U.S Environmental Politics

University of Alaska Fairbanks

05/07/2014

Abstract 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.

I also provided an insight of the

development of animal exhibits, shows and studies with wildlife experiences and encounters.

Viewed different lawsuits and analyzed how we should evaluate the value of captivity into conservation by:

1.) Observation of animal behavior 2.) Ability of zoos and & aquariums to

engage with visitors. 3.) Understanding the importance of

captive wildlife studies

Introduction

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.

Can captivity provide conservation efforts for endangered species ?

My paper focused on different lawsuits towards marine life parks.

In relation to these lawsuits, I describe purposes of conservation and effects of education on the public through captivity.

Marine Mammal Management 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).

Marine Mammal Commission reviews and makes recommendations of policies and actions of the USFWS and NOAA.

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

The Division of Management Authority reviews and authorizes permits for the import and export of marine mammals.

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.

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

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 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.

The had no intention of selling animals for profit nor did they provide any economic incentives.

Most fishermen beach the animals and kill them on the spot.

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.

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