Federal Register #2026-12463

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammal Takes during HEX Operating, LLC Natural Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska

This opportunity concerns the renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammal takes during natural gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - OEM/Vendor: - HEX Operating, LLC (recipient of the IHA) - Services Requested: - Authorization for Level B harassment take of marine mammals during rig towing and positioning activities - Provision of protected species observers (PSOs) and monitoring services to ensure compliance with marine mammal protection requirements - Products/Quantities: - No specific products or purchase quantities are listed; this is an environmental compliance authorization - Unique/Notable Requirements: - No pile driving or Level A harassment authorized - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements - Use of PSOs, clearance zones, and operational restrictions (vessel speed, helicopter altitude) - Coordination with local tribes - Activities limited to rig towing and positioning - Authorization covers multiple marine mammal species, including whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, and sea lions - Activities must have negligible impact on marine mammals and not affect their availability for subsistence uses

Description

This document pertains to the renewal of an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for HEX Operating, LLC. The authorization allows the incidental take of marine mammals during natural gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The renewal IHA is valid from September 13, 2026 through September 12, 2027, and includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals. The activities covered include rig tugging and positioning, with no pile driving planned during the renewal period.

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