Search Results for keywords:"marine mammals"

Ed Charles from Silverback Films, United Kingdom, has applied for a permit to film marine mammals in California for a Netflix documentary on gray whale migration. The proposed permit allows filming of various marine species including gray whales, killer whales, and dolphins using vessels, drones, or divers until May 20, 2022. The application, submitted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant acts, is open for public comments until February 8, 2021. A preliminary decision states the project is exempt from requiring an environmental impact assessment.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has granted a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Hilcorp Alaska LLC. This authorization allows the incidental, unintentional take—or disturbance—of four species of marine mammals during Hilcorp's oil and gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. This LOA is issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and incorporates necessary conditions related to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of any incidents. The authorization is valid until April 21, 2021.

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 seeking public comments and new information on the draft 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for regions in Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific. These reports, reviewed annually under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide data on marine mammal populations, including their distribution, abundance, and human-caused injuries. The updated reports have revised estimates for some marine mammal stocks and seek additional new data for others. Public comments must be submitted by June 20, 2025, and can help enhance the scientific understanding and conservation efforts for these marine animals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has renewed an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) allowing the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) to disturb marine mammals during construction at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. This renewal, effective for one year, covers unfinished activities related to relocating NOAA research vessels, such as pier and dock work. The renewal follows protocols to minimize impact on marine mammals, ensuring activities have a negligible effect on their populations and habitats. Despite updates in acoustic guidance and minor changes in marine mammal populations, the authorized impact remains minimal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ALDCNR) to allow the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals during fisheries research in Mobile Bay and nearby waters. This request covers activities over the next five years. NMFS is seeking public input on this application and is ensuring that any authorized taking will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species. The public can submit comments until January 27, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) to authorize the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals due to construction activities for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. This project will involve building replacement bridges and may impact marine mammals with increased underwater noise. The authorization, requested for a period of five years starting September 2027, includes activities such as pile driving and rotary drilling, which can lead to marine mammal harassment. NMFS is inviting the public to provide comments and information on this application until April 14, 2025.

SeaWorld LLC has applied for a permit to conduct research on a non-releasable beluga whale named Tyonek, from the endangered Cook Inlet population. The permit, under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), would allow studying the whale's behavior and providing care at SeaWorld of Texas. Tyonek, stranded as a baby and deemed non-releasable, will be part of educational programs to inform the public about the beluga’s endangered status. The permit request includes potential transport of Tyonek for socialization or care needs and is intended for a five-year period.

The University of Alaska Southeast has applied for an amendment to its scientific research permit (No. 24378-01) regarding marine mammals, specifically to increase the number of gray whales studied annually from 250 to 1,000 due to higher-than-expected numbers in Sitka Sound. This permit allows researchers to study various aspects of 18 species of Alaska's cetaceans, including gray, humpback, killer, and sperm whales, through methods such as photo-identification and tagging. The aim is to better understand these whales' population dynamics, demographics, and foraging strategies. The public can comment on this application until April 28, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the City of Hoonah in Alaska. This permit allows activities that might accidentally disturb marine mammals during the construction of a cargo dock at the Hoonah Marine Industrial Center. Eight species of marine mammals, like whales and seals, may be affected by the sound from pile driving and drilling. However, no serious harm or death is expected, and various measures will be put in place to minimize disturbance and protect these animals.