Federal Register #2026-08207

Authorization for Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Military Readiness Activities in the Mariana Islands

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering a request from the U.S. Department of the Navy, on behalf of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force, for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during military readiness activities in the Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) Study Area. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a regulatory authorization for military activities rather than a procurement of products or services - Products/Services Requested: - Authorization and regulatory development for incidental taking of marine mammals during military training, testing, modernization, and sustainment activities - Activities include use of sonar, other transducers, and in-water detonations - Includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Covers a 7-year period of military readiness activities - Applies to a broad range of military branches and activities in the Mariana Islands region - Subject to strict mitigation and monitoring measures under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - Locations: - Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) Study Area - Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) - Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) - NOAA and NMFS as the regulatory authorities

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Department of the Navy and other military branches for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to military readiness activities including training, testing, and modernization in the Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) Study Area. The request covers a 7-year period from July 2027 through July 2034. The activities involve the use of sonar, other transducers, and in-water detonations. NMFS is seeking public comments and information on the application to develop regulations and issue a Letter of Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

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