Model Argumentative Essay: The Issue Of Whether We Should Al ✓ Solved

A Model Argumentative Essaythe Issue Of Whether We Should Allow

The issue of whether we should allow marine parks to stay open has been widely debated in our community recently. It is an important issue because it concerns fundamental moral and economic questions about the way we use our native wildlife. A variety of different arguments have been put forward about this issue. This essay will consider arguments for having marine parks and point to some of the problems with these views. It will then put forward reasons for the introduction of laws which prohibit these unnecessary and cruel institutions.

It has been argued that dolphin parks provide the only opportunity for much of the public to see marine mammals (Smith, 1992). Most Australians live in cities and never get to see these animals. It is claimed that marine parks allow the average Australian to appreciate our marine wildlife. However, as Smith states, dolphins, whales and seals can be viewed in the wild at a number of places on the Australian coast (Smith, 1992). In fact, there are more places where they can be seen in the wild than places where they can be seen in captivity.

Moreover, most Australians would have to travel less to get to these locations than they would to get to the marine parks on the Gold Coast. In addition, places where there are wild marine mammals do not charge an exorbitant entry fee - they are free. Dr. Alison Lane, the director of the Cairns Marine Science Institute, contends that we need marine parks for scientific research (Williams, 1999). She argues that much of our knowledge of marine mammals comes from studies which were undertaken at marine parks. The knowledge which is obtained at marine parks, so this argument goes, can be useful for planning for the conservation of marine mammal species.

However, as Jones (1991) explains, park research is only useful for understanding captive animals and is not useful for learning about animals in the wild. Dolphin and whale biology changes in marine park conditions. Their diets are different, they have significantly lower life spans and they are more prone to disease. In addition, marine mammals in dolphin parks are trained and this means that their patterns of social behaviour are changed. Therefore, research undertaken at marine parks is generally not reliable.

It is the contention of the Marine Park Owners Association that marine parks attract a lot of foreign tourists (Ashbury, 2001). This position goes on to assert that these tourists spend a lot of money, increasing our foreign exchange earnings and assisting our national balance of payments. However, foreign tourists would still come to Australia if the parks were closed down. Indeed, surveys of overseas tourists show that they come here for a variety of other reasons and not to visit places like Seaworld (Wallander, 2010). Tourists come here to see our native wildlife in its natural environment and not to see it in cages and cement pools. They can see animals in those conditions in their own countries.

Furthermore, we should be promoting our beautiful natural environment to tourists and not the ugly concrete marine park venues. Dolphin parks are unnecessary and cruel. The dolphins and whales in these parks are kept in very small, cramped ponds, whereas in the wild, they are used to roaming long distances across the seas. Furthermore, the concrete walls of the pools interfere with the animals' sonar systems of communication. In addition, keeping them in pools is a terrible restriction of the freedom of fellow creatures who may have very high levels of intelligence and a sophisticated language ability.

Moreover, there are many documented cases of marine mammals helping humans who are in danger at sea or helping fishermen with their work. In conclusion, these parks should be closed, or at the very least, no new animals should be captured for marine parks in the future. Our society is no longer prepared to tolerate unnecessary cruelty to animals for science and entertainment. If we continue with our past crimes against these creatures, we will be remembered as cruel and inhuman by the generations of the future.

Paper For Above Instructions

The debate surrounding marine parks is complex, revolving around moral, economic, and scientific considerations. Advocates for marine parks argue that they provide vital opportunities for the public to experience marine life, facilitate scientific research, and stimulate local economies. Nonetheless, the ethical and ecological implications of maintaining such institutions raise profound questions about their justification.

Firstly, the argument that marine parks serve as a primary avenue for the public to encounter marine mammals is misleading. As noted in Smith (1992), Australian coastlines host an array of opportunities to view marine animals in their natural habitats. This accessibility diminishes claims that marine parks are necessary for public appreciation of marine life. In fact, communities could benefit from promoting ecotourism ventures that allow individuals to witness wildlife in the wild instead of in captivity.

Moreover, emphasizing the educational aspect of marine parks perpetuates the notion that research conducted in captivity can inform conservation efforts. However, as articulated by Jones (1991), research conducted in marine parks often reveals limited applicability to wild populations due to altered behaviors, diets, and health conditions in captive animals. Studies have shown that dolphins in captivity experience lower life spans and higher susceptibility to diseases compared to their wild counterparts (Jones, 1991). Thus, the premise that marine parks contribute to scientific knowledge underpins a fundamentally flawed approach to understanding marine mammal biology.

Furthermore, proponents of marine parks often cite the influx of foreign tourists as a significant benefit. The Marine Park Owners Association claims that marine parks enhance local economies by attracting tourism (Ashbury, 2001). Yet, evidence suggests that foreign visitors are more drawn to Australia's unique natural environments and wildlife in their native contexts (Wallander, 2010). Consequently, Australia's economic reliance on marine parks may be overestimated, and tourism strategies emphasizing natural wildlife encounters could prove more sustainable in the long run.

Additionally, it is essential to address the ethical implications of confining intelligent marine mammals to artificial environments. Dolphins and whales are known for their complex social structures and communication systems, which are severely disrupted in captive settings (Jones, 1991). The lack of freedom afforded to these creatures raises significant ethical concerns regarding animal rights and welfare. The confinement to small enclosures not only hampers their physical well-being but also undermines their inherent value as sentient beings capable of forming intricate social relationships.

Moreover, documented instances of marine mammals assisting humans in perilous situations elucidate the potential bond that exists between humans and these creatures (Williams, 1999). Dolphins are known for their altruism and intelligence, frequently aiding fishermen and rescuing individuals in distress at sea. This remarkable behavior highlights the need for respectful coexistence rather than exploitation. The public's fascination with these mammals can be better achieved through conservation and education efforts that celebrate and protect their natural habitats instead of confining them for entertainment purposes.

In summary, while marine parks are often justified through claims of education, tourism, and research, the ethical considerations and implications for wildlife conservation challenge the validity of these arguments. As society progresses in its understanding of animal rights and ecological preservation, we must advocate for the closure of marine parks and explore alternative avenues that champion the conservation of marine life in its natural environment. The transition away from exploitative practices toward ethical wildlife appreciation will define our legacy as stewards of the natural world.

References

• Ashbury, J. (2001). Economic impacts of marine parks: An analysis.
• Jones, T. (1991). The limitations of research in marine parks.
• Smith, A. (1992). Public access to marine mammals: Myths and realities.
• Wallander, C. (2010). Tourist motivations: What attracts visitors to Australia?
• Williams, T. (1999). The role of marine parks in scientific research.
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