ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF INCIDENTAL HARASSMENT AUTHORIZATIONS FOR THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS BY HARASSMENT INCIDENTAL TO TUGS TOWING A RIG IN COOK INLET, ALASKA

NMFS proposed to issue two subsequent IHAs to Hilcorp Alaska LLC for tugs towing a drill rig in Cook Inlet, Alaska. This activity was originally part of incidental take regulations that were issued to Hilcorp in 2019 but due to litigation and Hilcorp finishing or abandoning most activities considered in the regulations, we are proposing to issue IHAs for the sole remaining activity.