{"id":34,"date":"2015-10-14T15:02:42","date_gmt":"2015-10-14T15:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2022-10-20T12:50:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T16:50:20","slug":"marine-mammal-protection-act","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/about-the-commission\/our-mission\/marine-mammal-protection-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Marine Mammal Protection Act"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"heading-two\" class=\"heading-two\" id=\"celebrating-50-years\">Celebrating 50 Years<\/h2>\n<p>The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted in October 1972 in partial response to growing concerns among scientists and the general public that certain species and populations of marine mammals were in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities. The MMPA set forth a national policy to prevent marine mammal species and population stocks from diminishing, as a result of human activities, beyond the point at which they cease to be significant functioning elements of the ecosystems of which they are a part.<\/p>\n<p>This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the MMPA.\u00a0 We have accomplished a lot in the past 50 years, and the status of many marine mammal species has improved.\u00a0 While some species of large whales are finally recovering from centuries of whaling and many pinniped species also have successfully rebounded from overexploitation, many marine mammals still face direct and indirect impacts from fisheries, habitat loss, and other human activities.\u00a0 Great challenges lie ahead in the warming and rising seas of climate change and continued human dependence on the oceans, and we still have much work ahead of us to understand and manage threats to ensure that marine mammals have a bright future.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"heading-four\" class=\"heading-four\" id=\"50th-anniversary-celebration-videos\">50th Anniversary Celebration Videos<\/h4>\n<p>We asked leaders in the field to reflect on the successes of the last 50 years and identify future priorities to ensure marine mammals and their environment thrive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/about-the-commission\/our-mission\/marine-mammal-protection-act\/50th-anniversary-video-testimonials\/\">View our 50th anniversary testimonial webpage to view our partner’s videos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We appreciate the work by our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Fish and Wildlife Service and applaud their commitment to protecting marine mammals and helping their populations thrive.\u00a0 Please join our agencies this year as we celebrate 50 years of ocean and coastal conservation, acknowledging not just the 50th anniversary of the MMPA, but of three additional laws that helped form the foundation for the nation\u2019s marine stewardship: the Clean Water Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/50-years-ocean-coastal-conservation\">Visit our website<\/a> to learn how you can get involved and help protect your ocean and coasts for the next 50 years to come.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10027 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/joint-logos.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"603\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/joint-logos.jpg 1558w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/joint-logos-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/joint-logos-1024x454.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/joint-logos-1536x681.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-two\" class=\"heading-two\" id=\"the-act\">The Act<\/h2>\n<section class=\"callout alignright\">\n<p class=\"callout-text\">Ecosystem-based management is an integrated management approach that recognizes the full array of interactions within an ecosystem, including humans, rather than considering single issues, species, or ecosystem services in isolation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"callout-text\">To learn more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/ecosystems.noaa.gov\">ecosystems.noaa.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>The MMPA was the first legislation to mandate an ecosystem-based approach to marine resource management. Under the MMPA, Congress directed that the primary objective of marine mammal management should be to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem and, when consistent with that primary objective, to obtain and maintain optimum sustainable populations of marine mammals. The ecosystem approach has been incorporated in other U.S. statutes including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/laws-policies\">Magnuson\u2013Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act<\/a>, in legislation in other countries, and in international agreements such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccamlr.org\/\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-modal=\"disclaimer\">Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The MMPA includes a general moratorium on the taking and importing of marine mammals (Sec. 101 (a)), which is subject to a number of exemptions. The MMPA also established the Marine Mammal Commission (Sec. 201) and provides the authority under which the Commission operates. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/about-the-commission\/our-mission#duties-under-the-mmpa\">Learn more about the Commission\u2019s duties under the MMPA.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Download a complete copy of the MMPA, or use the links below to browse individual sections:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf\">Full text of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (as amended 2019)<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"table-of-contents\">Table\u00a0of Contents<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=5\">Sec. 2.<\/a> Findings and declaration of policy<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=6\">Sec. 3.<\/a> Definitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=10\">Sec. 4.<\/a> Effective date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"graphic alignright\" data-modal=\"photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-686 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_polar_bears-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"Beaufort Sea coast in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge\" width=\"520\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_polar_bears.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_polar_bears-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption><p>A polar bear keeps close to her young along the Beaufort Sea coast in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Susanne Miller, FWS)<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"title-i-conservation-and-protection-of-marine-mammals\">Title I\u2014Conservation and Protection of Marine Mammals<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=11\">Sec. 101.<\/a> Moratorium and exceptions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=20\">Sec. 102.<\/a> Prohibitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=22\">Sec. 103.<\/a> Regulations on taking of marine mammals<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=24\">Sec. 104.<\/a> Permits<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=33\">Sec. 105.<\/a> Penalties<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=33\">Sec. [ ].<\/a> Disposition of fines<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=33\">Sec. 106.<\/a> Vessel fine, cargo forfeiture, and rewards<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=34\">Sec. 107.<\/a> Enforcement<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=36\">Sec. 108.<\/a> International program<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=38\">Sec. 109.<\/a> Federal cooperation with States<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=44\">Sec. 110.<\/a> Marine mammal research grants<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=46\">Sec. 111.<\/a> Commercial fisheries gear development<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=47\">Sec. 112.<\/a> Regulations and administration<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=47\">Sec. 113.