Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Regulations and a Letter of Authorization to Take Marine Mammals Incidental to Offshore Oil and Gas Operations at the Northstar Development in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, January 13, 2014 - January 14, 2019
February 12, 2014
Request by BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. (BPXA) for a LOA pursuant to section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA covering “taking of marine mammals incidental to operations of offshore oil and gas facilities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea”.
This document constitutes NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion on the effects of the action on the:
- endangered bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus)
- threatened Beringia distinct population segment (DPS) of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus nauticus)
- threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seals (Phoca hispida hispida)
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources - Permits and Conservation Division