AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Proposed rule, request for comment.

SUMMARY:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2020, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The LOF for 2020 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan (TRP) requirements.

DATES:

Comments must be received by November 12, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2019-0041, by either of the following methods:

Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal:

1. Go to www.regulations.gov/​#!docketDetail;​D=​NOAA-NMFS-2019-0041;​

2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields;

3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jaclyn Taylor, Office of Protected Resources, 301-427-8402; Allison Rosner, Greater Atlantic Region, 978-281-9328; Jessica Powell, Southeast Region, 727-824-5312; Dan Lawson, West Coast Region, 562-980-3209; Suzie Teerlink, Alaska Region, 907-586-7240; Kevin Brindock, Pacific Islands Region, 808-725-5146. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the hearing impaired may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

What is the List of Fisheries?

Section 118 of the MMPA requires NMFS to place all U.S. commercial fisheries into one of three categories based on the level of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals occurring in each fishery (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(1)). The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery may be required to comply with certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. NMFS must reexamine the LOF annually, considering new information in the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SARs) and other relevant sources, and publish in the Federal Register any necessary changes to the LOF after notice and opportunity for public comment (16 U.S.C. 1387 (c)(1)(C)).

How does NMFS determine in which category a fishery is placed?

The definitions for the fishery classification criteria can be found in the implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 CFR 229.2). The criteria are also summarized here.

Fishery Classification Criteria

The fishery classification criteria consist of a two-tiered, stock-specific approach that first addresses the total impact of all fisheries on each marine mammal stock and then addresses the impact of individual fisheries on each stock. This approach is based on consideration of the rate, in numbers of animals per year, of incidental mortalities and serious injuries of marine mammals due to commercial fishing operations relative to the potential biological removal (PBR) level for each marine mammal stock. The MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1362 (20)) defines the PBR level as the maximum number of animals, not including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum sustainable population (OSP). This definition can also be found in the implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 CFR 229.2).

Tier 1: Tier 1 considers the cumulative fishery mortality and serious injury for a particular stock. If the total annual mortality and serious injury of a marine mammal stock, across all fisheries, is less than or equal to 10 percent of the PBR level of the stock, all fisheries interacting with the stock will be placed in Category III (unless those fisheries interact with other stock(s) for which total annual mortality and serious injury is greater than 10 percent of PBR). Otherwise, these fisheries are subject to the next tier (Tier 2) of analysis to determine their classification.

Tier 2: Tier 2 considers fishery-specific mortality and serious injury for a particular stock.

Category I: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a given fishery is greater than or equal to 50 percent of the PBR level (i.e., frequent incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals).

Category II: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a given fishery is greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent of the PBR level (i.e., occasional incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals).

Category III: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a given fishery is less than or equal to 1 percent of the PBR level (i.e., a remote likelihood of or no known incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals).

Additional details regarding how the categories were determined are provided in the preamble to the final rule implementing section 118 of the MMPA (60 FR 45086; August 30, 1995).

Because fisheries are classified on a per-stock basis, a fishery may qualify as one category for one marine mammal stock and another category for a different marine mammal stock. A fishery is typically classified on the LOF at its highest level of classification (e.g., a fishery qualifying for Category III for one marine mammal stock and for Category II for another marine mammal stock will be listed under Category II). Stocks driving a fishery's classification are denoted with a superscript “1” in Tables 1 and 2.

Other Criteria That May Be Considered

The tier analysis requires a minimum amount of data, and NMFS does not have sufficient data to perform a tier analysis on certain fisheries. Therefore, NMFS has classified certain fisheries by analogy to other Category I or II fisheries that use similar fishing techniques or gear that are known to cause mortality or serious injury of marine mammals, or according to factors discussed in the final LOF for 1996 (60 FR 67063; December 28, 1995) and listed in the regulatory definition of a Category II fishery. In the absence of reliable information indicating the frequency of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals by a commercial fishery, NMFS will determine whether the incidental mortality or serious injury is “frequent,” “occasional,” or “remote” by evaluating other factors such as fishing techniques, gear used, methods used to deter marine mammals, target species, seasons and areas fished, qualitative data from logbooks or fishermen reports, stranding data, and the species and distribution of marine mammals in the area, or at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (50 CFR 229.2).

Further, eligible commercial fisheries not specifically identified on the LOF are deemed to be Category II fisheries until the next LOF is published (50 CFR 229.2).

How does NMFS determine which species or stocks are included as incidentally killed or injured in a fishery?

The LOF includes a list of marine mammal species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in each commercial fishery. The list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured includes “serious” and “non-serious” documented injuries as described later in the List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean sections. To determine which species or stocks are included as incidentally killed or injured in a fishery, NMFS annually reviews the information presented in the current SARs and injury determination reports. SARs are brief reports summarizing the status of each stock of marine mammals occurring in waters under U.S. jurisdiction, including information on the identity and geographic range of the stock, population statistics related to abundance, trend, and annual productivity, notable habitat concerns, and estimates of human-caused M/SI by source. The SARs are based upon the best available scientific information and provide the most current and inclusive information on each stock's PBR level and level of interaction with commercial fishing operations. The best available scientific information used in the SARs and reviewed for the 2020 LOF generally summarizes data from 2012-2016. NMFS also reviews other sources of new information, including injury determination reports, bycatch estimation reports, observer data, logbook data, stranding data, disentanglement network data, fishermen self-reports (i.e., MMPA mortality/injury reports), and anecdotal reports from that time period. In some cases, more recent information may be available and used in the LOF.

