Marine Mammal Protection Act

The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for ensuring the protection of sea otters, polar bears, walruses, and manatees. The MMPA established a moratorium on the taking and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products, except: (1) for purposes of scientific research, public display, photography for educational or commercial purposes, or enhancing the survival or recovery of a species or stock, or for importation of polar bear taken in sports hunts in Canada; (2) when taken incidentally in the course of commercial fishing operations; (3) to deter a marine mammal from damaging fishing gear or catch, damaging private property, endangering personal safety, or damaging pubic property; (4) when taken incidentally by citizens engaged in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region; (5) when the Secretary of Commerce has waived the moratorium; or (6) if the marine mammal was taken by an Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo for subsistence purposes or for purposes of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing.

The MMPA provides for enforcement of the Act and its implementing regulations. The Secretaries of Commerce and Interior (Secretaries) are directed to initiate negotiations with foreign governments to protect and conserve marine mammals. The Secretaries may transfer management authority for a species of marine mammal to a state.