SWIMS Act of 2024 Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2024
If enacted, the bill would substantially strengthen protections for the specified cetaceans by ensuring they cannot be bred, imported, or exported for display purposes. It provides that any transport of these species can only occur for relocation to marine mammal sanctuaries or for release back to their natural habitats. This marks a significant shift in federal policy, potentially leading to reduced public display of these species, thereby altering the operations of aquariums and marine parks that currently house them.
SB3694, also known as the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2024 (SWIMS Act), aims to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the taking, importation, exportation, and breeding of certain cetacean species, specifically orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales, for public display. The bill seeks to address the increasing concerns about the welfare of these intelligent marine mammals when held in captivity, supporting the findings that they suffer from physical and psychological distress due to inadequate living conditions in marine parks and aquariums.
The bill has sparked significant debate among stakeholders. Supporters, including animal rights activists and certain legislators, argue that the bill is a necessary advancement for animal welfare, as it recognizes the complex emotional and social needs of cetaceans. Opponents, including some in the marine entertainment industry, contend that the bill may negatively impact education and conservation efforts, arguing that public display can facilitate broader understanding and support for marine conservation initiatives. The discourse highlights a critical tension between animal welfare and public engagement in marine environments.