Taking or Importing of Marine Mammals: U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Study Area
Summary
This regulation allows the U.S. Navy to conduct military training and testing exercises in the ocean areas near Hawaii and Southern California while permitting some harm to marine mammals like whales and dolphins. The rule sets limits on how many marine mammals can be affected and requires the Navy to take steps to minimize damage to ocean wildlife during these activities.
Key Points
- 1The Navy can conduct sonar exercises, explosives testing, and weapons training in Hawaii and Southern California ocean areas for the next five years
- 2The regulation allows some marine mammals to be injured or killed during these activities, with specific limits on how many animals can be harmed
- 3The Navy must use protective measures like marine mammal observers, acoustic monitoring, and restricted training zones to reduce harm to whales, dolphins, and seals
- 4Environmental groups and the public had the chance to comment on this rule before it became final
- 5NOAA (the federal ocean agency) will monitor whether the Navy follows these rules and whether marine populations are actually protected
Impact Assessment
If you are a recreational boater or ocean user in Hawaii and Southern California, this means the Navy will conduct military exercises in nearby ocean areas with some permitted impact on marine mammals, but you should expect operational notices and possible activity restrictions during training periods.
Regional
Minimal
Key Dates
January 16, 2025
Regulatory Connections
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.