Taking or Importing of Marine Mammals: Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan, Oregon and Washington

Key Points

• 1Dredging projects in the Lower Columbia River between Oregon and Washington must now follow specific rules to avoid injuring or disturbing protected marine mammals
• 2The regulation applies to companies and agencies that remove sediment from the river for navigation, flood control, or other purposes
• 3Dredged material must be managed in approved locations and methods that minimize impacts on marine animal habitats and populations
• 4The rule requires monitoring and reporting to track whether marine mammals are being affected by dredging activities
• 5Violating these protections can result in fines and legal action against individuals or organizations responsible for dredging operations

Key Dates