Earlier this week, representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act – legislation that could see the phasing out of orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales for public display in America.
Specifically, the SWIMS Act would:
- Amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to prohibit the taking, importation, or exportation of these whales for the purpose of public display
- Amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit any breeding of these whales for future public display
- Allow exemptions for animals being transported to a sanctuary setting or released to the wild.
These highly intelligent, social animals cannot thrive in captivity – tanks do not meet their complex physical and emotional needs and many have substantially shortened lifespans. The SWIMS Act would help protect these magnificent marine mammals and we look forward to the day that this legislation is implemented.
Thousands of people visit marine parks, buying a ticket to see dolphins and whales perform – but at what cost to the animals?
