Search Results for keywords:"Marine Mammal Protection Act"

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Lubec Harbor construction project in Maine. This authorization, effective from April 10, 2025, to April 9, 2026, allows the incidental harassment of marine mammals, mainly through construction noises, while ensuring no serious harm comes to the animals. The authorization includes measures to minimize impacts on six marine mammal species, like shutting down construction if marine mammals are detected nearby and using bubble curtains to reduce the sound underwater. NMFS determined that these activities would have a negligible impact on the affected marine species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released draft revised stock assessment reports for two populations of polar bears in Alaska: the Chukchi/Bering Seas and the Southern Beaufort Sea stocks. These reports are in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are open for public comment until April 2, 2025. The assessments include updated population estimates and other vital data about human impacts on these bear populations. Interested parties, including the public and governmental bodies, are encouraged to view and comment on these reports through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

The University of Alaska Southeast has applied for an amendment to its scientific research permit (No. 24378-01) regarding marine mammals, specifically to increase the number of gray whales studied annually from 250 to 1,000 due to higher-than-expected numbers in Sitka Sound. This permit allows researchers to study various aspects of 18 species of Alaska's cetaceans, including gray, humpback, killer, and sperm whales, through methods such as photo-identification and tagging. The aim is to better understand these whales' population dynamics, demographics, and foraging strategies. The public can comment on this application until April 28, 2025.

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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is asking for public comments on its information collection related to incidental take authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This collection helps assess the impact on marine mammals when small numbers are taken accidentally during certain activities. NOAA requires detailed information from applicants, including assessments of impact and monitoring reports, to ensure compliance with the law. The public has 60 days to provide feedback on these collections, aiming to improve their efficiency and reduce the burden on those who must provide the information.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced the receipt of applications for permits to conduct activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are seeking public comments on these applications, which aim to study and film northern sea otters in Washington State and Southeast Alaska. The public comment period ends on January 21, 2025. Details on how to submit comments and review applications are available online. The FWS will publish a notice regarding issued permits after the public comment period concludes.

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.

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT) for the Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, Washington. This authorization allows for the incidental harassment of marine mammals during construction activities that involve pile driving and removal, which may disturb these animals through noise. However, no serious injury or death of marine mammals is anticipated. The NMFS has set specific measures to minimize impacts, ensuring that the activity complies with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and does not harm the animals or their environment significantly.