Project Update: Policy Guidance for Marine Mammal Conservation

Building on the outcomes of the 2007 Serious Injury Technical Workshop facilitated by CONCUR, NMFS has completed the primary recommendation for distinguishing whether injuries to marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing should be considered serious or non-serious. The final Policy Directive and Procedural Directive was in effect as of January 27, 2012.

The Directives provide technical guidance for analyzing marine mammal injury reports and incorporating the results into marine mammal stock assessment reports and marine mammal conservation management regimes (e.g., Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) List of Fisheries, take reduction plans, ship speed regulations). To view the final Directives and NMFS’ response to public comments, visit: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/mmpa/policies.htm