Ocean Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses

EPA has issued a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to authorize the transport and disposal of marine mammal carcasses in ocean waters under specified conditions. The term “marine mammal” means any mammal that is morphologically adapted to the marine environment, including sea otters and members of the orders Sirenia, (e.g., manatee, dugong), Pinnipedia (e.g., seal, sea lion), and Cetacea (e.g., dolphin, whale) or primarily inhabits the marine environment (e.g., polar bears).

The MPRSA general permit does not require that marine mammal carcasses be disposed of in ocean waters; it merely authorizes ocean disposal when there is a need for such disposals. The general permit was published in the Federal Register notice of December 6, 2016 [81 FR 87928].

Additional information, including points of contact at EPA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, and the United States Coast Guard, is available in the Fact Sheet: MPRSA General Permit for Ocean Disposal of Marine Mammal Carcasses.

Why is this permit needed?

Humpback whale carcass being towed out for dumping.Photo Credit: Valdez Star/Brielle SchaefferTransportation of any material, including dead animals, for the purpose of disposal in ocean waters requires a permit under the MPRSA. In the past, EPA issued ocean dumping permits for disposal of marine mammal carcasses in ocean waters on an emergency basis. This general permit streamlines MPRSA authorization and reduces burdens associated with case-by-case permitting.

Who is eligible under the permit for ocean disposal of marine mammal carcasses?

The general permit authorizes any officer, employee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of federal, state, tribal, or local unit of government, as well as any Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Stranding Agreement Holder, and any Alaskan Native, who already may take a marine mammal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, to transport from the United States and dispose of a marine mammal carcass in ocean waters.

What are the potential impacts of ocean disposal?

Ocean disposal of marine mammal carcasses is not anticipated to have any effect on human health, fisheries resources, or marine ecosystem. This conclusion is based upon scientific studies of the specialized community of organisms that become established to consume large carcasses on the seafloor.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more questions about ocean disposal of marine mammal carcasses, please contact the appropriate EPA Regional contact.