NTL; 211 thru 228; 241 thru 262; Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species Observer Program NTL

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT
GULF OF MEXICO REGIONAL OFFICE

BOEM NTL No. 2016-G02

Effective Date: 09/30/2016
Reissued: 06/19/2020

NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF FEDERAL OIL AND GAS, AND SULPHUR
LEASES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and
Protected Species Observer Program

This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) was developed with the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) as part of a biological opinion issued in 2007 for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Oil and Gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico (“2007 BiOp”). This NTL, which incorporates the
language of the NTL included as an appendix to the 2007 BiOp, remains binding on lessees as
incorporated through certain lease stipulations and on operators as incorporated through permit
or plan conditions of approval issued prior to March 13, 2020. Therefore, the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management (BOEM) is retaining this NTL on its guidance portal to assist in those
lessees’ and operators’ compliance efforts. On March 13, 2020, NMFS issued a new biological
opinion for the oil and gas program in the Gulf of Mexico (“2020 BiOp,” available at
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/biological-opinion-federally-regulated-oiland-gas-program-activities-gulf-mexico; appendices available at
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/appendices-biological-opinion-federallyregulated-oil-and-gas-program-gulf-mexico). After March 13, 2020, BOEM will implement the
terms and conditions and reasonable and prudent measures of the 2020 BiOP, including
Appendix A, “Seismic Survey Mitigation and Protected Species Observer Protocols,” which will
be applied in place of this NTL in future lease sale stipulations and conditions of approval for
permits, plans, and other authorizations approved by BOEM after March 13, 2020. The text of
the NTL issued on September 30, 2016, which has been revised to be consistent herewith, is
provided below. BOEM has eliminated the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control
number and expiration date that appeared at the top of this NTL because OMB does not require
BOEM to display the expiration date and the control number is included in the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) Statement below.
This 2016 NTL superseded and replaced NTL No. 2012-G02. This NTL did not introduce any
new types of mitigation measures; however, it clarified how you should implement seismic
survey mitigation measures, including ramp-up procedures, the use of a minimum sound source,
airgun testing and protected species observation and reporting. This NTL also updates
regulatory citations and addresses and provides clarification on how measures identified in this
NTL will be implemented to assist BOEM, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement (BSEE), and operators in complying with the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16
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U.S.C. §§ 1531-1544) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. §§1361- 1423h).
The measures contained herein apply to all on-lease ancillary activity surveys you conduct under
30 CFR Part 550 and all off-lease surveys you conduct under 30 CFR Part 551.
Where required as part of a lease or authorization, even though this NTL is being issued by
BOEM, you are required to make certain reports to BSEE, as provided below.
Background
The use of an airgun or airgun arrays while conducting seismic operations may have an
impact on marine wildlife, including marine mammals and sea turtles. Some marine
mammals, such as the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), and all sea turtles that
inhabit the Gulf of Mexico are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). All
marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
BSEE and BOEM consult jointly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) under Section 7 of the ESA to ensure that BOEM or BSEE
authorized activities will not jeopardize the continued existence of ESA listed species nor
result in adverse modification of designated critical habitat. See 16 U.S.C. §1536. The
Biological Opinions that have been issued to the Bureaus (or their predecessor agency)
include mitigation measures, terms and conditions, and reasonable and prudent measures
to ensure that activities meet the requirements of Section 7 of the ESA. Incidental take of
ESA listed species is prohibited except as authorized pursuant to an Incidental Take
Statement in the Biological Opinions, subject to the conditions therein; incidental take of
ESA listed marine mammals cannot be authorized under the ESA unless also authorized
under the MMPA. The provisions of this NTL include mitigation measures, terms and
conditions, and reasonable and prudent measures identified in the Biological Opinions
issued to the Bureaus or their predecessors, as a result of ESA consultation. BSEE is
tasked as the lead agency for compliance with lessee or operator reporting requirements
under the current Biological Opinions applicable to both Bureaus. Therefore, while
BOEM is issuing this NTL, reports described in this NTL must be submitted to BSEE.
In order to protect marine mammals and sea turtles during seismic operations, NMFS requires
seismic operators to use ramp-up and visual observation procedures when conducting seismic
surveys. These procedures were developed through previous consultations with the Bureaus
and their predecessor agencies. Procedures for ramp-up, protected species observer training,
visual monitoring and reporting are described in detail in this NTL. These mitigation
measures apply to geophysical activities conducted under lease terms; for all seismic survey
operations conducted in waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet) throughout the Gulf of
Mexico; and, in the Gulf of Mexico waters east of 88.0° W. longitude, for all seismic survey
operations conducted regardless of water depth. Performance of these mitigation measures
will also be applied as a condition of the approval of applications for geophysical permits.
You must demonstrate your compliance with these mitigation measures by submitting to
BSEE certain reports detailed in this NTL.

