Saving Marine Mammals: A Battle Against Climate Denial and Policy Rollbacks
Science 4 days ago
The Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972, has been instrumental in preventing extinctions and aiding the recovery of species like gray whales and northern elephant seals. However, recent legislative efforts aim to weaken these protections, citing economic growth as a priority. Republican proposals, such as those by Rep. Nick Begich, seek to reduce safeguards against ’incidental take,’ which includes deaths from oil exploration and fishing gear. Critics argue this could devastate already vulnerable populations.
Despite the Act’s successes, not all species have thrived. North Atlantic right whales, numbering just 370 today, face high mortality from ship strikes and entanglement. Manatees in Florida, though delisted as endangered in 2017, have suffered nearly 500 deaths this year alone due to boat strikes and algal pollution. Warming oceans further exacerbate these threats, disrupting prey availability and increasing stress on marine ecosystems.
The battle over marine mammal protections reflects a broader clash between conservation and industrial interests. As coral bleaches and kelp forests vanish, the urgency to defend these laws grows. Advocates warn that rolling back protections now could undo decades of progress, leaving marine mammals vulnerable to the same exploitation that once pushed them to the brink.