50 CFR § 217.66 - Letters of Authorization.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t50/s217.66"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "50 CFR § 217.66 - Letters of Authorization."
title_number: 50
title_name: "Wildlife and Fisheries"
section_number: "217.66"
section_name: "Letters of Authorization."
chapter_name: "NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MARINE MAMMALS"
part_number: "217"
part_name: "REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "16 U.S.C. 1361  unless otherwise noted."
regulatory_source: "74 FR 35143, July 20, 2009, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "217"
---


# 217.66 Letters of Authorization.

(a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to this subpart, the USSF must apply for and obtain an LOA in accordance with § 216.106 of this chapter.

(b) An LOA, unless suspended or revoked, may be effective for a period of time not to exceed expiration of this subpart.

(c) If an LOA expires prior to the expiration date of this subpart, the USSF may apply for and obtain a renewal LOA.

(d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to mitigation, monitoring, or reporting (excluding changes made pursuant to the adaptive management provision of § 217.67(c)(1) required by an LOA, USSF must apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA as described in § 217.67.

(e) Each LOA will set forth:

(1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;

(2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (*i.e.,* mitigation) on the species and its habitat; and

(3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

(f) Issuance of the LOA shall be based on a determination that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under this subpart.

(g) Notice of issuance or denial of a LOA shall be published in the *Federal Register* within 30 days of a determination.