Biological and Conference Opinion on the Issuance of Permit no. 18786-01 to the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program and Implementation of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (2017 Reinitiation)
July 30, 2017
NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion considering the proposed research activities and considers the effects on endangered and threatened species and designated critical habitat.
The NOAA Fisheries has the statutory authority, delegated from the Secretary of Commerce, to take stranded marine mammals under section 109(h) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 USC 1379) and to establish and manage the MMHSRP (established in 1992) under Title IV of the MMPA (16 USC 1421 et seq.).