NOAA Fisheries Publishes the 2004 MMPA List of Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries has updated its annual list of commercial fisheries that interact with marine mammals, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The List of Fisheries categorizes each U.S. commercial fishery based on the level of interaction each fishery has with marine mammals. Each fishery is placed into one of three categories according to whether it has a frequent (Category I), occasional (Category II), or remote (Category III) likelihood of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals.
After reviewing marine mammal stock assessment reports and other new information (e.g., observer data, marine mammal stranding data), NOAA Fisheries is proposing several classification and administrative changes. The Hawaii Swordfish, Tuna, Billfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Oceanic Sharks Longline/Set Line Fishery is reclassified from Category III to Category I. The Alaska groundfish fisheries have been delineated by target species and gear type. The 23 newly delineated fisheries are classified as Category III.
Commercial fishermen who participate in fisheries placed in Category I or II must register with the Marine Mammal Assessment Program and submit a $25 fee unless registration has been integrated with a pre-existing state or federal registration program. The MMPA requires that all commercial fishermen regardless of Category submit a report to NOAA Fisheries within 48 hours of the end of each fishing trip if a marine mammal is injured or killed incidental to fishing operations.
NOAA Fisheries Publishes the 2004 MMPA List of Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries has updated its annual list of commercial fisheries that interact with marine mammals, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The List of Fisheries categorizes each U.S. commercial fishery based on the level of interaction each fishery has with marine mammals. Each fishery is placed into one of three categories according to whether it has a frequent (Category I), occasional (Category II), or remote (Category III) likelihood of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals.
After reviewing marine mammal stock assessment reports and other new information (e.g., observer data, marine mammal stranding data), NOAA Fisheries is proposing several classification and administrative changes. The Hawaii Swordfish, Tuna, Billfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Oceanic Sharks Longline/Set Line Fishery is reclassified from Category III to Category I. The Alaska groundfish fisheries have been delineated by target species and gear type. The 23 newly delineated fisheries are classified as Category III.
Commercial fishermen who participate in fisheries placed in Category I or II must register with the Marine Mammal Assessment Program and submit a $25 fee unless registration has been integrated with a pre-existing state or federal registration program. The MMPA requires that all commercial fishermen regardless of Category submit a report to NOAA Fisheries within 48 hours of the end of each fishing trip if a marine mammal is injured or killed incidental to fishing operations.