Michael Bilirakis: “Florida currently holds about 40 percent of all captive dolphins. In addition, most of the dolphins that are seen in…”

“Florida currently holds about 40 percent of all captive dolphins. In addition, most of the dolphins that are seen in theme parks across the country were probably captured in Florida waters, This also holds true for dolphins exported to other countries. In 1972, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA], to ensure that these mammals were maintained at, or restored to, healthy population levels. The act established a moratorium on taking or importing marine mammals except for certain activities regulated and permitted under the act. These permitted activities include public display and scientific research. Unfortunately, jurisdiction over marine mammals has been divided among several agencies and I believe we have had a class example of the dangers of Federal bureaucracy. We have several agencies contradicting one another with regard to this act, and in some cases, the agencies have not ensured that dolphins are being treated humanely and captured properly. In the 102d Congress, I introduced legislation titled The Marine Mammal Capture, Export and Public Display Act. I reintroduced this legislation in the 103d Congress. Thus, I am pleased today that the committee has incorporated a few key provisions from my legislation into H.R. 2760.”