Search Results for keywords:"Gulf of Mexico"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the University of Texas at Austin. This authorization allows UT to accidentally disturb certain marine mammals, like dolphins, while conducting a marine geophysical survey off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey will use low-energy seismic airguns to gather data, and measures are in place to minimize impact on the animals. The authorization also includes monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure marine mammal protection.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Record of Decision regarding the proposed oil and gas Lease Sale 257 in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision highlights BOEM's preferred plan, known as Alternative A, which would allow leasing of most unleased areas in the Gulf, except for certain protected zones and areas with ongoing legal issues. The lease sale is expected to cover approximately 79.7 million acres, potentially yielding up to 1.118 billion barrels of oil and 4.424 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, BOEM has adopted various environmental and operational stipulations to protect sensitive underwater features and ensure responsible development.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that they are canceling the Record of Decision for the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257. This decision is in response to Executive Order 14008, which pauses new oil and gas leasing on public lands and offshore waters until a comprehensive review is completed. The lease sale was initially planned to occur on March 17, 2021, but is now halted. BOEM may consider the lease sale again after the review and could issue a new decision in the future.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) allowing TGS to conduct geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico and to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals. This decision follows the regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, ensuring that the activities have a negligible impact on marine species. The surveys will take place beginning December 20, 2024, and are planned to use a low-frequency airgun source called Gemini. The authorization ensures that the potential impact on marine mammals is minimal and aligns with existing regulations and environmental protection standards.

The memorandum, issued by the Executive Office of the President, withdraws certain areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from being available for oil and natural gas leasing. This decision affects regions in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, considering the protection of fragile marine ecosystems, coastal environments, and the need to mitigate climate change. The withdrawal applies indefinitely and does not impact rights under existing leases in these areas.

The document is a Presidential Proclamation by Donald J. Trump, declaring February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day. This follows an Executive Order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America to honor its importance to the United States. The proclamation invites public officials and citizens to celebrate this day with appropriate events and activities. It emphasizes restoring American pride by acknowledging historical significance.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the Interior Department, has announced the release of a draft report called the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Regional Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales: Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. This report studies potential impacts of oil and gas leasing in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf. BOEM is requesting public comments on this draft until January 27, 2025, and will hold virtual public meetings for further discussion. The draft considers various alternatives for oil and gas leasing and analyzes the possible effects on the environment and communities, balancing energy needs with environmental protection.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to the Murphy Exploration and Production Company for activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA allows the company to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals while conducting geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities. The authorization is based on specific regulations ensuring any impact on marine life is negligible, and it includes mitigating measures like monitoring and reporting. The survey is planned to last seven days within designated areas and is expected to comply with all applicable rules regarding the protection of marine mammals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the Atlantic southern zone for commercial Spanish mackerel fishing starting February 3, 2021, as the fishing quota is expected to be reached by then. This closure aims to protect the Spanish mackerel resources, and it will last until February 28, 2021. During this period, those with permits can still keep Spanish mackerel under recreational limits, but selling or purchasing these fish from the southern zone is prohibited unless they were already harvested and stored before the closure. The commercial fishing for Spanish mackerel will reopen on March 1, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extended the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for bp Exploration and Production, Inc., allowing them to take marine mammals incidentally during geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. The new expiration date is March 31, 2025, instead of the original February 14, 2025. This extension is due to bp using only one source vessel rather than the planned two, and it does not change any other aspects of the survey or the analyses supporting the authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.