美國自1972年已立法禁止於美國水域內捕捉海洋哺乳類，美國人亦不能於其他地方捕捉牠們及禁止進出口。美國喬治亞水族館於2013年被法庭拒從俄羅斯購入18條白鯨後，再次申訴希望獲特許。各方組織紛紛表態反對，希望法庭不要造成批准這些行為的先例。
since 1972, the US law prohibits the capture of marine mammals in the states’ waters. and their citizens could not do so elsewhere as well. the import and exports of marine mammals and their products are prohibited too. the Georgia Aquarium attempted to import 18 beluga whales from Russia and was rejected, and now they are asking the judge to overturn the denial. many people and organizations are opposing their attempt and hope that the judge would not set a sample for the future.
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/24/georgia-aquarium-import-beluga-whales-opposition
