Republicans Target 50-Year-Old Law Protecting Marine Mammals
Republican lawmakers are seeking to weaken the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a 50-year-old law that has helped protect whales, seals, polar bears, and other sea animals from extinction.
The law, enacted in 1972, also imposes restrictions on commercial fishermen, shippers, and other marine industries. However, conservative leaders and industry members have long targeted the legislation, feeling that it is outdated and hinders their operations.
- Fishermen in Maine support the proposed changes, citing difficulties in lobster fishing due to the law.
- Lobbyists for lucrative species such as tuna in Hawaii and crab in Alaska also back the bill.
- Marine manufacturers view the law as antiquated and support its revision.
The law has been credited with helping save rare whales from extinction.
Author's summary: Republicans aim to revise a 50-year-old law protecting marine mammals.