NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES PROPOSED RULE: TAKES OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SEA ICE ROAD AND TRAIL CONSTRUCTION, USE, AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES ALONG THE BEAUFORT SEA COAST IN ALASKA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a proposed rule called: Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Sea Ice Road and Trail Construction, Use, and Maintenance Activities Along the Beaufort Sea Coast in Alaska.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 2 by Samuel D. Rauch, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for promulgation of incidental take regulations (ITR) and issuance of an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA) that would authorize continued take of marine mammals over 5 years (2026-20...