Whales, seals, and polar bears in the crosshairs as Republicans target 50-year-old conservation law

Conservationists say the law has helped several species recover from near extinction. Kathleen Collins of the International Fund for Animal Welfare told the Associated Press (AP) that it is “one of our bedrock laws that help us to base conservation measures on the best available science.”

However, some Republicans and industry groups say the rules are too strict. A draft bill from Republican Representative Nick Begich of Alaska argues the law has “unduly and unnecessarily constrained government, tribes and the regulated community.”

The proposal would lower population targets for marine mammals from “maximum productivity” to levels needed only for “continued survival.” It would also change the definition of “harassment” from the potential to injure a marine mammal to cover only actions that actually cause injury.

Environmental groups warn that this would make it harder to protect endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale, which numbers fewer than 400. The proposal also seeks to delay new protection rules for that species until 2035.

Begich has said he wants “a bill that protects marine mammals and also works for the people who live and work alongside them, especially in Alaska.” He and his staff did not respond to questions from the AP about the bill’s progress in Congress.

Fishing groups from both US coasts support the proposal. They say the current law makes it harder for them to operate without improving animal safety. Virginia Olsen from the Maine Lobstering Union told AP that current restrictions limit where fishermen can work and what gear they can use. “We do not want to see marine mammals harmed; we need a healthy, vibrant ocean and a plentiful marine habitat to continue Maine’s heritage fishery,” she said.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association said the law has not kept up with technological changes, while the National Fisheries Institute a seafood trade group said import bans tied to the act hurt American businesses. Gavin Gibbons of the institute told AP that the group supports the law but wants it “responsibly implemented.”

Environmental groups have pledged to resist any changes. Gib Brogan of the advocacy group Oceana told AP the law has been effective in protecting species like the humpback whale. “The Marine Mammal Protection Act is flexible. It works. It’s effective. We don’t need to overhaul this law at this point,” he said.