Marine Mammals in Captivity - Essay Example

Marine Mammals in Captivity Marine Mammals in Captivity Introduction Regardless of the delight people get out of having the chanceto observe marine mammals up close, the aquarium is an extremely different setting from the natural setting of these large, as well as beautiful animals. This difference brings about physical, psychological along with mental suffering to the creatures (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, 2009). In 1972, an act, Marine Mammal Protection, was passed by the American congress to protect marine creatures in captivity (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). However, many talks have been held trying to question the effectiveness of this act. This paper will deal with this issue because keeping marine mammals in captivity as allowed by the marine mammal protection act of 1972 is a necessary evil that is beneficial to the species, as well as man. The Marine Mammal Protection Act Describe the Act The Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) was the first law by the American Congress to call distinctively for a bionetwork approach to natural resource conservation and management. The act was signed into law on 21st October, 1972, by President Richard Nixon. It took effect two months later on 21st December, 1972. The act disallows the capturing of marine mammals. It also endorses a suspension on the export and import of any marine mammal. The act also forbids the sale of any marine mammal product or part inside the United States (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). The Act identifies "take" as the act of killing, hunting, harassment and capture of any marine creature or the endeavor at such. Purpose of the Act The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) identifies harassment as any attempt of torment, pursuit or irritation that has the likelihood to either harm a marine creature in the wild, or agitate a marine creature by causing disturbance of behavioral patterns. This is comprises of, but is not restricted to, breathing, migration, nursing, feeding, breeding, or sheltering (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). The Marine Mammal Protection Act grants for enforcement of its preventions, as well as for the issuance of rules to execute its legislative goals. Another purpose of the act, as stated earlier by the paper, is to disallow the capturing of marine mammals, and endorse a suspension on the export and import along with trade of any marine mammal (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). Allowance and Regulations of Animals in Captivity The act prohibits the exploitation and take of any marine creature without appropriate approval, which is only be offered by the Service (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). Consents might be granted for public display, scientific research, and the exportation or importation of marine animal products and parts upon clarifications by the Service, which the issuance is steady with the act’s regulations. At no cost are individuals who are permitted to keep marine mammals allowed to hurt them. People with permit are supposed to do their best to give the creatures an environment, which is similar to the one they were taken from. In efforts to manage and conserve marine creatures, the keepers should avoid any psychological and physical disturbance to the creatures (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). Benefits for the Species Fundraising Opportunities of Species Marine creatures are mainly kept for people to view them in zoos or aquariums (Kirley, 2010). Out of the viewing, the zoos and aquariums are able to raise substantial amount of funds, which, at times, assist the marine creatures themselves. The funds go to the expansion of the aquariums where the marine animals are housed, which enhances the environment where they live (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, 2009). The funds gotten out of this endeavor also increase the funds for purchasing food for these marine animals, which will make the feel as if they are in their real habitat. This endeavor also gives stranded marine animals a chance to live a life in an enhanced environment where they are looked after in the greatest care (Simmons, 2012). Rescue and Rehabilitation Marine creatures are recognized as a root species owing to their position at the pinnacle of the seas’ food chain (Whales on Line, 2012). Nevertheless, knowledge of marine creatures is extremely restricted to those species living near shore waters. Marine mammals normally lose their endeavors in life as they swim across the oceans and seas (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, 2009). Keeping these creatures in aquariums, therefore, should be regarded as a way of rescuing them and giving them a course in life. Marine animals in captivity are rehabilitated giving them an active course in life by playing their roles as leaders of the food chain. Keeping marine mammals, as previously stated in this paper, gives them a chance to live a life well taken care of (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). Research Study of Species Scientists/researchers can learn about the biology of marine mammals, and get knowledge, which can be helpful in the future, whether it be for a particular creature or the overall classification of marine mammals. For example, blood samples from beluga whales of the Washington DC Aquarium are used in growing immune-defense cells (Marine Mammal Commission, 2008). The samples are also used in developing tests that are used on the St. Lawrence belugas for research. In time, further down the line, researchers might be in a position to utilize captive-born marine mammals to repopulate exhausted regions. This has proven priceless for some creatures that had nearly become extinct like the California condor and the whooping crane (Whales on Line, 2012). Benefits of Man Opportunities for Professional Development Keeping marine mammals comes with its opportunities to the stakeholders involved in keeping the animals (Simmons, 2012). Start from the persons who are in charge of the security of the aquariums to the people who look after the welfares of the creatures. These are all employment opportunities, which benefit human beings. Also, keeping marine animals offers career opportunities to those in charge of building the aquariums. They benefit a lot from the endeavor, which can be considered as a career to them. Also, housing these creatures creates career opportunities to people willing to carry out research on these types of creatures. These types of aquariums give scientist a firsthand view to the mammals, which is beneficial to their work (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, 2009). Economic benefits tourism Part of the proceeds from aquarium operations is taken to research and conservation programs on wild populations (Kirley, 2010). This, on the other hand, encourages tourism, which is a booming business all round the United States. Tourists come from all over the world just to take a sneak peek of the marine animals in captivity. This reflects on the American economy in a positive way as the country gains from the foreign exchanged gotten in the process (Whales on Line, 2012). America receives tourists, which are not only foreign guests, but also the locals, who want to have the pleasure of being close to the animals (Simmons, 2012). This builds the country’s economy and boosts its tourism industry. Entertainment Captive whales are possibly the only cetacean creatures that many city dwellers will ever have a chance of seeing (Kirley, 2010). If the government wants people to protect and love not only whales, but also other marine mammals, then the best method is to offer them a chance to observe one at least one time in their lives. Aquariums also have educational programs, which increase human awareness, in particular that of young ones, of the need to guard the environment. Also, people go to marine parks to entertain themselves (Kirley, 2010). Viewing marine animals so close is a breathtaking experience, which a lot of people appreciate. Conclusion In conclusion, keeping marine mammals in captivity as allowed by the marine mammal protection act of 1972 is a necessary evil that is beneficial to the species, as well as man. Even though, keeping marine mammals in captivity seems like an inhumane act, the benefits stated on this paper should not be overlooked. These benefits outdo the disadvantages of housing the mammals, which are minimal and have minute effect on them. However, a person who decides to keep marine animals should do all he/she can to provide the best environment for the mammal or the permit be deprived. References Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. (2009). Marine mammals in captivity. Retrieved from http://cfhs.ca/wild/marine_mammals_in_captivity/ Kirley, J. (2010). Marine mammal chief discusses how theyre federally protected. New York: New York Times. Marine Mammal Commission. (2008). The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972: As amended 2004 and 2007. Retrieved from http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/laws/mmpa.pdf Simmons, G. (2012). US fish and wildlife service. New York: Oxford University Press. Whales on Line. (2012). Should we keep whales in captivity? Retrieved from http://www.baleinesendirect.net/eng/pag.php?PagRef=2-5-4-1 Read More