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Definitions
Terms used in this NTL have the following meanings:
1. Airgun means a device that releases compressed air into the water column,
creating an acoustical energy pulse with the purpose of penetrating the seafloor.
2. Ramp-up (sometimes referred to as "soft start") means the gradual increase
in emitted sound levels from an airgun array by systematically turning on
the full complement of an array's airguns over a period of time.
3. Visual monitoring means the use of trained observers to scan the ocean surface
visually for the presence of marine mammals and sea turtles. These observers
must have successfully completed a visual observer training program as
described below. The area to be scanned visually includes, but is not limited to,
the exclusion zone. Visual monitoring of an exclusion zone and adjacent waters
is intended to establish and, when visual conditions allow, maintain a zone
around the sound source and seismic vessel that is clear of marine mammals and
sea turtles, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential for injury.
4. Exclusion zone means the area at and below the sea surface within a radius of
500 meters surrounding the center of an airgun array and the area within the
immediate vicinity of the survey vessel. Each survey vessel must maintain its
own unique exclusion zone.
5. Whales mean all marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico except dolphins (see
definition below) and manatees. This includes all species of baleen whales
(Suborder Mysticeti), all species of beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris and
Mesoplodon sp.), sperm whales (Physeter macrocepahalus), and pygmy and
dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sp.). Of the baleen whales, only the Bryde's whale
(Balaenoptera edeni) is expected to be present in the northern Gulf of Mexico and is
considered uncommon. This species has primarily been sighted in water depths less
than 200 m in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Sightings of other baleen whale species are
highly unlikely.

6. Dolphins mean all marine mammal species in the Family Delphinidae. In the Gulf of
Mexico, this includes, among others, killer whales, pilot whales, and all of the
"dolphin" species.
Ramp-up Procedures
The intent of ramp-up is to warn marine mammals and sea turtles of impending seismic
operations and to allow sufficient time for those animals to leave the immediate vicinity. For
all seismic surveys, including airgun testing, you must use the ramp-up procedures described
below to allow whales, other marine mammals, and sea turtles to depart the exclusion zone
before seismic surveying begins.
Measures to conduct ramp-up procedures during all seismic survey operations, including airgun
testing, are as follows:
1. Visually monitor the exclusion zone and adjacent waters for the presence of any marine
mammals and sea turtles for at least 30 minutes before initiating ramp-up procedures. If
none are detected, you may initiate ramp-up procedures. Do not initiate ramp-up procedures
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2.
3.

4.

5.

