Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization to SAExploration, Inc. for Marine 3D Ocean Bottom Cable Seismic Activities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska
July 29, 2013
Biological opinion on the effects of open-water seismic surveys on endangered and threatened species and critical habitat during the 2013 open water season.
This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA incidental to open-water seismic surveys to SAE in the nearshore waters of the Colville River Delta in the U.S. Beaufort Sea from July 15 to October 31, 2013. These actions have the potential to effect the:
- endangered bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)
- endangered fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
- endangered humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
- endangered right whale (Eubalaena japonica)
- endangered western Steller sea lion (Eumatopias jubatus) distinct population segment
- threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida)
- threatened Beringia DPS of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus)
- designated critical habitats for North Pacific Right whale and Steller sea lion
NOAA Fisheries PR1 is the federal action agency that issues IHAs and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the IHA activities.
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources - Permits and Conservation Division
NMFS Consultation Number: FIAKR/2013/9283