Pub. L. 89-702, tit. III, sec. 301

Sec. 301. (a) It is unlawful, except as provided in this Act or by regulations issued by the Secretary of the Interior, for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take or engage in the taking of sea otters on the high seas beyond the territorial waters of the United States, or to possess, transport, sell, purchase, or offer to sell or purchase sea otters or their parts taken on the high seas, or to destroy, abandon, or waste needlessly sea otters on the high seas. (b) The possession of sea otters or any part thereof by any person contrary to the provisions of this Act shall constitute prima facie evidence that the sea otter or part thereof was taken, purchased, sold, or transported in violation of the provisions of this Act or the regulations issued thereunder.