FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ISSUES RULE: MARINE MAMMALS; INCIDENTAL TAKE OF POLAR BEARS AND PACIFIC WALRUSES IN THE BEAUFORT SEA AND NORTH SLOPE OF ALASKA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 -- Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a rule called: Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Polar Bears and Pacific Walruses in the Beaufort Sea and North Slope of Alaska.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 19 by Brian Nesvik, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Summary: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA), finalize regulations facilitating the authorization of incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) and Pacific walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens) during year-round oil and gas industry activities in the Beaufort Sea ...