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

Area of Science:

• Marine Mammal Science
• Animal Welfare Studies
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Managed care for marine mammals involves numerous stakeholders with varying expectations and biases.
• Differing viewpoints among facilities, staff, guests, activists, scientists, accreditors, and government agencies complicate animal welfare discussions.
• The case of Tokitae, a killer whale in long-term managed care, highlights these complex stakeholder dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and present the perspectives of all stakeholders involved in marine mammal care.
• To identify areas of conflict and common ground to facilitate compromise.
• To advocate for science-based decision-making in marine mammal policy and management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on marine mammal care.
• Analysis of professional experiences and case studies, including the Tokitae case.
• Comparative examination of stakeholder expectations, biases, and obstacles.

Main Results:

• All human stakeholders express a desire for animal advocacy, yet significant differences in perspective exist.
• Stakeholder viewpoints range from facility operations and guest experiences to scientific research and activism.
• Compromises are challenging due to disparate stakeholder values and mindsets.

Conclusions:

• Balancing diverse stakeholder interests in marine mammal care requires careful consideration of differing values.
• Scientific evidence should guide policy and management decisions, rather than emotional responses or media influence.
• Moving toward less contentious approaches necessitates acknowledging and addressing the unique perspectives of each stakeholder group.