Required project criteria covering oil and gas activities authorized in the Gulf of America can be found below. The BOEM/BSEE proposed action under the 2025 NMFS Biological Opinion includes robust avoidance or minimization measures (i.e., protocols), and those measures will continue to be implemented in the Gulf of America as project criteria under the 2026 Endangered Species Committee Order, as well as pursuant to the Bureau’s authority under OCSLA (43 U.S.C. §§ 1331 et seq.). For approvals commencing on March 31, 2026, the below project criteria will apply. It is highly recommended that applicants download this project criteria and retain it with their permit.
Archived Protocols
Archived versions of protocols applicable to activities approved prior to March 31, 2026 are below. It is highly recommended that applicants download their applicable protocols and retain them with their permit.