Attention Category I or Category II fishers
The is a mandatory commercial fishermen’s registration program that provides annual exemptions for accidentally killing or injuring marine mammals (incidental take), during commercial fishing activities. If your fishery is classified as either Category I or II, you must obtain and retain an MMAP certificate. You can find your category on the List of Fisheries website [fisheries.noaa.gov]. This list is reviewed and revised annually.
The MMAP requires that you:
1. Retain an authorization certificate during fishing activities
2. Carry an observer, as requested
3. Comply with applicable Take Reduction Plans
4. 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 [fisheries.noaa.gov] for more information).
The 2020 certificate remained valid through December 31, 2022, due to logistical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MMAP certificate has now been updated for 2023. In the past, formal mailings took place to distribute certificates. However, the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region will be transitioning primarily to online accessibility. Please view and download the 2023 MMAP Certificate HERE [fisheries.noaa.gov]. You must retain a PRINTED OR ELECTRONIC copy on a device to make available, upon request.
If you are unable to access this online, printed copies are available at:
1. NOAA fisheries: 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA (contact us for an appointment)
2. RIDEM Marine Fisheries, 3 Ft Wetherill Rd, Jamestown, RI or RIDEM Coastal Resources, 301 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, RI
3. Can be requested via email or phone at: nmfs.gar.mmapcert@noaa.gov or 978-281-9120
For additional information please contact:
Scott Olszewski RIDEM, Division of Marine Fisheries
Thank you.
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garfo_mmap_certificate_2023.pdf