The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as requested by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has issued regulations to allow the oil and gas industry to unintentionally take marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years. This means that companies can get special permissions to conduct surveys that might disturb marine mammals, as long as they follow guidelines to minimize the impact on these animals and their habitats. This includes using monitoring and reporting methods to ensure compliance with the rules, and taking measures like stopping activities to avoid harming the animals. These regulations aim to balance industrial activities with the protection of marine life.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. government says oil and gas companies can do special underwater studies in the Gulf of Mexico for the next five years, but they have to be careful not to hurt whales and dolphins while they do it. If they accidentally disturb these animals, they must stop and report it to make sure the sea creatures are safe.