#cetceans

Summary: Proposed changes would effect regulations regarding indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements and water quality in addition to revising regulations relating to swim-with-the-dolphin programs.

I’ve picked out some points of interest (ones which I understand beneath the legal jargon)

- APHIS claims that there is not enough information about appropriate temperature ranges for each marine mammal species, therefore the health and behaviour of marine mammal species will continue to be used to assess the adequacy of pool/enclosure temperatures.

Indoor Facilities

-within indoor facilities ventilation would have to prevent (rather than minimize) the accumulation of chlorine fumes,odors,ozone and ammonia fumes at levels which would be harmful/irritating to a person of average sensitivity.Ventilation would have to maintain humidity at a level which minimizes pathogen contamination from condensation.

- artificial lighting must provide the full spectrum of light, lights must be sufficient enough in order for employees to observe animal behaviour/health.

- facilities must provide at least 6 hours of uninterupted darkness in each 24 hour period and when possible should mimic lighting conditions found in the natural environment.

Outdoor Facilities

- air and water temperature ranges of outdoor species should be in accordance with currently accepted husbandry practices for the species housed.

- shade must be accessible and cover a sufficient area to afford all animals within their enclosure protection from direct sunlight (shade structures may be permanent or temporary) while not limiting their ability to move/be too close to another animal.

- feeding and training must be performed so animals are not made to look directly into the sun

Space Requirements

- with regard to space - only areas that meet or exceed the minimum depth requirement could be used in determining whether the other parameters of MHD (minimum horizontal direction), volume and surface area meet the space requirements.

-APHIS would be authorized to determine if partial obstructions of a horizontal dimension compromise the intent of the regulations and/or restrict the freedom of movement of the animals in the enclosure.

Water Quality 

- in addition to coliform testing, another test for fecal contamination of water must be used on a weekly basis. Additional testing for suspect pathogenic organisms when there is evidence of health problems in the animals.

- any chemicals added to the pool must not cause harm to discomfort to the animals during the introduction or presence in the enclosure.

- all water quality records will have to be kept on site.

-pool water must be clear enough so animals health and behavior can be clearly monitored.

Swim-With-Programs 

- removal of buffer area in swim-with-programs, as long as access to the sanctuary area is unrestricted. 

- interaction between marine mammals and the public shall not exceed 3 hours a day (increased from 2 hours per day). 

- minimum of 1 attendant per marine mammal, and one to monitor interactions. Additionally the number of participants per marine mammal shall not exceed the number the attendant can “monitor safely”.

To comment on the above changes and view the primary documents click below:

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2006-0085