For fisheries with observer coverage, species or stocks are generally removed from the list of marine mammal species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured if no interactions are documented in the 5-year timeframe summarized in that year's LOF. For fisheries with no observer coverage and for observed fisheries with evidence indicating that undocumented interactions may be occurring (e.g., fishery has low observer coverage and stranding network data include evidence of fisheries interactions that cannot be attributed to a specific fishery) species and stocks may be retained for longer than 5 years. For these fisheries, NMFS will review the other sources of information listed above and use its discretion to decide when it is appropriate to remove a species or stock.

Where does NMFS obtain information on the level of observer coverage in a fishery on the LOF?

The best available information on the level of observer coverage and the spatial and temporal distribution of observed marine mammal interactions is presented in the SARs. Data obtained from the observer program and observer coverage levels are important tools in estimating the level of marine mammal mortality and serious injury in commercial fishing operations. Starting with the 2005 SARs, each Pacific and Alaska SAR includes an appendix with detailed descriptions of each Category I and II fishery on the LOF, including the observer coverage in those fisheries. For Atlantic fisheries, this information can be found in the LOF Fishery Fact Sheets. The SARs do not provide detailed information on observer coverage in Category III fisheries because, under the MMPA, Category III fisheries are not required to accommodate observers aboard vessels due to the remote likelihood of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals. Fishery information presented in the SARs' appendices and other resources referenced during the tier analysis may include: Level of observer coverage; target species; levels of fishing effort; spatial and temporal distribution of fishing effort; characteristics of fishing gear and operations; management and regulations; and interactions with marine mammals. Copies of the SARs are available on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-stock-assessment-reports-region. Information on observer coverage levels in Category I, II, and III fisheries can be found in the fishery fact sheets on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources' website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​list-fisheries-summary-tables. Additional information on observer programs in commercial fisheries can be found on the NMFS National Observer Program's website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​fisheries-observers/​national-observer-program.

How do I find out if a specific fishery is in Category I, II, or III?

The LOF includes three tables that list all U.S. commercial fisheries by Category. Table 1 lists all of the commercial fisheries in the Pacific Ocean (including Alaska); Table 2 lists all of the commercial fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; and Table 3 lists all U.S. authorized commercial fisheries on the high seas. A fourth table, Table 4, lists all commercial fisheries managed under applicable TRPs or take reduction teams (TRT).

Are high seas fisheries included on the LOF?

Beginning with the 2009 LOF, NMFS includes high seas fisheries in Table 3 of the LOF, along with the number of valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (HSFCA) permits in each fishery. As of 2004, NMFS issues HSFCA permits only for high seas fisheries analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The authorized high seas fisheries are broad in scope and encompass multiple specific fisheries identified by gear type. For the purposes of the LOF, the high seas fisheries are subdivided based on gear type (e.g., trawl, longline, purse seine, gillnet, troll, etc.) to provide more detail on composition of effort within these fisheries. Many fisheries operate in both U.S. waters and on the high seas, creating some overlap between the fisheries listed in Tables 1 and 2 and those in Table 3. In these cases, the high seas component of the fishery is not considered a separate fishery, but an extension of a fishery operating within U.S. waters (listed in Table 1 or 2). NMFS designates those fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 by a “*” after the fishery's name. The number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the high seas components of these fisheries operating in U.S. waters does not necessarily represent additional effort that is not accounted for in Tables 1 and 2. Many vessels/participants holding HSFCA permits also fish within U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and participants operating within those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2.

HSFCA permits are valid for 5 years, during which time Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) can change. Therefore, some vessels/participants may possess valid HSFCA permits without the ability to fish under the permit because it was issued for a gear type that is no longer authorized under the most current FMP. For this reason, the number of HSFCA permits displayed in Table 3 is likely higher than the actual U.S. fishing effort on the high seas. For more information on how NMFS classifies high seas fisheries on the LOF, see the preamble text in the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 2008). Additional information about HSFCA permits can be found at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​permit/​high-seas-fishing-permits.

Where can I find specific information on fisheries listed on the LOF?

Starting with the 2010 LOF, NMFS developed summary documents, or fishery fact sheets, for each Category I and II fishery on the LOF. These fishery fact sheets provide the full history of each Category I and II fishery, including: When the fishery was added to the LOF; the basis for the fishery's initial classification; classification changes to the fishery; changes to the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the fishery; fishery gear and methods used; observer coverage levels; fishery management and regulation; and applicable TRPs or TRTs, if any. These fishery fact sheets are updated after each final LOF and can be found under “How Do I Find Out if a Specific Fishery is in Category I, II, or III?” on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources' website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-protection-act-list-fisheries, linked to the “List of Fisheries Summary” table. NMFS is developing similar fishery fact sheets for each Category III fishery on the LOF. However, due to the large number of Category III fisheries on the LOF and the lack of accessible and detailed information on many of these fisheries, the development of these fishery fact sheets is taking significant time to complete. NMFS began posting Category III fishery fact sheets online with the LOF for 2016.

Am I required to register under the MMPA?

