ABSTRACT
Why—in a marine mammal textbook—have a chapter about ethics and animal welfare? Why hold whales in captivity? Why use marine mammals in research? What are the pros and cons of such activities? Many, if not all, of us have been asked these questions. Do we speak up or stay silent? Interest in and compassion for marine mammals has led us to dedicate our careers to studying, treating, and helping marine mammals, at both the individual animal and population levels. How do we best convey our training, life experiences, worldviews, and compassion into decisions we make about marine mammals? These types of questions rightly force us to reflect on our opinions, decision-making methodologies, and how best to disseminate what we learn.
