West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 7
I. Marine Mammals
Introduction
The Pacific Ocean is home to a vast number of marine
mammals. Interactions between fishing operations and
marine mammals are unavoidable. Observers provide
reliable estimates of marine mammal mortality and other
interactions due to fishing operations.
For marine mammals encountered in a haul or set, WCGOP
Observers collect length, sex and weight data for individuals.
In the case of sea lions and Northern fur seals, Observers are
asked to collect canine teeth which are used by the National
Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) for species
identification and aging purposes. Tissue samples from
cetaceans are also collected for use by NMML for genetic
analysis.
Marine mammal sighting data contributed to the NMML by
Observers provide important information on the distribution
and behavior of marine mammals. There are several species
in the Pacific Ocean that are threatened or endangered, and
information on these animals is of great interest.
Marine Mammal Protection Act
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) was
most recently reauthorized in 1994. In passing the MMPA,
Congress found that certain species and populations of
marine mammals are, or may be, in danger of extinction or
depletion as a result of human activities. The Act states:
• Such species and population stocks should not
be permitted to diminish beyond the point at
which they cease to be a significant functioning
element in the ecosystem of which they are a
part, and, consistent with this major objective,
7-2 1/30/2004