Fisheries committee  I was just going to comment that Vancouver Aquarium has only one animal.

Fisheries committee  In essence, yes, and in essence, no. It's a very complicated question with an even more complex answer, but in essence, yes. One hundred percent of the adult male orcas in captivity have collapsed dorsal fins, yet in the wild, it's less than 1%.

Fisheries committee  Sure. I was actually involved with the situation with J50 and was on the ground there trying to help, so I'm very familiar with it. I believe there was a lot of collaboration between both governments. The legislation that's being proposed before you now does make allowance for individuals to go into sanctuaries.

Fisheries committee  I have observed literally hundreds of different individuals. I can say without a doubt that every single one of them has shown neurotic, abnormal, repetitive behaviours. The scientific term for those is “stereotypy”. Stereotypies can range from self-harming behaviours with the animal banging their head against the wall until they literally rip the skin off, to chewing on concrete where they will wear their teeth down to the gums and fracture teeth.

Fisheries committee  Yes, absolutely. I'd just like to respectfully point out that the price to go and see these animals in captivity is actually more than going to see them through many of the whale-watching companies around the world. That argument, then, is often null and void. Also, in terms of abuse, we have documented extensive abuse of these animals.

Fisheries committee  Sure.

Fisheries committee  I agree with Senator Sinclair.

Fisheries committee  Good afternoon, everybody. I want to extend a thank you to all, for giving me the opportunity to assist you in your decision-making process for this timely and relevant bill. Thank you for the kind words. I just wanted to point out that I am a scientist specializing in the study of cetaceans, and I definitely support this bill.