Based on NMFS’s receipt of an application from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for incidental take regulations and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this action proposes regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to oil and gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Hilcorp plans to continue oil and gas exploration, development, production, and decommissioning activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, for the reasonably foreseeable future, which includes the use of tug boats to tow, hold, or position a jack-up rig, pile driving, and pipeline replacement/installation activities. The proposed regulations would set forth the permissible methods of taking; means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stocks and their habitats; and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Letters of Authorization issued under the regulations would authorize the take of marine mammals incidental to the specified activities for a 5-year period.