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False Killer Whale Take Reduction

In January 2010, we established a Take Reduction Team (Team) to address the incidental mortality and serious injury of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Hawaii-based deep-set and shallow-set longline fisheries.

Pacific Islands

Table of Contents

False Killer Whale Take Reduction

The Team was charged with drafting a Take Reduction Plan (Plan) for reducing that mortality and serious injury, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

In November 2009, we convened an informational public meeting to provide:

  • Background information on the MMPA Take Reduction Program and Team process
  • An overview of key marine mammal abundance and incidental take information, including mortality and serious injury data
  • An opportunity for affected stakeholders to develop a common understanding of the problem and parameters prior to formally convening a Team

Though the information meeting was not intended to generate recommendations to us, a meeting summary [pdf] is available.

Team Process

We established the Team on January 19, 2010 (75 FR 2853). View a complete list of the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team members with contact information.

The Team met four times within six months to develop a draft Plan by consensus and submitted the draft to us on July 19, 2010. We considered the draft Plan submitted by the Team, and published a proposed rule to implement the Plan on July 18, 2011.

The public comment period for the proposed rule closed on October 17, 2011.

We considered the comments received and published a Final Rule on November 29, 2012.

We monitor the Plan's progress and ensure it meets the MMPA goal of reducing mortality and serious injury of false killer whales incidental to the fisheries addressed by the Plan. If mortality and serious injury is not reduced to appropriate levels, we will reconvene the Team to develop additional measures.

Team Meetings

  • March 28–31, 2023
    Prince Waikiki
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI 
  • November 7–10, 2022
    Alohalani Resort Waikiki Beach
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI 

  • October 7 and 9, 2020
    Teleconference

  • August 3, 2018
    Teleconference
  • July 11, 2018
    Teleconference
  • June 15, 2018
    Teleconference
  • January 5, 2018
    Teleconference
  • June 20, 2017
    Teleconference
  • December 15, 2016
    Teleconference
  • April 29–May 1, 2015
    Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI
  • April 18, 2014
    Teleconference
  • May 29–31, 2013
    NOAA Fisheries Honolulu Service Center
    Pier 38, Honolulu Harbor
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI
  • March 8, 2013
    Teleconference
  • December 7, 2012
    Webinar
    • Webinar Summary
  • October 4, 2011
    Teleconference
    • Teleconference Summary
  • July 27–29, 2011
    Moana Surfrider
    Honolulu, Oahu, HI
    • Meeting #5 Summary 
  • July 13–16, 2010
    Moana Surfrider
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI
    • Draft Take Reduction Plan (serves as the Summary for Meeting 4)
  • June 15–18, 2010
    Turtle Bay Resort
    Kahuku, Oʻahu, HI
    • Meeting #3 Summary
  • April 6–9, 2010
    Maui Sheraton
    Lahaina, Maui, HI
    • Meeting #2 Summary
  • February 17–19, 2010
    Sheraton Waikiki
    Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI
    • Meeting #1 Summary
  • "Pre-Team" Meeting: November 19–20, 2009
    Honolulu, Oahu, HI
    • "Pre-Team" Meeting Summary

Regulatory Actions

More Information

Last updated by Office of Protected Resources on 02/23/2024

Take Reduction