Dolphins are protected under a number of international and national laws. The most important international law protecting dolphins is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES lists all six species of dolphin as either Appendix I or Appendix II. Appendix I species are those that are threatened with extinction and whose trade is prohibited. Appendix II species are those that are not threatened with extinction but whose trade is regulated in order to avoid them becoming so.
In the United States, dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA prohibits the taking, killing, or harassing of marine mammals, including dolphins. The MMPA also establishes a moratorium on the importation of marine mammals into the United States.
In addition to international and national laws, dolphins are also protected under the laws of many individual states and countries. For example, in California, dolphins are protected under the California Marine Mammal Protection Act. The California Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the taking, killing, or harassing of marine mammals, including dolphins.
Violations of Dolphin Protection Laws
Violations of dolphin protection laws can result in significant penalties. For example, under the MMPA, violations can result in fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. In California, violations of the California Marine Mammal Protection Act can result in fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
Conclusion
Dolphins are protected under a number of international, national, and state laws. Violations of these laws can result in significant penalties.