(a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to Hilcorp Alaska LLC (Hilcorp) and those persons it authorizes or funds to conduct activities on its behalf for the taking of marine mammals in Cook Inlet, Alaska, and that occurs incidental to the activities described in paragraph (c) of this section. Requirements imposed on Hilcorp must be implemented by those persons it authorizes or funds to conduct activities on its behalf.

(b) The incidental taking of marine mammals by Hilcorp may be authorized in a letter of authorization (LOA) only if it occurs within in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

(c) The taking of marine mammals by Hilcorp is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the use of tugs towing, holding, or positioning a jack-up rig, impact pile driving, and pipeline installation and/or replacement involving anchor handling and/or pipe pulling.