To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the taking, importation, exportation, and breeding of certain cetaceans for public display, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · January 30, 2024
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The SWIMS Act of 2024 amends federal animal protection laws to prohibit the capture, breeding, and international trade of four cetacean species—orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales—for use in public display facilities like marine parks and aquariums. The bill is based on scientific findings that these large-brained mammals suffer in captivity, experiencing premature death, psychological distress, and isolation in inadequate tank environments. The legislation allows limited exceptions only for transporting these animals to marine sanctuaries or for release into the wild, with no authorization for breeding these species for commercial display purposes. The bill affects marine parks, aquariums, and entertainment facilities currently housing these cetaceans, as well as any individuals or companies involved in capturing or breeding them. No specific funding or implementation timeline is specified in the legislation; enforcement would fall to the Secretary of Commerce under existing Marine Mammal Protection Act procedures.
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