Owners of vessels or gear engaging in a Category I or II fishery are required under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(2)), as described in 50 CFR 229.4, to register with NMFS and obtain a marine mammal authorization to lawfully take non-endangered and non-threatened marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Owners of vessels or gear engaged in a Category III fishery are not required to register with NMFS or obtain a marine mammal authorization.

How do I register, renew and receive my Marine Mammal Authorization Program authorization certificate?

NMFS has integrated the MMPA registration process, implemented through the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP), with existing state and Federal fishery license, registration, or permit systems for Category I and II fisheries on the LOF. Participants in these fisheries are automatically registered under the MMAP and are not required to submit registration or renewal materials.

In the Pacific Islands, West Coast, and Alaska regions, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners an authorization certificate via U.S. mail or with their state or Federal license or permit at the time of issuance or renewal. In the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Regions, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners an authorization certificate via U.S. mail automatically at the beginning of each calendar year.

Vessel or gear owners who participate in fisheries in these regions and have not received authorization certificates by the beginning of the calendar year, or with renewed fishing licenses, must contact the appropriate NMFS Regional Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION). Authorization certificates may also be obtained by visiting the MMAP website https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-authorization-program#obtaining-a-marine-mammal-authorization-certificate.

The authorization certificate, or a copy, must be on board the vessel while it is operating in a Category I or II fishery, or for non-vessel fisheries, in the possession of the person in charge of the fishing operation (50 CFR 229.4(e)). Although efforts are made to limit the issuance of authorization certificates to only those vessel or gear owners that participate in Category I or II fisheries, not all state and Federal license or permit systems distinguish between fisheries as classified by the LOF. Therefore, some vessel or gear owners in Category III fisheries may receive authorization certificates even though they are not required for Category III fisheries.

Individuals fishing in Category I and II fisheries for which no state or Federal license or permit is required must register with NMFS by contacting their appropriate Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).

Am I required to submit reports when I kill or injure a marine mammal during the course of commercial fishing operations?

In accordance with the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(e)) and 50 CFR 229.6, any vessel owner or operator, or gear owner or operator (in the case of non-vessel fisheries), participating in a fishery listed on the LOF must report to NMFS all incidental mortalities and injuries of marine mammals that occur during commercial fishing operations, regardless of the category in which the fishery is placed (I, II, or III) within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip or, in the case of non-vessel fisheries, fishing activity. “Injury” is defined in 50 CFR 229.2 as a wound or other physical harm. In addition, any animal that ingests fishing gear or any animal that is released with fishing gear entangling, trailing, or perforating any part of the body is considered injured, regardless of the presence of any wound or other evidence of injury, and must be reported.

Mortality/injury reporting forms and instructions for submitting forms to NMFS can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-authorization-program#reporting-a-death-or-injury-of-a-marine-mammal-during-commercial-fishing-operations or by contacting the appropriate regional office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION). Forms may be submitted via any of the following means: (1) Online using the electronic form; (2) emailed as an attachment to nmfs.mireport@noaa.gov; (3) faxed to the NMFS Office of Protected Resources at 301-713-0376; or (4) mailed to the NMFS Office of Protected Resources (mailing address is provided on the postage-paid form that can be printed from the web address listed above). Reporting requirements and procedures are found in 50 CFR 229.6.

Am I required to take an observer aboard my vessel?

Individuals participating in a Category I or II fishery are required to accommodate an observer aboard their vessel(s) upon request from NMFS. MMPA section 118 states that the Secretary is not required to place an observer on a vessel if the facilities for quartering an observer or performing observer functions are so inadequate or unsafe that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized; thereby authorizing the exemption of vessels too small to safely accommodate an observer from this requirement. However, U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline vessels operating in special areas designated by the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan implementing regulations (50 CFR 229.36(d)) will not be exempted from observer requirements, regardless of their size. Observer requirements are found in 50 CFR 229.7.

Am I required to comply with any marine mammal TRP regulations?

Table 4 provides a list of fisheries affected by TRPs and TRTs. TRP regulations are found at 50 CFR 229.30 through 229.37. A description of each TRT and copies of each TRP can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-take-reduction-plans-and-teams. It is the responsibility of fishery participants to comply with applicable take reduction regulations.

Where can I find more information about the LOF and the MMAP?

Information regarding the LOF and the MMAP, including registration procedures and forms; current and past LOFs; descriptions of each Category I and II fishery and some Category III fisheries; observer requirements; and marine mammal mortality/injury reporting forms and submittal procedures; may be obtained at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-protection-act-list-fisheries, or from any NMFS Regional Office at the addresses listed below:

NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298, Attn: Allison Rosner;

NMFS, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Attn: Jessica Powell;

NMFS, West Coast Region, Long Beach Office, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213, Attn: Dan Lawson;

NMFS, Alaska Region, Protected Resources, P.O. Box 22668, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Suzie Teerlink; or

NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, Attn: Kevin Brindock.

Sources of Information Reviewed for the 2019 LOF

NMFS reviewed the marine mammal incidental mortality and serious injury information presented in the SARs for all fisheries to determine whether changes in fishery classification are warranted. The SARs are based on the best scientific information available at the time of preparation, including the level of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs incidental to commercial fishery operations and the PBR levels of marine mammal stocks. The information contained in the SARs is reviewed by regional Scientific Review Groups (SRGs) representing Alaska, the Pacific (including Hawaii), and the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The SRGs were established by the MMPA to review the science that informs the SARs, and to advise NMFS on marine mammal population status, trends, and stock structure, uncertainties in the science, research needs, and other issues.

