NOAA Fisheries has issued a final rule implementing import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act(MMPA).
The United States is a global leader in marine mammal conservation and sustainable fisheries, with U.S. fisheries abiding by some of the world’s most robust conservation practices, including measures to reduce marine mammal bycatch—a global threat to many populations of marine mammals.
This rule implements aspects of the Marine Mammal Protection Act that aim to reduce marine mammal bycatchassociated with international commercial fishing operations, by requiring nations exporting fish and fish products to the United States to be held to the same standards as U.S. commercial fishing operations.
The rule also establishes the criteria for evaluating a harvesting nation’s regulatory program for reducing marine mammal bycatch and the procedures required to receive authorization to import fish and fish products into the United States. To ensure effective implementation, the rule establishes a 5 year exemption period to allow foreign harvesting nations time to develop, as appropriate, regulatory programs comparable in effectiveness to U.S. programs.
NOAA Fisheries has a long history of working collaboratively with other nations to address international marine mammal conservation, and has provided technical assistance to other countries in support of their marine mammal conservation efforts. This rule marks a significant step forward in the global conservation of marine mammals and expanding international collaboration for best stewardship.
Public Engagement
NOAA Fisheries has scheduled a series of public webinar meetings to engage with interested stakeholders about this rule, and its implications. Click below to join/register an upcoming webinar:
September 20, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern
September 21, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Eastern
You must also dial in to listen to the audio for each webinar:
Domestic: 888-455-5378 or International: 1-210-839-9591
Participant passcode: MMPA