NR-HQ-01-78E

Dhaliwal Takes Steps to Address Lien Report Recommendations Related to DFO's Marine Mammal Program

July 24, 2001

OTTAWA -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), today announced that his department will coordinate development and implementation of standards for the care and maintenance of marine mammals in captivity, in cooperation with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). The move comes in response to a report by Dr. Jon Lien of Memorial University, Newfoundland.

Dr. Lien was commissioned by DFO to conduct a comprehensive review on live capture and captivity of marine mammals in Canada and its relevance to the department’s role in marine mammal management. Dr. Lien submitted his report in April 1999.

"I understand that the issue of capturing and keeping marine mammals in captivity is an emotional one, and of particular interest to all Canadians who recognize the need to appreciate and protect these animals," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "While Dr. Lien’s review acknowledged the benefits of live capture and gave qualified support for marine mammals in aquariums, it also pointed out specific deficiencies and provided recommendations on how to improve marine mammal management in some key areas.

"Therefore I have asked my officials to work with the CCAC and CAZA to develop standards that would address Dr. Lien’s concerns and provide public assurance for the well-being of these animals. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Lien has agreed to remain actively involved in assisting the department in the development of the standards," added Mr. Dhaliwal. "I am hoping to receive the interim guidelines next year and have the final guidelines in place within two years."

"The proposed development and adoption of standards for care and maintenance of marine mammals in aquariums have been endorsed by CCAC and CAZA who were consulted during my review," said Dr. Lien. "I am happy to continue to be involved in the development of these standards."

"We look forward to working with federal and provincial officials in the development of standards for care and maintenance of marine mammals for scientific and educational purposes in aquariums," said Dr. Clément Gauthier, Executive Director of the CCAC. "While measures are taken to protect the welfare of marine mammals in aquariums, the development of standards is key to further ensuring that the well-being of these animals remains a priority."

The department will also work with the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums to develop standards for educational programs associated with the display of marine mammals in aquariums.

Provincial governments have also been invited to take part in the process. Marine mammals in aquariums are private property and fall within provincial jurisdiction. Standards would be put in place as guidelines and would be enforceable only with the passage of provincial legislation. DFO’s legislative authority extends to addressing the live capture of whales from wild stocks in Canadian waters, and their release back into the wild.

"DFO has not permitted the live capture of whales in Canadian waters since 1992. Should there be applications for live capture of marine mammals in Canadian waters, they would be reviewed thoroughly based on the care and maintenance standards that will be developed with CCAC and CAZA," said Mr. Dhaliwal.

In his report, Dr. Lien also raised the issue of import and export of marine mammals. In Canada, legislation is in place to deal with the protection and international trade of wildlife species that are considered threatened or endangered. The federal government regulates international trade based on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the Convention, any trade in rare or endangered species is not permitted for commercial purposes. Banning or restricting imports of non-endangered species would be inconsistent with the Convention, and could also expose Canada to a challenge under other international trade agreements.

With respect to exports for scientific purposes, the department will continue to review applications for live capture of marine mammals in Canadian waters on a case-by-case basis. For exports for public education and display purposes, case-by-case review of applications for live capture of marine mammals, with the exception of whales, will also be undertaken in accordance with the care and maintenance standards which will be developed. The department will not consider any application for the live capture of whales for public education and display in non-Canadian facilities.

"Today’s announcement represents an important step towards improving the well-being of marine mammals held in captivity," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "I want to thank Dr. Lien for his hard work and enthusiasm in the conduct of this valuable review. I am pleased he has agreed to continue working with the department on issues related to the management and health of marine mammals. I would also like to thank all those who shared their knowledge and provided information on the management of marine mammals in Canada."

The CCAC includes 22 national organizations representing animal medicine and science associations, university and college associations, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and federal government departments among others. The CCAC, established thirty years ago, has resulted in increased levels of awareness about animal care and use for research and education across Canada. (Website: www.ccac.ca)

CAZA, with membership including Canadian zoos and aquariums, is a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals in facilities and encourage the advancement and improvement of zoology, recreation, education, conservation and science.

(Website: www.caza.ca).