NOAA Seeks Comments on Renewing Marine Mammal Harm Reports
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is renewing a rule that asks commercial fishers to report any accidental harm to marine mammals. This helps protect sea animals and keeps fishing fair by sorting fisheries into risk categories. Fishers should note comments are open until July 6, 2026, but no new fees or big changes are coming.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Fisheries classification affects authorization
The information from reports is used to place fisheries into Category I, II, or III on the annual MMPA List of Fisheries. Participants in Categories I and II must be authorized to take marine mammals, while Category III participants are exempt from that authorization requirement.
Mandatory marine mammal reporting
If you fish commercially, you must report any accidental injury or death of a marine mammal that happens because of your fishing. The rule is mandatory under 16 U.S.C. 1387 (Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act), uses OMB Control Number 0648-0292, and NOAA estimates 200 respondents will spend about 15 minutes per response for a total of 50 hours annually and $0 in annual cost to the public.
Flexible submission methods allowed
Reporters may submit required reports either electronically or on paper, including online forms, email of electronic or scanned forms, mail, or fax. This gives commercial fishers and other respondents multiple ways to comply with the mandatory reporting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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NOAA is asking for public feedback on renewing a form that helps protect the threatened Southern green sturgeon. This affects anyone doing activities that might harm these fish, who need special permission to avoid trouble. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and the goal is to keep paperwork simple while protecting the sturgeon.
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