§ 217.180 Specified activity and specified geographical region.
(a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to oil and gas industry operators (Letter of Authorization (LOA)-holders), and those persons authorized to conduct activities on their behalf, for the taking of marine mammals that occurs in the area outlined in paragraph (b) of this section and that occurs incidental to geophysical survey activities.
(b) The taking of marine mammals by oil and gas industry operators may be authorized in an LOA only if it occurs within U.S. waters in the Gulf of America, outside the area previously subject to a Congressional leasing moratorium under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) (Pub. L. 109-432, section 104).