Northeast Marine Mammal Program

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Northeast Region Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) Certification

Current state or federal permit holders for fisheries falling under one of more of the Category I/II fisheries (defined in the 2010 List of Fisheries) are automatically registered in NOAA Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) in the Northeast Region. Only those Category I/II commercial fishery participants registered under the MMAP are exempted from the Act’s general prohibition on the taking of non-endangered/threatened marine mammals incidental to their fishing operations. No takes of endangered or threatened marine mammals are authorized in the Atlantic.

MMAP Certification Requirements

The Requirements of the MMAP are listed on the Certificate itself and are also summarized below and in the following documents:

  • Maintain a MMAP Authorization Certificate, or a copy, on board the vessel while engaging in any of the fisheries identified as Category I or II. For non-vessel fisheries, the Certificate, or a copy, must be in the possession of the person in charge of the operation.
  • Take an observer aboard your vessel when requested and make sure your vessel possesses a current Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination decal issued by the United States Coast Guard.
  • Report all injuries and mortalities of marine mammals within 48 hours of returning from the trip during which these takes occurred using the Mortality/Injury Reporting Form (for form click here)
  • Comply with all applicable Take Reduction Plans and emergency regulations.

Marine Mammal Mortality/Injury Reporting
 
MMAP Certificate

Download 2010 MMAP Certificate
(requires free Adobe Reader).

If you have trouble downloading, please contact NMFS at 978-281-9328 to have a hardcopy mailed to you.
This certificate is valid from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010.


Additional Information

Last Updated: December 23, 2009

Sea Bottom Habitat Border
     
Link to NOAA Fisheries webpage Link to NOAA webpage Link to DOC webpage