MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION

Abstract

The Marine Mammal Commission, in consultation with its Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals, has reviewed the application submitted by Shell Offshore Inc. under section 101 (a) (5) (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The applicant is seeking authorization to take marine mammals by harassment incidental to a proposed open-water marine survey program in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska, between July and October 2010. The Commission also has reviewed the National Marine Fisheries Service's 18 May 2010 Federal Register notice (75 Fed. Reg. 27708) announcing receipt of the application and proposing to issue an authorization to Shell to take eight species of marine mammals by Level B harassment during the specified activity.