Application for Commercial Fisheries Authorization under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

This is a request for an extension of a currently approved collection. Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires any commercial fisherman operating in Category I and II fisheries to register for a certificate of authorization that will allow the fisherman to take marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Category I and II fisheries are those identified by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the MMPA List of Fisheries as having either frequent or occasional takings of marine mammals. All states have integrated the NMFS registration process into the existing state fishery registration process and vessel owners do not need to file a separate federal registration. If applicable, vessel owners will be notified of this simplified registration process when they apply for their state or Federal permit or license. A valid certificate of authorization protects the vessel owner from prosecution under the MMPA for violation of the moratorium on taking marine mammals. The information needed to register or update a commercial fishery authorization is found at 50 C.F.R 229.4. There are no revisions to this information collection.

The latest form for Application for Commercial Fisheries Authorization under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act expires 2029-02-28 and can be found here.