Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

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), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to WesternGeco for conducting geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America. This authorization allows the incidental taking of marine mammals during these activities, under the condition that such impacts are minimal and do not significantly harm the species. The regulations ensure that the activities will have a negligible impact on marine mammal populations and include measures for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting. The authorization is in effect from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a permit has been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This permit was granted without needing an environmental assessment due to its exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. For further details, the permit and related documents can be reviewed by requesting them via email. The official announcement and related actions are documented in the Federal Register.

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 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 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.

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 received a request from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ALDCNR) to allow the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals during fisheries research in Mobile Bay and nearby waters. This request covers activities over the next five years. NMFS is seeking public input on this application and is ensuring that any authorized taking will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species. The public can submit comments until January 27, 2025.

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.