comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 2 – Mission Planning
E.4.a. Avoidance
Protocols
E.4.b. Authority
It is important to know which marine mammal species, endangered
species and threatened species exist within an Area of Responsibility
(AOR); the regulations in place to protect them; and what role the Coast
Guard can play in promoting species recovery. This information is
available from National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service regional offices. Operational procedures should be
developed that comply with and enforce MMPA and ESA regulations,
such as:
(01) Speed restrictions for non-emergency operations,
(02) Slower transit speeds in certain waterways, at certain times of the
year, or
(03) Staying the required distance from members of a species.
Balance the urgency of a given mission with the potential damage to
protected species or habitats.
Additional information regarding specific restrictions within the unit’s
AOR should be obtained by contacting the District (DRE). Should a unit
resource strike, injure, or kill a protected species while underway,
procedures outlined in District directives shall be followed including
notification of the Operational Commander, submission of any reports,
and the conducting of any investigations.
Units observing violations of the MMPA or ESA shall take appropriate
action in accordance with Reference (d).
Points of contact with local marine mammal stranding networks,
aquariums, and sanctuaries should be maintained to ensure appropriate
response to marine mammal and endangered species incidents (stranding,
carcasses, reports of harassment, etc.).
2-37