NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES PROPOSED RULE: TAKES OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO HILCORP ALASKA, LLC OIL AND GAS ACTIVITIES IN COOK INLET, ALASKA

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a proposed rule called: Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Hilcorp Alaska, LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on July 24 by Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for regulations allowing for the take of marine mammals incidental to activities conducted in support of oil and gas exploration, development, production, and decommissioning in Cook Inlet, Alaska, over the course of 5 years (...