🌊Proposed Incidental Take Regulations for Marine Mammals in California & Oregon
Take of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Surveys Along the Oregon and California Coasts
Summary
NMFS has received a request from University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of marine mammals over 5 years (2025-2030) incidental to the Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe) rocky intertidal monitoring surveys along the Oregon and California coasts. NMFS requests public comments on this proposed rule. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The proposed regulation allows for the incidental take of marine mammals during research, which could affect compliance requirements for organizations conducting similar activities. Business owners in environmental research may need to adjust practices and ensure compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act.