What agency regulates movement of marine wildlife?

• A. NOAA
• B. APHIS
• C. CDC
• D. USFWS

Answer: (A)

Regulation of moving marine wildlife is handled by the federal agency that oversees oceans and marine resources. NOAA Fisheries (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries service) administers the rules and issues permits for the transport, import, export, and interstate movement of marine mammals, sea turtles, and other marine species under applicable laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. This focus on marine life distinguishes it from agencies like APHIS, which handles animal-health-related movement primarily for terrestrial animals; CDC, which centers on public health and quarantine; and USFWS, which governs many non-marine wildlife, including terrestrial and some migratory species. So, the agency that regulates movement of marine wildlife is NOAA Fisheries.