*Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Atlantic Ocean; Request for Comments; Extension of Public Comment Period*
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NOAA Fisheries is charged with the conservation and protection of marine mammals, including the appropriate authorization of otherwise prohibited incidental take. On June 6, 2017, NOAA Fisheries published notice in the Federal Register beginning a 30-day public review of five separate requests for authorization <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/oilgas.htm#atlgeo2017> for take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical surveys in support of hydrocarbon exploration in the Atlantic Ocean (82 FR 26244). The applicants propose to conduct 2-D seismic surveys within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Planning Areas. After receiving multiple requests to extend the comment period, NOAA Fisheries has determined it appropriate to extend the review by 15 calendar days. The comment period was previously set to close on July 6, 2017. We are now accepting public comment on the proposed authorizations until July 21, 2017. Official notice of this extension will file with the Federal Register on July 3 and will publish on July 5. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has responsibility for permitting these surveys and is the agency charged with making decisions about energy development in waters of the outer continental shelf. NOAA Fisheries proposes to issue authorizations for take of marine mammals incidental to these surveys, with appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce impacts to marine mammals. We based our preliminary decision on extensive reviews of scientific literature on the effects of noise on marine mammals and their habitat as well as public comment received on the applications.
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