Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972

Hannah Wampler

About the Marine Mammal ActDraft Year: 1772Amendment Years: 1981, 1982, 1984, 1988,

and 1995National Act – though America has

international agreements to protect marine mammals

FunctionProvide protection for marine wildlife, specifically

mammalsProhibits the taking of marine mammals and the

import, export, and sale in the United StatesProhibits: hunting, killing, capture, harassment,

disruption of marine mammalsMMPA enforces laws and issues regulations Congress found that marine mammals are in danger of

extinction due to human activities and must be protected to preserve the balance of marine ecosystems

Enforcement: the federal government enforces the law – MMPA officers directly enforce it