The Fur Seal Act: Key Insights into Marine Mammal Protection

Definition & Meaning

The Fur Seal Act is a federal law in the United States that was enacted in 1966 to protect fur seals and sea otters. The Act prohibits the taking, transporting, importing, or possessing of these animals, with specific exceptions for indigenous peoples living along the North Pacific coast, such as Aleuts and Eskimos. These groups are allowed to take fur seals for subsistence purposes, as defined by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Act primarily aims to safeguard the northern fur seal from commercial exploitation and regulates scientific research and public exhibitions involving these animals.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An Aleut community conducts a traditional hunt for fur seals, adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Fur Seal Act for subsistence use.

Example 2: A research team applies for a permit to study northern fur seals in the Pribilof Islands, following the regulations established by the Act. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Marine Mammal Protection Act A federal law aimed at protecting all marine mammals. The Fur Seal Act specifically targets fur seals and sea otters.
Endangered Species Act A law to protect species at risk of extinction. The Fur Seal Act focuses on specific marine mammals rather than broader species protection.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an indigenous person seeking to hunt fur seals for subsistence, ensure you understand the regulations outlined in the Fur Seal Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If you are involved in scientific research, consult the Secretary of the Interior for necessary permits. For assistance with related legal documents, consider exploring US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate these processes.

Quick facts

  • Enacted: 1966
  • Jurisdiction: United States federal law
  • Key Focus: Protection of fur seals and sea otters
  • Exceptions: Subsistence hunting by indigenous peoples
  • Authority: Secretary of the Interior

Key takeaways