What does the Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibit?

• A. Hunting is allowed
• B. Prohibits harassment, feeding, hunting
• C. Prohibits only feeding
• D. Only regulates fishing gear

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the Marine Mammal Protection Act protects marine mammals by prohibiting take, which includes harassment, hunting, and feeding. Harassment covers actions that disrupt a marine mammal’s behavior or cause it distress, while hunting is the illegal killing or capturing of animals. Feeding is also prohibited to prevent animals from becoming dependent on humans and to reduce risky interactions.

For paddlers, this means you should give marine mammals plenty of space, avoid actions that could disturb their behavior, and never feed them. The other options don’t fit because the law isn’t limited to feeding, isn’t about allowing hunting, and isn’t primarily about fishing gear regulation.