NMFS is publishing its proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2025, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2025 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 on the level of mortality and serious injury (M/SI) 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 those regarding registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan (TRP) requirements.
*NEW: In response to requests to extend the public comment period, NMFS is reopening the comment period through December 1. To provide comments Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA–NMFS–2024–0037 in the Search box. Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
For more information, see Federal Register notice here. For reopened public comment notice, see here.