Stakeholder Perspectives Regarding Captive Marine Mammals—How Can We Compromise?

Abstract

This essay briefly presents the perspectives of multiple stakeholders regarding the care of captive marine mammals. Based on extant literature and professional experiences, the expectations, biases, and obstacles are described for the following perspectives: facilities, staff, guests, activists, scientists, third-party accreditations, governmental agencies, and marine mammals. All identified human stakeholders advocate for the animals, but the stakeholders have differing perspectives. The purpose of the article is to identify areas of impasse and areas of overlap to identify possible compromises to move toward a less contentious dichotomy. A summary of a recent case study involving the recently deceased killer whale, Tokitae, in managed care for 50+ years and the late-life transfer planned to return her to the Pacific Northwest provides an opportunity to illustrate the roles of each stakeholder involved. Also, several other cetacean examples are briefly summarized to illustrate the differing perspectives. Ultimately, compromises may be difficult given the disparate values and mindsets of the stakeholders. It seems that science should be allowed to weigh into this debate rather than allowing media attention, half-truths, and emotional appeals to govern policy and business models.