Bill Overview
Title: SWIMS Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes prohibitions on capturing, importing, exporting, or breeding of orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, or pilot whales for the purpose of public display. Specifically, the bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from issuing any permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that authorizes the taking (e.g., capturing) or importation of such orcas or whales for the purpose of public display. The bill further revises the act to make it unlawful to export such orcas or whales, unless they are being transported to marine mammal sanctuaries or for release into the wild. Further, the bill makes it unlawful under the Animal Welfare Act for any person to breed or artificially inseminate such marine mammals for purposes of using their progeny for public display.
Sponsors: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in the well-being of marine mammals
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill impacts the well-being of orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales by prohibiting their capture, import, export, or breeding for public display.
- Conservation organizations and animal rights groups are affected as they would be interested in the welfare of these marine mammals.
- Businesses involved in the capture, import, export, and breeding of these marine mammals for public display will be affected economically.
- The public who visit marine parks and aquariums for entertainment, where these whales are displayed, will experience a change in the attractions available.
Reasoning
- The SWIMS Act directly affects marine parks and aquariums, influencing their business models by limiting available attractions.
- Animal rights activists and conservationists are likely supportive, as it aligns with their goals for marine welfare.
- Employees in marine parks might feel uncertainty about their job security due to potentially reduced visitor interest.
- General public visitors may have mixed feelings; some may support the conservation effort, while others miss the opportunity to see these mammals.
- Overall awareness and feelings toward animal welfare issues could amplify due to public discourse around implementation.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SWIMS Act is a crucial step toward ensuring the ethical treatment of marine mammals.
- I hope more sanctuaries will receive funding as a result of this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Marine Park Manager (San Diego, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The legislation poses a significant challenge to our business.
- We may need to find innovative ways to engage our audience without these mammals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Veterinary Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's fantastic that the SWIMS Act is prioritizing animal welfare.
- I look forward to contributing to rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Tourist Guide (Orlando, FL)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SWIMS Act might decrease the appeal of the aquarium, impacting my job security.
- It's bittersweet, believing in animal rights but fearing economic loss.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Environmental Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SWIMS Act is a morally positive shift in handling marine mammals ethically.
- I am pleased to see legislative action reflecting public calls for animal rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College Student (Omaha, NE)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of policies like SWIMS that enhance animal protection.
- It gives me hope for a career in marine conservation without compromising ethics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Animal Rights Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SWIMS Act validates what we've been fighting for.
- It's a victory for animal rights and sets a global precedent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Fisherman (Corpus Christi, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned SWIMS might inspire further regulations that could impede fishing operations.
- I need reassurance that local economies won't be overlooked.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Marketing Executive for Marine Park (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adjusting marketing strategies is challenging but necessary.
- I believe we can pivot by promoting our educational experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Travel Blogger (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the SWIMS Act as it aligns with ethical travel interests.
- It may change travel plans, but could lead to a richer experience focused on conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $7000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The welfare of marine mammals will be significantly improved under these new regulations.
- Economic impacts on businesses relying on marine mammal displays should be considered, with potential job losses or business model shifts expected.
- Compensation or transition assistance could be considered for affected businesses and workers.
- The bill may foster broader public engagement in marine conservation efforts.