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NMFS issued proposed regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to conducting operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active sonar in areas of the world's oceans (with the exception of Arctic and Antarctic waters and certain geographical restrictions). The proposed regulations set forth the permissible methods of taking; other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stocks and their habitats and, if applicable, on their availability for taking for subsistence uses (i.e., mitigation); and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Letters of Authorization issued annually under the regulations would authorize the take of marine mammals incidental to the specified activities. This will be the fourth such rule for Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active sonar. The current rule expired in August 2017. The Navy issued a National Defense Exemption on August 10, 2017, which will be in effect for two years, or until a final rule is published, whichever is earlier.