Incidental Take Regulations for Marine Mammals in Gulf of America Surveys
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule outlines how geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America can take marine mammals accidentally over five years. Survey operators must use specified methods to minimize harm and report any incidents. It continues the framework for permitting these activities with minimal impact on marine life.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Establishes incidental take regulations for geophysical surveys
- Requires monitoring and reporting of marine mammal impact
- Defines methods to minimize harm to marine life
Obligations
What this law requires
Survey operators must implement standard detection-based mitigation measures, including visual and acoustic observation to detect marine mammals, and must shut down acoustic sources in specified circumstances.
Survey operators are required to avoid 'taking' marine mammals in excess of permissible limits as specified in the regulations, ensuring that total taking does not exceed one-third of the abundance for any affected species or stock.
Survey operators must adhere to time-area restrictions designed to avoid adverse effects to bottlenose dolphins during critical times and locations.
Survey operators must implement vessel strike avoidance measures to prevent harm to marine mammals.
Survey operators must conduct monitoring and reporting of any incidental taking of marine mammals, as defined by the regulations.