We work closely with industry and other entities to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts of human activities on Pacific walrus, polar bears, and northern sea otters in Alaska, prevent adverse impacts to subsistence use of these species, and promote human safety in polar bear country. A significant component of this work is the issuance of incidental take authorizations under sections 101(a)(5)(A) and 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

What We Do 

  • Provide technical assistance and share resources on how to avoid take of polar bears, northern sea otters, or Pacific walrus
  • Issue incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) that authorize incidental take by harassment of marine mammals for up to a one-year period
  • Promulgate incidental take regulations (ITRs) that authorize incidental take of marine mammals for up to a five-year period, and issue associated incidental take Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to specific entities
  • Issue Letters of Authorization that authorize intentional harassment (hazing) of polar bears
  • Provide polar bear awareness, safety, and deterrence training
  • Work with the Marine Mammals Management species programs to apply the most current biological information in regulatory decisions
  • Consult with other local, state and federal agencies to coordinate regulatory efforts 

What Guides Us 

-Available for public comment-

In accordance with the MMPA, the Service invites public comment on proposed ITRs and IHAs before they are finalized and issued. All proposed incidental take authorizations are published in the Federal Register and have an open public comment period of 30 days or more. 

Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Polar Bears on the North Slope of Alaska; Seismic Exploration Activities by SAExploration, Inc

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, received a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 from SAExploration, Inc., to issue regulations facilitating the authorization of incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears during seismic exploration activities on the North Slope of Alaska. Take may result from three-dimensional seismic survey programs and associated activities occurring for a period of 5 years beginning July 1, 2026. If this rule is finalized, we may issue letters of authorization, upon request, for specific activities in accordance with the final rule for a period of up to 5 years. We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule will be as accurate and effective as possible. Therefore, we request comments on these proposed regulations and the accompanying draft environmental assessment from the public, Tribes, and local, State, and Federal agencies. The comment period closes June 17, 2026. 

More information is available at: 

Marine Mammals; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Polar Bears in the Prudhoe Bay Area of the North Slope Borough, Alaska; Foggy Island Remediation

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from BP America Production Company and BP Remediation Management (collectively BP), propose to authorize nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of small numbers Southern Beaufort Sea (SBS) polar bears between June 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027. The applicant requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with drone site surveys, surface water monitoring, removal of solid waste (debris), backfill activities, and revegetation activities at Foggy Island Bay State No.1 gravel pad, in the Prudhoe Bay area of the North Slope Borough, Alaska. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to three takes of polar bears by Level B harassment only. No take by injury or mortality is requested, expected, or proposed to be authorized. We invite comments on the proposed incidental harassment authorization and the accompanying draft environmental assessment from the public, Tribes, and local, State, and Federal agencies. The comment period closes July 10, 2026. 

More information is available at: