David Kaplan’s letter, “Mystic Aquarium should not import belugas,” (Nov. 12), speaks to the spirit of caring for the future of whales. However, he misses the point in his rhetoric about Mystic Aquarium; most of it unfounded or untrue. 

Whale populations globally are going extinct. Mystic Aquarium is one of only a handful of institutions throughout the world focused on conservation research that is aimed at assuring that precious wild populations of whales can survive. The whales being considered for transport to Mystic Aquarium are all captive born animals living in an overcrowded situation. Not only is Mystic Aquarium providing a better life for these animals, it is assuring that it has a larger group of whales to validate studies that will advance conservation of belugas and other whales. 

The null hypothesis that Kaplan presents proposes nothing that helps save whales in the wild. Action is needed now to advance knowledge to help stem the inevitable extinction of wild populations. Engaging young people who visit the Aquarium in an understanding of the plight of whales and conservation research is essential to build public support that will bring about real and positive changes for wild whale populations.

Chris Reagan

Mystic