NOAA authorizes incidental marine mammal harassment during Atlantic geophysical survey
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice allows Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to incidentally disturb small numbers of marine mammals during a marine geophysical survey off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean. The authorization covers harassment only, not intentional harm or capture, and lasts up to one year from June 16, 2026. The practical effect is limited but important for research operators, environmental compliance teams, and marine contractors. The survey may proceed only under NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act conditions, including measures meant to reduce harm to affected species and their habitat.
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Key Changes
- Authorizes Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to incidentally harass small numbers of marine mammals during a specified Atlantic geophysical survey
- Limits the authorization to harassment, not intentional taking, injury, or capture
- Sets a one-year maximum authorization period beginning from the June 16, 2026 issuance date
Obligations
What this law requires
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory may conduct incidental taking of marine mammals only by harassment, and only in connection with the specified marine geophysical survey off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean.
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory must not intentionally take marine mammals; the authorization covers only incidental harassment of small numbers of marine mammals.
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory must limit authorized activities to the specified geographical region covered by the IHA: off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean.