Federal Register #2026-09060

NOAA Issues Letters of Authorization for Geophysical Surveys in Gulf of America

This award summary covers the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), for geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of America: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Recipients (Vendors/Operators): - WesternGeco, LLC - TGS - Future Energy Consultants (FEC) - bp Exploration & Production Inc. (bp) - Viridien - LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) - Services Authorized: - Geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas exploration - Use of seismic airgun arrays, ocean bottom node technologies, and other acoustic sources - Activities span multiple lease blocks and zones in the Gulf of America, including Green Canyon, Walker Ridge, East Breaks, Garden Banks, and lease block LA5A - Notable Requirements: - Each LOA specifies survey methods, water depths, and effective periods - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Activities governed by regulations at 50 CFR 217.180 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - Take estimates and operational limits are defined for each recipient - No specific products or equipment are being procured; the award is for regulatory authorization only - Periods of performance vary by recipient, with the overall regulatory window spanning several years

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued six separate Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to WesternGeco, LLC, TGS, Future Energy Consultants, bp Exploration & Production Inc., Viridien, and LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas in the Gulf of America. These activities are conducted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and its implementing regulations. The LOAs specify effective periods for each company, ranging from April 20, 2026, to as late as April 19, 2031, depending on the recipient. The surveys involve various types of seismic and geophysical methods using airgun arrays and other sources, with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals.

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