Federal Regulations
Overview of federal regulations including the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) protecting marine mammals in United States waters.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972. The act created a national policy to prevent the decline of marine mammal populations, and to protect both these species and their habitats. The MMPA prohibits the ‘take’ of marine mammals, which is defined as: “to harass, hunt, capture or kill [or the attempt thereof]” in United States waters, by U.S. citizens, or by importation of marine mammals or marine mammal products. Harassment may further be defined as any activity which “has the potential to injure or disturb … by causing disruption of behavioral patterns.” The maximum fine for violating the MMPA is $100,000 and one year in jail.