---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1383a"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "1383a"
heading: "Interim exemption for commercial fisheries"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/1383a"
units:
  - "Chapter 31 — Marine Mammal Protection"
  - "Subchapter II — Conservation and Protection of Marine Mammals"
---

# §1383a. Interim exemption for commercial fisheries

- (a) **Effective and termination dates of preemptive provisions; law governing incidental taking of marine mammals in course of commercial yellowfin tuna fishing—**
  - (1) During the period beginning on November 23, 1988, and until superseded by regulations prescribed under [section 1387 of this title](/usc/16/1387.md), or until September 1, 1995, whichever is earlier, except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#a-2), the provisions of this section, rather than sections [1371](/usc/16/1371.md), [1373](/usc/16/1373.md), and [1374](/usc/16/1374.md) of this title, shall govern the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in the course of commercial fishing operations by [persons](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10) using vessels of the [United States](/usc/16/1362.md?p=14) and vessels which have valid fishing permits issued by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) in accordance with [section 1824(b) of this title](/usc/16/1824.md?p=b). In any event it shall be the immediate goal that the incidental kill or serious injury of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) permitted in the course of commercial fishing operations be reduced to insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate.
  - (2) The provisions of this section other than [subsection (e)(6)(A)](#e-6-A) shall not govern the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in the course of commercial yellowfin tuna fishing subject to [section 1374(h)(2) of this title](/usc/16/1374.md?p=h-2).
- (b) **Proposed and final list of fisheries taking marine mammals; publication in Federal Register; grant of exemption; conditions; suspension of grant of exemption; administration of exemption provisions; fees—**
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall, after consultation with the [Marine Mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c)—
    - (A) publish in the Federal Register, for public comment, not later than sixty days after November 23, 1988, a proposed list of those [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), along with a statement of the [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) and the approximate number of vessels or [persons](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10) involved in each such [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), that have—
      - (i) frequent incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6);
      - (ii) occasional incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6); or
      - (iii) a remote likelihood of or no known incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6);
    - (B) publish in the Federal Register not later than one hundred and twenty days after November 23, 1988, a final list of the [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) and other information required by paragraph (A), together with a summary of the provisions of this section and information sufficient to advise vessel [owners](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) on how to obtain an exemption and otherwise comply with the requirements of this section; and
    - (C) at least once each year thereafter, and at such other times as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) considers appropriate, reexamine, based on information gathered from the program established under subsections [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), and [(f)](#f), and other relevant sources and after notice and opportunity for public comment, the classification of [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) and other determinations required under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A) and publish in the Federal Register any necessary changes.
  - (2)
    - (A) An exemption shall be granted by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) in accordance with this section for a vessel engaged in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under paragraph [(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) or (ii), upon receipt by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of a completed registration form providing the name of the vessel [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4), the name and description of the vessel, the [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) in which it will be engaged, and such other information as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) considers necessary. A decal or other physical evidence that the exemption is current and valid shall be issued by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) at the time an exemption is granted, and so long as the exemption remains current and valid, shall be reissued annually thereafter.
    - (B) No exemption may be granted under this section to the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel unless such vessel—
      - (i) is a vessel of the [United States](/usc/16/1362.md?p=14); or
      - (ii) has a valid fishing permit issued by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) in accordance with [section 1824(b) of this title](/usc/16/1824.md?p=b).
    - (C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, exemptions granted under this section shall authorize the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6), other than California sea otters, from any species or [stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11), including a [population stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) designated as [depleted](/usc/16/1362.md?p=1), but shall not authorize the intentional lethal [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of any Steller sea lion, any cetacean, or any [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) from a [population stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) designated as [depleted](/usc/16/1362.md?p=1).
  - (3)
    - (A) Beginning two hundred and forty days after November 23, 1988, each [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel engaged in any [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under paragraph [(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) or (ii) shall, in order to engage lawfully in that [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16)—
      - (i) have registered with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) in order to obtain for each such vessel owned an exemption for the purpose of incidentally [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in accordance with this section;
      - (ii) ensure that a decal or such other physical evidence of a current and valid exemption as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may require is displayed on or is in the possession of the master of each such vessel; and
      - (iii) report as required by [subsection (c)](#c).
    - (B) Any [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel receiving an exemption under this section for any [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under [paragraph (1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) shall, as a condition of that exemption, [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) on board a natural resource observer if requested to do so by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A).
    - (C) An [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel engaged in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under paragraph [(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) or (ii) who—
      - (i) fails to obtain from the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) an exemption under this section;
      - (ii) fails to maintain a current and valid exemption; or
      - (iii) fails to ensure that a decal or other physical evidence of such exemption issued by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) is displayed on or is in possession of the master of the vessel,

      and the master of any such vessel engaged in such [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), shall be deemed to have violated this subchapter, and shall be subject to the penalties of this subchapter except in the case of unknowing [violations](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) before January 1, 1990.

