Marine Mammal Protection Act MMPA Incidental Take Authorization DOI FWS
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the take of marine mammals. Federal agencies and individuals must seek authorization to incidentally take marine mammals when conducting otherwise lawful activities. Two types of incidental take permits can be issued: Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) and Letters of Authorization (LOAs). IHAs authorize, for periods of not more than one year, incidental taking by harassment only (i.e., injury and/or disturbance but not serious injury or mortality).