Global Protection: Many to very many (13 to >40) occurrences appropriately protected and managed
Comments: Protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) in the United States, but effective management plans have not been developed (Hoover 1988). Many haulout areas are protected by their designation as marine sanctuaries and wildlife refuges. Open water hatitat, however, is not protected. Protected in British Columbia by the Canadian Federal Fisheries Act (1970).
Needs: 1. Minimize all incidental take and disturbance. 2. Eliminate driftnet fisheries that occur in seal feeding and movement areas. 3. Regulate fisheries take of fish resources known to be important to the maintenance of healthy seal populations.