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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AY63 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Operation of Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea 
Abstract: In November 2009, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received an application from BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA) for the promulgation of regulations and subsequent issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to take individuals of six species of marine mammals incidental to operation of offshore oil and gas facilities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska, over the course of five years. The likely or possible impacts of the planned offshore oil and gas developments at BPXA's facility on marine mammals involve both non-acoustic and acoustic effects. Potential non-acoustic effects could result from the physical presence of personnel, structures and equipment, construction or maintenance activities, and the occurrence of oil spills. Petroleum development and associated activities in marine waters introduce sound into the environment, produced by island construction, maintenance, and drilling, as well as vehicles operating on the ice, vessels, aircraft, generators, production machinery, gas flaring, and camp operations. BPXA requests authorization to take six marine mammal species by harassment and also requests lethal takes of one pinniped species. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Routine and Frequent 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 217   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Notice of Receipt  03/17/2010  75 FR 12734   
Comment Period End  04/16/2010    
NPRM  06/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
James H. Lecky
Director, Office of Protected Resources
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 713-2332
Fax:301 427-2520
Email: jim.lecky@noaa.gov