In response to Eduardo Fernandez's May 27 request for a review of The HSUS/WSPA booklet "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity, a critical review is always welcome; among other reasons, it assists in improving future editions. However, I would like to note that the public display community has had (for decades) ample opportunity - including in U.S. law - to make the argument FOR holding marine mammals in captivity. The "pro" platforms are myriad and include "Shamu TV" in San Diego, the facilities themselves, and any number of web sites, travel articles in popular media, and so on. The purpose of The HSUS/WSPA booklet was and is to respond to and rebut the claims made from those platforms - I would think an open debate on this topic would be welcome by both sides. A common argument made by the public display community is that those who oppose holding marine mammals in captivity have only emotional support for their position. The main motivation for producing this booklet is simply to point out that, on the contrary, there are substantive and yes, even science-based arguments AGAINST holding marine mammals in captivity. The views expressed in the booklet are supported by factual events, by peer-reviewed literature, and by other science-based documentation, where it exists. The rest is based on logic and organizational ethics and beliefs. It's a position paper - rebuttals (that are equally substantive and supported by peer-reviewed and science-based documentation where possible) are encouraged. _______________________________ Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist International Policy Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Ph 301 258 3048 Fax 301 258 3082 Eml nrose@hsi.org http://www.hsi.org <http://www.hsi.org> http://www.hsus.org <http://www.hsus.org/> NOTICE: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above. Thank you.