BOEM consults with NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service) and other federal agencies on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) geological and geophysical activities that might lead to leasing, exploration, and development and production activities. This ensures that any authorized actions are less likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, or to result in adverse impacts on critical habitat.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with NOAA Fisheries and the USFWS whenever a proposed federal action may affect threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) also requires collaboration between BOEM and NOAA Fisheries.
BOEM has worked with NOAA Fisheries and several other agencies to develop a mitigation strategy for the recent decision on the Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Activities in the Mid- and South Atlantic Ocean. The bureau will require that operators obtain any needed MMPA authorization from NOAA Fisheries prior to issuance of a BOEM permit. This MMPA process will afford an additional opportunity for NOAA Fisheries to apply any finalized acoustic criteria.
If BOEM moves forward with considering new G&G permitting in the Mid and South Atlantic, BOEM will conduct site-specific environmental reviews for any and all permit applications. These reviews will include coordination and consultation with our federal, state and tribal partners under a suite of additional statutory requirements. BOEM will also require that operators receive any needed authorization from NOAA Fisheries under the Marine Mammal Protection Act prior to any issuance of a BOEM authorization.