NOAA/NMFS Issues ANPR on Taking of Stranded Marine Mammals
On January 31, 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced that it was considering proposing changes to its implementing regulations governing the taking of stranded marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Taking whales and other marine mammals without a NMFS permit is illegal under the MMPA.

The taking in question involves the rescue and release of stranded whales and other marine mammals. NMFS is thinking about clarifying current regulations that specify requirements and procedures for responding to stranded marine mammals, determine the placement of non-releasable mammals, and authorize the retention of releasable rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement or public display.

Comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking are due to NMFS by 5 p.m. local time on March 31, 2008.