What is the status of the marine mammal rehabilitation facility guidelines?
NMFS recognizes the need for rehabilitation facilities standards and, in July 1998, hosted a workshop to bring stranding network participants together to discuss possible criteria and facilities standards for marine mammal rehabilitation. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service shares NMFS’ belief that rehabilitation facility guidelines are needed, and in August of 1998, NMFS initiated discussions with them to clarify jurisdiction over rehabilitation facilities and the need for rehabilitation facility guidelines. In February, 1999, NMFS reached an agreement with APHIS that NMFS will publish rehabilitation facilities guidelines and will monitor facility standards. Since NMFS will oversee these facilities APHIS will not inspect them unless requested by NMFS. The guidelines will better define public access and kinds of compensation for marine mammal rehabilitation facilities, will provide greater oversight (including inspections), and will include APHIS care and maintenance
Related Questions
- How can NMFS support the marine mammal rehabilitation network to rescue injured or ill animals, while recommending that commercial fishermen shoot nuisance marine mammals?
- I am starting a brand-new marine mammal stranding response and/or rehabilitation facility. Am I eligible to apply for Prescott funds?
- What is the status of the marine mammal rehabilitation facility guidelines?
