National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration March 21, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS has received a request from Orsted Wind Power North America, LLC, (Orsted) on behalf of Garden State Offshore Energy, LLC (Garden State) and Skipjack Offshore Energy, LLC (Skipjack) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to site characterization surveys off the coast of Delaware. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

NMFS has received a request from Revolution Wind, LLC (Revolution Wind), a subsidiary of [Oslash]rsted Wind Power North America, LLC's ([Oslash]rsted), for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to construction and operation activities associated with the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Farm in Revolution Wind's lease area on the Outer Continental Shelf (OSC-A 0468) offshore of Rhode Island over the course of 5 years beginning in 2023. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of Revolution Wind's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA). NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on Revolution Wind's application and request.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and its advisory entities will hold online and in-person public meetings.

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, and an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided.