Republican lawmakers in the United States have initiated proposals to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), a 50-year-old federal law enacted in 1972. The MMPA currently prohibits the killing or capture of marine mammals within U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens in international waters. Proponents of the changes, including some industry representatives, argue that the existing law imposes operational challenges, such as restrictions on fishing locations and gear for groups like the Maine Lobstering Union, and has not kept pace with technological advancements, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The National Fisheries Institute, a seafood trade group, also indicates that import bans tied to the act adversely affect American businesses, while stressing support for the law’s responsible implementation. The proposed amendments reportedly seek to delay new protection rules for certain marine mammal species until 2035. Conversely, conservationists and environmental advocacy organizations, such as Oceana, assert the MMPA’s effectiveness in species recovery, citing examples like the humpback whale, and contend that the law is flexible and does not require an overhaul. These groups have pledged to resist any modifications to the legislation.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/whales-seals-and-polar-bears-in-the-crosshairs-as-republicans-target-conservation-law-10301217/