at night or when you cannot visually monitor the exclusion zone for marine mammals and
sea turtles if your minimum source level drops below 160 dB re 1 µPa-m (rms) (see measure
5). Altering the vessel's course to shallower water depths (< 200m in the Central and
Western Planning Areas) to circumvent ramp-up requirements of the 200 meter isobath will
be considered noncompliant.
Initiate ramp-up procedures by firing a single airgun. The preferred airgun to begin with
should be the smallest airgun, in terms of energy output (dB) and volume (in3)
Continue ramp-up by gradually activating additional airguns over a period of at least 20
minutes, but no longer than 40 minutes, until the desired operating level of the airgun array is
obtained.
Immediately shut down all airguns ceasing seismic operations at any time a whale is detected
entering or within the exclusion zone. You may recommence seismic operations and rampup of airguns only when the exclusion zone has been visually inspected for at least 30
minutes to ensure the absence of marine mammals and sea turtles.
You may reduce the source level of the airgun array, using the same shot interval as the
seismic survey, to maintain a minimum source level of 160 dB re 1 µPa-m (rms) for the
duration of certain activities. By maintaining the minimum source level, you will not be
required to conduct the 30-minute visual clearance of the exclusion zone before ramping
back up to full output. Activities appropriate for maintaining the minimum source level are:
(1) all turns between transect lines, when a survey using the full array is being conducted
immediately prior to the tum and will be resumed immediately after the tum; and (2)
unscheduled, unavoidable maintenance of the airgun array that requires the interruption of a
survey to shut down the array. The survey should be resumed immediately after the repairs
are completed. There may be other occasions when this practice is appropriate, but use of the
minimum source level to avoid the 30-minute visual clearance of the exclusion zone is only
for events that occur during a survey using the full power array. The minimum sound source
level is not to be used to allow a later ramp-up after dark or in conditions when ramp-up
would not otherwise be allowed.

