National Marine Fisheries Service
Alaska Region
NEWS RELEASE

Marine Mammal/Fisheries Observer Program to Start In Cook Inlet

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service announced today that an observer program to assess the extent of marine mammal interactions with the Cook Inlet salmon drift and set gillnet fisheries is scheduled to begin next week.

In addition to fulfilling a requirement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to observe fisheries that may have frequent or occasional incidental takes of marine mammals, results of this observer program will be of special interest because of concerns over decreasing numbers of beluga whales in Cook Inlet.

"We have designed the sampling strategy to quantify marine mammal deaths and injuries that may result incidentally to commercial fishing, and to obtain information that will be useful to the fishermen," said Dr. Brian Fadely, biologist with the agency's Alaska Protected Resources Division. "Observers will be collecting data on the effectiveness of marine mammal deterrents, and on damage to gear and catch caused by marine mammals. This information is valuable for gear modifications that reduce the interactions of marine mammals with the fisheries. "

Data Contractors Incorporated of Anchorage, Alaska, will be conducting the program for NOAA Fisheries. Fishermen are required by the MMPA to carry observers if requested. However, careful consideration was given to the design of this program to minimize impacts to fishermen. Accordingly, only experienced observers were hired, and underwent a rigorous training program for certification. Fishermen or others with questions regarding this program are invited to call the Protected Resources Division of NOAA Fisheries at 907-586-7235.