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.