WASHINGTON – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has received a request from Vineyard Wind LLC for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the completion of a commercial wind energy project offshore Massachusetts. The project is located in the northern portion of Lease Area OCS-A 0501.
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for the specified activities, which consist of a subset of activities previously authorized but not completed within the effective dates of the previous IHA.
In the context of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), “take” refers to any action that harasses, hunts, captures, or kills a marine mammal, or attempts to do so. The term “incidental take” specifically refers to the unintentional disturbance, harassment, or killing of marine mammals that occurs during an otherwise lawful activity, such as construction or marine operations.
There are two levels of harassment defined under the MMPA:
- Level A harassment: This refers to any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild.
- Level B harassment: This refers to any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
In the case of the Vineyard Wind project, the company is seeking authorization from NOAA Fisheries to incidentally take marine mammals during the construction of their offshore wind energy project. This means that while the construction activities are not intended to harm marine mammals, there is a possibility that some animals may be disturbed or harassed by the noise, vibrations, or other aspects of the construction process.
The agency (NOAA) will consider public comments before making a final decision on the issuance of the requested Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) authorization. If approved, the IHA would be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Vineyard Wind LLC’s request comes as the company aims to complete the construction of its offshore wind energy project. The proposed authorization would allow for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the specified construction activities.
NOAA Fisheries encourages the public to provide comments on the proposed IHA, which will be summarized along with the agency’s responses in the final notice of their decision. The public comment period ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to voice their concerns or support for the project.
As these projects move forward, it is crucial to consider their potential impact on marine life and to take necessary measures to minimize any adverse effects.
The term “incidental take,” which specifically refers to the unintentional disturbance, harassment, or killing of marine mammals that occurs during an otherwise lawful activity, such as construction or marine operations, is akin to a drunk driver running down a bunch of school kids in a street crossing while driving at the legal speed limit.
Put another way, the dead marine mammals are simply collateral damage – nothing to see here, folks, everybody get back in your basements and stay out of what isn’t your business!