Marine & Aquatic

Marine Mammal Welfare in Research and Captive Science

Marine mammals used in research face unique welfare challenges, and welfare science is transforming research practices.

Key Facts

Cetaceans cannot legally be taken from the wild for research in most Western jurisdictions
Navy marine mammal programmes (dolphins, sea lions) have long used animals in research roles
Modern welfare frameworks assess cognition, social needs and environmental complexity
Research on captive orcas has driven significant welfare improvements through public pressure
Non-invasive research on wild populations generates comparable data to captive studies

Welfare Considerations

Marine mammals in research settings have complex cognitive and social needs that are difficult to meet in captivity. Research programmes have an obligation to minimise harm and maximise benefit. The development of non-invasive research methods that generate equivalent data without captivity is the ideal direction for the field.

What You Can Do

Support research institutions that prioritise non-invasive marine mammal research methods
Advocate for ethical review requirements in all marine mammal research
Oppose expansion of captive marine mammal research programmes
Support whale and dolphin conservation that generates research data incidentally