The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to issue the U.S. Air Force authorization to take marine mammals, specifically pinnipeds, by harassment, incidental to launches, aircraft and helicopter operations from VAFB launch complexes and Delta Mariner operations, cargo unloading activities, and harbor maintenance dredging in support of the Delta IV/Evolved expendable Launch Vehicle launch activity on south VAFB. This proposed authorization would last from February 2014 to February 2019. NMFS proposes to authorize these Takes pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Comments and information on this proposal must be received by NMFS no later than January 8, 2014.
Click here to read Federal Register notice of proposed Take authorization.
