---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 218.236"
title: "50"
number: "218.236"
heading: "Letter of Authorization."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/218.236"
---

# §218.236. Letter of Authorization.

- (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to this subpart, the Navy 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 expiration date of this subpart.
- (c) The LOA will set forth:
  - (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;
  - (2) Geographic areas for incidental taking;
  - (3) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., mitigation) on the species and stocks of marine mammals and their habitat; and
  - (4) **Requirements for monitoring and reporting.**
- (d) Issuance of the LOA must be based on a determination that the level of taking is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the regulations of this subpart.
- (e) Notice of issuance, modification, or denial of the LOA will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.
- (f) In the event of projected changes to mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures required by an LOA, the Navy must apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA under [§ 218.237](/cfr/50/218.237.md).

## Notes

### Source

Source: 91 FR 47702, July 28, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

### Source

Source: 74 FR 28343, June 15, 2009, unless otherwise noted.