Data / Federal rules / 2024-01366

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Space Force Launches and Supporting Activities at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Vandenberg, California

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published this proposed rule in the Federal Register on January 29, 2024. Comments closed on February 28, 2024.

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What the agency says

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Space Force (USSF) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to launches and supporting activities at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in Vandenberg, California from April, 2024 to April, 2029. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals incidental to the specified activities. NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take, and requests comments on the proposed regulations. 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. Missile launches conducted at VSFB, which comprise a smaller portion of the activities, are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA).

Key facts

Document number: 2024-01366
Type: Proposed rule
Action: Proposed rule, Request for Comments
Agency: Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Published: January 29, 2024
Comments due: February 28, 2024
Dates: Comments and information must be received no later than February 28, 2024.
Docket: 240118-0018
Regulation ID (RIN): 0648-BM48
Code of Federal Regulations: 50 CFR 217
Topics: Exports; Fish; Imports; Marine mammals; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Transportation
Pages: 29

The document on federalregister.gov PDF

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