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Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP)
Contact Us
Marine Mammal Authorization Program Hotline
Phone: (727) 209-5952
- MMAP questions
- Authorization Certificate
- Marine Mammals Serious Injury or Mortality Reporting Form
The Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) allows commercial fisheries
to lawfully and incidentally take a marine mammal. The primary goals of the Marine Mammal Authorization Program are to: 1.) exempt commercial fishermen from Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibitions for incidental take of marine mammals, 2.) educate and inform fishermen about marine mammal interactions; and 3.) increase fishermen self-reporting of incidental takes.
Those affected by the MMAP are required to:
- carry a Marine Mammal Authorization Certificate as proof of registration;
- report any serious injury or death of a marine mammal within 48 hours;
- carry a fisheries observer when requested by NOAA Fisheries.
Commercial fishermen in Category I or II fisheries on the List of Fisheries are automatically registered and required by law to carry a Marine Mammal Authorization Certificate when fishing.
Download Authorization Certificates or contact the MMAP hotline (727-209-5952) to have one mailed to you. Certificates are available December of each year and must be onboard by January 1 of each calendar year.
Fishermen on the List of Fisheries must report any serious injury or death of a marine mammal that occurs during fishing operations. Mortality/ Injury Reporting Forms must be filed within 48 hours of returning to port.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, all Category I or II fishery participants must carry an observer on fishing trips when requested by NOAA Fisheries or a designated contractor.
Learn more about the MMAP and how it affects you. Still can’t find the answer? Call the MMAP Hotline: 727-209-5952
Take Reduction Plans are developed to prevent the depletion and assist in the recovery of certain marine mammal stocks that are seriously injured or killed in commercial fisheries.
About NOAA Fisheries
