Major study on ceteceans in captivity

One of Canada's leading marine biologists has been retained by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) to conduct a major study of cetaceans in captivity.

Dr. David Rosen of the UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit will lead a team examining the determinants of cetacean wellbeing such as pool size and design, social groupings and interaction, training, water quality and food, with the goal of making recommendations for evidence-based standards of care.

Dr. Rosen is the author of the Report on Standards of Care for Marine Mammals in Captivity prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

"The goal of the study is to provide an evidence-based grounding for the development of made-in Canada standards of care for belugas, orcas and other cetaceans in captivity," said CAZA president Clint Wright.

"It will address our concerns with the scientific foundations of the Government of Ontario's current approach to the development of standards of care for cetaceans in captivity."

Wright has written to Community Safety and Correctional Services minister Naqvi urging him to reconsider the timelines for completion of the Ontario standards of care to take into account this new research.

This study will be completed in two phases: the first phase will consist of a literature review and will scope out the field research parameters and methodology; the second phase will involve the actual field research, report writing and recommendations.

The first phase is to be completed by December 2015 while the second part of the study will be completed by July 2016.

Wright said that, "CAZA's objectives are twofold: ensuring that development of public policy is informed by scientific inquiry and verifiable best practices; and developing robust made-in-Canada standards of care that can serve as a model worldwide."

CAZA is the national organization representing Canada's accredited zoological facilities.