Federal Register #2026-18142

Modification of Environmental Authorization for Marine Mammal Incidental Take During Geophysical Surveys

This award notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, modifies an environmental authorization for geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America. - Government buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Vendor: - Future Energy Consultants (FEC) - Services requested: - Authorization for incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas operations - Updated take estimates for specific marine mammal species, including bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphins - Unique requirements: - Compliance with environmental regulations for marine mammal protection - Authorization covers only small numbers of marine mammals relative to population sizes - No products or equipment are being procured; focus is on regulatory compliance - Period of performance: - Authorization valid through the extended date due to delayed survey start - Covers the duration of geophysical survey activities

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a modified Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Future Energy Consultants (FEC) for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities related to oil and gas in the Gulf of America. The modification extends the LOA's validity through June 30, 2027, due to a delayed survey start. The authorization includes updated take estimates based on the revised schedule and confirms that the level of taking is consistent with regulatory findings and involves only small numbers of marine mammals relative to population sizes.

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