NMFS Proposes Permit for Endangered Marine Mammals Caught in Commercial Fishing Operations

Summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries (NMFS) is proposing to issue an amended permit to allow the incidental, but not intentional, catch of two endangered marine mammal species, the humpback whale and the sperm whale, in two commercial fishing operations. The permit would be issued if NMFS can confirm that the catch will have a negligible impact on the affected species and if the necessary recovery plans and monitoring programs are in place.