Federal Register #2026-16552

NOAA Authorization for Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Geophysical Surveys

This opportunity concerns the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for environmental compliance in the Gulf of America: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Awardee: - WesternGeco, LLC - Scope of Authorization: - Incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas operations - Activities involve use of airgun arrays and low-frequency tuned pulse sources - Survey operations span approximately 150 days, with 100 days of sound source operation - Specific take numbers authorized for various marine mammal species (e.g., sperm whales, Kogia spp, beaked whales, dolphins, pilot whales) - Requirements: - Mitigation, monitoring, and reporting to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Take is limited to small numbers relative to population estimates and must have negligible impact - No procurement of products or equipment; this is an operational and environmental compliance authorization, not a purchase of goods or services - No OEMs, part numbers, or product line items are specified

Description

This notice announces the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to WesternGeco, LLC 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 August 11, 2026, through August 30, 2027. The surveys involve the use of airgun arrays and low-frequency tuned pulse sources over approximately 150 days in specified zones of the Gulf. The authorization is based on findings that the taking will have a negligible impact on marine mammal species and stocks and involves small numbers relative to population sizes.

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