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 The
Marine Mammal Protection Act(MMPA) was passed on October 21, 1972. All marine mammals are protected under the MMPA. The MMPA prohibits any people to take, touch, harm or harass 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.
The MMPA states that if you come across a beached marine mammal, you must stay a minimum of 100 feet away from the animal. Rehabilitation centers that are licensed to treat marine mammals, are authorized to approach and assess the animal's condition, and if necessary remove the animal from its location.
Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 based on the following findings and policies:
- Some marine mammal species may be in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities
- These species must not be permitted to fall below their optimum sustainable population level ("depleted")
- 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.
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California Sea Lion
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