§1421c Unusual Mortality Event Response

Summary

Creates a special team and rules to respond quickly when many marine mammals start dying in an area. The Secretary, working with the Interior Secretary, must set up a working group of experts in marine science, marine mammal care, conservation, and medicine. That group helps decide if an unusual mortality event is happening, when response actions can stop, and how to prepare a written response plan. The working group is not covered by Chapter 10 of title 5. After someone tells the agencies a possible event is happening, the Secretary must try to contact as many working group members as possible within 24 hours. Within 48 hours the Secretary must decide if an event is occurring, tell the reporter, and if it is, name an Onsite Coordinator. The Secretary must issue a public-reviewed contingency plan that lists people who can help, what tissues and tests are needed, how to train and use staff and resources quickly, and rules to reduce deaths, find causes, measure population effects, and check physical, chemical, or biological factors including contaminants. Onsite Coordinators are regional directors of the National Marine Fisheries Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (or their designees). They lead the response under the plan, use professional judgment for gaps, can briefly change the plan after quick consultation, and may delegate duties.