Federal Register #2026-15205

NOAA Authorization for Fugro Geophysical Survey Using HMS620LF AquaPulseTM and Airgun

This opportunity involves a regulatory authorization, not a procurement, for marine 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 - Awardee: - Fugro U.S.A. Marine, Inc. - OEMs and Key Equipment: - HMS620LF AquaPulseTM Bubble Gun Source (OEM: Hydroacoustic Marine Systems, if known) - 160 cubic inch Airgun (OEM not specified) - Products/Services Requested: - Use of HMS620LF AquaPulseTM Bubble Gun Source (1 unit, part number HMS620LF) - Use of single 160 in3 airgun (1 unit) - Geophysical survey services over 47 lease blocks in the Green Canyon and South Timbalier areas - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Authorization for incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act - Survey duration: 10 days, with 6 days of sound source operation - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize environmental impact - No procurement of goods or services; this is a regulatory approval for survey activities

Description

This notice announces the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Fugro U.S.A. Marine, Inc. for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas operations in the Gulf of America. The LOA is effective from July 22, 2026, through September 15, 2026. The surveys involve testing a bubble gun source against an airgun over specified lease blocks with mitigation measures to minimize impact on marine mammals. The authorization is based on findings that the taking will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species or stocks and involves small numbers relative to population sizes.

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