Attention Category I or Category II fishers: 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 (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:
- 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 [fisheries.noaa.gov] for more information).
The MMAP certificate has now been updated for 2024. Last year, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, which regulates the New England/Mid-Atlantic fisheries, transitioned the paper mailing of these certificates to primarily online accessibility. Please view and download the 2024 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 NOAA fisheries: 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA (contact us for an appointment)
- Available at your local state permitting office (Coastal Resources, Galilee or Marine Fisheries, Jamestown)
3. Can be requested via email or phone at:
nmfs.gar.mmapcert@noaa.gov or 978-281-9120
Thank you
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