First, on March 8-11, 2017, Acquario di Genova will host the 45th Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals. Professional experts, curators, veterinarians, trainers, researchers from all over Europe will get together to share experiences, protocols and research activities concerning the management and protection of aquatic mammals.
The Key note speakers are Diana Reiss, Vincent Jannik and Sandro Mazzariol.
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The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has completed its review of the status of eastern North Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Iliamna Lake, Alaska. NMFS’ review was in response to a petition to list these seals as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Based on the best scientific and commercial information available, we conclude that the seals in Iliamna Lake do not constitute a species, subspecies, or distinct population segment under the ESA. As a result, NMFS has concluded that listing the harbor seals in Iliamna Lake, Alaska is not warranted.
The Darnley Bay area of the Beaufort Sea near Paulatuk, N.W.T., has been set aside to protect important habitat for several Arctic marine species.
The new Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area covers about 2,400 square kilometres. The protected area status will prohibit activities within the area “that could disturb, damage, or destroy these living organisms.”
“It’s a general prohibition so it prohibits any activities that will impact marine organisms or habitat in the area,” said Cal Wenghofer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to issue regulations to facilitate the implementation of the sustainable harvest management obligations under the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Conservation and Management of the Alaska-Chukotka Polar Bear Population. To that end, FWS is soliciting public comment on the development of a regulatory program and local management structures for carrying out the responsibilities under the U.S.- Russia Agreement and title V of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has asked the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to aprove NOAA’s current Information Collection request for the Papaha¯naumokua¯kea Marine National Monument Permit Application and Reports for Permits. This request is for revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. There will be minor changes to the forms and instructions.
On June 15, 2006, President Bush established the Papaha¯naumokua¯kea Marine National Monument by issuing Presidential Proclamation 8031 (71 FR 36443, June 26, 2006) under the authority of the Antiquities Act (16 U.S.C. 431). The proclamation includes restrictions and prohibitions regarding activities in the monument consistent with the authority provided by the act.