§ 218.91 - Effective dates.

§ 218.91 Effective dates and definitions.

(a)

Regulations in this subpart are effective

August 3, 2015 through August 3, 2020.

(b) The following definitions are utilized in these regulations:

(1) Uncommon Stranding Event (USE) - A stranding event that takes place within an OPAREA where a Major Training Exercise (MTE) occurs and involves any one of the following:

(i) Two or more individuals of any cetacean species (not including mother/calf pairs, unless of species of concern listed in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section) found dead or live on shore within a 2-day period and occurring within 30 miles of one another.

(ii) A single individual or mother/calf pair of any of the following marine mammal species of concern: Beaked whale of any species, Kogia spp., Risso's dolphin, melon-headed whale, pilot whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, blue whale, fin whale, or sei whale.

(iii) A group of two or more cetaceans of any species exhibiting indicators of distress.

(2) Shutdown - The cessation of active sonar operation or detonation of explosives within 14 nautical miles of any live, in the water, animal involved in a USE.

from July 31, 2020, to July 30, 2027.