---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 217.17"
title: "50"
number: "217.17"
heading: "Letters of Authorization."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/217.17"
---

# §217.17. Letters of Authorization.

- (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these regulations, the POA must apply for and obtain an LOA.
- (b) An LOA, unless suspended or revoked, may be effective for a period of time not to exceed the effective dates of this subpart.
- (c) If an LOA expires prior to the end of the effective dates of this subpart, the POA may apply for and obtain a renewal of the LOA.
- (d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to mitigation and monitoring measures required by an LOA, the POA must apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA as described in [§ 217.18](/cfr/50/217.18.md).
- (e) The LOA must set forth the following information:
  - (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;
  - (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., mitigation) on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses; and
  - (3) **Requirements for monitoring and reporting.**
- (f) Issuance of the LOA must 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 an LOA must be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 90 FR 31794, July 15, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.

### Source

Source: 74 FR 35143, July 20, 2009, unless otherwise noted.