ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN

Dynamic Area Management

The Dynamic Area Management (DAM) program was implemented to protect unexpected aggregations of right whales that met an appropriate trigger by temporarily restricting lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishing in a designated DAM area. Subsequent to the introduction of the DAM program, gear modifications determined to sufficiently reduce the risk of entanglement to right whales and, therefore, deemed acceptable for fishing in DAM zones were implemented.

Information Triggers for Temporary Closures (Reference Document from NEFSC, April 2001) DAM Final Rule (01/09/02) 2002 Rule Changes - Permit Holder Letter (01/23/02) Final Rule Environmental Assessment (12/28/01) DAM Proposed Rule (10/02/01) DAM Gear Modifications Final Rule (08/26/03) Technical Amendment for SAM and DAM Final Rule (Corrections and minor clarifications, 10/28/02) Permit Holder Letter (08/26/03) Final Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review (08/06/03) DAM Gear Modification Proposed Rule (03/04/03) DAM Actions 2009 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2008 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2007 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2006 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2005 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2004 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2003 Dynamic Area Management Actions 2002 Dynamic Area Management Actions

Other Elements of the Plan Seasonal Area Management Gear Research and Development Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network (including entanglement reports) Right Whale Sighting Advisory System Whale Research NOAA/NEFSC Photo Marine Mammal Research Permit775 1600 10 NOAA/NEFSC Photo Marine Mammal Research Permit 775 1600 10

For more information on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, please contact
the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office's Protected Resources Division at 978-281-9328

Last Updated: March 30, 2010