The Northwest Region has initiated an investigation of a marine mammal unusual mortality event (UME) involving harbor porpoises in Washington and Oregon. The UME was declared on Nov. 3, 2006, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). There is limited information available at this time , but there does not appear to be an elevated risk to the public beyond the normal precautionary measures advised when dead animals are encountered in the environment. See the information at the links below for details.

• UME Declaration (PDF 212KB)
• UME Notification Letter (PDF 89KB)
• Fisheries Headquarters Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events Web Page