The purpose of the regulations in this part is to implement the Whaling Convention Act (16 U.S.C. § 916 et seq.) by prohibiting whaling except for aboriginal subsistence whaling allowed by the International Whaling Commission. Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. § 1361 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.) also pertain to human interactions with whales. Rules elsewhere in this chapter govern such topics as scientific research permits, and incidental take and harassment of marine mammals.