What are the federal status of seals?

Seals in the United States are protected under various Federal Laws, primarily the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, which prohibits the hunting and harassment of marine mammals, including seals. Additionally, some species of seals are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which provides them with further protections. Management and conservation efforts are implemented by federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure their survival and habitat preservation.