For over 50 years, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) has been a bedrock of U.S. conservation law—shielding whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals from exploitation, extinction, and ecological collapse. But right now, Congress is considering legislation that could undo much of that legacy.

A bill introduced by Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) threatens to gut core parts of the MMPA—replacing science-based safeguards with loopholes and delays that would make it nearly impossible to protect some of the ocean’s most vulnerable species.

If passed, this legislation could spell disaster for animals already on the brink. North Atlantic right whales, with only ~370 left in the wild, are already dying from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements. The Southern Resident orcas and Hawaiian monk seals face similar crises. Weakening federal protections now would be a death sentence for them.

The collapse of the AT1 killer whales in Prince William Sound, now functionally extinct, shows what happens when protection comes too late. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself.

The MMPA doesn't just protect animals—it protects the ocean ecosystems we all depend on. A healthy ocean needs healthy marine mammals.

We call on Congress—especially those on the House Natural Resources Committee—to reject any attempt to roll back the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Stand with science. Stand with endangered species. Stand with the ocean.

Don't dismantle one of our nation’s most effective conservation laws. The future of marine life depends on it.