George Mannina

The public display of marine mammals plays an important role in promoting the conservation of these creatures, argues environmental lawyer George Mannina in the following viewpoint, originally given as testimony before a House Subcommittee, Mannina contends that organizations such as the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums have established marine park educational programs that have raised visitors’ awareness of the need to protect marine mammals. Moreover, marine parks conduct research that adds to scientists’ understanding of marine mammals and provide refuge for injured or stranded wild marine mammals.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What improvements and advancements have resulted from marine park studies of marine mammals, in Mannina’s view?
2. What success stories does the author...