Marine Mammal Protection Act


Marine Mammal Protection Act

Legislation in the United States, passed in 1972, that prohibited the hunting or killing of marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. It also imposed a moratorium on the sale, import and export of marine mammals. Later legislation provided for exceptions for marine mammals captured in the process of fishing, but this remained controversial. The Act was intended to prevent species depletion. See also: Endangered Species Act.