The movement to reform or end marine mammal captivity has gained legislative momentum in several countries, reflecting evolving understanding of cetacean welfare needs.
Marine mammal captivity reform reflects the application of improved understanding of cetacean cognition, social complexity and range requirements to the conditions possible in captivity. Evidence that cetaceans engage in complex social relationships, have large home ranges in the wild, and show stereotypic behaviours in captivity consistent with psychological distress has driven policy change. The transition creates welfare challenges for existing captive animals that cannot be simply released, making sea sanctuaries an important bridge solution. The reform trajectory globally is toward reduced or ended captivity for large cetaceans.