Search Results for keywords:"marine mammals"

SeaWorld LLC has applied for a permit to conduct research on a non-releasable beluga whale named Tyonek, from the endangered Cook Inlet population. The permit, under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), would allow studying the whale's behavior and providing care at SeaWorld of Texas. Tyonek, stranded as a baby and deemed non-releasable, will be part of educational programs to inform the public about the beluga’s endangered status. The permit request includes potential transport of Tyonek for socialization or care needs and is intended for a five-year period.

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 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 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) 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) proposes a change to an existing Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) issued to Bay State Wind, LLC for marine surveys off Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This modification is necessary because Bay State Wind has encountered more common dolphins than expected and requests an increase in the number they can disturb without harm (Level B harassment). The proposed modification would raise the authorized take of common dolphins from 1,485 to 2,970, with no other changes to the authorization. The public can comment on this proposed modification until December 26, 2024.

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.