The taking by harassment, injury, or
mortality of marine mammals is prohibited by the Marine Mammal
Protection Act (MMPA) unless exempted or authorized by permit. The
small-take program authorized the taking of marine mammals
incidental to maritime activities (oil industry, shipping). It is
the responsibility of the activity to determine if it might have a
"taking" and, if it does, to apply for an authorization.
Applications are necessary for NMFS to know that an authorization
is needed and to determine whether authorization can be made under
the MMPA. Reporting requirements are mandated by the MMPA and are
necessary to ensure that determinations made in regard to the
impact on marine mammals are valid.
US Code:
16
USC 1361 Name of Law: Marine Mammal Protection Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.