David Rosen
On April 6, 2017, Dr. Andrew Trites, Professor, Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and Dr. David Rosen, Research Associate, Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, made presentations in front of the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, which was reviewing Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending captivity of whales and dolphins).
Both outlined their years working with marine mammals using field studies, captive studies, and laboratory and computer-based studies.
Said, Dr. Trites in his presentation,”Canada has been a world leader in marine mammal research, and is recognized for its contributions to marine mammal science through field and captive studies undertaken in Canada. Canadian facilities caring for marine mammals have also been an invaluable resource for the international scientific community.”
Andrew Trites
“Research findings from captive studies have implications for fisheries management, the shipment of goods, the transportation of people, and the livelihoods of those that farm and harvest marine resources.”
“The proposed bill to prevent cetaceans from being cared for in Canadian facilities is effectively a ban on obtaining critically important knowledge about marine mammals that cannot be obtained in any other way. It is a ban that would have potential economic and social consequences to coastal communities. It is a ban that undermines efforts of Canadians to conserve endangered and threatened populations of marine mammals. It is a ban on science, learning and knowledge,” he concluded.
Tags: Andrew Trites, cetaceans, David Rosen, dolphins, faculty, IOF Research Associates, whales