Gulf of America? New Rules Protect Whales from Oil Surveys
Published Date: 8/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The government updated the rules for TGS, a company doing underwater surveys for oil and gas in the Gulf of America, to better protect marine mammals. These changes affect how TGS can operate and help keep sea animals safe while surveys continue. The new rules kick in soon and could impact how much TGS spends on following these protections.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Modified Authorization for TGS Surveys
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) modified the Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to TGS for incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of America. The modification changes how TGS can operate and could affect how much TGS spends to comply with the new requirements.
Stronger Protections for Marine Mammals
NMFS modified the LOA to better protect marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America. The change is intended to keep sea animals safer while surveys continue.
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Key Dates
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