143 



Scientific research relating to marine mammals was also 

 recognized by Congress as essential to carrying out the purpKises 

 and policies of the Act. Congress recognized "there is 

 inadequate knowledge of the ecology and population dynamics of 

 such marine mammals and of the factors which bear upon their 

 ability to reproduce themselves successfully." 16 U.S.C. 

 1361(3). 



These considerations are reflected in the Congressional 

 deliberations on the MMPA. For example, Senator Hollings 

 stressed that without observing marine mammals in oceanaria the 

 "magnificent interest" in marine mammals will be lost and "none 

 will ever see them and none will care about them and they will be 

 extinct." Ocean Mammal Protection: Hearings Before the 

 Subcommittee on Oceans and Atmosphere of the Senate Committee on 

 Commerce, 92nd Cong., 2nd Sess., page 266 (1972) ("1972 Senate 

 Hearings"). Senator Hollings continued: 



(I]f it were not for these organizations and 

 the public exposure you have on these animals 

 in the first place, these matters wouldn't be 

 brought to the attention of the public. 



Id. at 555. 



To the same effect. Senator Gurney noted the "advent of 

 seaquariums and oceanariums" have brought home "a much greater 

 awareness of... ocean mammals." 118 Cong. Rec. S. 25291 (Daily 

 Ed., July 25, 1972). Stressing "the valuable educational service 

 performed by these institutions". Senator Cranston agreed that 

 any moratorium on the taking of marine mammals should include an 

 exemption provision for "reputable zoos and oceanaria." 1972 

 Senate Hearings at 552-53. Senator Chiles stated that he gave: 



strong support towards recognizing the 

 oceanarium exhibition industry in this 

 legislation.... Children by the millions, 

 either on school field trips or accompanying 

 their parents, have become exposed to the 

 wonders of marine mammals. 



1972 Senate Hearings, at 164. 



Congressman Burke noted "these aquariums do an outstanding 

 job in providing education about the sea and its creatures to 