    - (D) If the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel has obtained and maintains a current and valid exemption from the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) under this section and meets the requirements set forth in this section, the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of such vessel, and the master and crew members of the vessel, shall not be subject to the penalties set forth in this subchapter for the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) while such vessel is engaged in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) to which the exemption applies.
    - (E) Each [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel engaged in any [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) not identified in paragraph [(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) or (ii), and the master and crew members of such a vessel, shall not be subject to the penalties set forth in this subchapter for the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) if such [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) reports to the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A), in such form and manner as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may require, instances of lethal incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) in the course of that [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16).
  - (4) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall suspend or revoke an exemption granted under this section and shall not issue a decal or other physical evidence of the exemption for any vessel until the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of such vessel complies with the reporting requirements under [subsection (c)](#c) and such requirements to [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) on board a natural resource observer under [paragraph (3)(B)](#b-3-B) as are applicable to such vessel.
  - (5)
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall develop, in consultation with the appropriate [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r), [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21), and other interested parties, the means by which the granting and administration of exemptions under this section shall be integrated and coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with existing [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) licenses, registrations, and related programs.
    - (B) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall utilize newspapers of general circulation, [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) trade associations, electronic media, and other means of advising commercial fishermen of the provisions of this section and the means by which they can comply with its requirements.
    - (C) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) is authorized to charge a fee for the granting of an exemption under this subsection. The level of fees charged under this subparagraph shall not exceed the administrative costs incurred in granting an exemption. Fees collected under this subparagraph shall be available to the Under [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere for expenses incurred in the granting and administration of exemptions under this section.
- (c) **Compilation of information by vessel owners; contents—** The [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of each vessel holding an exemption granted under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section shall regularly compile information which shall be used in a report to be submitted to the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) at the close of the fishing season or annually, as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may prescribe. Such report shall be submitted in such form as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may require and shall include the following:
  - (1) the type of [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) engaged in by the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4)’s vessel;
  - (2) the date and approximate time of any incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of a [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6), together with the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in which the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) occurred, the fishing gear used at the time of the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18), and the species of fish involved; and
  - (3) for each incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18), the number and species of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) involved, whether the [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) were deterred from gear or catch, incidentally injured, incidentally killed, or lethally removed to protect gear, catch, or human life.

  If there was no incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) during the reporting period, a report stating that fact shall be filed with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A).

- (d) **Program for enhancement and verification of information received from vessel owners; confidentiality of information—**
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall establish a program to enhance the quality of and verify information received from reports submitted by [owners](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of vessels who have been granted an exemption under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section. The program shall include, but not be limited to—
    - (A) education efforts regarding the information that must be submitted;
    - (B) interviews with fishermen; and
    - (C) other such information gathering and verification activities that will enable the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) to determine reliably the nature, type, and extent of the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) that occurs in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16).

    Except to the extent authorized by the provisions of [subsection (e)](#e), the program shall not include placement of observers aboard exempted vessels.

  - (2) Information obtained under this subsection shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of [subsection (j)](#j).
- (e) **Observers on board exempted vessels; confidentiality of information; authorization of appropriations—**
  - (1) For each [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under [subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) of this section, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall, after consultation with the appropriate [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21), other Federal and [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agencies, and other interested parties, and subject to [paragraph (6)](#e-6), place observers on board exempted vessels so as to monitor not less than 20 percent nor more than 35 percent of the fishing operations by vessels in the [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) to obtain statistically reliable information on the species and number of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) incidentally taken in the [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16). If the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) determines that fewer than 20 percent of the fishing operations by vessels in the [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) will be monitored during the course of the fishing season, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall implement the alternative observation program described in [subsection (f)](#f) to the extent necessary to supplement the observer program described in this subsection.
  - (2) When determining the distribution of observers among [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) and between vessels in a particular [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall be guided by the following standards:
    - (A) the requirement to obtain the best scientific information available;
    - (B) the requirement that assignment of observers is fair and equitable among [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) and among vessels in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16);
    - (C) consistent with [paragraph (1)](#e-1), the requirement that no individual [person](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10) or vessel, or group of [persons](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10) or vessels, be subject to excessive or overly burdensome observer coverage; and
    - (D) where practicable, the need to minimize costs and avoid duplication.
  - (3) If the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) finds that, for reasons beyond his or her control, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) cannot assign observers to all the [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under [subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) of this section at the level of observer coverage set forth in [paragraph (1)](#e-1), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall allocate available observers among such [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), consistent with [paragraph (2)](#e-2), according to the following priority:
    - (A) those [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) that incidentally [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) from any [population stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) designated as [depleted](/usc/16/1362.md?p=1);
    - (B) those [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) that incidentally [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) from [population stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) that the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) believes are declining;
    - (C) those [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) other than those described in subparagraphs [(A)](#e-3-A) and [(B)](#e-3-B) in which the greatest incidental [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) occur; and
    - (D) any other [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified under [subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i).

