216.235—Letter of Authorization.
(a)
A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time specified in the Letter of Authorization, but a Letter of Authorization may not be valid beyond the effective period of the regulations.
(b)
A Letter of Authorization will set forth:
(1)
Species of marine mammals authorized to be taken;
(2)
Permissible methods of incidental taking;
(3)
Specified geographical region;
(4)
Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking and its habitat; and
(5)
Requirements for monitoring and reporting incidental takes.
(c)
Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, and that the total taking by the activity as a whole will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammal(s).
(d)
Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.