Problem Statement 15-8: "Mobile version of Marine Mammal Authorization Program Incidental Mortality/Injury Reporting Form"

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Background
The Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) allows commercial fishermen to lawfully incidentally take a non-Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed marine mammal in a commercial fishery. Any owner of a commercial vessel or non-vessel gear engaging in a Category I or II fishery must obtain a marine mammal authorization from NOAA Fisheries to lawfully incidentally take a non-listed marine mammal. All vessel owners or operators, regardless of the category of fishery they participate in, must report all incidental mortalities and injuries of marine mammals that have occurred as a result of commercial fishing operations. Reports must be submitted to NOAA Fisheries within 48 hours of the end of a fishing trip in which the mortality or injury occurred, or, for non-vessel fisheries, within 48 hours of the occurrence.

Problem Statement
From 1996 when the Marine Mammal Authorization Program was established until 2014 mortality and injury reports could only be submitted to NOAA Fisheries by mail or fax. In 2015, NOAA Fisheries began accepting electronic submissions through an online form or a fillable pdf emailed as an attachment. There is still no mobile platform for this form. Given the increasing use and availability of mobile technology and the 48 hours deadline, a mobile version of the form needs to be created. A mobile application form would help fishermen have access to the form from sea and be able submit their report in more timely fashion.

Core Category
Fisheries Management; Conservation

Organization Name
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

Organization Address
1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Organization Point of Contact (Name)
Lisa White

Organization Point of Contact (Title)
Marine Resources Specialist

Organization Point of Contact (Phone Number)
301-427-8494

Organization Point of Contact (Email Address)
lisa.white@noaa.gov

Focus Area
Conservation

Solution Category
Software