We work closely with industry and other entities to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts of human activities on Pacific walrus, polar bears, and northern sea otters in Alaska, prevent adverse impacts to subsistence use of these species, and promote human safety in polar bear country. A significant component of this work is the issuance of incidental take authorizations under sections 101(a)(5)(A) and 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
What We Do
- Provide technical assistance and share resources on how to avoid take of polar bears, northern sea otters, or Pacific walrus
- Issue incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) that authorize incidental take by harassment of marine mammals for up to a one-year period
- Promulgate incidental take regulations (ITRs) that authorize incidental take of marine mammals for up to a five-year period, and issue associated incidental take Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to specific entities
- Issue Letters of Authorization that authorize intentional harassment (hazing) of polar bears
- Provide polar bear awareness, safety, and deterrence training
- Work with the Marine Mammals Management species programs to apply the most current biological information in regulatory decisions
- Consult with other local, state and federal agencies to coordinate regulatory efforts
What Guides Us
Currently Proposed Incidental Take Regulations
On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule to revise the incidental take regulations for the incidental harassment of polar bears and Pacific walruses that may result from oil and gas industry activities on the North Slope of Alaska and adjacent waters. The proposed revisions, if finalized, would allow for the incidental take of small numbers of polar bears by both Level A and Level B harassment. This proposed revision is in response to an order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The FWS will be accepting public comments for 30 days. You can see the proposed revisions and comment by visiting www.regulations.gov and searching docket number: FWS-R7-ES-2024-0140. Supporting documents will also be available on this site.
In response to requests from the oil and gas industry, the FWS has issued similar incidental take regulations for industry activities on the North Slope and Southern Beaufort Sea areas since 1993.
Proposed Revisions to the Southern Beaufort Sea Incidental Take Regulations: Questions and Answers
