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Lesa Lan Anh Tran

Dr. Lynda Haas
Writing 39C
29 May 2016
Advocacy for Dolphins
Introduction:
Charles Darwin, English naturalist and geologist, formulated the evolutionary theory on
the basis of how environmental factors have attributed to the development of animals and
humans. Humans are seen as superior, in comparison to animals, for their intelligence which
relates to other aspects such as communication, social groups, etc. Darwin's theory of evolution
ignited a discussion in the scientific community about the possibility of animal cognition and
communication. Since Darwins theory of evolution suggests that humans are an evolved form of
animals, then animals must possess similar cognitive and communicative abilities as humans.
This similarity between animals and humans, more so a relationship between humans and
animals, is demonstrated in Kathy Rudys, Professor in Womens Studies at Duke University,
scientific book, Loving Animals. Rudy demonstrates how understanding the animal's emotions
and their ability to express themselves is similar to those of human. This concept of selfexpression suggests that animals are as cognitively aware and as capable as humans are in many
aspects.
One of the many animals that researchers have found to possess distinctive cognitive and
communicative abilities are aquatic marine mammals, such as dolphins. Despite disputive claims
about cetaceans cognition, research dating back to the 1960s suggest and affirms the validity of
the concept of cetacean cognition and communication. Dr. John C. Lilly, a neuroscientist and

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pioneer researcher in dolphin human communication, highlights the possibility of interspecies

dolphin communication and intellect in his scientific book, The Mind of a Dolphin. While
highlighting dolphin communication and intellect, many scientists at the time were dubious of
Lillys claim on dolphin intellect and communication, suggesting that the research to be
inconclusive and that scientists were merely anthropomorphising dolphins, rather animals in
general. However, as time passed, researchers in the field of dolphin cognition and
communication, such as Toni Frohoff, Leslie Marino, Vincent M. Janik, and Louis M. Herman,
provide evidence that not only indicates but also defines dolphin intelligence and communication
abilities, similar to those of humans, through behavioral tasks and evolution. With such cognitive
similarities to humans, further methods on the treatment of cetaceans should be emplaced to
prevent the maltreatment of cetaceans in captivity and the wild.
Cetacean Cognition:
Cognition is defined to be the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and
understanding through thought, experience, and the senses according to Oxford Dictionaries.
Cetaceans are believed to have cognition through their cognitive and behavioral traits under
certain environments. According to scientists in the field of cetacean cognition, cognition can be
accessed in studies with both indirect and direct tests and interference to reveal memory,
relevant to cognition, and interrelationships. ( Marino L., Frohoff T.). While there are many
studies on cetacean cognition, each study suggests varying aspects of a cetacean ability to
display intelligence. One psychologist, Louis M. Herman, has studied cetacean cognition, in
particular dolphins, at the University of Hawaii for the past thirty-four years. Dr. Herman
discovered that dolphins exhibit behaviors that indicate intellectual competencies by being
capable of extracting general rules, interpreting and acting on images, as well as being innovative

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in arbitrary situations in his scholarly article, What the Labatory Told Us About Dolphin
Cogintion(324). In the scholarly article discussing his research, Dr. Hermans showed how
dolphins were capable of learning and understanding instructors given through artificial
languages. His research consisted of teaching Akeakamai, a young female bottlenose dolphin, a
language in which words were represented by gestures, and teaching Phoneix, a young
bottlenose dolphin, a language represented by arbitrary electronic sounds generated by a
computer and broadcasted into Phoenix's tank (314). Both bottlenose dolphins were able to
successfully interpret the sentences in varying grammatical formats. Dr, Herman concluded that
dolphins possess cognitive traits such as the capability to remember and learn. While Dr.
Hermans explanation and example of dolphin cognition is valid, Toni Frohoff and Leslie
Marino, specialists in the field of behavioral and wildlife biology, describe cetacean cognition as
a process of an individual, comprising of problem solving and self awareness. Marino and
Frohoff proceed to discuss in the article Towards a New Paradigm of Non-Captive Research on
Cetacean Cognition about behavioral tasks,such as mirror self-recognition test, the cetaceans
exhibit to demonstrate their intelligence. Catherine Kinsman, a colleague of Toni Frohoff,
researched the mirror self recognition test; she noted the approaching behavior of a beluga whale
to the reflective lense to view himself. Kinsman concluded that cetaceans have self awareness
and comprehensive abilities. In a separate article, Leslie Marino, neuroscientist, animal
behaviorist and marine biologist, describes cetacean cognition as the result the complexity and
evolution of cetacean cerebrum in comparison with other animals in the article, Cetaceans
Have Complex Brains for Complex Cognition. Evolution have benefitted cetacean brains as
now cetaceans have a brain features that are distinguishable from primate brains.

