Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Research, Monitoring, and Management Activities on the South Farallon Islands, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, California

Abstract

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS Refuge) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to research, monitoring, and management activities on the South Farallon Islands, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, California (CA). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS 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, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization, and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.