NMFS also reviewed other sources of new information, including marine mammal stranding and entanglement data, observer program data, fishermen self-reports, reports to the SRGs, conference papers, FMPs, and ESA documents.

The LOF for 2020 was based on, among other things, stranding data; fishermen self-reports; and SARs, primarily the 2018 SARs, which are based on data from 2012-2016. The SARs referenced in this LOF include: 2016 (82 FR 29039; June 27, 2017), 2017 (83 FR 32093; July 11, 2018) and 2018 (84 FR 28489; June 19, 2019). The SARs are available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​national/​marine-mammal-protection/​marine-mammal-stock-assessment-reports-region.

Summary of Changes to the LOF for 2020

The following summarizes changes to the LOF for 2020, including the classification of fisheries, fisheries listed, the estimated number of vessels/persons in a particular fishery, and the species and/or stocks that are incidentally killed or injured in a particular fishery. NMFS re-classifies one fishery in the LOF for 2020. NMFS also makes changes to the estimated number of vessels/persons and list of species and/or stocks killed or injured in certain fisheries. The classifications and definitions of U.S. commercial fisheries for 2020 are identical to those provided in the LOF for 2019 with the changes discussed below. State and regional abbreviations used in the following paragraphs include: AK (Alaska), CA (California), GMX (Gulf of Mexico), HI (Hawaii), NC (North Carolina), OR (Oregon), WA (Washington), and WNA (Western North Atlantic).

Commercial Fisheries in the Pacific Ocean

Classification of Fisheries

NMFS proposes to rename the Category III CA/OR coonstripe shrimp fishery to the CA coonstripe shrimp fishery and clarifies that the OR coonstripe shrimp pot fishery is a component of the Category III WA/OR shrimp pot/trap fishery. NMFS also proposes to reclassify the CA coonstripe shrimp fishery from a Category III to a Category II based on one incident of an entangled humpback whale that would have been classified as a serious injury if the whale had not been subsequently disentangled (Carretta et al., 2019).

Targeted effort for coonstripe shrimp with pot gear is limited to fishing effort in California, where a specific permit exists for the coonstripe shrimp fishery. In Oregon and Washington, there have been only a few landings of small amounts of coonstripe shrimp with pot gear over the last 5 years (PacFIN landings data). As a result, the CA coonstripe shrimp pot fishery is distinct in terms of management and fishery participation. The WA/OR shrimp pot/trap fishery is categorized as a Category III fishery on the LOF. This fishery encompasses the very limited effort for coonstripe shrimp as well as other shrimp species, such as pink shrimp and spot prawn in both WA and OR. Given that fishing with pot/trap gear for shrimp in OR and WA is already associated with the WA/OR shrimp pot/trap fishery, we propose to clarify that the limited coonstripe shrimp pot fishing effort that may occur in OR is associated with the Category III WA/OR shrimp pot/trap fishery.

In July 2017, a humpback whale was reported entangled near Crescent City, CA, in multiple sets of fishing gear, including coonstripe shrimp pot gear. While this humpback whale was ultimately disentangled, Carretta et al. (2019) determined this entanglement would have constituted a serious injury or mortality for the CA/OR/WA stock of humpback whale without human intervention. Most of the gear associated with the entanglement was identified as coonstripe shrimp pot gear. This one entanglement event results in an estimate of at least 0.2 M/SI per year, which equates to 1.2 percent of the current PBR (PBR = 16.7 whales; Carretta et al., 2019a) for the CA/OR/WA stock of humpback whale. The estimated total fisheries M/SI for the CA/OR/WA stock of humpback whale is 14.1, which is greater than 10 percent of PBR (Tier 1 analysis). Therefore, because the estimated M/SI is between 1 and 50 percent of PBR (Tier 2 analysis), NMFS proposes to reclassify the CA coonstripe shrimp fishery as a Category II fishery.

Fishery Name and Organizational Changes and Clarification

NMFS proposes to clarify that the Category II AK Southeast salmon drift gillnet fishery and Category III AK Southeast salmon purse seine fishery include both the AK Metlakatla salmon drift gillnet fishery and the AK Metlakatla salmon purse seine fishery. The Metlakatla Indian Community manages fisheries, including the commercial salmon fisheries, within their jurisdiction (Annette Island Reserve). The Metlakatla salmon fisheries are fished in the same region and using the same gear types as the corresponding State-managed salmon fisheries; therefore, NMFS clarifies that the Metlakatla commercial salmon fishing fleets are included in the AK Southeast salmon purse seine and AK Southeast salmon drift gillnet fisheries. Based on this proposed clarification, NMFS also proposes to remove the Category III AK Metlakatla salmon purse seine fishery from the LOF.

