Overview
Title
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of America (Formerly Gulf of Mexico)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government has given permission to a company to make noise in the ocean while they look for oil, but they have to be careful not to bother the sea animals too much, like dolphins and whales, and they checked to make sure it would be safe.
Summary AI
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to TGS, allowing for the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of America. The survey will use specific techniques and equipment, like the Gemini sound source, which have been evaluated for their impact on marine life. The activities will occur between March and December 2025 but are not expected to impact Rice's whale habitat. NMFS has determined that the incidental takes allowed will not exceed "small numbers" as defined by the regulations, ensuring minimal impact on marine mammal populations.
Abstract
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, 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 a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to TGS for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of America (GOA).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a formal notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to a company named TGS. This LOA allows TGS to conduct geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America, a body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico. The primary focus of this document is on ensuring the protection of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) during these surveys, which are scheduled to take place between March and December 2025.
General Summary
In essence, the NMFS has given permission for TGS to incidentally "take" small numbers of marine mammals, which means that during their operations, some mammals could be disturbed but not intentionally harmed. The document outlines the specific techniques and equipment being used, such as the Gemini sound source, and emphasizes that these have been evaluated to ensure minimal impact on marine life. Moreover, NMFS has assessed that these activities will not affect the habitat of the Rice's whale, a species of concern.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Technical Complexity: The document is filled with technical jargon and detailed analysis related to marine biology and survey methods. This complexity could overwhelm readers without specialized knowledge in these areas. It also references numerous regulatory texts that might confuse those who are not familiar with such documents.
Terminology Changes: The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America could lead to misunderstandings unless one is aware of recent political decisions, specifically Executive Order 14172.
Scientific Details: The extensive use of scientific and technical terms regarding acoustic modeling and survey techniques may render it inaccessible to a general audience. The explanations for incidental takes and small numbers determination contain intricate quantitative analysis, potentially alienating lay readers.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, the public might not feel a direct immediate impact from this document. However, individuals and organizations concerned with environmental protection, marine biology, and energy exploration will find this document highly relevant. The public’s interest in maintaining marine mammal populations without disrupting economic activities like oil and gas exploration is a delicate balance represented in this notice.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For environmental advocacy groups, this document is significant because it sets a precedent for how incidental takes are managed and how the protection of marine life is balanced with industrial activities. The assurance that Rice's whale habitat won't be compromised may offer some reassurance to conservationists.
For oil and gas companies, this approval may present a positive outcome, as it allows for continued resource exploration with regulated oversight. It reflects a cooperative approach between government agencies and industry players to ensure economic activities proceed without undue harm to the environment.
In conclusion, while the document represents a technical and regulatory achievement in reconciling environmental concerns with industrial needs, its complexity necessitates careful unpacking to ensure the details and significance are properly communicated to all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document contains complex technical language related to geophysical surveys, incidental takes, and acoustic exposure modeling, which may be difficult for lay readers to understand.
• The document references multiple regulatory citations and preambles to final rules, which may require cross-referencing other documents to fully comprehend the context and details.
• The change in name from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America might cause confusion for those not aware of Executive Order 14172 and Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3423.
• The use of scientific terms and references, such as acoustic modeling zones and 3D OBN surveys, may not be clear to individuals without specialized knowledge in marine biology or geophysical surveying.
• The document discusses 'small numbers determination' and 'incidental takes' with detailed quantitative analysis, which could be perceived as overly detailed for non-technical stakeholders.
• The footnotes provided include significant information that could be seen as critical for understanding the text, potentially requiring additional attention from the reader to ensure comprehension.