Program on the Environment

The 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) helps govern human-environment interactions in the United States with public and agency processes. Previous research explored the impacts of the 1972 MMPA, but these publications do not provide a comprehensive assessment based on human-environment interactions and government structures in the Pacific Northwest to determine possible “best practices” for environmental law. The study observes the 1972 MMPA concerning its goals and cultural, environmental, and international implications to assess effectiveness and opportunities for improvement. The study was completed alongside an internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), looking at Section 120 of the 1972 MMPA, while the research project focused on the entirety of the Act. Literary information and interviews were analyzed to gather a holistic review of the 1972 MMPA and reveal pathways for enhancing environmental law in the United States. Available scholarly and media-based literature surrounding the 1972 MMPA suggest accomplishments encompassing the increased abundance of marine species over time, while secondary impact mitigations may be lacking. To appropriately address current concerns and perspectives, the United States public, agencies, and government bodies may collaborate to refine marine mammal securities. Incorporating suggestions and relevant modifications in the 1972 MMPA may provide further effective partnerships with diverse actor representations and marine conservation, while informing future environmental policies and actions. Consequently, the 1972 MMPA can serve as a case study for current and future environmental law in the United States and the international community.