NMFS Seeks Comment on an IHA for a 3D Sesimic Survey in the Beaufort Sea
On June 17, 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service published Federal Register notice seeking comments on an Incidental Harassment Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This IHA is sought by PGS Onshore, Inc., for its exploratory three-dimensional marine seismic survey in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, utilizing an ocean bottom cable/transition zone technique. PGS seeks authorization to take, by harassment, small numbers of several species of marine mammals between July and September, 2008, incidental to these seismic activities.

The polar bear is known to occur in significant numbers in the project activity areas. Consequently, PGS will submit a separate Letter of Authorization request to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for this species.

Comments and information on this IHA must be received by NMFS no later than July 17, 2008.