National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 8, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that two Letters of Authorization (LOA) have been issued to Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

Notice is hereby given that Echo Pictures Ltd. (Responsible Party: Joe Stevens), St Nicholas House, 31-34 High Street, Bristol, BS1 2AW, United Kingdom has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a permit for a period of 3 years to authorize the incidental, but not intentional, take of specific Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed marine mammal species or stocks under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), in the WA/OR/CA sablefish pot fishery.