Following the whale that washed up in East Providence yesterday, it’s crucial to remember that the public is prohibited from harassing, harming, pursuing, wounding, killing, capturing, or collecting marine species protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA urges everyone to observe marine animals from a safe, respectful distance and refrain from approaching or touching them.
Federal laws mandate that people stay at least 150 feet away from seals and dolphins, and 300 feet from whales. A large number of visitors flocking to see the whale could lead to hefty fines and disrupt scientific research and enforcement efforts.
Many of the most commonly seen animals in U.S. coastal waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act, and species like whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions are also safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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