Today, NOAA Fisheries announced a final rule to remove the restriction that limits the maximum duration for Marine Mammal Protection Act section 104 permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOC) to a term of five years. Individual permits and LOCs will still be limited in duration in accordance with the MMPA’s requirement that all permits specify the period during which the permit is valid. Individual permit terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, depending on the proposed activity and the facts of each particular application.

Section 104 covers scientific research, enhancement, photography, and public display permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the General Authorization. The rule will become effective on January 13, 2025 (30 days after publication). 


We will provide additional information to our permit holders about implementing these changes on our website by the effective date.


For questions, please contact Sara Young (sara.young@noaa.gov) or Carrie Hubard (carrie.w.hubard@noaa.gov). 



Sara Young
Fishery Biologist
Office of Protected Resources
NOAA Fisheries
U.S. Department of Commerce
(301) 427-8484