Biological Opinion on Proposed Regulations and Authorization to take Marine Mammals Incidental to Offshore Oil and Gas Operations at the Northstar Development in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, 2012–2016

NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division requested formal consultation on regulations and subsequent Letters of Authorization under section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, for offshore oil and gas facilities operations at the Northstar development in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska. This document constitutes NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion on the effects of that action on threatened and endangered species in accordance with section 7 of the ESA. Specifically, this biological opinion analyzes the effects of the action on the

1. Endangered bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), and
2. Proposed threatened Beringia distinct population segment (DPS) of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), and
3. Proposed threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seals (Phoca hispida hispida).

Two other marine mammal species, Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and polar bear (Ursus maritimus), are under the jurisdiction of the USFWS and are thus subject to a separate application to that agency.

Action Agency: NOAA Fisheries, Permits and Conservation Division 

NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2013-9309