National Marine Fisheries Service
Alaska Region
NEWS RELEASE

NOAA FISHERIES TO ANALYZE COMMENTS ON PROPOSED RULE FOR HUMPBACK WHALES

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service received 43 comments from the public during the comment period on the proposed rule to limit approaches to humpback whales in waters off Alaska. Under the proposed regulations, it would be unlawful to approach, by any means including interception, within 200 yards of a humpback whale.

Comments on the proposed rule were received from other agencies, scientists, conservation groups, fishermen, whale watch charter industry, and the general public. Complete text of the proposed rule can be located at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/prules/humpbackwhales.pdf.

"NOAA Fisheries is in the process of evaluating the comments and considering whether changes need to be made to the proposed rule," said Kaja Brix, wildlife biologist with NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region.

NOAA Fisheries will then prepare a final rule for publication in the Federal Register. Agency officials expect to have a final rule in place by late spring 2001.

NOAA Fisheries conducts scientific research and provides services and products to support domestic and international fisheries management, fisheries development, trade and industry assistance, enforcement, and protected species and habitat conservation programs.