The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Viridien, allowing the company to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision follows regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The surveys will take place over 115 days, with sound source operations planned for 65 days, and the impact on marine mammals is expected to be minimal. Notably, there is no authorization for taking the Rice’s whale, as these animals are not expected to be in the survey areas. NMFS believes that the number of marine mammals affected will be small compared to their total populations, adhering to the MMPA regulations.
Simple Explanation
The government said that a company can work in the ocean looking for oil near Mexico, and while they do, they might see some ocean animals like dolphins or whales. They promise to be careful so the animals won't be bothered too much.