    The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may, with the consent of the vessel [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4), station an observer on board a vessel engaged in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) not identified under [subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i).

  - (4) Information gathered by observers shall be subject to the provisions of [subsection (j)](#j). Consistent with the requirements of [paragraph (1)](#e-1), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall, if requested by the Appropriate[^1] [Regional Fishery Management Council](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21), or in the case of a [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), require observers to collect additional information, including but not limited to the quantities, species, and physical condition of target and non-target [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) resources and, if requested by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of the Interior, seabirds.
  - (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of [paragraph (4)](#e-4), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) may decline to require observers to collect information described in such paragraph, if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) finds in writing, following public notice and opportunity for comment, that such information will not contribute to the protection of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) or the understanding of the marine ecosystem, including [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) resources and seabirds.
  - (6) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall not be required to place an observer on a vessel in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) finds that—
    - (A) in a situation where harvesting vessels are delivering fish to a processing vessel and the catch is not taken on board the harvesting vessel, statistically reliable information can be obtained from an observer on board the processing vessel to which the fish are delivered;
    - (B) the facilities of a vessel for the quartering of an observer, or for carrying out observer functions, are so inadequate or unsafe that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized; or
    - (C) for reasons beyond the control of the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A), an observer is not available.
  - (7)
    - (A) An observer on a vessel (or the observer’s personal representative) under the requirements of this section or [section 1374 of this title](/usc/16/1374.md) that is ill, disabled, injured, or killed from service as an observer on that vessel may not bring a civil action under any law of the [United States](/usc/16/1362.md?p=14) for that illness, disability, injury, or death against the vessel or vessel [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4), except that a civil action may be brought against the vessel [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) for the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4)’s willful misconduct.
    - (B) This paragraph does not apply if the observer is engaged by the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4), master, or individual in charge of a vessel to perform any duties in service to the vessel.
  - (8) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce for the purposes of carrying out this subsection not to exceed $2,700,000 for fiscal year 1989 and not to exceed $8,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993.
- (f) **Alternative observation program—**
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall establish an alternative observation program to provide statistically reliable information on the species and number of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) incidentally taken in those [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) identified pursuant to [subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)](#b-1-A-i) of this section for which the required level of observer coverage has not been met or for any other [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) about which such reliable information is not otherwise available. The alternative program shall include, but not be limited to, direct observation of fishing activities from vessels, airplanes, or points on shore.
  - (2) Individuals engaged in the alternative observation program shall collect scientific information on the [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) subject to observation, consistent with the requirements of [paragraph (1)](#f-1) and subsection [(e)(4)](#e-4) and (5). All information collected shall be subject to the provisions of [subsection (j)](#j).
- (g) **Review of information and evaluation of effects of incidental taking on population stocks of marine mammals; promulgation of emergency regulations to mitigate immediate and significant adverse impacts; action to mitigate non-immediate impacts—**
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall review information regarding the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) and evaluate the effects of such incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) on the affected [population stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6).
  - (2) If the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) finds, based on the information received from the programs established under subsections [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), and [(f)](#f), that the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) is having an immediate and significant adverse impact on a [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [population stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) or, in the case of Steller sea lions and North Pacific fur seals, that more than 1,350 and 50, respectively, will be incidentally killed during a calendar year, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall consult with appropriate [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21) and [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) managers and prescribe emergency regulations to prevent to the maximum extent practicable any further [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18). Any emergency regulations prescribed under this paragraph—
    - (A) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, avoid interfering with existing [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or regional [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) [management plans](/usc/16/544.md?p=k);
    - (B) shall be published in the Federal Register together with the reasons therefor;
    - (C) shall remain in effect for not more than one hundred and eighty days or until the end of the fishing season, whichever is earlier; and
    - (D) may be terminated by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) at an earlier date by publication in the Federal Register of a notice of termination if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) determines the reasons for the emergency regulations no longer exist.

    In prescribing emergency regulations under this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) into account the economics of the [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) concerned and the availability of existing technology to prevent or minimize incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6).

