Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a permit to Leslie Hart, Ph.D., from the College of Charleston, allowing her to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research. This permit, valid from March 25, 2025, to March 31, 2030, covers parts from up to 700 cetaceans and 700 pinnipeds per year, excluding walruses. The permit aims to support research on marine mammals' exposure to microplastics. The activity is considered environmentally safe, and ensures compliance with various wildlife protection laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released draft revised stock assessment reports for two populations of polar bears in Alaska: the Chukchi/Bering Seas and the Southern Beaufort Sea stocks. These reports are in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are open for public comment until April 2, 2025. The assessments include updated population estimates and other vital data about human impacts on these bear populations. Interested parties, including the public and governmental bodies, are encouraged to view and comment on these reports through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering Skipjack Offshore Energy, LLC's request to permit the incidental harassment of marine mammals during site surveys off Delaware's coast. The proposed activity is part of the development of renewable energy projects and could impact up to 16 marine mammal species. NMFS plans to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA), which includes measures to minimize and monitor impacts on marine mammals, such as designated exclusion zones and specific actions when mammals are detected. The public has been invited to comment on the proposed authorization and the potential for its renewal.

Daniel Costa, Ph.D., from the University of California at Santa Cruz has applied for a permit to study California sea lions across their range. The research aims to explore the sea lions' foraging habits, habitat usage, and health through various methods including aerial surveys, capturing, and biological sampling. The permit, which is requested for a 10-year period, allows incidental disturbance to some non-target marine mammal species and up to three unintentional mortalities annually. Public comments on the application are invited by April 17, 2025, and can be submitted via email.

Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., from the University of California San Diego, has applied for a permit to study California sea lions. The research aims to understand the physiological responses and diving behavior of these sea lions, involving capturing and tagging adult females and their pups. The study will also temporarily disturb other marine species, such as harbor seals and elephant seals. The permit request is under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and public comments on this application are invited until March 29, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an amendment to Permit No. 22095-01, allowing SeaWorld LLC to continue its research on a stranded beluga whale named Tyonek. This amendment extends the permit by six months, up to September 15, 2025, enabling additional review of a new application for ongoing research activities. The actions comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, assuring that the research does not harm the endangered beluga and aligns with environmental protection laws.

NMFS, a part of NOAA, has issued an updated incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Trident Seafoods Corporation. This re-issuance allows for the incidental harassment of six species of marine mammals during dock replacement activities in Kodiak, Alaska, with the only change being the effective dates from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, due to project delays. The mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements remain the same as in the initial IHA, ensuring minimal impact on the affected species. The work includes construction activities, like pile driving, and the authorization confirms that the activities will not adversely affect endangered species or their habitats.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Lubec Harbor construction project in Maine. This authorization, effective from April 10, 2025, to April 9, 2026, allows the incidental harassment of marine mammals, mainly through construction noises, while ensuring no serious harm comes to the animals. The authorization includes measures to minimize impacts on six marine mammal species, like shutting down construction if marine mammals are detected nearby and using bubble curtains to reduce the sound underwater. NMFS determined that these activities would have a negligible impact on the affected marine species.