Search Results for keywords:"marine mammals"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Commerce Department, published a rule regarding the incidental taking of marine mammals during the U.S. Navy's Q8 bulkhead repair and replacement project at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. The Navy requested a delay of the rule's effective date from January 1, 2025, to August 4, 2025, and an extension of the expiration date to August 3, 2030, due to construction delays. This rule allows for the incidental impact on small numbers of marine mammals from activities like pile removal and installation, which will take place in phases over 212 non-consecutive days. The NMFS decided not to hold a further public comment period as the changes only affect the dates and not the conditions or assessments of the original rule.

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued two Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for activities related to construction of facilities in Seward and Sitka, Alaska. These permits allow for the incidental disturbance of marine mammals during the construction of fast response cutter docks, provided that the impact is negligible and does not adversely affect marine mammal populations or subsistence uses. The activities, expected to last into 2027 and 2028, involve measures to minimize harm, including monitoring for marine mammals and implementing shutdown procedures if necessary. The authorizations ensure compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and relevant environmental regulations.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has received a request from the U.S. Navy to renew an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). This renewal allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the construction needed for relocating NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The activities are nearly identical to those already analyzed in an existing authorization and the renewal will allow continuation for up to another year. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed actions will not have a significant impact on marine mammals and seeks additional public comments before making a final decision.

Amandine Gamble, Ph.D., from Cornell University, has applied for a permit to import, export, and collect parts of pinnipeds, such as seals and sea lions, for scientific research purposes. The proposed permit would last for three years and allow for the management of up to 510 individuals from each species annually, focusing on wildlife health in Antarctica and Subantarctica. The application is under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and public comments are being accepted until April 30, 2025. This activity is categorized as not requiring an environmental assessment or impact statement under federal regulations.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued regulations to govern incidental take of marine mammals by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) for their research activities. These regulations, valid for five years, authorize unintentional separations, injuries, or deaths of marine mammals during these activities in specific regions, like the California and Antarctic ecosystems. The regulations outline permissible methods of capture and require minimized impact on marine mammal populations, along with conditions for monitoring and reporting. The rule aims to allow SWFSC to conduct necessary research while ensuring the protection and survival of marine mammals.

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.

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.

NMFS, a part of NOAA, has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC, seeking authorization to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals during their oil and gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, over a five-year period. The request pertains to the incidental impact on 12 marine mammal species, including beluga whales, due to activities like tug operations, pile driving, and pipeline work, which might cause harassment at two levels. The public is invited to comment on this proposal until April 14, 2025. NMFS will use public feedback to develop regulations overseeing Hilcorp's activities.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering renewing an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for the Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture (CTJV) to take marine mammals during construction work on the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This renewal is necessary because project delays mean initial work won't be completed by the original IHA expiration. The proposed renewal includes measures to minimize impacts on marine mammals and allows for additional public comments until February 23, 2021. The activities involved are similar to previous ones and are expected to have minimal impact on marine mammal populations.