141 



• To provide meaningful recreational experiences that will 



encourage the public to seek further learning opportunities 

 regarding marine mammals. 



Dolphin Quest supports the MMPA and does not believe it is in 

 need of major modification. However, we have a unique 

 perspective of the Act and urge the following issues and 

 amendments be considered during the reauthorization: 



I Amend the Congressional findings to recognize the value 

 of public education and scientific research by public 

 display institutions in enhancing the conservation of 

 marine mammals. 



1 Clarify that public display includes interactive 



exhibition. Scientific studies and real world practice 

 show that people learn more, and retain it longer, when 

 the learning process is interactive. Interactive 

 programs should be included in public display programs 

 where appropriate. 



8 Amend Section 3 of the MMPA by adding "in the wild" before 

 the period in paragraph 13. This change will clarify NMFS ' 

 authority under the MMPA, make it consistent with the 

 original intent of Congress in passing the legislation, and 

 underscore the mandate given to NMFS by Congress to direct 

 NMFS' resources and efforts toward the very serious threats 

 that wild populations of marine mammals face. It will also 

 enable NMFS to continue to govern takes in the wild, 

 regulate activities involving beached and stranded marine 

 mammals, and will allow NMFS to continue its current 

 inventory and tracking data-base. 



i Clarify that persons who already have a public display 

 permit do not need yet another permit to (a) transfer 

 marine mammals already in captivity between their own 

 facilities or (b) offer to sell, offer to purchase, or 

 sell, purchase or transport marine mammals already in 

 captivity to another facility which already has a 

 marine mammal public display permit for the species 

 involved. 



These changes clarify the statute, make the MMPA more consistent 

 with the original intent of Congress in drafting the legislation, 

 and fully recognize the value that interactive and other public 

 display facilities have in our society. 



To this end, Dolphin Quest's education programs, scientific 

 resources, financial and logistical support for research, as well 

 as the overwhelming impact that its public programs have on 

 participants' awareness and concern for dolphins, illustrate the 

 many ways that public display organizations make significant 

 contributions to their communities and to the conservation of the 

 marine environment. 