Number of Vessels/Persons

NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels/persons in the Pacific Ocean (Table 1) as follows:

Category I

• HI deep-set longline fishery from 142 to 145 vessels/persons;

Category II

• HI shallow-set longline fishery from 13 to 18 vessels/persons;
• American Samoa longline fishery from 20 to 15 vessels/persons;
• CA thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (≥14 inch (in) mesh) fishery from 18 to 14 vessels/persons;
• CA halibut/white seabass and other species set gillnet (>3.5 in mesh) fishery from 50 to 37 vessels/persons;
• CA yellowtail, barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet (mesh size ≥3.5 in and <14 in) fishery from 30 to 22 vessels/persons;
• WA Puget Sound Region salmon drift gillnet fishery from 210 to 154 vessels/persons;
• CA coonstripe shrimp pot fishery from 36 to 14 vessels/persons;
• CA spiny lobster fishery from 194 to 186 vessels/persons;
• CA spot prawn pot fishery from 25 to 23 vessels/persons;
• CA Dungeness crab pot fishery from 570 to 501 vessels/persons;
• OR Dungeness crab pot fishery from 433 to 342 vessels/persons;
• WA/OR/CA sablefish pot fishery from 309 to 155 vessels/persons;
• WA coastal Dungeness crab pot fishery from 228 to 197 vessels/persons;

Category III

• American Samoa bottomfish handline fishery from 1092 to 2095 vessels/persons.

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Pacific Ocean

NMFS proposes to add the Eastern North Pacific stock of gray whale to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II CA thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (≥14 in mesh) fishery. An observer documented a gray whale mortality in the CA thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet in 2013 (Carretta et al., 2019).

NMFS proposes to add the Eastern North Pacific stock of gray whale to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II CA halibut/white seabass and other species set gillnet (>3.5 in mesh) fishery based on a self-reported entanglement in 2015.

NMFS proposes to add the Alaska stock of ribbon seal to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Bering Sea Aleutian Islands rockfish trawl fishery based on an observed mortality in 2014.

NMFS proposes to add CA/OR/WA stock of humpback whale to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II CA coonstripe shrimp pot fishery based on a non-serious injury in 2017 (Carretta et al., 2019). This entangled humpback whale was ultimately disentangled, however, Carretta et al. (2019) determined this entanglement would have constituted a serious injury or mortality for the CA/OR/WA stock of humpback whale without human intervention.

NMFS proposes to add the California stock of long-beaked common dolphin to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II CA spot prawn pot fishery based on a stranding report. In 2017, a long-beaked common dolphin was found dead and entangled in CA spot prawn pot gear (Carretta et al., 2019).

NMFS proposes to add the Western U.S. stock of Steller sea lion to, and remove the Alaska stock of Dall's porpoise from, the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Pacific cod longline fishery. Four Steller sea lion mortalities were observed, three in 2015 and one in 2014. There have been no recent Dall's porpoise mortalities or serious injuries observed.

NMFS proposes to add the Eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Gulf of Alaska sablefish longline fishery based on an observed mortality in 2015.

NMFS proposes to add four stocks to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III to WA/OR/CA groundfish, bottomfish longline/set line fishery based on observed injuries and mortalities reported in Jannot et al. 2018: (1) U.S. stock of California sea lion; (2) California breeding stock of Northern elephant seal; (3) CA/OR/WA stock of sperm whale; and (4) Eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion.

NMFS proposes to add the Alaska stock of Dall's porpoise to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK Kodiak salmon purse seine fishery based on a self-reported mortality in 2013.

NMFS proposes to add the Eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK Gulf of Alaska halibut longline fishery based on an observed mortality in 2015.

NMFS proposes to add two stocks to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Pacific cod trawl fishery: (1) Alaska stock of ribbon seal based on an observed mortality in 2014; and (2) Alaska stock of bearded seal based on an observed mortality in 2013.

NMFS proposes to remove the Hawaii stock of sperm whale from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Hawaii deep-set longline fishery. From 2012-2016, there were no observed mortalities or injures of the Hawaii stock of sperm whale in the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery (Bradford, 2018, Carretta et al., 2018).

NMFS proposes to remove the Alaska stock of Dall's porpoise from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Aleutian Islands pollock trawl fishery based on no recently observed mortalities or injuries.

NMFS proposes to remove the Hawaii stock of short-finned pilot whale from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II HI shallow-set longline fishery. From 2012-2016, there were no observed mortalities or injures of the Hawaii stock of short-finned pilot whale in the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery (Bradford, 2018, Carretta et al., 2018).

NMFS proposes to remove two stocks from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II American Samoa longline fishery including: (1) Unknown stock of Cuvier's beaked whale; and (2) unknown stock of bottlenose dolphin. There were no observed mortalities or injuries of Cuvier's beaked whales or bottlenose dolphins in the American Samoa longline fishery from 2012-2016 (Bradford, 2018, Bradford and Forney, 2017).

NMFS proposes to remove the Alaska stock of ribbon seal from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel trawl fishery based on no recently observed mortalities or injuries.

Commercial Fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean

Fishery Name and Organizational Changes and Clarification

NMFS proposes to add a superscript “1” to the Western North Atlantic stock of gray seals to indicate it is driving the Category I classification of the Northeast sink gillnet fishery. The gray seal mean combined annual mortality in the Northeast sink gillnet fishery is estimated to be 821 animals each year, which represents 59.1 percent of PBR (1,389 animals). Observer coverage from 2012-2016 was 15, 11, 18, 14 and 10 percent, respectively.

