The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has recently applied for an import permit for 18 beluga whales for breeding and research purposes. Their application has reopened a nationwide debate on whether or not it is morally acceptable to keep "highly intelligent cetaceans," such as whales, in captivity.
Scott Higley, one of the managers at the Georgia Aquarium, says there is still much to be learned from whales in captivity and that increasing the aquarium’s stock is vital to this research. While the Georgia Aquarium also requires more whales in order to maintain variety, Higley maintains that the aquarium is looking after the whales’ best interests.
Lori Marino, a beluga expert at Emory University, agrees that while we do need to learn more about belugas, that “…the way to do it is not to take healthy individuals from their natural habitats, plop them in a tank, and sell tickets for the public to see them.” Marino goes on to explain that data from the US marine mammal inventory show that whales in captivity have shorter life spans than those in the wild and that they often die from stress-related diseases.
Not only are scientists petitioning for a denial of this import permit, they are also pushing for a complete phase out of cetaceans in captivity. Meanwhile, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to make a decision on whether to grant the Georgia Aquarium's permit by the end of the month. What do you think their decision should be?
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