Overview
Title
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the New London Pier Extension Project at the Naval Submarine Base
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people who help protect ocean animals have given the Navy permission to work on a building project near the water. They had to ask for permission again because they haven't started yet, and this allows them to keep working without hurting the animals too much.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a second Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy for a project at the New London Pier Extension at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. The project was delayed, and the activities originally authorized have not yet started. This IHA allows for the incidental, but not intentional, taking of six species of marine mammals with no change in scope, anticipated impacts, or required mitigation and monitoring from the initial authorization. The new IHA is effective from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027.
Abstract
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of six species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, and for take of harbor seals, gray seals, and harp seals by Level A harassment, incidental to construction associated with the New London Pier Extension Project at the Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London in Groton, Connecticut. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
This document from the Federal Register, issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), relates to an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) granted to the U.S. Navy. The IHA pertains to a construction project at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, specifically for extending the New London Pier. The re-issuance of the IHA is due to delays in the project, allowing the Navy additional time to conduct activities that may incidentally harass marine mammals. The authorization is effective from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, without any changes to the original authorization's scope, impact, or mitigation measures.
General Summary
The IHA permits the Navy to unintentionally disturb six species of marine mammals during the construction, categorized as Level B harassment for most species, which involves potential disturbances to their natural behavior. For some species like harbor seals, gray seals, and harp seals, Level A harassment, which includes potential injury, is authorized. The re-issuance simply extends the timeline due to project delays, keeping all other project descriptions, impact analyses, and safety measures unchanged.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One area of note is the document's reference to project delays without elaborating on the specific reasons. Understanding why the delays have occurred could be vital information for concerned stakeholders or the interested public. Furthermore, the document's language and numerous references to regulatory statutes are dense and technical. This might complicate comprehension for those unfamiliar with environmental law or marine operational regulations.
Public Impact
For the general public, this document may raise concerns about the potential impacts on marine life in the region. However, the NMFS has assessed that the project would have a negligible impact on marine mammal populations. People interested in marine conservation might find reassurance in the strict monitoring and reporting requirements included in the authorization.
Stakeholder Impact
For the Navy, the extended authorization is essential to the completion of a crucial infrastructure project, allowing them to proceed without legal hurdles related to marine mammal protection laws. The local community and businesses might anticipate benefits from enhanced infrastructure in terms of economic activity and job opportunities. Conversely, environmental advocates and marine life enthusiasts might feel apprehensive about the potential disruption to marine ecosystems, despite assurances of minimal impact.
Overall, while the document assures compliance with environmental standards, the inclusion of more accessible language and a clearer explanation of project delays might aid in broader public understanding and acceptance.
Issues
• The document makes reference to a project delay but lacks an explanation or justification for the delay, which could be important for stakeholders to understand.
• The language used to describe the re-issuance of the IHA and its consistency with the initial IHA might be too complex for a general audience not familiar with environmental regulation.
• The text includes technical details and references to specific federal register notices and legal statutes that might not be easily accessible or understood by all readers without further context or simplification.