Pub. L. 105-18, tit. II, ch. 2, sec. 2003

Sec. 2003. Section 101 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: “(d) Good Samaritan Exemption.—It shall not be a violation of this Act to take a marine mammal if— “(1) such taking is imminently necessary to avoid serious injury, additional injury, or death to a marine mammal entangled in fishing gear or debris; “(2) reasonable care is taken to ensure the safe release of the marine mammal, taking into consideration the equipment, expertise, and conditions at hand; “(3) reasonable care is exercised to prevent any further injury to the marine mammal; and “(4) such taking is reported to the Secretary within 48 hours.”.