What is the status of the marine mammal release criteria?
For over seven years, NMFS, FWS, and numerous other institutions, individuals, and facilities have worked together to draft release criteria for marine mammals that have been rehabilitated at a stranding center. Under the MMPA, these guidelines were to be completed by the end of 1994. Although there are basic guidelines that NMFS and stranding network participants follow in determining the releasability of an animal, the document in preparation outlines comprehensive criteria and guidance. Because of its level of detail, it has undergone many iterations, with quickly developing fields of study and methodologies constantly changing the scope and content of the document. The last draft version went out for 60-day public comment period in May-June, 1998. As a result, over 300 pages of comments were received, which for the most part were substantial. NMFS is currently prioritizing and categorizing these comments and other document content needs for a small group of advisors to incorporate
