Marine Animals and the Federal Government: The people behind all those initials - A Round Table Discussion
Federal rules and regulations affecting marine animals are
administered by four main agencies: USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(F&WS), and the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC). The role of each agency will be
reviewed, and representatives of APHIS and NMFS will discuss their jobs and how members can
aid the government, and vice versa, in the areas of transportation, reporting, health
certificates, special issues, etc. Representatives from California Fish and Game will
discuss state regulations relating to marine animals and fish transportation and health
issues.