Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

Heather E. Liwanag, Ph.D., from California Polytechnic State University, has submitted an application to amend her Scientific Research Permit No. 27514-01, which concerns research on northern elephant seals in California. The requested amendment aims to increase the number of northern elephant seals involved in an infrared thermography project to 200 non-pups, including both juveniles and adults. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is accepting written comments on this application until February 10, 2025. This action is in accordance with legal standards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other related regulations.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to bp Exploration and Production, Inc., permitting them to incidentally take marine mammals during a geophysical survey in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey involves using a marine vibrator source, which is less harmful to marine mammals compared to traditional airgun sources. NMFS determined the survey will have a negligible impact on marine mammal populations, and the level of animal disturbance will be within permissible limits. The LOA is valid from January 14, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

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 a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Viridien, allowing the company to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision follows regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The surveys will take place over 115 days, with sound source operations planned for 65 days, and the impact on marine mammals is expected to be minimal. Notably, there is no authorization for taking the Rice’s whale, as these animals are not expected to be in the survey areas. NMFS believes that the number of marine mammals affected will be small compared to their total populations, adhering to the MMPA 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.

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) proposes granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for their ferry terminal project in Angoon, Alaska, which could incidentally affect marine mammals. The authorization allows for a limited number of marine mammals to be harassed, primarily through noise from pile driving activities, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NMFS has laid out specific mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts, and these activities are not expected to significantly harm marine mammal populations. The public is invited to comment on the proposal and the potential one-year renewal of the IHA.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to authorize the incidental harassment of marine mammals during the construction of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. This authorization, proposed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), permits minimal impact on marine mammals like seals and whales, primarily through noise disturbance during pile driving activities. Measures to protect marine life include specific monitoring and mitigation strategies, such as designated shutdown zones to minimize disturbance. Public comments on the proposal are requested, with a potential 1-year renewal under certain conditions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to TGS, allowing the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA is effective from February 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The authorization is granted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which permits incidental takings only if they have a negligible impact on the species. The surveys will occur over 83 days with specific modeling used to ensure compliance with existing regulations, and the anticipated impact is considered minimal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering granting permission for activities that may unintentionally disturb small numbers of polar bears in Alaska's North Slope. The authorization would cover nonlethal disturbances, like noise from oil well cleanup and helicopter flights, but not allow any activities that would harm or kill the bears. They have proposed specific rules to minimize the disturbance, such as keeping aircraft at certain altitudes and avoiding known bear dens. There is also a public comment period until February 12, 2025, where individuals can express their concerns or support for this proposal.