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Is the Navy exempt from following regulations for the keeping of marine mammals?

April 26, 2017exempt keeping mammals Marine Navy regulations

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Is the Navy exempt from following regulations for the keeping of marine mammals?

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No. The Navy is subject to all federal laws regarding the protection and humane treatment of marine mammals. These include the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Under the MMPA, the Department of Commerce/NOAA Fisheries is responsible for pinnipeds (other than walruses) and cetaceans in the wild; the Department of the Interior is responsible for walruses, sea otters, polar bears, manatees, and dugongs. The AWA is administered by the Department of Agriculture and ensures the humane care and treatment of marine mammals in aquariums, zoos, and research facilities. The Navy is responsible for meeting all requirements of these laws regarding acquisition, care and treatment of its marine mammals, and not only meets but exceeds them and leads the industry in many cases. Congress has provided the Navy with exemptions to a few specific requirements in support of national security, but none related to the care and well-being of the animals.