Alabama Estuarine Bottlenose Dolphin Protection: Enhancement and Education
Implementing Organization
State of Alabama
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$686,374
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Species Restoration
Targeted Resources
Marine Mammals
Project Description
The project will provide increased resources for state enforcement and education concerning a variety of bottlenose dolphin protection issues in Alabama. First, the project will increase resources dedicated to state law enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA). Second, it will foster awareness and understanding of the MMPA through education, training, and outreach. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will work collaboratively with ADCNR Marine Resources Division (AMRD) law enforcement and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement to determine state enforcement personnel training needs, design consistent training methods, and develop appropriate training and educational materials and products. Resources and equipment necessary to increase and sustain state enforcement activities in hotspot areas will be identified, and state enforcement will be increased and enhanced to reduce harm from illegal activities. A communication pathway between the state and federal agencies and law enforcement will be established to reevaluate needs on an ongoing basis to ensure consistency in enforcement enhancement efforts. Additional education and outreach activities will address bottlenose dolphin injuries related to commercial and recreational fishing, vessel-based harassment, and illegal feeding. The AMRD biologist, in coordination with NMFS, will characterize dolphin interactions with commercial fishing vessels; and identify and develop practices to reduce lethal impacts on dolphins from hook-and-line fishing re...click on "More Info" link below
Contact
Sarah Gumbleton(251) 968-7576
Sarah.Gumbleton@dcnr.alabama.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/