Encl. (3) to COMDTINST 16475.7
COAST GUARD DISTRICT INSTRUCTION 16XXX.X
Subj:
PROTECTED LIVING MARINE RESOURCES PROGRAM
Ref:
(a) 50 CFR Part 216 - Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine
Mammals
(b) 50 CFR Part 222 - Endangered Fish and Wildlife
(c) 50 CFR Part 226 - Designated Critical Habitats
(d) 50 CFR Part 227 - Threatened Fish and Wildlife
(e) Maritime Law Enforcement Manual, COMDTINST 16247.1 (series)
1.
PURPOSE. This instruction directs Coast Guard units within XXXXXX District waters to
further federally mandated protection and recovery objectives for marine mammals and
endangered marine species. It is intended to minimize the impact of Coast Guard
operations on such species and to prevent, detect, and initiate enforcement action on,
violations of those U.S. laws protecting Marine Mammals and Endangered Species.
2.
ACTION. All XXXXX District units, cutters, and aircraft operating within the XXXXX
District shall comply with the provisions of references (a) through (e) and enclosure (1) of
this instruction.
3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. None
4.
DISCUSSION. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Fisheries is the primary federal agency responsible for the conservation and management
of Living Marine Resources (with the exception of sea otters, polar bears and walrus which
are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The Coast Guard has
authority to perform law enforcement activity upon the high seas and waters subject to
U.S. Jurisdiction for the prevention, detection, and suppression of violations of U.S. Law,
as well as to provide support to NOAA Fisheries to meet management goals for protected
marine mammals. The Coast Guard and NOAA Fisheries are both responsible for
enforcing violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
5.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT and IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. Environmental
considerations were examined in the development of this directive, and have been
determined not to be applicable.
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