NOAAFinal Rule
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Surveys Along the Oregon and California Coasts
EnvironmentOther
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Summary
This federal rule allows scientists to conduct coastal surveys that may accidentally harm or disturb marine mammals like seals and sea otters along the Oregon and California coasts. The regulation sets guidelines for how these monitoring activities must be conducted to minimize impacts on wildlife while still allowing important research about ocean health.
Key Points
- 1Scientists studying rocky coastal areas in Oregon and California are now permitted to conduct surveys that may incidentally injure or disturb marine mammals, with restrictions in place to minimize harm
- 2The rule requires researchers to follow specific procedures and obtain permits before conducting surveys to ensure they take reasonable steps to protect marine animals
- 3Monitoring activities covered by this rule are focused on tracking the health and conditions of rocky intertidal zones—the areas where ocean meets rocky shore
- 4Marine mammals that could be affected include seals, sea lions, otters, and dolphins that live or hunt in these coastal regions
- 5The regulation balances the need for scientific research that informs environmental management with legal protections for marine wildlife under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Key Dates
Published
July 9, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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