Federal Register #2026-18459

NOAA Issues Incidental Harassment Authorization to ONR for Arctic Marine Mammal Takes

This notice announces the issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for Arctic research activities. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Authorization issued to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) - Purpose and Scope: - Permits ONR to incidentally take marine mammals during research operations in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas - Authorization is regulated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - Requirements: - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting protocols to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Maintenance of specific mitigation zones around acoustic sources and vessels - Implementation of visual monitoring protocols - Compliance with environmental and endangered species regulations - Products/Services: - No specific products, equipment, or part numbers are listed - Focus is on regulatory compliance and operational protocols - OEMs and Vendors: - Office of Naval Research (ONR) is the recipient; no other OEMs or vendors are referenced - Period of Performance: - Authorization is valid for one year - Notable Requirements: - Adherence to mitigation measures, monitoring, and reporting to ensure minimal impact on marine mammal populations

Description

This notice pertains to the issuance of an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for Arctic Research Activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The authorization allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during these activities. The IHA is effective from September 14, 2026, through September 13, 2027. The authorization includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures to minimize impacts on marine mammals.

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