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A moratorium is a delay or suspension of an activity.

For instance, many animal rights activists and conservation authorities often request "Fishing Moratoriums" or "Hunting Moratoriums" on endangered (or soon to be endangered) animal species. These delays, or suspensions, prevent people from hunting or fishing the animals in discussion. A moratorium can apply to any action, e.g. deforestation, mining, nuclear testing.

Another instance is a delay of legal obligations or payment. A legal official (usually a judge) can order a delay of payment due to extenuating circumstances, that make one party unable to give payment to another. Moratoriums can also affect services in this manner.

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