<\/a> Application to other treaties and conventions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=48\">Sec. 114.<\/a> Interim exemption for commercial fisheries<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=58\">Sec. 115.<\/a> Status review; conservation plans<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=60\">Sec. 116.<\/a> Authorization of appropriations<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=60\">Sec. [ ].<\/a> Dolphin protection<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=65\">Sec. 117.<\/a> Stock assessments<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=67\">Sec. 118.<\/a> Taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=80\">Sec. 119.<\/a> Marine mammal cooperative agreements in Alaska<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=81\">Sec. 120.<\/a> Pacific Coast Task Force; Gulf of Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"callout alignright\">\n<p class=\"callout-text\">The MMPA established the Marine Mammal Commission to provide independent oversight of the marine mammal conservation policies and programs being carried out by federal regulatory agencies.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"title-ii-marine-mammal-commission\">Title II\u2014Marine Mammal Commission<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=87\">Sec. 201.<\/a> Establishment of Commission<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=88\">Sec. 202.<\/a> Duties of Commission<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=89\">Sec. 203.<\/a> Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=89\">Sec. 204.<\/a> Commission reports<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=90\">Sec. 205.<\/a> Coordination with other Federal agencies<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=90\">Sec. 206.<\/a> Administration of Commission<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=90\">Sec. 207.<\/a> Authorization of appropriations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"title-iii-international-dolphin-conservation-program\">Title III\u2014International Dolphin Conservation Program<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=91\">Sec. 301.<\/a> Findings and policy<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=92\">Sec. 302.<\/a> International Dolphin Conservation Program<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=93\">Sec. 303.<\/a> Regulatory authority of the Secretary<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=95\">Sec. 304.<\/a> Research<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=97\">Sec. 305.<\/a> Reports by the Secretary<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=97\">Sec. 306.<\/a> Permits<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=99\">Sec. 307.<\/a> Prohibitions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"graphic alignright\" data-modal=\"photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-688 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_ship_whales-multisector-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Whales swimming near cargo ship.\" width=\"520\" height=\"347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_ship_whales-multisector-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_ship_whales-multisector-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2.1.1_ship_whales-multisector.jpg 1125w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption><p>Whales swimming near a cargo ship. (NOAA)<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"title-iv-marine-mammal-health-and-stranding-response-program\">Title IV\u2014Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=100\">Sec. 401.<\/a> Establishment of program<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=100\">Sec. 402.<\/a> Determination; data collection and dissemination<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=101\">Sec. 403.<\/a> Stranding response agreements<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=101\">Sec. 404.<\/a> Unusual mortality event response<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=103\">Sec. 405.<\/a> Unusual mortality event activity funding<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=104\">Sec. 406.<\/a> Liability<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=105\">Sec. 407.<\/a> National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank and tissue analysis<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=106\">Sec. 408.<\/a> John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=108\">Sec. 409.<\/a> Authorization of appropriations<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=108\">Sec. 410.<\/a> Definitions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"heading-three\" class=\"heading-three\" id=\"title-v-polar-bears\">Title V\u2014Polar Bears<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=110\">Sec. 501.<\/a> Definitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=110\">Sec. 502.<\/a> Prohibitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=111\">Sec. 503.<\/a> Administration<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=112\">Sec. 504.<\/a> Cooperative management agreement; authority to delegate enforcement authority<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=112\">Sec. 505.<\/a> Commission appointments; compensation, travel expenses, and claims<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=114\">Sec. 506.<\/a> Votes taken by the United States Section on matters before the Commission<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=114\">Sec. 507.<\/a> Implementation of actions taken by the Commission<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=114\">Sec. 508.<\/a> Application with other titles of Act<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/MMPA_March2019.pdf#page=115\">Sec. 509.<\/a> Authorization of appropriations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"heading-two\" class=\"heading-two\" id=\"implementing-regulations\">Implementing Regulations<\/h2>\n<section class=\"callout alignright\">\n<p class=\"callout-text\">All marine mammals are protected under the MMPA.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has responsibility for the conservation and management of sea and marine otters, walruses, polar bears, three species of manatees, and dugongs. FWS\u00a0also has jurisdiction for the import and export of all marine mammals listed under the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fws.gov\/international\/cites\/\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-modal=\"disclaimer\">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has responsibility for the conservation and management of pinnipeds other than walruses (e.g., seals and sea lions) and cetaceans (e.g., whales and dolphins).<\/p>\n<p>Use the links below to learn more about the regulations and policies of\u00a0FWS and NMFS for implementing the MMPA:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gpo.gov\/fdsys\/pkg\/CFR-2001-title50-vol1\/pdf\/CFR-2001-title50-vol1-part18.pdf\">FWS implementing regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/national\/marine-mammal-protection\/marine-mammal-protection-act-policies-guidance-and-regulations\">NMFS regulations and policies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrating 50 Years The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted in October 1972 in partial response to growing concerns among scientists and the general public that certain species and populations of marine mammals were in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities. The MMPA set forth a national policy to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":29,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"spay_email":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Marine Mammal Protection Act - Marine Mammal Commission<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) established a national policy to prevent marine mammal species and population stocks from declining beyond the point where they ceased to be significant functioning elements of the ecosystems of which they are a part.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mmc.gov\/about-the-commission\/our-mission\/marine-mammal-protection-act\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Marine Mammal Protection Act - 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