Proposed changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act that seek to gut protections for multiple cetacean species would result in changes to “incidental take” and “potential biological removal” rules. Put simply, these changes would significantly reduce controls on permissible levels of deaths of cetaceans resulting from unintentional acts, such as fishing “bycatch” and/or deaths caused by other activities such as military use of explosives at sea, among other practices. Experts predict that these rule changes would result in up to tenfold increases in deaths for some species.

Wolves have long been the target of anti-animal legal measures with their protection under the Endangered Species Act in constant flux over time. New proposals seek to delist all wolf populations, making them vulnerable to unsustainable levels of hunting.

Proposed legislation, the “Grizzly Bear State Management Act,” would remove protection under the Endangered Species Act for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Importantly, this move would also block judicial review; the process by which delisting decisions can be challenged in the interests of the animals. If successful, this initiative would put grizzly bears under threat of unsustainable levels of hunting.

In addition to threats to the Yellowstone population, proposed reintroduction efforts would be blocked if new rules are implemented. This threatens the future survival of grizzly bears in their natural and historic ranges.

Manatees suffer and die as a result of boat strikes with this being their leading cause of death. The majority of adult manatees carry scars from boat strikes. Changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act would limit the ability to control boating access to manatee ranges, likely resulting in increased injury and death.

Like cetacean species, monk seals are currently protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which sets an annual mortality level which allows the species populations to grow and recover. The new proposal will redefine levels allowing for a tenfold increase in “acceptable” deaths. This would not only result in the deaths of many more animals but would put populations under threat as recovery becomes more difficult.

As for sea otters and cetaceans, polar bears currently benefit from protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act which limits “incidental take.” Incidental take means the “accidental” death of animals caused by relevant human activities. For polar bears, this includes oil and gas operations at sea. With plans to significantly weaken rules, a sharp increase in otter deaths is likely.

As for cetaceans, sea otters currently benefit from protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act which limits “incidental take.” Incidental take means the “accidental” death of animals caused by relevant human activities. For sea otters, this includes oil and gas operations at sea. With plans to significantly weaken rules, a sharp increase in otter deaths is likely.

Following a final rule listing wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2023, new proposals would remove funding to see these important protections enforced.

A subspecies of the gray wolf, the Mexican wolf has been on the brink of extinction for many years. It is thought that the current population consists of around 286 individuals, who live in Arizona and New Mexico. Genetic diversity of the Mexican wolf is extremely limited, which slows population growth and creates the potential for inbreeding. Plans to delist the species from the ESA would be catastrophic for this imperiled animal. It is vital that we oppose the House bill “Enhancing Safety for Animals Act of 2025.”