Today, NOAA Fisheries announces final revisions to the Process for Distinguishing Serious from Non-Serious Injury of Marine Mammals and the Guidelines for Preparing Stock Assessment Reports Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

In summer 2022, NOAA Fisheries published proposed revisions to its Serious Injury Process and Guidelines for Preparing Stock Assessment Reports for a 30-day public comment period. NOAA Fisheries received comments on the proposed revisions from several interested parties, and either comments were incorporated or a response to the comment is provided.

The finalized national procedures can be found here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/laws-and-policies/protected-resources-policy-directives

Cheers,