Senator Booker Urges NOAA Administrator to Withdraw Seismic IHA

US Senator Booker wrote to Dr. Sullivan, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, formally requesting that the National Marine Fisheries Service withdraw the Incidental Harassment Authorization needed for the Rutgers seismic study to legally harass marine mammals and reopen the comment period so that concerned organizations and the public are given a meaningful opportunity to review this survey. Senator Booker cited the exponential increase in the number of marine mammals estimated to be harassed and the methodology used to calculate the new numbers as justification for withdrawal of the authorization and a reopening of the comment period. In addition, Senator Booker reiterated his support for the NJDEP’s concerns with the proposed project’s impact on New Jersey’s coastal resources and desire for the ongoing mediation process between the NJDEP and the National Science Foundation (as lead agency for this survey) to conclude before any permits are issued by NOAA.

Clean Ocean Action applauds Senator Booker’s close analysis of the proposed project and its impact on New Jersey’s marine life and economy and is looking forward to Dr. Sullivan’s response.