A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the taking, importation, exportation, and breeding of certain cetaceans for public display, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 3694, also known as the Cetacean Protection Act, aims to make significant changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Animal Welfare Act. The main goal of this bill is to prohibit the taking, importation, exportation, and breeding of certain cetaceans for public display.

Cetaceans are a group of marine mammals that include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The bill seeks to protect these animals from being captured and used for entertainment purposes in places like aquariums and marine parks.

If passed, the Cetacean Protection Act would have a major impact on the captivity industry, as it would effectively ban the display of cetaceans in public settings. This would mean that facilities like SeaWorld would no longer be able to keep these animals for entertainment purposes. In addition to the ban on public display, the bill also includes provisions for the care and welfare of cetaceans that are currently in captivity. It aims to ensure that these animals are provided with proper living conditions and are not subjected to unnecessary harm or suffering. Overall, the Cetacean Protection Act is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to protect cetaceans from exploitation and ensure their well-being in captivity. It reflects a growing awareness and concern for the welfare of marine mammals and represents a step towards more ethical treatment of these animals.