🐬Proposed Regulations for Marine Mammal Taking in Alaska LNG Project
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Alaska LNG Project in Cook Inlet
Summary
NMFS has received a request from 8 Star Alaska, LLC (8 Star Alaska), a subsidiary of Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC), for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Cook Inlet, Alaska, over the course of 5 years (2026-2030). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS proposes regulations setting forth permissible methods of taking, other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on such marine mammal stocks (i.e., mitigation measures), and requirements pertaining to monitoring and reporting such takes, and requests comments on the proposed regulations. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested MMPA regulations, and NMFS' responses to public comments will be summarized in the final notification of our decision.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed regulations impact business operations associated with the Alaska LNG Project by defining permissible methods for taking marine mammals and requiring monitoring and reporting, which could influence project timelines and costs. Compliance with mitigation measures is essential for business continuity.