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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AV15 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act 
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering whether to propose regulations to protect killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the Pacific Northwest. The Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005 (70 FR 69903). In the final rule announcing the listing, NMFS identified vessel effects, including direct interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in the recent decline of this population. Both the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the ESA prohibit take, including harassment, of killer whales, but these statutes do not prohibit specified acts. NMFS is now considering whether to propose regulations that would prohibit certain acts, under our general authorities under the ESA and MMPA and their implementing regulations. The Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident killer whales (71 FR 69101; November 29, 2006) includes as a management action the evaluation of current guidelines and the need for regulations and/or protected areas. The scope of this ANPRM encompasses the activities of any person or conveyance that may result in the unauthorized taking of killer whales and/or that may cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. NMFS requests comments on whether--and if so, what type of--conservation measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be appropriate to protect killer whales from the effects of these activities. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216    50 CFR 224   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq    16 USC 1531-1543   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM  03/22/2007  72 FR 13464   
ANPRM Comment Period End  04/23/2007    
NPRM  07/29/2009  74 FR 37674   
NPRM Comment Period Extended  10/19/2009  74 FR 53454   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/27/2009    
NPRM Comment Period End Extended  01/15/2010    
Final Rule  06/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: State 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: Yes 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
James H. Lecky
Director, Office of Protected Resources
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 713-2332
Fax:301 427-2520
Email: jim.lecky@noaa.gov