Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced the receipt of applications for permits to conduct activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are seeking public comments on these applications, which aim to study and film northern sea otters in Washington State and Southeast Alaska. The public comment period ends on January 21, 2025. Details on how to submit comments and review applications are available online. The FWS will publish a notice regarding issued permits after the public comment period concludes.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to allow the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct construction activities in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska, which might incidentally harm marine mammals. Over two years, NMFS plans to issue authorizations for the incidental disturbance (Level B harassment) and minor physical impact (Level A harassment) on marine mammals due to noise from pile driving. The proposed activities are designed to avoid significant harm or death to marine life, and special measures will be in place to minimize any impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. Public comments on these proposals are being requested before final decisions are made.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes a new regulation to enable electronic filing of the Certification of Admissibility (COA) form for importing certain fish and fish products to the United States. This rule aims to streamline the entry process for non-restricted seafood imports while maintaining adherence to laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enabling consistency across programs and reducing paperwork burdens. By automating the COA process through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal, NMFS intends to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with U.S. import restrictions on fisheries from foreign nations. Stakeholders, including importers and exporters, are encouraged to submit their comments on the proposal by February 18, 2025.

Cascadia Research Collective, led by John Calambokidis, has applied for a permit to study marine mammals in the North Pacific Ocean. Their research aims to learn more about the distribution, population, health, and behavior of up to 32 species, including some endangered whales and seals. The study will involve surveys, tagging, and sample collection while ensuring compliance with U.S. laws protecting marine species. Public comments on the application are accepted until May 29, 2025, and requests for a hearing can be submitted through email.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has updated a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Shell Offshore Inc. concerning the incidental taking of marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico during geophysical surveys. The expiration date of the LOA has been extended to October 31, 2025, due to changes in the survey schedule, and updated take estimates have been included in line with recent rule adjustments. No significant changes have been made to Shell's planned activities, and the LOA does not authorize the take of Rice's whales since these activities are not expected to overlap with their habitat. The updates ensure compliance with existing regulations and conservation standards.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has modified a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Empire Wind, LLC, related to the construction of the Empire Wind Offshore Wind Energy Project in waters off New York. The modifications include changes to the name of the LOA holder and updates to measures for avoiding vessel strikes, monitoring sound levels, and using passive acoustic monitoring. These updates are intended to enhance clarity and better align with the Biological Opinion, with NMFS confirming that these changes do not alter the previously estimated number of marine mammal takings. The modified authorization remains in effect through February 21, 2029.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2021 as part of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requirements. This list classifies commercial fisheries based on their interactions with marine mammals, categorizing them into three groups based on the potential for causing injury or death to these animals. The classifications help determine fishery participants' obligations, such as registering for observer coverage. Additionally, the NMFS reviewed comments from the public and organizations, resulting in some fisheries being reclassified and updates to the list of species that are incidentally harmed by these fisheries.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule that modifies the duration limits on permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Previously, these permits and LOCs were limited to five years, but now NMFS can issue them for longer periods if deemed appropriate. This change aims to make the permitting process more efficient and less burdensome for researchers and other permit holders. Public comments regarding the proposed change have been considered, and any new permits will continue to be subject to a public comment period before issuance.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has received applications from four researchers requesting permits to study marine mammals. These studies involve research on 58 different species, including endangered or threatened whales and seals, under the authority of laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. The research activities include surveys, tagging, photo-identification, and biological sampling to understand the animals' behavior, health, and ecological roles. Public comments on these applications can be submitted until March 29, 2021.

Lorrie Rea, Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, has applied for a permit to receive, import, and export parts of pinnipeds, which are marine mammals like seals, for scientific research. The aim of the study is to examine the toxicology, ecology, and physiology of these animals. The request for this permit is made under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant regulations, and it covers the exchange of samples from up to 1,500 individuals per pinniped species, not including walruses, each year. Interested parties can submit comments on the application until March 29, 2021.