Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Offshore Seismic Activities in the Beaufort Sea

Riepilogo

In accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) issued on July 18, 1996, to BP Exploration (Alaska), 900 East Benson Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99519 (BPXA) to take small numbers of bowhead whales and other marine mammals by harassment incidental to conducting seismic surveys in the Northstar Unit and nearby waters, in the Beaufort Sea in state and federal waters has been modified. These modifications will: Increase the marine mammal safety zones around the seismic array by 100 meters (m) (328 ft); allow the activity to move to an area adjacent to the area requested in the application due to severe ice conditions; remove the requirement for use of Big-Eye binoculars because their use diverts observers from performing key observer tasks; require the final report be submitted on or before April 1, 1997, rather than 160 days after completion of the 1996 season; and note the correct scientific name for the bowhead whale.