Oil Firm Allowed to Disturb Alaska Sea Mammals for Five Years
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Hilcorp Alaska got the green light to do oil and gas work in Cook Inlet from 2026 to 2031, even if it means accidentally disturbing some marine mammals. The new rules make sure they minimize harm, keep an eye on the animals, and report what they find. This plan balances energy work with protecting Alaska’s sea creatures over the next five years.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Five-year OK for Hilcorp’s Cook Inlet Work
Hilcorp Alaska is authorized to conduct oil and gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, from February 20, 2026 through February 19, 2031 and to incidentally harass marine mammals. The rule allows Level B harassment for 12 marine mammal species (15 stocks) and Level A harassment for a subset of 9 species, and authorizes specific numbers of takes (e.g., beluga takes were adjusted to 147 across the 5-year period); no mortality or serious injury is authorized.
Seasonal Work Timing Limits to Protect Belugas
Vessels operating for the project must stay 2.4 km (1.5 miles) away from the Susitna Delta mean lower low water line between April 15 and November 15, and pile driving is restricted to November 15 through April 15 to reduce impacts when Cook Inlet beluga whales are more likely to forage. These date- and distance-based limits directly restrict when and where Hilcorp can do certain work during the 2026–2031 authorization period.
Observers, Soft Starts, and Shutdown Rules
The rule requires NMFS-approved protected species observers (PSOs) on project vessels, a soft start for impact pile driving, and delay or shutdown of certain activities if a marine mammal is detected inside clearance or shutdown zones. These measures can cause operational pauses and require qualified observers on site during specified activities.
Subsistence Availability and No Mortality Allowed
NMFS determined the authorized incidental take will have a negligible impact on marine mammal populations and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species for subsistence uses. The rule also explicitly states no serious injury or mortality of any marine mammal is authorized during the 2026–2031 period.
Monitoring Reports Required After Work
Hilcorp must submit monitoring reports that summarize marine mammal species and behavioral observations, construction shutdowns or delays, and construction work completed. These reporting requirements apply during the rule’s effective period (February 20, 2026–February 19, 2031) and require recordkeeping and periodic report submission to NMFS.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-10096 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Starting June 22, 2026, fishermen targeting Atlantic tunas, billfish, swordfish, and sharks can no longer keep mobulid rays if they catch them. Instead, they must release these rays carefully and unharmed, following new handling rules. This change helps protect mobulid rays and follows international agreements, with no big costs expected for fishers.
2026-10065 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Prohibited Species Donation Program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) renewed permits for SeaShare, a nonprofit that donates Pacific salmon and halibut caught accidentally during Alaska groundfish fishing. This means SeaShare can keep distributing these fish to food banks and hunger relief groups from May 2026 through May 2029. Fishermen, nonprofits, and food banks benefit, with no new costs but a continued boost to fighting hunger using fish that would otherwise go unused.
2026-10106 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco got permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing in San Francisco Bay, which might bother some marine mammals nearby. This approval lasts for one year starting May 14, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. The project helps improve ferry service but must carefully protect local sea life during work.
2026-10101 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 18, 2026, catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03371 — Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Diphenylamine, et al.
The EPA is updating rules about how much of certain pesticides, like diphenylamine, can safely stay on our food. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies need to know these changes start February 20, 2026, and they have until April 21, 2026, to raise any concerns. These updates help keep our food safe without causing extra costs or delays.
Next: 2026-03384 — Streamlining the Regulations Governing Requests for Special Census Services and Studies
The Census Bureau is updating its rules to make requesting special census services and studies easier and clearer. They’re removing outdated fee rules that caused confusion and streamlining the process for everyone who needs these special services. These changes take effect on February 20, 2026, helping save time and avoid mix-ups without changing costs.