The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has updated a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Shell Offshore Inc. concerning the incidental taking of marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico during geophysical surveys. The expiration date of the LOA has been extended to October 31, 2025, due to changes in the survey schedule, and updated take estimates have been included in line with recent rule adjustments. No significant changes have been made to Shell's planned activities, and the LOA does not authorize the take of Rice's whales since these activities are not expected to overlap with their habitat. The updates ensure compliance with existing regulations and conservation standards.
Simple Explanation
The people in charge of ocean animals are letting a company called Shell do some work in the water that might bother animals like whales and dolphins, but they gave them extra time to finish. They're making sure the work doesn't hurt the animals too much, and they chose a new end date, October 31, 2025, to give Shell more time while still protecting the animals.