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Soundings Archive
Comment Periods Open for Navy Sonar Marine Mammal Permit Application
The U.S. Navy has applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service for rules under the Marine Mammal Protection Act which authorize the Navy to incidentally take marine mammals during the Navy's sonar operations off the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.
On March 5, 2008, NMFS announced receipt of the Navy's application, and asked for
information, suggestions, and comments concerning the Navy's request
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All information, suggestions, and comments related to the Navy's
request and NMFS' potential development and implementation of
regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals by the
Navy's
activities will be considered by NMFS in developing, if
appropriate, the most effective regulations governing the issuance of
letters of authorization.
NMFS requests that all public comment be received by NMFS no later than April 4, 2008. The public will like be given another opportunity to comment when NMFS proposes action on the Navy's application.
In a related comment proceeding, the Navy asks for comment on its Environmental Impact Statement for the Navy's sonar permit application to NMFS. The Navy asks the public to provide these comments to the Navy by March 31, 2008.
Click here to read NMFS' request for comment on the Navy's application
Click here to read Navy's request for comment on its EIS
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