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). After promulgating an Incidental Take Regulation, the Service issues LOAs that authorize incidental take. LOAs are issued for activities that are likely to result in harassment, serious injury, or mortality and can cover a period of up to 5 years for standard activities and up to 7 years for military- readiness activities.
Marine Mammal Protection Act MMPA Incidental Take Authorization DOI FWS
Responsible Agency/Bureau
Project Type
All
Activity/Trigger
Projects in any sector that may result in 'take' as defined (16 U.S.C. 1362 Sec.3(13) as harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill; (18) further defines 'harassment' as any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure or has the potential to disturb by causing disruption of behavioral patterns...).
Description
Statute/Regulations
Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 USC 1361‐1423)
Editorial Category