1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The proposed changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act threaten to undo decades of progress in safeguarding marine mammals from extinction. This landmark legislation has played a crucial role in reviving populations of iconic species like polar bears, whales, and seals that were once on the brink of disappearing entirely. Weakening these protections would be a devastating setback for conservation efforts and could drive vulnerable species towards extinction. According to advocates, the discussion draft obtained by POLITICO would essentially "punch holes" in this crucial act, undoing its effectiveness as a safety net for marine life. Jane Davenport from Defenders of Wildlife warns that these changes risk returning us to the "dark days when so many of our marine mammals were really, really in bad shape." We cannot afford to backslide on such hard-won conservation victories. Marine ecosystems are already under immense stress from climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. Stripping away legal protections for marine mammals would only exacerbate these threats and imperil species that play vital roles in sustaining the health of our oceans. I urge you to resist any attempts to weaken the Marine Mammal Protection Act and instead work to strengthen its enforcement and expand its scope to address emerging challenges. The long-term well-being of our oceans and the species that call them home depends on maintaining robust environmental safeguards.