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IMATA’s Code Of Professional Ethics

The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) recognizes its role in and responsibilities to the continued existence of oceanaria, aquaria, and laboratories housing marine animals. Trainers and other personnel involved in the husbandry and research of interplay between themselves, the animals in their care, and communities in which they live and work, and the public which they serve and to which they are ultimately responsible. Members of this Association, specifically, must maintain the fortitude and insight necessary to demonstrate a sense of responsibility, beyond reproach, within the principles of professionalism dictated by morality, logic, and knowledge. These are the qualities to which the Association and every member of the marine animal community must aspire. As a result, the highest standards of ethical conduct are expected of the members of this Association at all times in all places.

Both professional and social interactions among peers contribute to the achievement of the highest and most effective means of advancing the marine animal sciences through training, research, husbandry, and technology. IMATA is committed to providing means, consistent with its goals and objectives, by which its members are given opportunities to engage in and benefit from such interactions. Aware of the inherent need to maintain a positive image in the eye of the public-at-large, to better prepare its members to act as ambassadors of the marine mammal community in disseminating current knowledge and capability for the betterment of their profession, to promote dignity and respect for people as well as animals, and to ensure the best care possible for the animals in their charge, we, the members of IMATA, establish and adopt the following code of ethics.

As members of IMATA, each of us is committed to:

I.    Exercising the highest levels of respect and humaneness for all animals;

II.   Exercising professional integrity in representing ourselves as members of the marine animal community, as representatives of the facilities we serve, or as members of this Association;

III.  Fostering respect, understanding, and cooperation among fellow members and others associated with the zoological community in general and the marine animal community in particular; and

IV.  Contributing to the promotion of public and professional interest in IMATA and accepting the obligations of membership as required to the best of our abilities.


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