Protected Species Observer
Program Visual Observers
Visual observers who have completed a protected species observer training program as described
below are required on all seismic vessels conducting operations in water depths greater than 200
meters (656 ft) throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Visual observers are required on all seismic
vessels conducting operations in OCS water depths less than 200 meters (656 ft) in the Gulf of
Mexico waters east of 88.0° W. longitude. At least two protected species visual observers will
be required on watch aboard seismic vessels at all times during daylight hours (dawn to dusk)
when seismic operations are being conducted, unless conditions (fog, rain, darkness) make sea
surface observations impossible. If conditions deteriorate during daylight hours such that the sea
surface observations are halted, visual observations must resume as soon as conditions permit.
Operators may engage trained third party observers, may utilize crew members who have been
trained as observers, or may use a combination of both third party and trained crew observers.
During these observations, the following guidelines must be followed: (1) other than brief alerts
to bridge personnel of maritime hazards, no additional duties may be assigned to the observer
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during his or her visual observation watch (if conditions warrant more look-outs when navigating
around or near maritime hazards, additional personnel must be used to ensure that watching for
protected species remains the primary focus of the on-watch observers), (2) no observer will be
allowed more than 4 consecutive hours on watch as a visual observer, (3) a "break" time of no
less than 2 hours must be allowed before an observer begins another visual monitoring watch
rotation (break time means no assigned observational duties), and (4) no person (crew or third
party) on watch as a visual observer will be assigned a combined watch schedule of more than 12
hours in a 24-hour period. Due to the concentration and diligence required during visual
observation watches, operators who choose to use trained crew members in these positions may
select only those crew members who demonstrate willingness, as well as ability to perform these
duties.
Training
All visual observers must have completed a protected species observer training course. BOEM
and BSEE will not approve particular trainers or training programs. However, NMFS has
established basic training criteria which must be adhered to by any entity that offers observer
training. Operators may utilize observers trained by third parties, may send crew for training
conducted by third parties, or may develop their own training program. All training programs
offering to fulfill the observer training requirement must: (1) furnish to BSEE, at the address
listed in this NTL, a course information packet that includes the name and qualifications (i.e.,
experience, training completed, or educational background) of the instructor(s), the course
outline or syllabus, and course reference material; (2) furnish each trainee with a document
stating successful completion of the course; and (3) provide BSEE with names, affiliations, and
dates of course completion of trainees.
The training course must include the following elements:
I. Brief overview of the MMPA and the ESA as they relate to seismic acquisition
and protection of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico;
II. Brief overview of seismic acquisition operations in the Gulf of Mexico;
III. Overview of seismic mitigation measures (NTLs) and the protected species
observer program in the Gulf of Mexico;
IV. Discussion of the role and responsibilities of the protected species observer in the Gulf
of Mexico, including:
a) Legal requirements (why observers are needed and what they do)
b) Professional behavior (code of conduct)
c) Integrity
d) Authority of protected species observer to call for shut-down of seismic
acquisition operations
e) Assigned duties:
1) What can be asked of the observer
2) What cannot be asked of the observer
f) Reporting of violations and coercion
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V. Identification of Gulf of Mexico marine mammals and sea turtles, with
emphasis on whales;
VI. Cues and search methods for locating marine mammals, especially whales, and
sea turtles; and
VII. Data collection and reporting requirements:
a) Forms and reports to BSEE via email at [email protected] on the 1st
and 15th of each month; and
b) Whale in exclusion zone/shut-down report within 24 hours.
Visual Monitoring Methods
The observers on duty will look for whales, other marine mammals, and sea turtles using the
naked eye and hand-held binoculars provided by the seismic vessel operator. The observers will
stand watch in a suitable location that will not interfere with navigation or operation of the vessel
and that affords the observers an optimal view of the sea surface. The observers will provide
360° coverage surrounding the seismic vessel and will adjust their positions appropriately to
ensure adequate coverage of the entire area. These observations must be performed consistently,
diligently, and free of distractions for the duration of the watch.
Visual monitoring will begin no less than 30 minutes prior to the beginning of ramp-up and
continue until seismic operations cease or sighting conditions do not allow observation of the sea
surface (e.g., fog, rain, darkness). If a marine mammal or sea turtle is observed, the observer
should note and monitor the position (including the latitude and longitude of the vessel and
relative bearing and estimated distance to the animal) until the animal dives or moves out of
visual range of the observer. You must make sure the observer continues to monitor for
additional animals that may surface in the area, as there are often numerous animals that may
surface at varying time intervals. At any time a whale is observed within an estimated 500
meters (1,640 feet) of the sound source array ("exclusion zone"), whether due to the whale's
movement, the vessel's movement, or because the whale surfaced inside the exclusion zone, the
observer will call for the immediate shut-down of the seismic operation, including airgun firing
(the vessel may continue on its course but all airgun discharges must cease). The vessel operator
must comply immediately with such a call by an on-watch visual observer. Any disagreement or
discussion about the presence of a marine mammal should occur only after shut-down. When no
marine mammals or sea turtles are sighted for at least a 30-minute period, ramp- up of the source
array may begin. Ramp-up cannot begin unless conditions allow the sea surface to be visually
inspected for marine mammals and sea turtles for 30 minutes prior to commencement of ramp-up
(unless the method described in the section entitled “Passive Acoustic Monitoring” is used).
Thus, ramp-up cannot begin after dark or in conditions that prohibit visual inspection (e.g.,
darkness, fog, rain) of the exclusion zone. Any shut-down due to a whale(s) sighting within the
exclusion zone must be followed by a 30-minute all-clear period and then a standard, full rampup. Any shut-down for other reasons, including, but not limited to, mechanical or electronic
failure, resulting in the cessation of the sound source for a period greater than 20 minutes, must
also be followed by full ramp-up procedures. In recognition of occasional, short periods of the
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cessation of airgun firing for a variety of reasons, periods of airgun silence not exceeding 20
minutes in duration will not require ramp-up for the resumption of seismic operations if: (1)
visual surveys are continued diligently throughout the silent period (requiring daylight and
reasonable sighting conditions), and (2) no whales, other marine mammals, or sea turtles are
observed in the exclusion zone. If whales, other marine mammals, or sea turtles are observed in
the exclusion zone during the short silent period, resumption of seismic survey operations must
be preceded by ramp-up.
Reporting
The importance of accurate and complete reporting of the results of the mitigation measures
cannot be overstated. Only through diligent and careful reporting can BOEM, BSEE, and
subsequently NMFS, determine the need for and effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Information on observer effort and seismic operations are as important as animal sighting and
behavior data. In order to accommodate various vessels’ bridge practices and preferences, vessel
operators and observers may design data reporting forms in whatever format they deem
convenient and appropriate. Alternatively, observers or vessel operators may adopt the United
Kingdom's Joint Nature Conservation Committee forms (available at their website
www.jncc.gov.uk). At a minimum, the following items should be recorded and included in
reports to the BSEE:
Observer Effort Report: An observer effort report must be prepared each day during which
seismic acquisition operations are conducted. Furnish an observer effort report to BSEE on the
1st and the 15th of each month that includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Vessel name
Observers’ names and affiliations
Survey type (e.g., site, 3D, 4D)
BOEM Permit Number (for "off-lease seismic surveys") or Plan Control Number and
OCS Lease Number (for "on-lease/ancillary seismic surveys")
Date
Time, latitude, and longitude when daily visual survey began
Time, latitude, and longitude when daily visual survey ended
Average environmental conditions while on visual survey, including; Wind speed and
direction; Sea state (glassy, slight, choppy, rough or Beaufort scale); Swell (low,
medium, high or swell height in meters); and Overall visibility (poor, moderate, good).

