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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AY64 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida 
Abstract: On November 6, 2009, NMFS received a letter from the U.S. Air Force requesting an authorization for the take of marine mammals incidental to NEODS training operations. The requested regulations would establish a framework for authorizing incidental take with future Letters of Authorization (LOAs). These LOAs, if approved, would authorize the take, by Level B (behavioral) harassment, of Atlantic bottle dolphins incidental to conducting NEODS training operations and testing at Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range at property off Santa Rosa Island, Florida, in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Based on the application, pre-mitigation take would average approximately 10 animals per year; and approximately 50 animals over the five year period. NMFS issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for almost identical activities in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The past missions have been delayed due to safety issues concerning bringing demolition charges under a bridge and no missions have occurred to date under any of the IHAs. NEODS missions would involve underwater detonations of small, live explosive charges adjacent to inert mines. The NEODS training activities are classified as military readiness activities. The U.S. Air Force states that noise associated with underwater detonation of the specified explosive charges may expose bottlenose dolphins in the area to noise and pressure resulting in non-injurious temporary threshold shift. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 217   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
NPRM  Statutory  16 USC 1361 et seq  10/01/2010 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  10/01/2010  75 FR 60694   
NPRM Comment Period End  11/01/2010    
Final Action  06/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Howard Goldstein
Fisheries Biologist
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 713-2289
Fax:301 427-2521
Email: howard.goldstein@noaa.gov