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Making Your Views Known On Marine Mammal Regulation
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NMFS Seeks Comment on Chukchi Seismic IHA
The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has received an application from TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA for an Incidental Harassment Authorization to take marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to a marine 2-dimensional (2D) seismic survey program in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, during the open water season of 2013. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to TGS to take, by Level B harassment, 12 species of marine mammals during the specified activity. Comments are due to NMFS by July 12, 2013. NMFS propose passive acoustic monitoring as a mitigation measure.
Click here to read NMFS’ Chukchi IHA
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CRE Comments on Arctic SEIS
On June 27, 2013, CRE submitted comments with NMFS on its Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DSEIS") for Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean. CRE's submission included an emphasis on the critical role that Marine Vibroseis can play in the search for petroleum. More specifically, CRE states:
"Consequently, there is no rational basis for using revised acoustic criteria that would impede use of MarVib. In order to ensure that this does not happen, NMFS should expressly address MarVib in any proceeding to consider new acoustic criteria. The public should have notice of and an opportunity to comment on this proceeding.
"Any new acoustic criteria should be carefully reviewed for their impact on MarVib, which is a promising new technology that may supplement but will never replace seismic airguns."
CRE's comments also emphasized that
"The National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council ('NAS') has agreed with BOEM and the Department of Interior that 'there are no documented or known population-level effects due to sound.'"
Click here to read CRE's comments
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