NOAA Fisheries Publishes the Final MMPA List of Fisheries for 2023

NOAA Fisheries announces the publication of the final Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2023.

There have been no changes to the 2023 LOF that will significantly impact the Greater Atlantic Region.

The MMPA requires NOAA Fisheries to publish an annual list of commercial fisheries and classify each fishery based on whether it has frequent (Category I), occasional (Category II), or remote (Category III) likelihood of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals. The 2023 LOF was based on, among other things, stranding data; fishers self-reports; and Stock Assessment Reports (SARs), primarily the 2021 SARs, which are based on data from 2015-2019. 

2023 MMAP Certificates

If your fishery is classified as a Category I or Category II fishery, you must have in your possession the updated 2023 Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) certificate, which provides annual exemptions from accidentally killing or injuring marine mammals (incidental take).

The MMAP also requires that you:

1. Carry an observer, if requested.
2. Comply with applicable Take Reduction Plans.
3. Report any marine mammal serious injury/mortality caused by fishing operations within 48 hours of returning from the trip where the interaction occurred. Reports can be submitted online or mailed (see the MMAP website for more information).

Please note that the MMAP certificate was recently updated from the 2020 version and now allows you to retain a printed copy or an electronic copy on a device.

Questions?

If you prefer a printed certificate and would like one mailed to you, or have further questions, please contact nmfs.gar.mmapcert@noaa.gov or 978-281-9120.

Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103