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NMFS Finalizes 21 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports Under MMPA

NMFS has finalized 21 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) under Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), covering the 2018-2022 period for Alaska, Atlantic, Gulf of America, and Pacific regions. The revisions primarily update human-caused mortality and serious injury (M/SI) estimates and abundance estimates for affected stocks. NMFS responded to public comments from the Marine Mammal Commission and Center for Biological Diversity, addressing concerns about lost fishing gear, plastic pollution, and alternative data collection methods.