IHA Application

Appendix A - Application Questions for Incidental Take Authorizations
Information Collection for OMB Control No. 0648-0151, Expiration Date 1/31/2014
Applications for either regulations and subsequent Letters of Authorization or Incidental
Harassment Authorizations must include responses to the following 14 questions as required
under 50 CFR 216.104(a)(1-14).
We post the 14 Questions on our website.
1. A detailed description of the specific activity or class of activities that can be expected to
result in incidental taking of marine mammals;
2. The date(s) and duration of such activity and the specific geographical region where it
will occur;
3. The species and numbers of marine mammals likely to be found within the activity area;
4. A description of the status, distribution, and seasonal distribution (when applicable) of
the affected species or stocks of marine mammals likely to be affected by such activities;
5. The type of incidental taking authorization that is being requested (i.e., takes by
harassment only; takes by harassment, injury and/or death) and the method of incidental
taking;
6. By age, sex, and reproductive condition (if possible), the number of marine mammals (by
species) that may be taken by each type of taking identified in paragraph (a)(5) of this
section, and the number of times such takings by each type of taking are likely to occur;
7. The anticipated impact of the activity upon the species or stock;
8. The anticipated impact of the activity on the availability of the species or stocks of
marine mammals for subsistence uses;
9. The anticipated impact of the activity upon the habitat of the marine mammal
populations, and the likelihood of restoration of the affected habitat;
10. The anticipated impact of the loss or modification of the habitat on the marine mammal
populations involved;
11. The availability and feasibility (economic and technological) of equipment, methods, and
manner of conducting such activity or other means of effecting the least practicable
adverse impact upon the affected species or stocks, their habitat, and on their availability
for subsistence uses, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas
of similar significance;
12. Where the proposed activity would take place in or near a traditional Arctic subsistence
hunting area and/or may affect the availability of a species or stock of marine mammal
for Arctic subsistence uses, the applicant must submit either a "plan of cooperation" or
information that identifies what measures have been taken and/or will be taken to

minimize any adverse effects on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses.
13. The suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will
result in increased knowledge of the species, the level of taking or impacts on populations
of marine mammals that are expected to be present while conducting activities and
suggested means of minimizing burdens by coordinating such reporting requirements
with other schemes already applicable to persons conducting such activity. Monitoring
plans should include a description of the survey techniques that would be used to
determine the movement and activity of marine mammals near the activity site(s)
including migration and other habitat uses, such as feeding. Guidelines for developing a
site-specific monitoring plan may be obtained by writing to the Director, Office of
Protected Resources; and
14. Suggested means of learning of, encouraging, and coordinating research opportunities,
plans, and activities relating to reducing such incidental taking and evaluating its effects.