Marine Mammal Protection Act – 50th Anniversary

These videos were created in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Coalition, celebrating 50 years of the MMPA! On October 21, 1972, the MMPA was signed into law after years of advocacy from scientists, activists, the public, and legislators from both parties.
The MMPA was the first federal law to establish protections for marine mammals—and over the years, it has improved the status of many populations that had reached dangerously low numbers by the late 1960s. However, other species, such as the North Atlantic right whale and the Hawaiian monk seal, are still struggling and have not recovered. Join us in celebrating a half-century of marine mammal protection—together, we can help marine mammals face the next 50 years of human-caused challenges.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Just 50 years ago, a number of marine mammal species were close to extinction in US waters. Years of unregulated hunting and reckless pollution depleted their populations and threatened their habitats. Thankfully, people took action, and in 1972, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The MMPA was the first federal law to establish protections for marine mammals—giving them a chance to recover and one day thrive again.

Name That Sound – Marine Mammals (Part 2)

A world of sound comes to life in the ocean. For many marine mammals, sound functions as their primary sense–it is as essential to them as sight is for humans.

Name That Sound – Marine Mammals (Part 2)

It’s time for the next edition of “Name That Sound!” where you watch and listen to the video and try to guess which marine mammal makes the sounds you hear. This week’s marine mammal is one of the most melodious…can you guess correctly?

Then vs Now: Gray Whale

Since the enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in 1972, Eastern Pacific gray whales have made a spectacular return to pre-whaling numbers. The MMPA was the first piece of legislation passed to establish protection for all marine mammals. The Act has improved the status of many marine mammal populations that had reached dangerously low numbers, such as the Eastern Pacific gray whale. We must continue to guide the MMPA toward adaptive, robust management, utilizing novel, innovative technologies to meet current and future threats.

The US Marine Mammal Protection Act: Past, Present, and Future | Webinar Recording

During this webinar, recorded on Thursday, April 14, 2022 (National Dolphin Day), you’ll hear from marine mammal and policy experts about the MMPA, current marine mammal protection initiatives, what’s changed since the law was enacted, and what’s at stake for the next 50 years.