Federal Register #2026-09680

NOAA Considers 7-Year Incidental Take Authorization for Marine Mammals During USMC Training at Cherry Point, NC

This opportunity involves a regulatory process initiated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in response to a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) request: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Scope of Request: - Authorization for incidental take of marine mammals (specifically bottlenose dolphins) during USMC military readiness training at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and Cherry Point Range Complex, North Carolina - Training activities include air-to-surface and surface-to-surface weapons delivery using small arms, large arms, bombs, missiles, rockets, grenades, and pyrotechnics - The request covers a 7-year period (2026–2033), with activities occurring year-round - Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements: - Implementation of clearance and monitoring zones - Range sweeps, cold passes by aircraft, and small boat visual checks to minimize impact on marine mammals - Ongoing reporting and monitoring as part of the authorization - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a regulatory/authorization process rather than a procurement of goods or services - Unique Aspects: - Focus on environmental compliance and marine mammal protection during military training - Public comment is invited on the proposed regulations and authorization - Place of Performance: - Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Cherry Point Range Complex, Cherry Point, North Carolina

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during training activities at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The request covers a period of 7 years from 2026 through 2033. The activities include military readiness training exercises involving the use of various munitions at two water-based bombing targets. NMFS is considering regulations for incidental take and the issuance of a 7-year Letter of Authorization (LOA) and invites public comments.

View original listing