December 17, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries will be developing guidelines for safely deterring marine mammals and we'd like your input!
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) section 101(a)(4)(A) allows for private citizens to employ measures to deter marine mammals from damaging fishing gear and catch, damaging personal or public property, or endangering personal safety, as long as these measures do not result in death or serious injury of marine mammals.
The MMPA also directs the Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA Fisheries, to develop national guidelines on safely deterring marine mammals under NOAA's jurisdiction (e.g., whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions).
We'd like your input on the deterrents we should evaluate and consider for approval.
The comment period is open for 30 days, until January 15, 2015. Please submit comments here.