FR 2021-02244

General Summary

The Federal Register document discusses the recent issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the U.S. Navy. This authorization permits the Navy to incidentally harass marine mammals, specifically California sea lions, during the Pier 6 Replacement Project at Naval Base San Diego. The project involves construction activities such as pile driving and removal, which have the potential to disturb marine mammals. Measures have been instituted to mitigate impacts, including establishing zones where work must stop if marine mammals are found within them. The environmental impact has been assessed and deemed non-significant with respect to adverse effects on marine mammals or their habitats.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document is notably long and detailed, which could challenge the understanding of readers who are not familiar with such regulatory language. This complexity arises in part from the technical nature of the subject, which involves sophisticated acoustic modeling and marine biology concepts about which the general public may not be well-informed. The detailed methodology used for calculating acoustic thresholds and harassment zones presumes a high level of technical knowledge, potentially making it difficult for those unfamiliar with such discussions to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

Another concern is the lack of detailed explanation about the checks and balances in place to prevent harm to marine mammals during the project, given the potential issuance of incidental harassment authorizations. Furthermore, while the authorization is limited to non-ESA-listed species, the document does not fully address the potential longer-term ecological implications of repeated use of such authorizations in similar projects.

Public Impact

For the broader public, this document represents how regulatory agencies work to balance military and construction needs with environmental stewardship. While the potential impacts on marine mammals are considered minimal, the document indirectly highlights the importance of such authorizations in ensuring responsible management of human activities that intersect with wildlife habitats. The detailed provisions for mitigation and monitoring reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impacts, which is reassuring for conservation-minded citizens.

Impact on Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as environmental advocacy groups, there is likely a positive reception to the stringent monitoring requirements and the detailed mitigation measures described within the IHA. These stakeholders may appreciate that the Navy's activities are subject to oversight and must adopt best practices to reduce ecological impacts.

Conversely, from a governmental or military perspective, while the Navy is allowed to proceed with construction, these detailed requirements involve significant planning and resources. Financial implications are worth noting, as the document does not specify the costs related to these mitigation measures, potentially causing concerns about their cost-efficiency.

Finally, community organizations or individuals residing near the Naval Base San Diego may have mixed reactions. There is a protective aspect to having detailed surveillance and oversight measures to ensure marine mammal safety. However, some community members might have concerns about the effectiveness and enforcement of these measures or the impact of construction noise on their daily lives. Overall, while the document is comprehensive, it illustrates the intricate balance between operational needs and environmental conservation efforts.