Public comment sought on Navy's Gulf of Alaska sonar plans

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking public comment on proposed Navy sonar training in the Gulf of Alaska. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking input on allowing impacts on marine mammals during the Navy’s training exercises.

The Navy has requested authorization to conduct the training under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, because the sound and pressure from sonars and explosives could affect the behavior or hearing of some marine mammals.

Under the authorization, the Navy would have to follow mitigation measures to minimize effects on marine mammals.

Public comments can be submitted through Nov. 18, either online or via mail to the following address:

Michael Payne
Permits, Conservation, and Education Division
Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910