What does the Marine Mammal Protection Act do?
The MMPA prohibits the taking and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products, where “take” means to harass, feed, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, or to attempt to do so.
What are the penalties of the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
If prosecuted, violators of the MMPA could face: Civil penalties up to $11,000. Up to 1 year in prison, plus criminal fines. Forfeiture of the vessel involved, including penalties for that vessel up to $25,000.
Why was the Marine Mammal Protection Act amended?
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was passed in 1972 to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. The MMPA was amended in 1994 to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to use science-based research to assess marine mammal populations.
Does Iacuc protect fish?
Although fish and other poikilotherms are excluded from the AWA, PHS-supported activities related to any live vertebrate require IACUC review and Institutional Assurance.
Who is responsible for the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
NOAA Fisheries
Three federal entities share responsibility for implementing the MMPA: NOAA Fisheries—responsible for the protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—responsible for the protection of walrus, manatees, sea otters, and polar bears.
Is the Marine Mammal Protection Act effective?
Is it actually working? The MMPA has certainly been a success on many levels. The current status of multiple marine mammal populations is measurably better than in 1972.
Is interacting with dolphins illegal?
Not only is it illegal, it is classified as harassment and may cause stress, injury, or even death. Feeding dolphins can cause them to depend on human food for nourishment and abandon hunting sites.
Is it illegal to feed dolphins?
First of all, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, feeding wild marine mammals is illegal and carries up to a $20,000 fine and one-year prison sentence. But feeding can carry dire consequences for the animals too. Dolphins that learn to beg from humans will stop hunting.
How does the Marine Mammal Protection Act protect dolphins?
The MMPA protects animals from harassment, which includes being pursued. When viewing dolphins in the wild, remain 50 years away (about half the length of a football field). This is also true for porpoises, seals and sea lions. For large whales, remain 100 yards from large whales.
Why are fish used in research?
Since the early 1990s, fish have been increasingly used in biomedical research as models of human development and disease, in toxicity testing as subjects for measuring harmful effects of chemicals, and in aquaculture research to expand the farming of fish for food.
What must Investigators do prior to making any significant changes in their use of animals?
Investigators should enroll in the local Occupational Health and Safety Program before beginning work with laboratory animals. B. Investigators must participate in all aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety Program, including immunizations.
Are dolphins protected by law?
All dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and some are also listed under the Endangered Species Act. Together with our partners, we work to study, protect, and conserve these fascinating species and their habitats.