16 U.S.C. § 917: Congressional findings

The Congress finds that—(1) whales are a unique resource of great aesthetic and scientific interest to mankind and are a vital part of the marine ecosystem; (2) whales have been overexploited by man for many years, severely reducing several species and endangering others; (3) the United States has extended its authority and responsibility to conserve and protect all marine mammals, including whales, out to a two hundred nautical mile limit by enactment of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act [16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.]; (4) the conservation and protection of certain species of whales, including the California gray, bowhead, sperm, and killer whale, are of particular interest to citizens of the United States; (5) increased ocean activity of all types may threaten the whale stocks found within the two hundred-mile jurisdiction of the United States and added protection of such stocks may be necessary; (6) there is inadequate knowledge of the ecology, habitat, requirements, and population levels and dynamics of all whales found in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and (7) further study of such matters is required in order for the United States to carry out its responsibilities for the conservation and protection of marine mammals.