Marine Mammals

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization to the U.S. Navy to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, two species of marine mammals during construction activities associated with a pier maintenance project at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton, Washington. This authorization is effective from December 1, 2013, through March 1, 2014.  This authorization is issued pursuant to the marine Mammal Protection Act. A copy of the Navy’s application and any supporting documents may be obtained here.

The U. S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced that the public comment period on the recently released Call for Information and Nominations on Proposed Chukchi Sea Oil and Gas Sale 237 will be extended to Dec. 3, 2013. On Sept. 26, 2013, when the Bureau published the Call, the public comment period was scheduled to last from Sept. 26 to Nov. 18. However, in light of the federal government shutdown from Oct. 1 through Oct. 16, BOEM is extending the comment period to ensure its partner agencies, industry and the public have adequate time to review the issues and comment.

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has reviewed the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regional marine mammal stock assessment reports in accordance with the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. SARs for marine mammals in the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regions were revised according to new information. NMFS solicits public comments on the draft 2013 SARs. Comments must be received by February 4, 2014.

Click here for NMFS’ Federal Register notice of the revised SARs.

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has published final rules removing the eastern distinct population segment  of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In response to two delisting petitions, NMFS determined that this DPS has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA: It is not in danger of extinction or likely to become so within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Click here to read NMFS’ Federal Register notice of delisting.