Commandant
2100 Second Street, S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Staff Symbol: G-OPL
Phone: (202) 267-1890
COMDTINST 16214.3
DEC 14 1999
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 16214.3
Subj: NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE MANDATORY SHIP REPORTING SYSTEM
Ref:
(a) Ports and Waterways Safety Act, 33U.S.C., Section 1230
(b) International Maritime Organization Resolution A.648(16), Principles for Ship
Reporting Systems and Ship Reporting Requirements (NOTAL)
(c) Educational Efforts to Protect the Northern Right Whale, COMDTINST 16450.4
1.
PURPOSE. This Instruction sets forth the policy and procedures for Coast Guard
participation in the Mandatory Ship Reporting system (MSR) established in reference (a). The
MSR was established off the eastern United States to protect the endangered northern right
whale. This Instruction provides guidance to various Coast Guard units and staffs responsible
for ensuring compliance with the MSR.
2.
ACTION. Area commanders and district commanders and assistant commandants for
directorates shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this Instruction.
3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. None.
4.
BACKGROUND. Despite over 60 years of protected status, the northern right whale has
shown no significant signs of recovery. The population currently numbers approximately 300
to 350 individuals. The MSR is the latest in a series of efforts aimed at protecting the northern
right whale, which remains the most endangered species of large whale. Ship strikes account
for nearly one third of all known right whale mortalities. Stranded animals routinely show
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