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: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved or interested in public display of marine mammals
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The primary impacted entities are marine mammals like orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales, but they are not part of the human population.
- Individuals and organizations involved in the capture, breeding, and display of these marine mammals for public entertainment or educational purposes will be directly affected.
- Employees of marine aquariums and park operators, where these animals are currently displayed, may experience changes in their employment due to shifts in job roles or reductions in workforce.
- Conservationists and animal rights activists may be indirectly impacted positively by this legislation as it aligns with their advocacy goals.
- Tourists and visitors to marine parks could be affected by the potential changes in exhibits and educational programs.
- The general public may experience a societal or cultural impact due to changes in access to live displays of these marine mammals.
Reasoning
- The policy directly impacts the capture and public display sectors related to marine mammals, which is a niche industry with concentrated stakeholders.
- Employees in marine parks might experience shifts in job nature or even job loss, impacting their wellbeing.
- Preservation efforts aligned with environmentalists could boost their morale, indirectly increasing their satisfaction.
- Tourists may lose some interest if the whale displays are significant attractions, slightly affecting tourism-related employment.
- Research and educational programs relying on live displays might need to adjust, affecting those dependent on such programs.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is long overdue.
- It aligns with our goals for ethical treatment and conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Aquarium Show Trainer (California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could mean I might lose my job or have to switch to a different role with these changes.
- It's going to be an adjustment, but I care about animal welfare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tourist (Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the ethical concerns, but I will miss seeing these animals up close.
- The educational aspect is what I appreciate most during visits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (Washington)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally! This is a win for animal rights.
- It's a step forward towards more ethical treatment of all animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
School Teacher (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This may alter our educational trips, but ethical considerations are important.
- Finding alternative ways to engage students with marine life will be necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Alaska)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could positively impact marine populations, which is essential for the health of the seas.
- Might balance the ecosystem, benefiting all marine activities in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Marine Mammal Specialist (Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a move towards more humane treatment.
- I foresee research benefiting from more natural studies.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tourism Consultant (California)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tourism will have to pivot, but this policy can enhance responsible tourism long-term.
- Educating tourists on why changes are happening will be crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Seafood Restaurant Owner (Georgia)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Healthier oceans mean better business for the seafood industry.
- Conservation measures are favorable but need community involvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Educational Program Developer (Ohio)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean fewer live shows, but allows room for innovative educational digital tools.
- We'll need to think creatively to maintain public engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The enforcement of new prohibitions will require investment in regulatory monitoring.
- Marine parks may experience significant changes in exhibit focus and revenue streams.
- Assumptions around the establishment of marine mammal sanctuaries as alternatives have not been fully budgeted.