Public pressure and changing legislation are driving reform in marine mammal captivity, but the pace and depth of change varies enormously across species and jurisdictions.
Marine mammal captivity reform illustrates the potential and limitations of public pressure and legislative change. Orca welfare has received enormous attention and resulted in genuine industry change, but millions of other marine mammals (sea lions, dolphins, smaller cetaceans) remain in facilities with welfare standards that have not changed comparably. The fundamental problem is that highly mobile, cognitively complex marine mammals cannot have their welfare needs met in typical aquarium pools - the space limitations alone cause significant welfare costs. Sanctuary models offering larger natural water areas with some degree of choice about human interaction represent the most welfare-positive option for animals who cannot be released.