The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 prohibited U.S. citizens from hunting seals, sea lions, and walrus to save them from extinction. In 1994, after the mammal population had increased, what changed?

The correct answer reflects the changes made to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, specifically the amendments that allowed for the legal killing of certain marine mammals under specific circumstances. In 1994, as the populations of seals, sea lions, and walruses had recovered, the Act was amended to permit fishermen to take marine mammals like these in cases where they were accidentally injured or killed as a result of commercial fishing activities. This provision was aimed at addressing the conflicts that arose between fishing practices and the protection of marine mammals, while still maintaining the intent of conservation efforts.

This nuanced allowance recognizes the reality of fishing operations and the need for balance between industry needs and wildlife protection. The adaptation ensured that fishermen had a measure of legal recourse in the event of unintended harm to marine mammals, which helped support both conservation goals and the fishing industry's viability.