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Figure 1. Cetacean Brain Cells Marino e.t. al.

In Figure 1 (above), the cellular density of neuron and identifiable cortical domains and
regional complexity is similar to those seen in primates and carnivores (Marino et al.). Marino
suggests that due to the size and structural complexity of their brains, cetaceans are able to
process information and relay appropriate rational behaviors. One study performed focused on
the mimicry behavior of dolphins. Mimicry is the act of copying an observed behavior or sound
if given a symbolic instruction to do so ( Marino et. al.). Marino discovered that dolphins were
able to learn an association between sounds and events and display vocal and behavioral
mimicry, suggesting that dolphins were the only mammals aside from humans, capable of vocal
and behavioral mimicry. With the evolution enabling cetacean brain to have structural
complexity, cetaceans are capable of of displaying cognitive traits similar to those of humans.
Cetacean Communication:

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Aside from cognition, cetaceans are communicative animals. As mentioned earlier, Dr.
Hermans study showed that cetaceans are cognitive mammals capable of interpreting and
responding to signals represented by sound or by gestures. From Hermans study, the dolphins
learned semantic and syntactic rules of the learned language (316). The acquired knowledge of
semantic rules demonstrates the interspecies communication between humans and dolphins.
Herman explained the communicative abilities of dolphins reflects a dolphins social intelligence
(324). This communicative ability and social intelligence can also be applied when dolphins
communicate with one another due to their imitative characteristics. One biologist at the
University of St. Andrews, Vincent M. Janik, discusses the evolutionary vocal learning abilities
of various cetaceans as a means of a complex communication and social system between species
of aquatic marine mammals.Janik mentions in the article Cetacean Vocal Learning and
Communication that different aquatic marine mammals will have different cognitive and vocal
learning skills as a result of the necessity or lack of necessity to communicate and maintain a
social relationship with the species society. Janik determined that aquatic marine mammals
communicate using acoustic signals, containing detailed information, that travel through large
distances of water. Often times, there is signal interference so cetaceans will adapt by changing
the time of calls, or shifting frequency bands to improve signal transmission (10). Thus, the
research indicates cetacean adaptive communication process is similar to the evolution of
communication in nonhuman primates, suggesting cognition and social structure.
Ethicality of Cetacean Captivity and Endangerment:
From research dating back to the 1960s presented above, dolphins are proven to be
intelligent aquatic marine mammals capable of cognitive and communicative abilities that
resemble to humans. With all this knowledge on dolphin cognition and communication, the

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questions proceeds: Should dolphins be subjected to the cruel factors such as captivity and
climate change, to the point of endangerment. When discussing dolphin endangerment, it is
important to note the ethics that are involved in the treatment of the dolphins. Peter Singer, a
moral philosopher, and Richard Dawkins, a ethologist and biologist at Oxford University, defines
ethics as the means of putting yourself in others position. Singer and Dawkins expands on this
concept by discussing how every sentient beings interest, to reduce and prevent suffering,
should be taken into consideration. With this definition of ethics in mind, the ethics of dolphin
captivity in entertainment and the ethic behind the subjectivity of climate change on dolphins
will be analyzed.
Effects of Dolphin Captivity:
To begin with, table one from the article, Contesting captive cetaceans: (il)legal spaces
and the nature of dolphin in Urban Singapore demonstrates the positive and negative aspects of
dolphin captivity. This list highlights dolphins are subjected to incarceration, stress, and transspecies disease ( Neo e.t. Al. 242).To comprehend the horrific conditions, the underlying cause
must be noted. In the scholarly article, Bottlenose dolphins in Captivity, the Whale and
Dolphin Conservation Society explains why dolphins are captured for entertainment. The reason
is the dolphins cognitive ability to learn and retain knowledge taught by trainer(WDCS 1). As
mentioned above, dolphins are cognitive aquatic marine mammals capable of cognitive abilities
that resemble humans. Because dolphins are such intelligent mammals, it is advantageous in
economic terms for the entertainment industry to capture and train these sentient dolphins for
their sole benefit from tourism. In fact, over 2300 bottlenose dolphins were captured for display
purposes between 1972 and 1994 in the United States of America (1).While the points stated
above are true, there are many people who are dubious of concept of dolphin endangerment.

