NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES PROPOSED RULE: TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS IN THE GULF OF AMERICA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a proposed rule called: Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 24 by Sarah Malloy, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS has received a request for the reimplementation of incidental take regulations (ITR) governing the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical survey activity conducted in the Gulf of America (GOA). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposed rule and will consider...