Senate can lead on whale captivity: Sen. Moore

Last year, I tabled Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, in the Senate. If passed, the bill will phase out the keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in captivity in Canada with an exception for rescues and rehabilitation. Conservative Sen. Don Plett now seeks to prevent S-203 from going to committee—virtually unheard of in the Upper Chamber. He is attempting to line up speakers to indefinitely obstruct the bill’s study, a suppression of debate and scientific evidence. Twenty marine mammal biologists from around the world have supported Bill S-203. In a letter, they state, “At a minimum, the maintenance of in commercial captive display facilities for entertainment purposes is no longer supported or justified by the growing body of science on their biological needs.” This makes sense. Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent, social and roaming creatures. In captivity, they experience isolation, confinement, dorsal fin collapse, broken teeth, damaged skin, reduced lifespans, and high-infant mortality rates. In Canada, there are approximately 60 captive whales, dolphins and porpoises at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., and the Vancouver Aquarium. Both parks breed belugas to support populations in U.S. theme parks. Dr. Jane Goodall has called this breeding “no longer defensible by science.” I agree. For those who claim that whale and dolphin captivity is justified by science or conservation, I would direct them to a letter in support of Bill S-203 from world-renowned marine biologist Dr. Sidney Holt. Dr. Holt writes, “Claims that research performed on captive is for THEIR benefit are specious, at best.” The changes proposed in S-203 are within the federal jurisdiction over international trade, animal cruelty, and wild marine mammals. In addition, the bill‘s effects would be felt gradually. The parks can keep their currently captive whales and dolphins as they adapt. To that end, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has said, “Marineland needs a graduated opportunity to re-invent itself,” and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has called for an end to beluga breeding. If Marineland and the Vancouver Aquarium—and self-appointed whale captivity spokesman Sen. Plett—are confident in their moral and scientific arguments, they should welcome the opportunity to make their case. However, I predict the status quo will not withstand public and scientific scrutiny. The Senate can lead on ending whale and dolphin captivity, and Sen. Plett should stop obstructing evidence and debate. Liberal Senator Wilfred Moore, Stanhope St./South Shore, N.S.

Senate can lead on whale captivity: Sen. Moore

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Senate can lead on whale captivity: Sen. Moore

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