Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities, 50 CFR 18.27 and 50 CFR 18, Subparts J, K, and L
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
07/14/2023
04/19/2023
In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for 3 years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2026
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2024
316
0
356
4,947
0
1,800
200,000
0
200,000
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) imposed, with certain exceptions, a moratorium on the taking of marine mammals. Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to allow, upon request by citizens of the United States, the taking of small numbers of marine mammals incidental to specified activities (other than commercial fishing) if the Secretary makes certain findings and prescribes specific regulations that, among other things, establish permissible methods of taking. Once the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) issue specific regulations, applicants seeking to conduct activities must request a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the specific activity and submit onsite monitoring reports and a final report of the activity to the Secretary. Procedural regulations outlining the requirements for the submission of a request are contained in 50 CFR 18.27. Specific regulations governing authorized incidental take of marine mammals activities are contained in 50 CFR 18, subparts J (Beaufort Sea) and K (Cook Inlet). We are now proposing subpart L (new â U.S. Coast Guard) via RIN 1018-BG05 addressing incidental take of northern sea otters (otters) (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)).
We are reporting a decrease (discretionary) of (-114) annual responses and an increase (change in agency estimate) of 71 estimated annual responses. We are also reporting a burden hour increase (discretionary) of 1,473 hours and a burden hour increase (change in agency estimate) of 2,180 hours. We are not reporting any change to the previously approved estimated annual nonhour burden cost of $200,000.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1018-0070 SSA FR RIN 1018-BG05 01282023.docx
eCFR 50 CFR Part 18 -- Marine Mammals as of 04112022.pdf
Mitigation – Plan of Cooperation (Federal Government)