Applications of genetics to management and conservation of cetaceans: 92Z/00025 R. Lande, Report - International Whaling Commission, Special Issue, 13, 1991, pp 301–311

Abstract

This chapter focuses on human–dolphin and human–whale encounters for ethical questions that arise when considering that these types of highly visible interactions can be used as illustrations for human encounters with other marine mammals, including the pinnipeds, manatees (Trichechus spp.), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Understandably, there is much and growing public interest in these rendezvous. Individuals of these species are sentient beings (capable of experiencing pleasure and pain) and sentience must influence how we interact with them. New scientific data appear that force us to rethink what we know and to revise our stereotypes. For example, spindle cells, which were long thought to exist only in humans and other great apes, have been discovered in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the same area of their brains as spindle cells in human brains. This brain region is linked with social organization, empathy, and intuition about the feelings of others, as well as rapid gut reactions. Spindle cells are important in processing emotions. There is also a growing database showing that fish are sentient beings that experience pain and suffering and that dolphins and other cetaceans are highly intelligent and capable of experiencing pleasure and pain and have remarkable social and cognitive skills. Indeed, dolphins and other marine mammals seem to fulfill some criteria of ersonhood in that they are aware of their surroundings, sentient, and may have a sense of self.