Marine mammal the attempt at such") of any marine mammal without a permit issued by the Secretary. Authority to manage the MMPA was divided between the Secretary of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and the Secretary of Commerce, which is delegated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) was established to review existing policies and make recommendations to the Service and NOAA to better implement the MMPA. The Service is responsible for ensuring the protection of sea otters and marine otters, walruses, polar bears, the three species of manatees, and dugongs;
The Marine Mammal Center better understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants, communities will care for and respect the oceans. Video: "A Day in the Life of the Marine Mammal Center" The ultimate goal is for every animal rescued by The Marine Mammal Center to be released back to the ocean with a second chance at life. Since 1975, the center has rescued over 20,000 marine mammals, mostly California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and Pacific harbor seals. The center can have upwards of 275 animals at the hospital at one time. In the spring time, the center rescues mostly young elephant seal and