Marine Mammal-Fisheries Interactions: Optimum Sustainable Population V. Optimum Yield

This paper will explore the delicate balance that exists between the goals and objectives of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and those of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act from a legal as well as a scientific point of view. Specifically, this paper will focus on the fishery management plan as a method of incorporating the mandates of both statutes in the development of multi-species, ecosystem-oriented management programs that will ensure the "optimum" coexistence of marine mammals and fisheries.