# 2026-12474: NOAA Lets Scientists Accidentally Harass Whales for Science

2026-12474, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean, is a Federal Register notice from Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published 2026-06-22, effective 2026-06-16 (as of 2026-06-29).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12474
- As of: 2026-06-29
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12474
- Title: Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 37087
- Published: 2026-06-22
- Effective: 2026-06-16
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-29

## In one line

NOAA Lets Scientists Accidentally Harass Whales for Science

## Summary

NOAA gave the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals during a one-year ocean survey in the Western Central Atlantic. This survey uses sound waves to study the seafloor but must follow rules to keep marine life safe. The authorization starts June 16, 2026, and ensures the impact on animals is tiny and carefully managed.

## Abstract

In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to a marine geophysical survey off the Eastern North American Margin in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean.

## Effects PRIA read

No economic effects identified for this document.

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## Sources
- [2026-12474 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/22/2026-12474/takes-of-marine-mammals-incidental-to-specified-activities-taking-marine-mammals-incidental-to-a)
- [2026-12474 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-22/pdf/2026-12474.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12474 (as of 2026-06-29).