Overview
Title
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Lubec Harbor Project in Lubec, Maine
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service wants to allow some noises that might bother marine animals during a construction project at a harbor in Maine, and they are asking people to share their thoughts on this plan. They promise to try and keep the animals safe and are considering allowing the project to continue for another year if needed.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Maine Department of Transportation to allow the incidental taking of marine mammals during a construction project at Lubec Harbor in Maine. This involves the potential disturbance to five species of marine mammals due to sound from pile driving and drilling activities. The NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed authorization to ensure marine mammals are least impacted. They propose certain mitigation measures to minimize disturbances and are considering allowing a one-year renewal if necessary, under specific conditions.
Abstract
NMFS has received a request from Maine Department of Transportation (ME DOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Lubec Harbor Project in Lubec, Maine. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has published a comprehensive proposal in response to a request from the Maine Department of Transportation (ME DOT). The request involves allowing the incidental taking of marine mammals during a construction project at Lubec Harbor, Maine. The primary activity concerns the construction of a harbor which would involve driving piles and drilling, activities that produce underwater noise potentially affecting local marine mammal populations. The document presents the proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts and sets forth a public comment period, inviting input from the public on the proposed incidental harassment authorization (IHA).
General Summary
The NMFS document is highly detailed, focusing on potential impacts to marine mammals due to construction noise and proposing various mitigation strategies. It outlines the measures planned to detect and minimize harm to the local marine mammal populations, including minke whales and harbor porpoises, among others. The proposal suggests that the authorization could be renewed for an additional year under specific conditions if the project activities are not completed within the initial timeframe. Public comments are actively solicited to evaluate the proposed authorization and any potential renewal.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document employs technical and specialized language, particularly around acoustic impacts and monitoring requirements. This level of detail might pose challenges for general readers unfamiliar with marine biology or regulatory environments. The document cautiously details the methodology and calculations involved in estimating the potential incidental take of marine mammals; however, the complexity might seem overwhelming.
Additionally, the document provides limited discussion on the benefits of the construction project itself. While there is a thorough examination of the potential negative impacts on marine mammals, a more balanced discussion would include the expected benefits, such as expected improvements in maritime safety or economic growth. Also, the criteria for renewing the IHA are mentioned but lack detailed exposition, leaving the process somewhat ambiguous for stakeholders.
Public Impact
The proposed construction project at Lubec Harbor aims to enhance maritime safety and accessibility, potentially benefiting local fishermen, commercial businesses, and recreational activities. However, despite these projected benefits, the general public could be concerned about the potential disturbance and harm to the local marine ecosystems, particularly marine mammals. The call for public comments provides an avenue for community engagement, allowing local residents and environmental groups to voice any potential concerns.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, including local businesses relying on healthy marine populations, conservationists, and researchers, might find the project and the document's detailed approach important for their interests. Conservation groups and environmental scientists may view the mitigation measures and monitoring efforts positively if they are rigorous and well-enforced, reducing the adverse impact on marine mammals. On the other hand, stakeholders looking to expedite harbor development might view these regulatory processes as potential hurdles.
In summary, while the document from NMFS provides an exhaustive technical assessment and proposes safeguards for incidental take of marine mammals, further efforts to clarify language for a general audience and expand on the positive impacts of the project could enhance public understanding and support. The public's involvement is crucial, and their feedback will significantly contribute to the final decisions surrounding the proposed activities in Lubec Harbor.
Issues
• The document contains technical and specialized language that might be difficult for a general audience to understand, particularly the sections on acoustic impact and monitoring requirements.
• There is a significant amount of detail related to the methodology and calculations for estimating marine mammal take, which may be overly complex for readers not familiar with the subject matter.
• The document could include a clearer summary of the purpose and expected outcomes of the project to make it more accessible to non-experts.
• The proposal discusses potential negative impacts on marine mammals but does not include a detailed discussion of the benefits and necessity of the project, which might be helpful for a balanced understanding.
• The document mentions a possible renewal of the IHA but does not comprehensively explain the criteria or process for such a renewal, which could lead to ambiguity.
• There is no specific mention of any budget or spending associated with the activities, so there is no clear indication of economic impact or potential wasteful spending.