What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act?

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is a federal law passed in 1972 to protect marine mammals, such as whales and seals, from being hunted or captured. The law was enacted in response to the declining numbers of such species due to human activities, such as unregulated hunting and environmental pollution. The MMPA prohibits the taking of any marine mammal, as well as the import, export, sale, and transport of any marine mammal or its parts. It also regulates the activities of marine mammal research and viewing, making sure any activities are conducted in a way that does not disturb or harm the animals. In addition, the MMPA gives the federal government authority to establish a system of sanctuaries and reserves to protect whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. In Washington, the Outer Coast Marine Mammal Protection Area and the San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Protection Area are both designated under the MMPA to help protect the animals in these areas. Violating the provisions of the MMPA is a crime, and individuals can be fined and/or face criminal charges if they do not abide by the law. The MMPA also allows citizens to sue violators in civil court, allowing them to pursue damages in addition to criminal penalties. The Marine Mammal Protection Act has been highly successful in protecting marine mammals and is widely regarded as one of the most effective environmental laws in the United States.

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What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act?

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