Survey Report: A survey report must be prepared each day during which seismic acquisition
operations are conducted and the airguns are being discharged. You must furnish a survey report
to BSEE on the 1st and the 15th of each month during which operations are being conducted that
includes:
•
•
•

Vessel name
Survey type (e.g., site, 3D, 4D)
BOEM Permit Number (for "off-lease seismic surveys") or Plan Control Number and
OCS Lease Number (for "on-lease/ancillary seismic surveys")
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Date
Time pre-ramp-up survey begins
What marine mammals and sea turtles were seen during pre-ramp-up survey?
Time ramp-up begins
Were whales seen during ramp-up?
Time airgun array is operating at the desired intensity
What marine mammals and sea turtles were seen during survey?
If whales were seen, was any action taken (i.e., survey delayed, guns shut down)?
Reason that whales might not have been seen (e.g., swell, glare, fog)
Time airgun array stops firing

Sighting Report: A sighting report must be prepared for each sighting of a marine mammal
(whale or dolphin) or sea turtle made during seismic acquisition operations. You must furnish a
sighting report to BSEE on the 1st and the 15th of each month during which operations are being
conducted that includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•

Vessel name
Survey type (e.g., site, 3D, 4D)
BOEM Permit Number (for "off-lease seismic surveys") or Plan Control Number
and OCS Lease Number (for "on-lease/ancillary seismic surveys")
Date
Time
Watch status (Were you on watch or was this sighting made opportunistically by you or
someone else?)
Observer or person who made the sighting,
Latitude and longitude of vessel
Bearing of vessel
Bearing and estimated range to animal(s) at first sighting,
Water depth (meters)
Species (or identification to lowest possible taxonomic level)
Certainty of identification (sure, most likely, best guess)
Total number of animals
Number of juveniles
Description (as many distinguishing features as possible of each individual seen,
including length, shape, color and pattern, scars or marks, shape and size of dorsal fin,
shape of head, and blow characteristics)
Direction of animal's travel - compass direction
Direction of animal's travel- related to the vessel (drawing preferably)
Behavior (as explicit and detailed as possible; note any observed changes in behavior)
Activity of vessel
Airguns firing? (yes or no)
Closest distance (meters) to animals from center of airgun or airgun array (whether firing
or not)
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Note: If this sighting was of a whale(s) within the exclusion zone that resulted in a shutdown of the airguns, include in the sighting report the observed behavior of the whale(s) before
shut-down, the observed behavior following shut-down (specifically noting any change in
behavior), and the length of time between shut-down and subsequent ramp-up to resume the
seismic survey (note if seismic survey was not resumed as soon as possible following shutdown). Send this report to BSEE within 24 hours of the shut-down. These sightings should
also be included in the first regular semi-monthly report following the incident.
Additional information, important points, and comments are encouraged. All reports must be
submitted to BSEE on the 1st and the 15th of each month (with one exception noted above).
Forms should be scanned (or data typed) and sent via email to [email protected].
Please note that these marine mammal and sea turtle reports are in addition to any reports you
submit under BOEM NTL No. 2005-G07, effective July 1, 2005, and all progress and final reports
required as a condition of your geophysical permit.
Borehole Seismic Surveys
Borehole seismic surveys differ from surface seismic surveys in a number of ways, including the
use of much smaller airgun arrays, having an average survey time of 12-24 hours, utilizing a
sound source that is not usually moving at 4-5 knots, and requiring the capability of moving the
receiver in the borehole between shots. Due to these differences, the following altered
mitigations apply only to borehole seismic surveys:
•

