The marine mammal foundation (nmmf) will assist NOAA fisheries to accomplish common marine mammal goals in the gulf of mexico (GOM) and other U.S. Waters

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $1,084,359 to the National Marine Mammal Foundation, Inc. on October 1, 2025, under the Cooperative Research Program (CFDA 11.472).

The Foundation will assist NOAA Fisheries to accomplish marine mammal conservation, protection, and recovery goals in the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. waters through activities authorized under the Oil Pollution Act, National Marine Sanctuaries Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and other federal authorities. Specific deliverables include program management, planning and oversight; community engagement, education and outreach; vessel and drone-based surveillance; photo-identification surveys and reproductive health assessments; remote biopsy surveys; catch-and-release health assessments; environmental assessments; local stranding network activities; catch and translocations; and rescue and rehabilitation operations. Work supports NOAA Fisheries' endangered species conservation and recovery, marine mammal conservation and management, and marine mammal health and stranding response programs through ecosystem-based management priorities.

Performance takes place in San Diego, California, with the period of performance running through September 30, 2029. The obligated amount is $1,084,359. Funding for multi-year performance is contingent upon availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years and the recipient's progress in meeting project objectives and reporting requirements.

The nmmf will support and implement marine mammal tasking authorized under the oil pollution act, national marine sanctuaries act, marine mammal protection act, endangered species act, and other federal agencies' authorities related to marine mammal restoration, conservation, and protection. The nmmf will support noaas work to conserve, protect, and recover species and their habitats, including through their endangered species conservation and recovery, marine mammal conservation and management, and marine mammal health and stranding response programs. The nmmf will prioritize NOAA fisheries recovery and conservation of protected resources mission and the larger NOAA ecosystems mission to protect, restore, and manage use of coastal and ocean resources through ecosystem-based management. Top priorities include: program management, planning and oversight; community engagement, education and outreach; vessel and drone-based surveillance; photo-ID surveys, reproductive health and outcome surveys; remote biopsy surveys; catch-and-release health assessments; environmental assessments; local stranding network activities; catch and translocations; and rescue and rehabilitation.