MMPA Sec 120 Task Force Meeting

NOAA Fisheries announces that it is convening a Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force (Task Force) to evaluate the implementation of the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho (states) pinniped removal authority authorized by NOAA Fisheries under section 120 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

On June 28, 2016, and revised on April 17, 2019, NOAA Fisheries authorized the states to lethally remove individually identifiable California sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on ESA-listed salmon and steelhead in the vicinity of Bonneville Dam.

On June 30, 2021, the states MMPA section 120 authorization expired.

Section 120(c)(5) of the MMPA requires that: After implementation of an approved application, the Task Force shall evaluate the effectiveness of the permitted intentional lethal taking or alternative actions implemented. If implementation was ineffective in eliminating the problem interaction, the Task Force shall recommend additional actions. If the implementation was effective, the Task Force shall so advise the Secretary, and the Secretary shall disband the Task Force.