How can NMFS support the marine mammal rehabilitation network to rescue injured or ill animals, while recommending that commercial fishermen shoot nuisance marine mammals?
Both the rehabilitation community and NMFS are concerned about the health of pinniped populations and the health of marine ecosystems. The recommendations in the recent report to Congress include the selective lethal removal of certain seals or sea lions that may be inhibiting salmonid recovery or threatening human safety. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) recognizes the benefits of pinnipeds as well as the health and stability of the ecosystem. These beliefs are maintained in the recommendations (including achieving optimum sustainable populations of Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions) and provide due consideration to declining salmonid populations that have been listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The recommendations are constructed to apply only to very specific situations and would not result in indiscriminate killing of pinnipeds. Further, the use of non-lethal measures to deter pinnipeds is an integral part of the recommendations. Only in circumstances
Related Questions
- How can NMFS support the marine mammal rehabilitation network to rescue injured or ill animals, while recommending that commercial fishermen shoot nuisance marine mammals?
- Does The Marine Mammal Center rescue sick or injured animals here?
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