•

•

•

•
•

During daylight hours, when visual observations of the exclusion zone are being
performed as required in this NTL, borehole seismic operations will not be required to
ramp-up for shutdowns of 30 minutes or less in duration, as long as no whales, other
marine mammals, or sea turtles are observed in the exclusion zone during the shutdown.
If a whale, other marine mammal, or sea turtle is sighted in the exclusion zone during the
shut-down, ramp-up is required and may begin only after visual surveys confirm that the
exclusion zone has been clear for 30 minutes.
During nighttime or when conditions prohibit visual observation of the exclusion zone,
ramp-up will not be required for shutdowns of 20 minutes or less in duration. For
borehole seismic surveys that utilize passive acoustics during nighttime and periods of
poor visibility, ramp-up is not required for shutdowns of 30 minutes or less.
Nighttime or poor visibility ramp-up is allowed for borehole seismic surveys only when
passive acoustics are used to ensure that no whales are present in the exclusion zone (as
for all other seismic surveys). Operators are strongly encouraged to acquire the survey in
daylight hours when possible.
Protected species observers must be used during daylight hours, as provided in this NTL,
and may be stationed either on the source boat or on the associated drilling rig or
platform if a clear view of the sea surface in the exclusion zone and adjacent waters is
available.
All other mitigations and provisions for seismic surveys as set forth in this NTL will
apply to borehole seismic surveys.
Reports should reference a Plan Control Number, OCS Lease Number, Area/Block and
Borehole Number or BOEM permit number, as applicable.
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Passive Acoustic Monitoring
Whales, especially sperm whales, are very vocal marine mammals, and periods of silence are
usually short and most often occur when these animals are at the surface and may be detected
using visual observers. However, sperm whales are at the greatest risk of potential injury from
seismic airguns when they are submerged and under the airgun array. Passive acoustic
monitoring appears to be very effective at detecting submerged and diving sperm whales, and
some other marine mammal species, when they are not detectable by visual observation. BOEM
and BSEE strongly encourage operators to include passive acoustic monitoring as part of their
protected species observer program. Inclusion of passive acoustic monitoring does not relieve an
operator of any of the mitigations (including visual observations) in this NTL with the following
exception: monitoring for whales with a passive acoustic array by an observer proficient in its
use will allow ramp-up and the subsequent start of a seismic survey during times of reduced
visibility (e.g., darkness, fog, rain) when such ramp-up otherwise would not be permitted using
only visual observers. If you use passive acoustic monitoring, include an assessment of the
usefulness, effectiveness, and problems encountered with the use of that method of marine
mammal detection in the reports described in this NTL. A description of the passive acoustic
system, the software used, and the monitoring plan should also be reported to BSEE at the
beginning of its use.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) Statement
The PRA (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires us to inform you that we collect the information
described in this NTL to ensure that you conduct operations in a manner that will not jeopardize
threatened or endangered species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat that has been
designated for those species. In addition, this NTL refers to information collection requirements
under 30 CFR 550 Subpart B. We protect all proprietary information submitted according to the
Freedom of Information Act. 30 CFR 550.197 and 30 CFR 250.197. An agency may not
conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. OMB has approved the information
collection requirements in this NTL and associated regulations and assigned OMB Control
Number 1010-0151. Direct any comments regarding any aspect of this collection of information
to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600
Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166.
Issuance of Notices to Lessees
BOEM issues NTLs as guidance documents in accordance with 30 CFR 550.103 to clarify and
provide more detail about certain BOEM regulatory requirements and to outline the information
to be provided in various submittals. Under that authority, this NTL sets forth a policy on and an
interpretation of regulatory requirements to provide a clear and consistent approach for
complying with those requirements.

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Contact
Any questions regarding this NTL should be submitted to BOEM at:
[email protected].
Submissions of sightings and other reporting under this NTL should be made to BSEE at:
[email protected].

MICHAEL
CELATA

Digitally signed by
MICHAEL CELATA
Date: 2020.06.19
14:41:16 -05'00'

Michael A. Celata
Regional Director, Gulf of Mexico Regional Office
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Department of Interior Regions 1, 2, 4 and 6

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