Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization to BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. for Shallow Geohazard Survey in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Foggy Island Bay, Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an IHA to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA incidental to open-water 2D seismic surveys to BP Exploration (Alaska) in the state and federal waters of Foggy Island Bay in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska from July 1 to September 30, 2014. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida), and threatened Beringia DPS of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus). There is no critical habitat designated for these species.

Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources - Permits and Conservation Division