Animal Welfare Statement

Seaquaria Ocean Education is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. The welfare of our animals is our highest priority when delivering school programs and visiting community events. We thoughtfully train our staff, carefully monitor water quality and conditions, and observe proper handling techniques. 

Animal welfare is defined as an animal’s collective physical, mental, and emotional states over a period of time, and is measured on a continuum from good to poor. 

It is our responsibility to ensure animal welfare is upheld, and staff are properly trained. 

Our staff are required to learn and adhere to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, which are expressed as follows;

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
                                 2. Freedom from Discomfort
                                 3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease
                                 4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
                                 5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

All of our animals are locally collected from the Salish Sea by WestWind SeaLab Supplies. These animals are cared for at Westwind facilities, but we are responsible for the care and welfare of each of these animals during transportation, school programs, and community events. 

We hold all necessary permits and licenses to collect and transport animals for our programs. It is our highest priority to protect the animals from undesirable flora/ fauna and spread disesases/ parasites while in our care. 

We carefully abide by road traffic safety regulations to ensure the animals reach each destination safely, and we use coolers to maintain quality water temperature control. 

Seaquaria staff are responsible for the safety of our animals during school programs and community events. Each participant is required to wash their hands without soap, and handle gently with care. 

Seaquaria Ocean Education operates our programs with permission from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We hold all appropriate licenses to collect and transport animals. 

If you have any questions regarding our animal welfare protocols, please email us at education@seaquaria.org