Southern Resident Orca Conservation: Practical, Ethical, and Political Issues

Samantha Muka, Chris Zarpentine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article focuses on practical, ethical and political issues that arise in the context of cetacean conservation. Our point of departure is the controversy surrounding plans to assist J50, an ailing member of the southern resident orca population, during the summer of 2018. A brief history of cetacean captivity provides context for the current backlash against captivity. We then argue that, in many cases, interventions aimed at capture, rehabilitation and release are practically feasible and that such interventions are ethically justifiable. Moreover, the political context highlights the importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders in conservation decision making.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-204
Number of pages16
JournalEthics, Policy and Environment
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Conservation
  • captivity
  • cetaceans
  • southern resident orca

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