Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has released the final marine mammal stock assessment reports for 2023. These reports, which are updated regularly as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide information on various marine mammal populations in U.S. waters. The 2023 revisions include new reports for species like Sato's beaked whale and changes in stock structure and naming for other mammals. Additionally, the reports integrate the latest data on human-caused injuries and mortalities, as well as updated population estimates for North Atlantic right whales, reflecting feedback and scientific advancements.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has adjusted the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) given to WesternGeco to extend their permission to incidentally take marine mammals during geophysical surveys for oil and gas in the Gulf of America until June 30, 2025. This change allows WesternGeco more time to complete their projects after delays caused by weather. NMFS confirmed that the surveys would not harm the marine mammals significantly, and that the extension is consistent with existing laws and regulations. The Gulf of Mexico is now officially referred to as the Gulf of America, according to updated directives.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a rule regarding the incidental taking of marine mammals during the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Expansion Project. The Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) requested this authorization for expected disturbances to marine mammals over five years (2021-2026) due to construction activities like pile driving. NMFS outlines regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), including mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impact, and invites public comments on the proposal. The rule includes provisions for issuing letters of authorization, monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management to ensure the protection of marine mammals during the project's duration.

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.

Leslie Hart, Ph.D., from the College of Charleston, has applied for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research. This permit would allow her to handle parts from up to 700 cetaceans and 700 pinnipeds each year, excluding walruses, to study their exposure to environmental microplastics. The application process falls under several laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Public comments on this application are open until January 16, 2025, and a public hearing can be requested.

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) received a request from the University of California Santa Cruz for permission to conduct research that may incidentally affect small numbers of marine mammals along the coasts of Oregon and California over the next five years. This request, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), aims to regulate any potential disturbances during the university's rocky intertidal monitoring work. The public is invited to provide feedback on this request by January 6, 2025. NMFS will evaluate all comments before finalizing any regulations to ensure the protection of marine mammal populations while allowing necessary research activities.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Maine Department of Transportation to allow the incidental taking of marine mammals during a construction project at Lubec Harbor in Maine. This involves the potential disturbance to five species of marine mammals due to sound from pile driving and drilling activities. The NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed authorization to ensure marine mammals are least impacted. They propose certain mitigation measures to minimize disturbances and are considering allowing a one-year renewal if necessary, under specific conditions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering a request from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to approve an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) related to construction work on the Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. This would allow the USCG to disturb certain marine mammals during construction activities like pile driving. The proposed authorization includes rules to minimize harm, such as monitoring noise levels and having protective observers. Public comments are being invited on this proposal, and the NMFS is also considering the possibility of a one-year renewal if needed.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting public comments on the continuation of information collection related to fishery products involved in trade restrictions, under the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This collection ensures that imported fishery products comply with existing U.S. laws and standards. Public comments can be submitted via email, and the information collected helps in evaluating whether the current processes efficiently protect fishery compliance with international regulations. The NOAA aims to minimize the reporting burden while maintaining the flow of trade.