Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Navy Ice Exercise Activities 2024 (ICEX24) in the Arctic Ocean

NOAA Fisheries has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to 2024 Ice Exercise Activities in the Arctic Ocean. NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NOAA Fisheries is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met. NOAA Fisheries will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision. The Navy’s activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.