Search Results for keywords:"marine mammals"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comments and new information on the draft 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for regions in Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific. These reports, reviewed annually under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide data on marine mammal populations, including their distribution, abundance, and human-caused injuries. The updated reports have revised estimates for some marine mammal stocks and seek additional new data for others. Public comments must be submitted by June 20, 2025, and can help enhance the scientific understanding and conservation efforts for these marine animals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has renewed an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) allowing the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) to disturb marine mammals during construction at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. This renewal, effective for one year, covers unfinished activities related to relocating NOAA research vessels, such as pier and dock work. The renewal follows protocols to minimize impact on marine mammals, ensuring activities have a negligible effect on their populations and habitats. Despite updates in acoustic guidance and minor changes in marine mammal populations, the authorized impact remains minimal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the City of Hoonah in Alaska. This permit allows activities that might accidentally disturb marine mammals during the construction of a cargo dock at the Hoonah Marine Industrial Center. Eight species of marine mammals, like whales and seals, may be affected by the sound from pile driving and drilling. However, no serious harm or death is expected, and various measures will be put in place to minimize disturbance and protect these animals.

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) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued permits and permit amendments under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These permits are for specific entities, allowing activities that involve marine mammals and endangered species. The issued permits comply with legal requirements and ensure that activities will not harm endangered species or contradict the laws. More information is available for review by contacting specific representatives or through the Federal Register website.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed issuing an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) that would allow the United States Army Corps of Engineers to take small numbers of marine mammals during geotechnical surveys in St. George, Alaska. These surveys aim to support the construction of a small boat harbor and may incidentally affect northern fur seals, harbor seals, and possibly other marine mammals. The IHA includes measures to reduce impacts, such as temporarily stopping work if certain marine mammals are nearby and avoiding work during sensitive times, like when northern fur seals are pupping. Public comments on the proposal are being requested.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) to authorize the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals due to construction activities for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. This project will involve building replacement bridges and may impact marine mammals with increased underwater noise. The authorization, requested for a period of five years starting September 2027, includes activities such as pile driving and rotary drilling, which can lead to marine mammal harassment. NMFS is inviting the public to provide comments and information on this application until April 14, 2025.

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 issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy to allow for the incidental harassment of marine mammals during the Pier 6 Replacement Project at Naval Base San Diego. This project involves pile driving and removal activities, which might disturb California sea lions but is not expected to cause injury or mortality. The authorization includes specific measures to mitigate impacts on marine mammals, such as monitoring practices and temporary work stoppages if marine mammals enter the designated zones. The project's environmental impact has been assessed, and it is not expected to have significant adverse effects on marine mammals or their habitats.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has issued a permit to Humble Bee Wild Ltd for filming humpback whales in Hawaii. This permit allows the company to film up to 540 humpback whales each year using vessels, drones, and underwater divers. The company is also permitted to film up to 50 common bottlenose dolphins and 50 spinner dolphins interacting with these whales. The footage will be used for a natural history TV series. The permit is valid until April 30, 2026, and the activity is excluded from needing an environmental assessment.