ABSTRACT
This chapter examines factors associated with the decline of most marine mammal species and the structure of intergovernmental relations involved in the management and conservation of these animals today. The most dramatic change was the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts. A fundamentally important factor associated with the decimation of many marine mammal species has been the "common property" characteristic of most of the affected species. Dramatic changes in the management of various seal species, particularly the Atlantic harp and Pacific northern fur seals, have been indicative of the considerable impact of changing public attitudes on the management of marine mammals. Several administrative and scientific problems, nevertheless, remain and will continue to undermine efforts to manage marine mammals adequately. The future challenges of marine mammal management are considerable, but the progress of the past quarter century has been impressive and encouraging.
