(a) This subpart applies only to the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center and those persons it authorizes or funds to conduct activities in the area outlined in paragraph (b) of this section during research survey program operations.

(b) The incidental taking of marine mammals by Northeast Fisheries Science Center may be authorized in a Letter of Authorization (LOA) only if it occurs within the Northeast and Southeast Large Marine Ecosystem.