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Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. By: Madeline Rathle and Peyton Domning. What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act?.

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Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972

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  1. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 • By: Madeline Rathle and Peyton Domning

  2. What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act? • The MMPA prohibits, with certain exceptions, the "take” of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the U.S. • “Take” is defined under the MMPA as "harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect.“

  3. Why? • Some marine mammal species or stocks may be in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities. • These species or stocks must not be permitted to fall below their optimum sustainable population level. • Measures should be taken to replenish these species or stocks. • There is inadequate knowledge of the ecology and population dynamics. • Marine mammals have proven to be resources of great international significance.

  4. Has the Act improved the situation of marine mammals? • YES!! Populations of formerly declining species such as the West Indian Manatee, California sea lion, Pacific harbor seal and elephant seal have steadily increased. The MMPA has also played a key role in helping to reduce conflicts between polar bears and humans in Alaska. • The researchers say there are some problems, however, the law has not successfully addressed: new diseases, depleted food resources (which might be behind the recent California sea lion strandings), and underwater ship noise that can drown out whale songs and other marine mammal communications . • Some people think that it needs to be extended all around the world and encompass all marine life, not just mammals.

  5. Amendments (1994) • Certain exceptions to the take prohibitions, including for small takes incidental to specified activities, when access by Alaska Natives to marine mammal subsistence resources can be preserved, and permits and authorizations for scientific research; • A program to authorize and control the taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations • Preparation of stock assessments for all marine mammal stocks in waters under U.S. jurisdiction; and • Studies of pinniped-fishery interactions.

  6. Fun Fact! • MMPA also stands for other things, so it is confusing when googling pictures…. • MMPA=Multicultural Motion Pictures Association • MMPA=Michigan Milk Producers Association • MMPA=Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association • MMPA=Minnesota Municipal Power Agency • MMPA=Music Magazine Publishers Association These people love milk!

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