December 29, 2025 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
The Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) is a mandatory commercial fishermen’s registration program that provides annual exemptions for accidentally killing or injuring marine mammals (referred to as incidental take), during commercial fishing activities. If your fishery is classified as either Category I or II, on the List of Fisheries (LOF), you must obtain and retain an MMAP certificate. You can find your category on the List of Fisheries website. This list is reviewed and revised annually. Please refer to the 2024 LOF, until further updates are published.
The MMAP requires that you:
- Retain an authorization certificate during fishing activities
- Carry an observer, as requested
- Comply with applicable Take Reduction Plans
- Report any marine mammal serious injury/mortality caused by fishing operations, within 48 hours of returning from the trip where the interaction occurred. Reports can be submitted online or mailed (visit the MMAP website for more information).
The MMAP certificate has now been updated for 2026. Please view and download the 2026 MMAP certificate HERE. You must retain and make available upon request, a PRINTED OR ELECTRONIC copy (on a device).
If you are unable to access this online, printed copies:
- Are available at NOAA fisheries: 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA (contact us for an appointment)
- May be available at your local state permitting office
- Can be requested via email or phone at: nmfs.gar.mmapcert@noaa.gov
or 978-281-9120
Please contact us with any inquiries. Thank you for your cooperation.