Biological Opinion on (1) U.S. military Mariana Islands training and testing activities; and (2) the National Marine Fisheries Service's promulgation of regulations and issuance of a letter of authorization pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the U.S. Navy to "take" marine mammals incidental to Mariana Islands training and testing activities from August 2015 through August 2020 National Marine Fisheries Service, Endangered Species Act Section 7, Biological Opinion Reinitiated Biological Opinion on Mariana Islands training and testing and issuance of an MMPA rule and LOA, PCTS FPR-2017-9215

This opinion addresses three interdependent actions conducted by the U.S. Navy and NMFS's Permits Division: (1) the U.S. Navy's military training and testing activities (i.e., readiness activities) conducted in the MITT Study Area; (2) NMFS's Permits Division's promulgation of regulations pursuant to the MMPA governing the U.S. Navy's take of marine mammals incidental to the Navy's military readiness activities from August 2015 through August 2020; and (3) NMFS's Permits Division's issuance of an LOA pursuant to the regulations that authorize the U.S. Navy to take marine mammals incidental to military readiness activities in the MITT Study Area through August 2020. The purpose of the activities the U.S. Navy conducts in the MITT Study Area is to meet the requirements of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Response Training Plan and allow Navy personnel to remain proficient in anti-submarine warfare and mine warfare skills (i.e., military readiness activities). The purpose of the MMPA regulations and the Permits and Conservation Division's LOA is to allow the U.S. Navy to take marine mammals incidental to military readiness activities in the MITT Study Area conducted through August 2020 in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of the MMPA and implementing regulations--Page 3-4. consultation conducted by: Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Consultation Tracking number: FPR-2017-9215. Approved on: September 13, 2017. Action Agencies: United States Navy (Navy) and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation Division. Includes bibliographical references (pages 443-556).