Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

50 CFR 229.5: Requirements for Category III fisheries.

(a) General. Vessel owners and crew members of such vessels engaged only in Category III fisheries may incidentally take marine mammals without registering for or receiving an Authorization Certificate.
(b) Reporting. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with the reporting requirements specified in § 229.6.
(c) Disposition of marine mammals. Any marine mammal incidentally taken must be immediately returned to the sea with a minimum of further injury unless directed otherwise by NMFS personnel, a designated contractor, or an official observer, or authorized otherwise by a scientific research permit in the possession of the operator.
(d) Monitoring. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with the observer requirements specified under § 229.7(d).
(e) Deterrence. When necessary to deter a marine mammal from damaging fishing gear, catch, or other private property, or from endangering personal safety, vessel owners and crew members engaged in commercial fishing operations must comply with all deterrence provisions set forth in the Act and all guidelines and prohibitions published thereunder.
(f) Self-defense. When imminently necessary in self-defense or to save the life of a person in immediate danger, a marine mammal may be lethally taken if such taking is reported to NMFS in accordance with the requirements of § 229.6.
(g) Emergency regulations. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with any applicable emergency regulations.

Where this section sits in the code

Title 50—Wildlife and Fisheries
CHAPTER II—NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
SUBCHAPTER C—MARINE MAMMALS
PART 229—AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES UNDER THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972
Subpart A—General Provisions

(b) Reporting. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with the reporting requirements specified in § 229.6.

(c) Disposition of marine mammals. Any marine mammal incidentally taken must be immediately returned to the sea with a minimum of further injury unless directed otherwise by NMFS personnel, a designated contractor, or an official observer, or authorized otherwise by a scientific research permit in the possession of the operator.

(d) Monitoring. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with the observer requirements specified under § 229.7(d).

(e) Deterrence. When necessary to deter a marine mammal from damaging fishing gear, catch, or other private property, or from endangering personal safety, vessel owners and crew members engaged in commercial fishing operations must comply with all deterrence provisions set forth in the Act and all guidelines and prohibitions published thereunder.

(f) Self-defense. When imminently necessary in self-defense or to save the life of a person in immediate danger, a marine mammal may be lethally taken if such taking is reported to NMFS in accordance with the requirements of § 229.6.

(g) Emergency regulations. Vessel owners engaged in a Category III fishery must comply with any applicable emergency regulations.

Collected 2026-08-27T02:26:39Z. Source file · JSON

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