The Cove

Dolphin habitat, behaviour and dolphinariums

A central argument developed through The Cove is that for physiological reasons dolphins cannot adapt to dolphinariums, particularly of the amusement park variety.
Food chain and mercury poisoning

Before looking closely at the ways in which dolphins either adapt or do not adapt to particular salt-water environments, explain what Roger Payne means by his statement in the film that, ‘people and dolphins feed at the same level in the food chain’.

Draw an illustrated chart of a ‘food chain’ that demonstrates Payne’s comment.

Explain how and why dolphins in their ocean element can acquire high levels of mercury due to their position in the food chain.

Where does this mercury come from, and how does it enter the food chain? Show this on your chart.
Dolphin communications

From viewing the film, and from further examination of the issue, discuss in class and make notes on the ways in which dolphins are suited to living in natural ocean environments, and the methods by which they communicate with each other in those environments.

How do they react to noise?
Why is it that they suffer from nervous stress if barricaded or fenced in within those environments?
In what way is their sound perception, as suggested by O’Barry, ‘their downfall in Taiji’?
During the film O’Barry says, ‘... in these fish houses [at places such as Miami Sea World], you’ll see bottles of Maalox and Tagamet.’

Find out what these medicinal aids are normally used for, and whether they have any health side effects.
What claims does O’Barry make about Maalox and Tagamet in relation to dolphins?
From further research are we able to verify the truth of these claims?