Northeast Region Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) Certification

The requirements of the MMAP are listed on the Certificate itself and are also summarized below:

• Keep the MMAP Authorization Certificate or a copy, on board the vessel, or on your person while engaging in commercial fishing activities.
• Take an observer aboard your vessel when requested by NOAA Fisheries Service or our designate. Make sure your vessel possesses a current Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination decal issued by the United States Coast Guard.
• Report all injuries and deaths 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), even if the incident is recorded by an observer.
• Comply with all applicable Take Reduction Plans, gear modifications, and emergency regulations that apply to your fishery.

• MMAP Marine Mammal Mortality/Injury Reporting MMAP Marine Mammal Mortality/Injury Reporting Form (requires free Adobe Reader)

• List of Fisheries: Atlantic Fisheries Summary
• Category I & Category II Fishery Reference Guide
• MMAP Registration Requirements
• MMAP Commonly Asked Questions
• NER Observer Program Info
• Take Reduction Plans for Atlantic Fisheries
• Guide to Reporting Whale Sightings
• Protected Resources Info Sheet

Gillnet:

• Northeast sink gillnet
• Northeast anchored float gillnet
• Northeast drift gillnet
• Chesapeake Bay inshore gillnet
• Mid-Atlantic gillnet
• Southeast Atlantic gillnet
• Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet
• Gulf of Mexico gillnet
• N.C. inshore gillnet
• High Seas Atlantic highly migratory species drift gillnet

Longline:

• Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagic & highly migratory species longline

Trap/Pot:

• Northeast/Mid Atlantic lobster trap/pot
• Atlantic mixed species trap/pot
• Atlantic blue crab trap/pot
• Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico stone crab

Trawl:

• Northeast bottom trawl
• Northeast mid water trawl
• Mid Atlantic bottom trawl
• Mid Atlantic mid water trawl
• Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl
• High seas Atlantic highly migratory species trawl

Seine, pound & stop net:

• Mid Atlantic menhaden purse seine
• Gulf of Mexico menhaden purse seine
• Mid Atlantic haul/beach seine
• N.C. long haul seine
• V.A. pound net
• N.C. roe mullet stop net

Other High Seas Fisheries:

• High seas Atlantic highly migratory species troll
• High seas Atlantic highly migratory species pole & line
• High seas Atlantic highly migratory species multipurpose vessel not elsewhere included (NEI)

Additional Information:

• Marine Mammal Protection Act
• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office Protected Resources Division
• List of Fisheries
• Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports