Coastal and Marine Geology Program
599 Seaport Blvd.
Redwood City, California 94063

Donald R. Knowles
National Marine Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

                              January 14 2003

Dear Mr. Knowles,
      The U.S. Geological Survey hereby requests an Incidental Harassment Authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service to allow the incidental harassment of marine mammals that may occur while collecting marine high-resolution seismic-reflection data offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The data collected will be used to support an on going Gas-Hydrates study. Gas hydrates are methane ice substances found at the sea floor and in shallow sub-bottom sediments on continental margins in water depths greater than about 500 m. The USGS research program is investigating the occurrence and distribution of naturally occurring marine gas hydrates in the Gulf of Mexico in order to understand the hazard they pose to deep-water drilling and the potential they offer as an energy resource. As part of this study, we wish to acquire high-resolution seismic reflection data to better image and therefore understand the geologic structure and stratigraphy in areas where gas hydrate has been recovered by seafloor coring programs and where an industry-funded research well will be drilled in early 2004.
     The survey is scheduled to start the 1st of May 2003 and end the 14th of May. The ship will be the Research Vessel Gyre. We are planning on working 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
     The USGS has conducted multiple geophysical surveys under the supervision of marine-mammal biologists. Acoustic sources have been shut off when marine mammals entered safety zones that have been stipulated by NMFS and we have followed procedures as stated in our permit when mammals left these zones to re-start seismic systems. We believe we have been responsible in the operation of acoustic systems when conducting seismic-reflection surveys. We appreciate your consideration of the attached request for an Incidental Harassment Authorization.

Sincerely



David Hogg, Chief of the USGS Marine Support Facility
599 Seaport Blvd.
Redwood City, Calif. 94063
Tel (650) 329-5864
Fax (650) 365-9841