ABSTRACT
Marine mammals maintained under human care depend on us for their needs. We are their stewards and, as such, decide all aspects of their housing, feeding, social structure, and enrichment opportunities. Environmental considerations are paramount to the health and welfare of these animals. Captive marine mammals require clean water, nonreflective pool surfaces and surroundings, acceptable acoustical environments, stable social groupings, and enough space to perform all of their natural behaviors. Air quality is also important, as some pathogens are spread in dust and aerosols (see Chapter 19 ). Within the United States, standards for animal care are regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA 2013). Minimum standards specific to marine mammals are found in Part 3—Standards, Subpart E “Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation of Marine Mammals.” In Canada, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC 1993) sets the guidelines for the care and use of marine mammals.
