Republican lawmakers are proposing major rollbacks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), a 1972 law credited with saving whales, seals, and other sea mammals from extinction. The draft bill, introduced by Rep. Nick Begich of Alaska, would reduce population targets for marine mammals and limit the definition of “harassment” to only actions that cause physical injury. Supporters say the act’s restrictions have become burdensome for fisheries and industries operating in U.S. waters.
Fishing groups from Maine to Alaska have backed the changes, arguing the rules have hurt local economies and hindered innovation. “We need a healthy ocean, but we also need reasonable laws,” said Virginia Olsen of the Maine Lobstering Union.
Environmental groups, including Oceana and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, strongly oppose the proposal, warning it could endanger critically low populations such as the North Atlantic right whale and Rice’s whale.
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