NMFS proposes to add a superscript “1” to the Central Georgia estuarine stock of bottlenose dolphins to indicate it is driving the Category II classification of the Atlantic blue crab trap/pot fishery. In 2011 and 2013, there were two documented bottlenose dolphins entangled in crab trap/pot gear. The mean annual estimated mortality and serious injury is 21.1 percent of PBR (1.9) (Waring et al., 2016).

NMFS proposes to add a superscript “1” to the Western North Atlantic stock of gray seals to indicate it is driving the Category II classification of the mid-Atlantic bottom trawl fishery. The gray seal mean combined annual mortality in the mid-Atlantic bottom trawl fishery is 20 animals per year, which represents 1.4 percent of PBR (1,389 animals). Observer coverage from 2012-2016 was 5, 6, 8, 9 and 9.7 percent, respectively.

NMFS proposes to remove the superscript “1” from the Western North Atlantic stock of long-finned pilot whales to indicate the stock is no longer driving the Category I classification of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline fishery. The long-finned pilot whale mean combined annual mortality in the pelagic longline fishery is estimated to be 2.6 animals per year, which represents 7.4 percent of PBR. Observer coverage from 2012-2016 was 7, 9, 10, 12 and 15, respectively.

Number of Vessels/Persons

NMFS proposes updates to the estimated number of vessels/persons in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean (Table 2) as follows:

Category I

• Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline fishery from 280 to 201 vessels/persons;

Category II

• NC inshore gillnet fishery from 2,850 to 2,676 vessels/persons;
• Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet fishery from 23 to 21 vessels/persons;
• Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico stone crab trap/pot fishery from 1,384 to 1,101 vessels/persons;
• Atlantic blue crab trap/pot fishery from 7,714 to 6,679 vessels/persons;
• NC long haul seine fishery from 30 to 22 vessels/persons.

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean

NMFS proposes to add the Western North Atlantic stock of hooded seal to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishery based on an observed hooded seal mortality in 2016. Observer coverage from 2012-2016 was 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 percent, respectively.

NMFS proposes to add the Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay stock of bottlenose dolphin to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico stone crab trap/pot fishery. In 2016, one dolphin was disentangled from commercial stone crab trap/pot gear (Hayes et al., 2019).

NMFS proposes to add the Mississippi River Delta stock of bottlenose dolphin to the list species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II Gulf of Mexico menhaden purse seine fishery based on two self-reported mortalities documented in 2018.

NMFS proposed to add the Mobile Bay, Bonsecour Bay stock of bottlenose dolphin to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III Gulf of Mexico blue crab trap/pot fishery based on one documented entangled stranding mortality in 2015 (Hayes et al., 2019).

NMFS proposes to remove two stocks from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Northeast sink gillnet fishery: (1) Western North Atlantic stock of hooded seal; and (2) Western North Atlantic long-finned pilot whale. The last observed M/SI of these stocks in the Northeast sink gillnet fishery in was in 2004 and 2010, respectively, and the fishery continues to be observed.

Following consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NMFS proposes to remove the Florida stock of West Indian manatee from the list species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery. From 2008 to 2012, there were no documented fishery related injuries or mortalities in shrimp trawl fisheries (USFWS, 2014). NMFS also proposes to update the Atlantic spotted dolphin, GMX continental and oceanic stock name on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery to the stock's current name, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Northern Gulf of Mexico.

Commercial Fisheries on the High Seas

Number of Vessels/Persons

NMFS proposes updates to the estimated number of HSFCA permits for high seas fisheries (Table 3) as follows:

Category I

• Atlantic highly migratory species longline fishery from 67 to 53 HSFCA permits;
• Western Pacific pelagic longline (HI deep-set component) fishery from 142 to 145 HSFCA permits;

Category II

• Pacific highly migratory species drift gillnet fishery from 6 to 5 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific tuna purse seine fishery from 38 to 33 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific albacore troll longline fishery from 11 to 6 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific tuna longline fishery from 3 to 2 HSFCA permits;
• Western Pacific pelagic longline (HI shallow-set component) fishery from 13 to 18 HSFCA permits;
• Pacific highly migratory species handline/pole and line fishery from 48 to 41 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific albacore troll handline/pole and line fishery from 15 to 11 HSFCA permits;
• Western Pacific pelagic handline/pole and line fishery from 6 to 5 HSFCA permits;
• Atlantic highly migratory species troll fishery from 1 to 0 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific albacore troll fishery from 24 to 17 HSFCA permits;
• South Pacific tuna troll fishery from 3 to 1 HSFCA permits;
• Western Pacific pelagic troll fishery from 6 to 5 HSFCA permits;

Category III

• Northwest Atlantic bottom longline fishery from 2 to 3 HSFCA permits;
• Pacific highly migratory species longline fishery from 128 to 108 HSFCA permits;
• Pacific highly migratory species purse seine fishery from 10 to 5 HSFCA permits;
• Pacific highly migratory species troll fishery from 150 to 119 HSFCA permits.

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured on the High Seas

NMFS proposes to remove the Hawaii stock of sperm whale from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Hawaii deep-set longline fishery. From 2012-2016, there were no observed mortalities or injures for the Hawaii stock of sperm whale in the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery (Bradford, 2018, Carretta et al., 2018).

