Can I deter marine mammals from fishing gear and catch?
While you are strictly prohibited from intentionally lethally taking marine mammals in the course of commercial fishing operations, intentional lethal take is authorized if imminently necessary in self-defense or to save the life of another person. If a marine mammal is killed in self-defense or to save the life of another person, a report must be filed with NMFS within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip or, for non-vessel fisheries, within 48 hours of the mortality. • Which fisheries carry observers? NMFS places observers on any Category I or II vessel. The observer programs help us: • obtain reliable estimates of incidental serious injury and mortality of marine mammals • determine the reliability of reports submitted by vessel owners and operators • identify changes in fishing methods or technology that may increase or decrease incidental serious injury or mortality. Fishing industry representatives will be notified and public meetings will be held whenever possible to provide