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Many believe that dolphin endangerment in captivity does not merely exist because dolphins
have a superior diet and access to veterinary care. Not to mention, dolphins are safer than if they
were in the wild. Even if they are confined to small spaces, dolphins have a better living
conditions and overall health. However this is not true with the knowledge of how many
dolphins were captured and how dolphins are subjected to stressful, small and confined
environment; the ethicality of the current treatment of dolphins should be questioned. Action
should be taken against, dolphin captivity for entertainment purposes.
Effects of Climate Change on Dolphins:
Another factor that attributes to the ethical question of dolphin endangerment is climate
change. Climate change is topic that is extensively discussed in the scientific community and is
known to greatly affect the lives humans, However, the effect of climate change on dolphins is
highly neglected by the scientific community. Researchers such as Dr. Natalia A. Dellabianca, an
ecologist, and Dr. Aleta A. Hohn, studied the effects of climate oscillation on the teeth of
dolphins. Dellabianca and Hohn analyzed change distribution and teeth, as teeth can indicate the
time and age of the specimen, to determine the correlation of climate change on marine
mammals of having an effect of somatic growth rates in dolphin (Dellabianca. N, Hohn. A.
2484). In addition, Dr. Colleen Burge, professor at the University of Maryland Institute of
Marine Environmental Technology, researches marine diseases resulting the environment. In her
paper, Climate Change Influences on Marine Infectious Diseases: Implications for Management
and Society, Burge relates climate change to the ecosystems of marine animals showing how it
negatively affects food source by diminishing it. Thus, marine species such as dolphins become
malnourished, potentially leading to other diseases and endangerment. However there is
skepticism of dolphin endangerment as a result of skepticism of climate change. There are many

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scientists that believe climate change is merely just another trend or cycle that the earth is
currently undergoing. Despite their beliefs, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration
(NASA) provide evidence that indicate the carbon dioxide level prior to this year for the past
40,000 years remained well under 300 parts per million (ppm). Whereas today, the carbon
dioxide level is at 400+ ppm. Based on knowledge of how carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
correlates with climate change, climate change is an environmental problem that is affecting
dolphins. By affecting the dolphins, more consideration should be taken to prevent global
warming and climate change from proceeding.
Solution:
As much as there is a cultural and an environmental problem of dolphin endangerment,
there are numerous simple solutions to this problem. For the cultural aspect of dolphin
endangerment, the entertainment industry should be considered. Dolphins are exploited and
subject to horrific conditions due to their ability to learn, retain, and perform. People are
constantly visiting aquariums and oceanariums, such as the infamous SeaWorld, to watch the
dolphins exhibit tricks they have learned. One solution to prevent the further exploitation of
dolphins for financial gain of oceanariums, suggested by One Green Planet, is to simply stop
going and stand up for the dolphins. One could stand up for the dolphins by getting educated and
by educating others about dolphin captivity. One possible way of educating others is through the
use of social media. Clay Shirky, Professor in News Media at New York University,believes that
social media is an efficient method of communicating with others globally and abundantly as
demonstrated. This is demonstrated numerous times such as the earthquake in china and
President Obamas website. The earthquake in China truly demonstrated how information could
be spread on a global scale quickly. In China, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Xinjiang.

