Federal Register #0648-XF709

Incidental Harassment Authorizations for Marine Mammal Take: Geophysical Survey and Natural Gas Activities

This summary covers the issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, for activities that may incidentally impact marine mammals: - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - OEMs and Vendors: - Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) - HEX Operating, LLC - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization for marine mammal take during a marine geophysical survey off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean (LDEO) - Includes requirements for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - Quantity: 1 authorization - Renewal Incidental Harassment Authorization for natural gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska (HEX Operating, LLC) - Includes similar mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements under the MMPA - Quantity: 1 authorization - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Authorizations are for the incidental take of marine mammals, not for the procurement of products or equipment - Each authorization is valid for a one-year period - Strict compliance with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures is required to minimize impact on marine mammals - No specific product part numbers or equipment quantities are involved; the focus is on regulatory compliance for environmental protection

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) for the incidental take of marine mammals during a marine geophysical survey off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean. This authorization is effective for one year from the date of notification by the IHA-holder, not to exceed one year from the date of issuance (June 16, 2026). The authorization is issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impact on marine mammals.

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