🐬Regulations on Taking Marine Mammals for Oil and Gas Activities
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA regulations for taking marine mammals incidental to geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America (GOA), originally published as "Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico," notification is hereby given that NMFS has modified the Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to TGS for the taking of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the GOA.
Learn More🐬Authorization for Marine Mammal Take During Port of Alaska Construction
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Don Young Port of Alaska (POA), for the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to the Cargo Terminals Replacement project at the existing port facility in Anchorage, Alaska over the course of 5 years (2026-2031).
Learn More🐋Incidental Harassment Authorization for Oil and Gas in Alaska
Notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Narwhal, LLC (Narwhal) to incidentally take by harassment marine mammals during oil and gas exploration activities in west Harrison Bay, Alaska.
Learn More🌉Proposed Regulations for Marine Mammal Takes in Bridge Project
Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) applied for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project (IBR) on Interstate 5 (I-5) between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington over the course of 5 years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing 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's responses to public comments will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Learn More🐬Proposed Regulations on Marine Mammal Take for Duckabush Estuary
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for incidental take regulations (ITR) and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of small numbers of marine mammals over 5 years (2026-2031) incidental to the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project (DERP) in Hood Canal, Washington. NMFS requests public comments and will consider them prior to making any final decision on the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA; agency responses to comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued.
Learn More🐬Notice for Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals in Fisheries Research
NMFS has received a request from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting fisheries research over the course of 5 years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the SWFSC's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on the SWFSC's application and request.
Learn More🐋Business Implications of Marine Mammal Incidental Take Authorization
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Phillips 66 to incidentally harass marine mammals incidental to Ferndale Refinery Dock Maintenance and Pile Replacement Project Activities in Ferndale, Washington.
Learn More🐋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🦭Marine Mammals Research Permit Requirements and Business Implications
Notice is hereby given that the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (responsible party: Roxanne Beltran, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).
Learn More🐬Compliance Requirements for Marine Mammal Protection in Pipeline Projects
NMFS has received a request from Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), a subsidiary of Williams Partners L.P., for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project in Raritan Bay, Lower New York Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Learn More