NMFS proposes to remove the Hawaii stock of short-finned pilot whale from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II HI shallow-set longline fishery. From 2012-2016, there were no observed mortalities or injures for the Hawaii stock of short-finned pilot whale in the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery (Bradford, 2018, Carretta et al., 2018).

List of Fisheries

The following tables set forth the list of U.S. commercial fisheries according to their classification under section 118 of the MMPA. Table 1 lists commercial fisheries in the Pacific Ocean (including Alaska), Table 2 lists commercial fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, Table 3 lists commercial fisheries on the high seas, and Table 4 lists fisheries affected by TRPs or TRTs.

In Tables 1 and 2, the estimated number of vessels or persons participating in fisheries operating within U.S. waters is expressed in terms of the number of active participants in the fishery, when possible. If this information is not available, the estimated number of vessels or persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no recent information is available on the number of participants, vessels, or persons licensed in a fishery, then the number from the most recent LOF is used for the estimated number of vessels or persons in the fishery. NMFS acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimates may be inflations of actual effort. For example, the State of Hawaii does not issue fishery-specific licenses, and the number of participants reported in the LOF represents the number of commercial marine license holders who reported using a particular fishing gear type/method at least once in a given year, without considering how many times the gear was used. For these fisheries, effort by a single participant is counted the same whether the fisherman used the gear only once or every day. In the Mid-Atlantic and New England fisheries, the numbers represent the potential effort for each fishery, given the multiple gear types for which several state permits may allow. Changes made to Mid-Atlantic and New England fishery participants will not affect observer coverage or bycatch estimates, as observer coverage and bycatch estimates are based on vessel trip reports and landings data. Tables 1 and 2 serve to provide a description of the fishery's potential effort (state and Federal). If NMFS is able to extract more accurate information on the gear types used by state permit holders in the future, the numbers will be updated to reflect this change. For additional information on fishing effort in fisheries found on Table 1 or 2, contact the relevant regional office (contact information included above in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

For high seas fisheries, Table 3 lists the number of valid HSFCA permits currently held. Although this likely overestimates the number of active participants in many of these fisheries, the number of valid HSFCA permits is the most reliable data on the potential effort in high seas fisheries at this time. As noted previously in this LOF, the number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the high seas components of fisheries that also operate within U.S. waters does not necessarily represent additional effort that is not accounted for in Tables 1 and 2. Many vessels holding HSFCA permits also fish within U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and participants operating within those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2.

Tables 1, 2, and 3 also list the marine mammal species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured (seriously or non-seriously) in each fishery based on SARs, injury determination reports, bycatch estimation reports, observer data, logbook data, stranding data, disentanglement network data, fishermen self-reports (i.e., MMAP reports), and anecdotal reports. The best available scientific information included in these reports is based on data through 2016. This list includes all species and/or stocks known to be killed or injured in a given fishery, but also includes species and/or stocks for which there are anecdotal records of a mortality or injury. Additionally, species identified by logbook entries, stranding data, or fishermen self-reports (i.e., MMAP reports) may not be verified. In Tables 1 and 2, NMFS has designated those species/stocks driving a fishery's classification (i.e., the fishery is classified based on mortalities and serious injuries of a marine mammal stock that are greater than or equal to 50 percent (Category I), or greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent (Category II), of a stock's PBR) by a “1” after the stock's name.

In Tables 1 and 2, there are several fisheries classified as Category II that have no recent documented mortalities or serious injuries of marine mammals, or fisheries that did not result in a mortality or serious injury rate greater than 1 percent of a stock's PBR level based on known interactions. NMFS has classified these fisheries by analogy to other Category I or II fisheries that use similar fishing techniques or gear that are known to cause mortality or serious injury of marine mammals, as discussed in the final LOF for 1996 (60 FR 67063; December 28, 1995), and according to factors listed in the definition of a “Category II fishery” in 50 CFR 229.2 (i.e., fishing techniques, gear types, methods used to deter marine mammals, target species, seasons and areas fished, qualitative data from logbooks or fishermen reports, stranding data, and the species and distribution of marine mammals in the area). NMFS has designated those fisheries listed by analogy in Tables 1 and 2 by adding a “2” after the fishery's name.

There are several fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 in which a portion of the fishing vessels cross the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundary and therefore operate both within U.S. waters and on the high seas. These fisheries, though listed separately on Table 1 or 2 and Table 3, are considered the same fisheries on either side of the EEZ boundary. NMFS has designated those fisheries in each table by a “*” after the fishery's name.

Classification

The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce has certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Any entity with combined annual fishery landing receipts less than $11 million is considered a small entity for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Under the former, lower size standards, all entities subject to this action were considered small entities; thus, they all would continue to be considered small under the new standards.

Under existing regulations, all individuals participating in Category I or II fisheries must register under the MMPA and obtain an authorization certificate. The authorization certificate authorizes the taking of non-endangered and non-threatened marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Additionally, individuals may be subject to a TRP and requested to carry an observer. NMFS has estimated that up to approximately 49,804 fishing vessels, most with annual revenues below the SBA's small entity thresholds, may operate in Category I or II fisheries. As fishing vessels operating in Category I or II fisheries, they are required to register with NMFS. The MMPA registration process is integrated with existing state and Federal licensing, permitting, and registration programs. Therefore, individuals who have a state or Federal fishing permit or landing license, or who are authorized through another related state or Federal fishery registration program, are currently not required to register separately under the MMPA or pay the $25 registration fee. Through this integrated process, registration under the MMPA, including the $25 registration fee, is only required for vessels participating in a Category I or II non-permitted fishery. All Category I and II fisheries listed on the 2020 proposed LOF are permitted through state or Federal processes, and registration under the MMPA is covered through the integrated process. Therefore, this proposed rule would not impose any direct costs on small entities.

