Notice of Modification to the Special Use Permit (SUP) Category for the Continued Presence of Commercial Submarine Cables Within the National Marine Sanctuary System

Issuing agencies

Abstract

NOAA hereby gives public notice that ONMS is modifying the special use permit (SUP) category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within a national marine sanctuary's submerged lands so that, for a two-year period, the SUP category does not apply to commercial submarine cables in any new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024. In addition, NOAA is seeking public comment on the use of the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables, potential modifications to the SUP category, and input on developing an updated policy and permit guidance document for submarine cable projects. This temporary suspension affords NOAA time to consider and respond to public comment, evaluate the need for updating the SUP category and permit guidance document, publish a draft update of the SUP category and/or the permit guidance document for further public comment, and finalize any updates to the SUP category and/or permit guidance document, if needed. During this temporary two-year suspension, NOAA will not require or issue SUPs for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of any new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024. Any activities related to submarine cables that would violate sanctuary regulatory prohibitions within new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, which may include such activities as cable installation, maintenance, and repair, will still be prohibited unless approved by other NOAA approval mechanisms, such as certifications, authorizations or general permits. This two-year suspension period may be subject to further extension, as appropriate, via subsequent Federal Register notices.