2021 Draft Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
NOAA Fisheries prepares marine mammal stock assessment reports annually, as directed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The reports are prepared in consultation with one or more of three regional Scientific Review Groups. We are soliciting public comments on the draft 2021 reports by February 16, 2022.
NOAA Fisheries currently tracks 259 stocks of marine mammals and have an associated Stock Assessment Report for each species. In 2021, we updated information for 50 stocks.
In the 2021 draft reports, three stocks (all Northern Gulf of Mexico Bay, Sound, and Estuary Common Bottlenose Dolphin stocks) changed in status from ‘strategic’ to ‘non-strategic’ (Galveston Bay, East Bay, Trinity Bay stock; Mississippi River Delta stock; and Sabine Lake stock). Strategic Stock is defined by the MMPA as a marine mammal stock:
- for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds the potential biological removal level;
- which, based on the best available scientific information, is declining and is likely to be listed as a threatened species under the ESA within the foreseeable future; or
- which is listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA, or is designated as depleted under the MMPA.
More Information
North Pacific right whale #87 also known as “Smudgy” interacts with a log floating on the water. There are only around 30 individuals in the eastern population, so to spot a North Pacific right whale is rare and to see one interacting with a log in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NOAA Fisheries permit 782-1719.
Southern Resident killer whales encountered during NOAA's PODs (Pacific Orcinus Distribution Survey) in October 2021 near the west end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