The MMPA requires any vessel owner or operator participating in a fishery listed on the LOF to report to NMFS, within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip, all marine mammal incidental mortalities and injuries that occur during commercial fishing operations. These marine mammal mortalities and injuries are reported using a postage-paid, OMB approved form (OMB number 0648-0292). This postage-paid form requires less than 15 minutes to complete and can be dropped in any mailbox, faxed, emailed, or completed online within 48 hours of the vessels return to port. Therefore, record keeping and reporting costs associated with this LOF are minimal and would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

If a vessel is requested to carry an observer, vessels will not incur any direct economic costs associated with carrying that observer. As a result of this certification, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. In the event that reclassification of a fishery to Category I or II results in a TRP, economic analyses of the effects of that TRP would be summarized in subsequent rulemaking actions.

This proposed rule contains existing collection-of-information (COI) requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act and would not impose additional or new COI requirements. The COI for the registration of individuals under the MMPA has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB control number 0648-0293 (0.15 hours per report for new registrants). The requirement for reporting marine mammal mortalities or injuries has been approved by OMB under OMB control number 0648-0292 (0.15 hours per report). These estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the COI. Send comments regarding these reporting burden estimates or any other aspect of the COI, including suggestions for reducing burden, to NMFS and OMB (see ADDRESSES and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a COI, subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that COI displays a currently valid OMB control number.

This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563.

This rule is not expected to be an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

In accordance with the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, NMFS preliminarily determined that publishing this proposed LOF qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review, consistent with categories of activities identified in Categorical Exclusion G7 (“Preparation of policy directives, rules, regulations, and guidelines of an administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature, or for which the environmental effects are too broad, speculative or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis and will be subject later to the NEPA process, either collectively or on a case-by-case basis”) of the Companion Manual and we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances listed in Chapter 4 of the Companion Manual for NAO 216-6A that would preclude application of this categorical exclusion. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, through the development of a TRP, NMFS would first prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment, as required under NEPA, specific to that action.

This proposed rule would not affect species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or their associated critical habitat. The impacts of numerous fisheries have been analyzed in various biological opinions, and this proposed rule will not affect the conclusions of those opinions. The classification of fisheries on the LOF is not considered to be a management action that would adversely affect threatened or endangered species. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, through the development of a TRP, NMFS would consult under ESA section 7 on that action.

This proposed rule would have no adverse impacts on marine mammals and may have a positive impact on marine mammals by improving knowledge of marine mammals and the fisheries interacting with marine mammals through information collected from observer programs, stranding and sighting data, or take reduction teams.

This proposed rule would not affect the land or water uses or natural resources of the coastal zone, as specified under section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

References

Bradford, A.L. 2018. Injury Determinations for Marine Mammals Observed Interacting with Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries During 2015-2016. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-PIFSC-70. 27 p.

Bradford, A.L. and K.A. Forney. 2017. Injury Determinations for Marine Mammals Observed Interacting with Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries 2010-2014. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-PIFSC-62. 35 p.

Carretta, J.V., J.E. Moore, and K.A. Forney. 2019. Estimates of marine mammal, sea turtle, and seabird bycatch from the California large-mesh drift gillnet fishery: 1990-2017. Draft reviewed by the Pacific Scientific Review Group in March, 2019. 76 p.

Carretta, J.V., K.A. Forney, E.M. Oleson, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, J. Baker, M.M. Muto, B. Hanson, A.J. Orr, H. Huber, M.S. Lowry, J. Barlow, J.E. Moore, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, and R.L. Brownell Jr. 2019a. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 2018. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-617. 382 p.

Carretta, J.V., E. Oleson, K.A. Forney, J. Baker, J.E. Moore, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, M.M. Muto, B. Hanson, A.J. Orr, H. Huber, M.S. Lowry, J. Barlow, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, and R.L. Brownell Jr. 2018. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 2017. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-602. 161 p.

Hayes, S.A., E. Josephson, K. Maze-Foley, and P.E. Rosel, editors. 2019. U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Stocks Assessments, 2018. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-258. 306 p.

Jannot, J.E., K.A. Somers, V. Tuttle, J. McVeigh, J.V. Carretta, and V. Helker. 2018. Observed and Estimated Marine Mammal Bycatch in U.S. West Coast Groundfish Fisheries, 2002-16. U.S. Department of Commerce, NWFSC Processed Report 2018-03. 45 p. https://doi.org/​10.25923/​fkf8-0x49

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2014. West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)—Florida stock assessment report. Jacksonville, FL. 17 p. (Available at https://www.fws.gov/​ecological-services/​es-library/​pdfs/​West-Indian-Manatee-FL-Final-SAR.pdf)

Waring, G.T., E. Josephson, K. Maze-Foley, and P.E. Rosel, editors. 2016. U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Stocks Assessments, 2015. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-NE-238. 512 p.