🐋Renewal of IHA for Marine Mammal Takes Related to Naval Research
NMFS received a request from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (hereinafter, the "initial IHA") to take marine mammals incidental to Arctic Research Activities (ARA) in the Beaufort Sea and eastern Chukchi Sea. ONR's activities are nearly identical to those covered in the current authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period. The ONR's activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA).
Learn More📑Request for Comment on National Arctic Research Plan by NSF
On July 21, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) published in the Federal Register a document entitled "Request for Public Comment: National Plan for Arctic Research." In response to requests by prospective commenters that they would benefit from additional time to adequately consider and respond to the RFI, NSF has determined that an extension of the comment period until Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (eastern), is appropriate.
Learn More🗳️NSF Requests Input for Arctic Research Plan 2027-2031
The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), chaired by the National Science Foundation, seeks public input from all interested parties on national needs regarding the Arctic and the research necessary to address those needs. The public input provided in response to this RFI will inform the update of the five-year National Arctic Research Plan for 2027-2031.
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