The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to TGS, allowing the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA is effective from February 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The authorization is granted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which permits incidental takings only if they have a negligible impact on the species. The surveys will occur over 83 days with specific modeling used to ensure compliance with existing regulations, and the anticipated impact is considered minimal.
Simple Explanation
The National Marine Fisheries Service has allowed a company to do some testing in the ocean to check for oil and gas. They can do this as long as they don't harm the sea animals too much, and they have to be careful and follow the rules.