We invite you to join NOAA Fisheries for a webinar to explain the recent Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) final rule and its impact on permitting. Two webinars are currently scheduled on:
· January 28, 2025 at 1:30-2:30 pm ET · January 30, 2025 at 4:00-5:00 pm ET Both webinars will cover the same information and will be focused on answering your questions about implementation. Advanced registration is required. You may register for a webinar here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehtDjSfvoNQHl389t19qyE4xOHTLvzteMPTHv3ERhvUbq_eQ/viewform?usp=sf_link>, where you will have the opportunity to submit questions. If you cannot attend the above dates but are still interested in attending a webinar, we encourage you to still fill out the registration form so we can gauge interest in an additional webinar. On January 13, 2025, the final rule <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/12/2024-28931/modification-of-the-duration-of-certain-permits-and-letters-of-confirmation-under-the-marine-mammal#:~:text=The%20modification%20removes%20the%205,section%20104%20of%20the%20MMPA.> to remove the restriction that limits the maximum duration for MMPA Section 104 permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) became effective. Section 104 covers scientific research, enhancement, photography, and public display permits and LOCs under the General Authorization. Individual permits and LOCs will still be limited in duration in accordance with the MMPA’s requirement that all permits specify the period during which the permit is valid. Individual permit terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, depending on the proposed activity and the facts of each particular application. NOAA Fisheries has updated the relevant Section 104 permit/LOC web pages with additional guidance <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/final-rule-modify-duration-certain-permits-and-letters-confirmation-under-marine-mammal> . For questions, please contact Sara Young ([email protected]) or Carrie Hubard ([email protected]). *Sara Young* *Fishery Biologist* *Office of Protected Resources* *NOAA Fisheries* *U.S. Department of Commerce* (301) 427-8484 [email protected]
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