Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization to BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. for Marine 3D Ocean Bottom Sensor Seismic Activities

This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an IHA to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA incidental to open-water seismic surveys to BPXA. The surveys would take place in the state and federal waters of Prudhoe Bay in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska from July 1 to September 30, 2014. The purpose for the proposed seismic surveys is for BPXA to obtain current, high-resolution seismic data to image existing reservoirs of oil and gas. This data will increase BPXA’s understanding of the reservoirs, allowing more effective management. A complete set of OBS data has not previously been acquired in the proposed survey area. Airgun usage will occur no later than midnight on August 25, 2014, in order to mitigate potential impacts to migrating bowhead whales and the Nuiqsut subsistence hunters at Cross Island. Activities that occur after August 25 will involve the retrieval of  equipment. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida), and threatened Beringia distinct population segment (DPS) of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus). There is no critical habitat designated for these species.

Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources - Permits and Conservation Division