  - (3) If the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) finds, based on information received from the programs established under subsections [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), and [(f)](#f), that incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) is not having an immediate and significant adverse impact on a [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [population stock](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) but that it will likely have a significant adverse impact over a period of time longer than one year, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall request the appropriate [Regional Fishery Management Council](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21) or [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) to initiate, recommend, or [take](/usc/16/1362.md?p=13) such action within its authority as it considers necessary to mitigate the adverse impacts, including adjustments to requirements on fishing times or [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) or the imposition of restrictions on the use of vessels or gear.
  - (4) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall impose appropriate conditions and restrictions on an exemption granted under [subsection (b)](#b) if—
    - (A) a [Regional Fishery Management Council](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21) or [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) does not act in a reasonable period of time on a request made by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) under [paragraph (3)](#g-3); or
    - (B) if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) determines after notice and opportunity for public comment that the purposes of this section would be better served by such action.
- (h) **Information and management system for processing and analyzing reports and information; accessibility to public—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall design and implement an information [management](/usc/16/1362.md?p=2) system capable of processing and analyzing reports received from the programs established under subsections [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), and [(f)](#f), and other relevant sources, including Federal and [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) enforcement authorities, [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) stranding networks, and the [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) researchers. The information shall be made accessible to the public on a continuing basis, but in any case no later than six months after it is received, subject to the provisions of [subsection (j)](#j).
- (i) **Utilization of services of State and Federal agencies and private entities—** When carrying out the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A)’s responsibilities under subsections [(b)](#b), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), [(f)](#f), and [(h)](#h) of this section, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, utilize the services and programs of [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agencies, Federal agencies (including programs established by [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21)), marine [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) [commissions](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), universities, and private entities, on a reimbursable basis or otherwise. The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) is authorized to enter into contracts and agreements to carry out his or her responsibilities and shall establish appropriate guidelines to ensure that other programs used or contracted for will meet the same standards as a program established by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A). A [person](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10) contracting with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) to provide observer services under [subsection (e)](#e) of this section must provide evidence of financial responsibility in an amount and form prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) to compensate employees (or their survivors) adequately for any illness, disability, injury, or death from service on a vessel.
- (j) **Confidentiality of information; exceptions—**
  - (1) Any information collected under subsection [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), [(f)](#f), or [(h)](#h) of this section shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except—
    - (A) to Federal employees whose duties require access to such information;
    - (B) to [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) employees pursuant to an agreement with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) that prevents public disclosure of the identity or business of any [person](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10);
    - (C) when required by court order; or
    - (D) in the case of scientific information involving [fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16), to employees of [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21) who are responsible for [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) development and monitoring.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall prescribe such procedures as may be necessary to [preserve](/usc/16/698u–1.md?p=2) such confidentiality, except that the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall release or make public any such information in aggregate, summary, or other form which does not directly or indirectly disclose the identity or business of any [person](/usc/16/1362.md?p=10).
- (k) **Regulations—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A), in consultation with any other Federal agency to the extent that such agency may be affected, shall prescribe such regulations as necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.
- (l) **Suggested regime governing incidental taking of marine mammals following termination of in­terim exemptions—**
  - (1) The Chairman of the [Marine Mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall, after consultation with interested parties and not later than February 1, 1990, transmit to the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) and make available to the public recommended guidelines to govern the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) in the course of commercial fishing operations, other than those subject to [section 1374(h)(2) of this title](/usc/16/1374.md?p=h-2), after October 1, 1993. Such guidelines shall be developed by the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) and its Committee of Scientific Advisers on [Marine Mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) and shall—
    - (A) be designed to provide a scientific rationale and basis for determining how many [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) may be incidentally taken under a regime to be adopted to govern such [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) after October 1, 1993;
    - (B) be based on sound principles of wildlife [management](/usc/16/1362.md?p=2), and be consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes and policies set forth in this chapter; and
    - (C) to the maximum extent practicable, include as factors to be considered and utilized in determining permissible levels of such [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18)—
      - (i) the status and trends of the affected [marine mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [population stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11);
      - (ii) the abundance and annual net recruitment of such [stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11);
