Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Opinion: Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization under Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. (BPXA) for Marine 3D Ocean Bottom Sensor Seismic Activities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, during the 2014 Open Water Season

This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an IHA to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA incidental to open-water seismic surveys to BPXA in the state and federal waters of Prudhoe Bay in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska from July 1 to September 30, 2014. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida), and threatened Beringia distinct population segment (DPS) of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus). There is no critical habitat designated for these species.