Hearing Sheds Light on Dangers of Marine Mammals in Captivity
April 28, 2010
The National Marine Fisheries Service maintains authority over granting permits to take wild marine mammals for public display, but currently maintains no oversight over aquariums’ treatment of the animals once a permit is issued.
“In light of deaths related to marine mammals at these facilities and the lack of oversight on the education programs which are being used to educate our youth and public there is legitimate concern on the lack of oversight at these facilities,” said Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06). “Rather than spending their time on implementing faulty fishery management plans, NMFS should direct oversight on the issue the subcommittee is considering today. I believe NMFS must better manage their focus and take attention.”
Representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SeaWorld parks, the Humane Society and others all provided testimony at the hearing. Additionally, Oscar winning director of the movie “The Cove” provided testimony on behalf of the Oceanic Preservation Society. Louie Psihoyos testified that the best way to understand marine mammals is not achievable in a captivity setting. In the film a group of activists infiltrate a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose both the shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health.