New Program Promotes Protecting Captive Marine Mammals

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. August 03, 2016

PLYMOUTH, MA - August 2, 2016 - In the aftermath of SeaWorld's announcement to end its captive breeding program for orcas WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, has launched a new campaign calling on people not to swim with captive whales and dolphins.

Pledge Never to Plunge brings to light the “forgotten whales and dolphins that aren't part of SeaWorld's plan to end orca breeding and shows, and aims to raise public concern for their plight. Campaign supporters are asked to take a pledge to never participate in a captive Swim with the Dolphin or Whale program and to share that pledge on their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Across the United States, there are over a dozen facilities which offer members of the public an opportunity to swim, wade, feed or otherwise interact with captive whales and dolphins. Cathy Williamson, Captivity Program Manager for WDC, states, “These programs are currently unregulated in the US since the suspension of specific standards for Swim with the Dolphin programs in 1999. Unfortunately, the current proposed changes to the US government's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations for the care and handling of marine mammals in captivity would actually reduce protection for whales and dolphins in these programs”.

Many people are unaware of the problems surrounding captive Swim with the Dolphin and Whale programs and the negative impact on all involved - the humans and the dolphins and whales. SeaWorld recognized that orcas suffer from confinement with its recent announcement ending captive breeding and shows for them, yet the forgotten whales and dolphins also face the same negative consequences as a result of their confinement. Williamson says, “Pledge Never to Plunge will shine a spotlight on the forgotten whales and dolphins, and put public pressure on SeaWorld and the other facilities with captive swim-with programs to re-examine the ethical and long-term financial viability of these programs.”

More details on Pledge Never to Plunge can be found on WDC's website at http://us.whales.org/

About Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)

WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation (formerly WDCS) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. We defend these remarkable creatures against the many threats they face through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research and rescue. Our vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. WDC is a passionate, global campaigner for whales and dolphins, speaking with emotion and wonder, but always with authority. We make sure our voice is heard by decision makers. We care about whales and dolphins and we want others to care about them too. WDC's core belief is that all whales and dolphins have the right to exist as nature intends, not as humans decide. To be able to live free from hunting, captivity, entanglement in fishing gear and nets, and to swim in clean, noise-free waters where boats won't injure them. If you believe in these rights then join us! Read our http://us.whales.org/wdc-supporter-charter. Find out more about our http://us.whales.org/history-of-wdc and watch our videos detailing some of WDC's achievements in recent years.

Media contact:
Melissa Walker
Marketing and Communications Manager, North America
Telephone: +1 508-746-2522
Email: [email protected]