Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Research Vessel Relocation at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Resumo

NMFS received a request from the U.S. Navy on behalf of the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (hereinafter, the "Project") to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with the relocation of NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA) in Rhode Island. NOAA OMAO activities are nearly identical to those covered in the current authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30- day comment period.