In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), NMFS publishes its MMPA final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 1996. The LOF classifies fisheries as either Category I, II, or III, based on their level of incidental mortalities and serious injuries of marine mammals. After February 29, 1996, the owner or authorized representative of a fishing vessel or nonvessel fishing gear (hereinafter vessel owner) which participates in a Category I or II fishery must register for and obtain a valid Authorization Certificate.