With some exceptions, the MMPA prohibits the “take” of marine mammals —including harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, or killing—in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas. The act also makes it illegal to import marine mammals and marine mammal products into the United States without a permit.
Does the Marine Mammal Protection Act work?
Since the Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted 45 years ago, no species of marine mammals has gone extinct in U.S. waters. And it protects a lot of marine mammals —125 marine mammal species worldwide are managed under the MMPA. ... Marine mammals are also doing better in U.S. waters than elsewhere in the world.
What is the significance of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972?
The MMPA prohibits the taking and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products , where “take” means to harass, feed, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, or to attempt to do so. However, exceptions to that prohibition may be made for: Pre-MMPA specimens taken before December 21, 1972.
How does the Marine Mammal Center help marine mammals?
The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education .
How does the IWC protect marine mammals?
The main duty of the IWC is to amend the Convention’s Schedule of Regulations by designating protected species, open and closed whaling seasons and waters for whaling , determine size limits, methods and intensity of whaling, types of gear to be used, and methods of measurement and maximum catch returns.
What are the penalties of the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
Penalties. Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act may result in fines of up to $100,000 and one year’s imprisonment for individuals and up to $200,000 for organizations . In addition, aircraft, vessels, or other conveyances used in violations may be required to forfeit their cargo.
Who enforces the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
How are protections for marine mammals enforced? NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement encourages compliance with and enforces all of the marine statutes and regulations for which NOAA Fisheries
How is the Marine Mammal Protection Act enforced?
The U.S. Department of Commerce, through NOAA Fisheries
What caused the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
Why do we protect marine mammals? The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted in response to increasing concerns among scientists and the public that significant declines in some species of marine mammals were caused by human activities.
Why do people hunt marine animals?
Marine mammals have also been hunted with the intention of reducing their predation on valued resources such as fish, crustaceans, or mollusks . Ancient middens testify to the importance of marine mammals in the lives of early maritime people around the world.
Is a dolphin a marine mammal?
Marine mammals are found in marine ecosystems around the globe. ... Marine mammals are classified into four different taxonomic groups: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and marine fissipeds (polar bears and sea otters).
What are the 5 types of marine mammals?
Marine mammals are classified into four different taxonomic groups: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) , pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and marine fissipeds (polar bears and sea otters).
Which are the smallest marine mammals?
Diving and foraging energetics of the smallest marine mammal, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris
What is the definition of harassment of marine mammals?
Level A harassment means any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild.
When was the Marine Mammal Protection Act passed?
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted on October 21, 1972 . All marine mammals are protected under the MMPA.
What is the penalty for harassing hunting capturing or killing any marine mammals such as a manatee?
It is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, including manatees. Anything that disrupts a manatee’s normal behavior is a violation, punishable under Federal law by up to a $50,000 fine, one-year imprisonment, or both .