      - (iii) the level of confidence in the knowledge of the affected [stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11); and
      - (iv) the extent to which incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) will likely cause or contribute to their decline or prevent their recovery to [optimum sustainable population](/usc/16/1362.md?p=9) levels.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall advise the Chairman of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) in writing if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) determines that any additional information or explanation of the Chairman’s recommendations is needed, and the Chairman shall respond in writing to any such request by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A).
  - (3) On or before February 1, 1991, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A), after consultation with the [Marine Mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21), and other interested governmental and nongovernmental organizations, shall publish in the Federal Register, for public comment, the suggested regime that the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) considers should, if authorized by enactment of any additional legislation, govern incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6), other than those subject to [section 1374(h)(2) of this title](/usc/16/1374.md?p=h-2), after October 1, 1993. The suggested regime shall include—
    - (A) the scientific guidelines to be used in determining permissible levels of incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18);
    - (B) a description of the arrangements for consultation and cooperation with other Federal agencies, the appropriate [Regional Fishery Management Councils](/usc/16/1362.md?p=21) and [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r), the commercial fishing industry, and [conservation](/usc/16/1362.md?p=2) organizations; and
    - (C) a summary of such regulations and legislation as would be necessary to implement the suggested regime.
  - (4) On or before January 1, 1992, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A), after consultation with the [Marine Mammal](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), and consideration of public comment, shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Merchant Marine and [Fisheries](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) of the House of Representatives recommendations pertaining to the incidental [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6), other than those subject to [section 1374(h)(2) of this title](/usc/16/1374.md?p=h-2), after October 1, 1993. The recommendations shall include—
    - (A) the suggested regime developed under paragraph (3) of this subsection as modified after comment and consultations;
    - (B) a proposed schedule for implementing the suggested regime; and
    - (C) such recommendations for additional legislation as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) considers necessary or desirable to implement the suggested regime.
- (m) **Consultation with Secretary of the Interior—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) shall consult with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of the Interior prior to [taking](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) actions or making determinations under this section that affect or relate to species or [population stocks](/usc/16/1362.md?p=11) of [marine mammals](/usc/16/1362.md?p=6) for which the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of the Interior is responsible under this subchapter.
- (n) **Owner of fixed commercial fishing gear deemed owner of vessel engaged in fishery in which gear deployed—** For the purposes of this section, the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of fixed or other commercial fishing gear that is deployed with or without the use of a vessel shall be deemed to be an [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) of a vessel engaged in the [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16) in which that gear is deployed.
- (o) **Definitions—** As used in this section—
  - (1) the term “[fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16)” has the same meaning as it does in [section 1802(8)](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8)[^2] of this title.
  - (2) the term “[Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A)” means the [Secretary](/usc/16/1362.md?p=12-A) of Commerce.
  - (3) the term “vessel engaged in a [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16)” means a fishing vessel as defined in [section 2101(12) of title 46](/usc/46/2101.md?p=12) or a fish processing vessel as defined in [section 2101(13)](/usc/16/2101.md) of that title, which is engaged in [fishery](/usc/16/1362.md?p=16).
  - (4) the term “vessel of the [United States](/usc/16/1362.md?p=14)” has the same meaning as it does in [section 1802(27)](/usc/16/1802.md?p=27)[^2] of this title.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
[^2]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 92–522, title I, § 114, as added Pub. L. 100–711, § 2(a)(2), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4755; amended Pub. L. 103–86, Sept. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 930; Pub. L. 103–228, Mar. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 103–238, § 15(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 559; Pub. L. 104–43, title IV, § 404(a)(1), Nov. 3, 1995, 109 Stat. 390; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(a) [title II, § 211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–41; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, § 3541(b)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2323.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 1802 of this title, referred to in subsec. (o)(1), (4), was subsequently amended, and section 1802(8) and (27) no longer defines the terms “fishery” and “vessel of the United States”. However, such terms are defined elsewhere in that section.

### Amendments

2018—Subsec. (o)(3). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted “section 2101(12)” for “section 2101(11a)” and “section 2101(13)” for “section 2101(11b)”.

1996—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(2)(B)(ii), (o)(1), (4). Pub. L. 104–208 made technical amendment to references in original act which appear in text as references to sections 1802(8), (27) and 1824(b) of this title.

1995—Pub. L. 104–43 amended directory language of Pub. L. 103–238. See 1994 Amendment note below.

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–238, as amended by Pub. L. 104–43, substituted “until superseded by regulations prescribed under section 1387 of this title, or until September 1, 1995, whichever is earlier,” for “ending May 1, 1994.”

Pub. L. 103–228 substituted “May 1, 1994.” for “April 1, 1994,”.

1993—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–86 substituted “April 1, 1994” for “October 1, 1993”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(a) [title II, § 211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–41, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 15 days after Oct. 11, 1996.

### Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–43, title IV, § 404(a)(2), Nov. 3, 1995, 109 Stat. 391, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall be effective on and after April 30, 1994.”

### Abolition of House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries

Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Resources of House of Representatives in case of provisions relating to fisheries, wildlife, international fishing agreements, marine affairs (including coastal zone management) except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of navigable waters, or oceanography by section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.