88 



• To help ensure that there are opportunities for the public to learn about marine 

 mammals (mcluding depleted, endangered or threatened species). 



• To enhance piiblic appreciation for and understanding of the need for marine 

 mammal conservation both in the United States and worldwide. 



• To contribute to an improved, scientific understanding of the physiology, ecol- 

 ogy and population dynamics of marine mammals, including the facts which bear 

 upon their ability to reproduce themselves successfully and to survive amidst the 

 growing threats to their existence. 



• To inform the public about the benefits of research, education and conservation 

 programs of marine mammals, both in public display facilities and in the wUd. 



• To encourage the formulation, dissemination and continued improvement of 

 professionally recognized standards of ageappropriate education and conservation 

 programs directed at marine mammals. 



• 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 on the Act and urge the follow- 

 ing issues and amendments be considered during the reauthorization: 



• 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. 



• Clarify that persons who already have an MMPA public display permit do not 

 need yet another NMPA 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. 



• Clarify that public display includes interactive exhibition. Scientific studies and 

 real worldf 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. 



We feel these changes clarify the statute, make the MMPA more consistent with 

 the original intent oi Congress in drafting the legislation, and fully recognize the 

 value that 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 pub- 

 lic programs have on participants' awareness and concern for dolphins, illustrate the 

 many ways that public displav organizations can make a contribution to it's commu- 

 nity and the conservation of the marine environment. 



Established by two marine mammal veterinarians, one of Dolphin Quest's pri- 

 mary goals is to provide an interactive learning experience for the public, which in- 

 spires appreciation for marine mammals and concern for the conservation of our ma- 

 rine environment. Dolphin Quest has provided an opportunity for more than 19,000 

 children to learn about dolphins through its publicly available interactive education 

 programs; more than 4,660 school children with a chance to learn about the impor- 

 tance of preserving their local marine resources through a full day education field 

 trip experience; more than 200 educators with the opportunity to attend Dolphin 

 Quest's teacher work shops; more than 56,000 adults with an opportunity to learn 

 first hand about dolphins. 



To illustrate to this Committee the impact and importance of interactive learning 

 which can be provided by public display facilities, attached is a statistical summary 

 of questionnaires which were distributed by Dolphin Quest to its program partici- 

 pants between December 1988 and June 1993. It is interesting to note that 90.85 

 percent of the respondents state that the educational value and personal impact of 

 their experience was greater than books, magazines, newspapers, television pro- 

 grams and nature movies. Additionally, 99.3 percent believe that ah interactive pro- 

 gram such as Dolphin Quest will inspire people to actively support environmental 

 issues. Also attached are samples of questionnaires completed by teachers partici- 

 pating in Dolphin Quest education programs. 



Public display facilities also fulfill their commitment to marine conservation by 

 participating in or funding scientific research, participating in marine mammal 

 stranding and convalescence programs and other scientific community activities. 

 Since 1989, Dolphin Quest and the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa have generated over 

 $394,700 in vital funding for important marine education, conservation and re- 

 search. A large portion oi these funds have been used to support university level 

 field research and educational programs. Through the non-profit Waikoloa Marine 

 Life Fund, established by Dolphin Quest and the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa in 1989, 

 individuals and corporate America have the ability to contribute to scientific re- 

 search. In addition, biological samples obtained voluntarily through behavioral hus- 



