Overview
Title
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Maryland Offshore Wind Project Offshore of Maryland
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. government has given permission to a company to build wind turbines in the ocean near Maryland, and they can accidentally bother dolphins and whales a little as long as they don't hurt them badly. They have to be careful and check on the animals while they're building to make sure they're safe.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) allowing US Wind, Inc. to "take" marine mammals during the construction of the Maryland Offshore Wind Project. This means they can unintentionally disturb but not kill marine mammals as long as the impact is minimal and does not affect the mammals' survival. The project includes constructing wind turbines and related activities off the coast of Maryland from 2025 to 2029. The authorization includes several measures to protect the animals, such as monitoring their presence and reducing noise levels during construction.
Abstract
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 US Wind, Inc. (US Wind), for the taking of marine mammals incidental to the construction of the Maryland Offshore Wind Project (hereafter known as the "Project").
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
In a recent release, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to US Wind, Inc. This announcement permits the incidental "taking" of marine mammals during the construction of the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, set to occur between 2025 and 2029. The project involves significant construction activities offshore, including the installation of wind turbines. Here, "taking" refers to disturbances that may affect marine mammals due to project activities, provided they do not result in harm or death to these animals.
General Summary
The document outlines that this authorization falls within the regulatory framework of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which allows for incidental disturbances to marine mammals under strict conditions. It emphasizes that any disturbance should have a minimal impact on the affected marine mammal populations. The LOA includes numerous mitigation measures to ensure minimal disruption, such as monitoring marine mammal presence, employing noise reduction technologies, and adhering to strict operational protocols.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One primary issue is the complexity of the document, particularly for a non-specialized audience. Even though certain terms like "Level A harassment" and "Level B harassment" are defined within, they might remain challenging for general readers to grasp fully without further simplification or context. Similarly, references to various legal citations and technical mitigation measures could impede understanding.
Furthermore, while the document details extensive protocols to prevent mortality or serious injury to marine mammals, it notably lacks transparency regarding contingency measures if unanticipated mortality were to occur. This absence may lead to questions or concerns about accountability and response plans in undesired events.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
For the general public, especially those residing in or around Maryland, this document indicates significant upcoming infrastructural development. The construction of offshore wind farms suggests potential economic and environmental benefits, including renewable energy production and job creation. However, the public may also be concerned about the environmental impact, particularly concerning marine ecosystems.
From an environmental perspective, the document attempts to balance infrastructural progress with ecological preservation. Stakeholders such as environmental groups may view the LOA with cautious optimism, appreciating the mitigation measures outlined, yet they might urge for transparency and robustness in response strategies for unforeseen environmental impacts.
US Wind, Inc., as a stakeholder, benefits from clear regulatory guidelines, providing a structured path to proceed with their operations while maintaining compliance. However, they also bear the responsibility of adhering to stringent mitigation protocols, which might increase operational complexity and costs.
Conclusion
Overall, while the document serves to inform about regulatory compliance for marine mammal protection during the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, it also highlights the intricate balance between development and conservation. Clarity and transparency, especially in contingency planning and public communication, remain vital to address concerns and uphold public confidence.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on the financial implications or costs associated with the issuance of the Letter of Authorization to US Wind, Inc., which may raise concerns about potential financial waste or favoritism.
• The terminology used within the document, such as 'Level A harassment' and 'Level B harassment,' while defined, may still be complex for a lay audience to understand without additional context or simplification.
• The document prescribes numerous mitigation and monitoring measures that involve technical procedures, such as the use of passive acoustic monitoring and noise attenuation technology, which may be difficult for non-experts to fully comprehend.
• The document refers to numerous regulations and legal citations (e.g., 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., 50 CFR part 216) without providing direct excerpts or a plain-language explanation, potentially making it challenging for general readers to follow.
• The document repeatedly mentions the absence of anticipated mortality or serious injury to marine mammals, but it does not specify what steps will be taken if mortality occurs, which may leave readers questioning the contingency plans.