Incidental Take Authorization: Invenergy Wind Offshore, LLC's Site Characterization surveys off New Jersey and New York

NOAA Fisheries received a request from Invenergy Wind Offshore, LLC (IWO) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (hereinafter, the “initial IHA”) to take marine mammals incidental to marine site characterization surveys in the New York Bight, specifically within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease Area OCS-A 0542 and associated Export Cable Route survey area. IWO’s specified activities are identical to those included in the initial IHA. The initial IHA expires on July 30, 2024. Prior to issuing the initial IHA, NOAA Fisheries requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NOAA Fisheries is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period.

NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization to Invenergy Wind Offshore, LLC to incidentally harass marine mammals during marine site characterization surveys in waters off of New Jersey and New York in the New York Bight.