Duties

These scientists study dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals, seeking to understand their behavior, distribution,  habitat requirements, and other keys to their survival.  The scientists often work in universities, independent research organizations, within governments, or with advocacy groups that protect marine environments. 

Education and Background

Working with marine mammals is very popular, so specialists in the field need excellent educations, often Ph.Ds., to be competitive. Experience working with marine mammals (for example, with a stranding rescue group) is also essential.

Professional Development

Learn more about The HSUS's marine mammal protection efforts.

HSUS Policy Statement on Marine Mammals

The HSUS opposes the killing of marine mammals for commercial, sport, ceremonial, "nuisance management," and other non-subsistence purposes—for example, the harpooning of whales, clubbing of seals, drowning of porpoises and other marine mammals in fishing nets and gear, and shooting of marine mammals from fishing and other commercial vessels with rifles. We also oppose the chase, capture, and confinement of wild marine mammals in marine parks and aquariums because such activities result in considerable animal suffering.

The HSUS therefore supports measures to protect all marine mammals by:

1. Supporting a total ban on all commercial whaling (as adopted by the International Whaling Commission) and the imposition of sanctions against those nations that refuse to comply with the   ban
2. Supporting a total ban on all commercial seal hunts, including the harp and hooded seal hunt by Canada
3. Opposing the sport hunting of marine mammals
4. Supporting the moratorium on taking and importing marine mammals established by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and encouraging effective administration and enforcement of its provisions
5. Seeking the development of new fishing practices and gear that will prevent injury to and death by drowning of marine mammals incidentally entangled in fishing nets and line
6. Seeking an end to the capture of wild marine mammals for the purpose of public display in the United States and abroad