[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 14 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 3233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1261]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA440


National Policy for Distinguishing Serious From Non-Serious 
Injuries of Marine Mammals

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability; response to comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS developed a final national policy, comprised of a Policy 
Directive and associated Procedural Directive, for distinguishing 
serious from non-serious injuries of marine mammals. The Directives 
provide technical guidance for analyzing marine mammal injury reports 
(e.g., observer, disentanglement, and stranding program reports) and 
incorporating the results into marine mammal stock assessment reports 
and marine mammal conservation management regimes (e.g., Marine Mammal 
Protection Act List of Fisheries, take reduction plans, ship speed 
regulations). NMFS is releasing its final Policy and Procedural 
Directives and responding to comments on the draft policy.

DATES: This final policy will be effective as of January 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: The Policy and Procedural Directives for distinguishing 
serious from non-serious injuries of marine mammals, and NMFS' 
responses to public comments received on the draft Directives, may be 
viewed and downloaded at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/mmpa/ under 
``Policies, Guidances and Regulations''. Copies of the Policy and 
Procedural Directives may also be requested from Chief, Division of 
Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Division of Marine Mammal and 
Sea Turtle Conservation, Office of Protected Resources, (301) 427-8402.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Policy Directive and associated 
Procedural Directive provide technical guidance for analyzing marine 
mammal injury reports and incorporating the results into marine mammal 
stock assessment reports and marine mammal conservation management 
regimes.

    Dated: January 17, 2012.
James H. Lecky,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-1261 Filed 1-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P