Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to S50S/LNG and S499 Bulkheads Replacement Project at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

Özet

NMFS has received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with the S50S/LNG and S499 Bulkheads Replacement Project at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, Rhode Island (RI). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue two consecutive 1-year incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on possible one- time, 1-year renewals for each IHA that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in the Request for Public Comments section at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations.