The keeping of marine mammals in captivity has faced increasing ethical scrutiny, leading to significant welfare improvements and growing debate about species suitability.
Captive marine mammal welfare has improved substantially in recent decades — partly through welfare science, partly through public pressure — but remains contentious for cognitively complex, wide-ranging species like orcas and dolphins. The welfare case against orca captivity is now largely accepted even within the industry. For other cetaceans, the debate continues, with welfare improvements in accredited facilities challenged by evidence that fundamental spatial and social needs cannot be met in tanks. Sea sanctuary models — large enclosed sea areas — offer a potential welfare-positive future for existing captive individuals who cannot be released. The strongest long-term welfare action is ending the capture of wild cetaceans for entertainment.