Federal Register #2026-12986

Award of Letters of Authorization for Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

This award notice details the issuance of two Letters of Authorization (LOAs) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, to WesternGeco, LLC for geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of America. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Agency: Department of Commerce - Sub-agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Awardee: - WesternGeco, LLC - OEMs and Technology Used: - Notable OEMs: Sercel (manufacturer of the Gemini dual barbell source and conventional airgun arrays) - Survey equipment includes: - Gemini dual barbell source - 28-element 5,000 in³ airgun array - Tuned Pulse Source (TPS) - Services Requested: - Two long offset sparse ocean bottom node (OBN) geophysical surveys - Engagement 12: 1,446 lease blocks in Green Canyon, Walker Ridge, and Atwater Valley - Engagement 13: 1,153 lease blocks in Green Canyon and Walker Ridge - Each survey: ~140 days duration, ~100 days of sound source operation - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Authorization for incidental take of multiple marine mammal species (e.g., Rices whale, Kogia spp., dolphins, beaked whales, sperm whale) - Detailed acoustic exposure modeling and take estimates - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements - Activities must have negligible impact on marine mammal populations - No specific product procurement; authorization is for activities and associated monitoring.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued two Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to WesternGeco, LLC for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of America. These surveys involve the use of low-frequency airgun sources and tuned pulse sources over lease blocks in specified areas with water depths ranging from approximately 100 to 3,370 meters. The LOAs are effective from July 1, 2026, through February 29, 2027, and August 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, respectively. The authorization is based on findings that the incidental take will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species or stocks and involves mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

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