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Chinese citizens used Twitter, a social media site, as mean of spreading information regarding
the devastating earthquake. The information was spread so quickly that the chinese government
did not know about the earthquake until hours later. The chinese government was unable to stop
and filter the information that was spread. This single event shows information can be spreaded
quickly and efficiently. The spread of awareness across social media will attribute the solving the
problem of dolphin endangerment.
Another solution to dolphin endangerment considers the environmental aspect of the
problem. As mentioned above, climate change not only affects humans, but it affects dolphins by
affecting their habitats in the wild. One aspect that is significantly contributing to climate change
is the emission of greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gas refers to a gas, often carbon dioxide and
chlorofluorocarbons, capable of absorbing infrared radiation that is released into the atmosphere.
This is harmful to the environment of dolphins, in particular their prey, as the ocean water
temperature is raised. If the prey of dolphins are not capable of adapting to such temperatures,
then they would die. This affects the dolphins, as their source of food is limited.
One solution to prevent global warming is lowering the emission rates on a project by
project basis (Price L,, e.t.al 8). One project would be using different methods of obtaining
energy as greenhouse gas is often emitted from electricity production. The solution to the project
would be to use other means to obtain electricity is to harness sunlight using solar panels.
Another project would be to use different method of transportation. Greenhouse gas emission
from transportation account for about 26% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emission. ( EPA). The
solution to this project would be to use more fuel efficient cars or electric cars. Currently, the US
has incentives for purchasing electric cars such as tax exemption, income tax credit, and carpool
lane access.

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Another project is marine renewable energy and technology. This industry is expanding
significantly. Marine renewable energy and technology refers to energy harnessed from wind,
waves, or other resources in the ocean. Theoretically, it is a good method of obtaining energy, as
it is abundantly supplied in comparison to nuclear energy. However, this affects exposed marine
areas, causing harm to marine animals, dolphins that interact with windmills and such
technology in the ocean (Shields A., e.t.al 1-2). This is beneficial method for reducing the carbon
footprint in regards to climate change; however, it is not beneficial for the inhabitants of the
ocean. Thus, other means of obtaining energy, such a solar power, should be used.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, research shows that dolphins have the cognitive and communicative
capacity that resemble human cognition and communication. As a result, the ethics of dolphin
treatment should be analyzed to determine if current treatment of dolphins are sufficient. The
analysis shows that dolphins are subjected to horrific conditions and abuse in captivity and are
subjected to an altering habitat in the wild due to climate change. Solutions to dolphin
endangerment in captivity and the wild suggest getting informed, informing others, and taking
actions to prevent further contribution towards climate change ( i.e. reducing ones carbon
footprint individually and on a global scale).

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Work Cited:
"Bottlenose Dolphin in Captivity." Whale and Dolphin Conservation Socity: 1. Web. 22 May
2016.
Burge. C, e.t.al Climate Change Influences on Marine Infectious Diseases: Implications for
Management and Society Annual Review of Marine Science. 2014. Print.
"Climate Change Evidence: How Do We Know?" Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet.
Web. 27 May 2016.
Herman, Louis M. What Laboratory Research has Told US about Dolphin Cognition. \
International Society of Comparative Pyschology. (2010).311-330. Web. 19 Apr.2016
"How You Can Stop Global Warming." NRDC. 2016. Web. 21 May 2016.

Janik, Vincent M. Cetacean Vocal Learning and Communication Current Opinion of

Neurobiology. (2014). Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
Lilly. John C. The Mind of the Dolphin: a Nonhuman Intelligence. New York, N.Y.: Avon. 1969
Print.
Marino, Lori et al. Cetaceans Have Complex Brains for Complex Cognition.PLoS Biology
5.5 (2007):e139. PMC. Web. 19 Apr. 2016
Marino,L., Frohoff, T. Towards a New Paradigm of Non-Captive Research on Cetacean
Cognition. PLoS ONE 6.9. (2011). Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
Neo, H, Ngiam J.Z. Contesting Captive Cetaceans: (Il)legal Spaces and the Nature of Dolphins
in Urban Singapore Social & Cultural Geography. (2014)

Price, Lynn, Scott Murtishaw, and Ernst Worrell. Evaluation of Metrics and Baselines for

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Tracking Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trends: Recommendations for the

California Climate Action Registry. United States:, 2003. Web.
doi:10.2172/840233.

Rudy, Kathy. Loving Animals: Toward a New Animal Advocacy. Minneapolis: University of
Minnesota. 2011. Print.
Shields A. Mark; Payne L. Andrew. Marine Renewable Energy Technology and
Environmental Interactions. Print. 2014. Web.