FR 2025-04995

The document titled "Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Coast Guard Construction in Florence, Oregon," concerns the recent issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The purpose of this authorization is to permit the USCG to incidentally harass certain marine mammals during pile driving activities as part of a construction project at the Station Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon.

General Summary

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the USCG has been authorized to proceed with construction activities that may disturb, but not harm, certain marine mammals such as harbor seals and sea lions. The document outlines the monitoring and reporting requirements for the USCG to ensure minimal impact on these marine populations. It also states that the construction project will not pose significant harm to marine mammal populations or their habitats, nor will it impact any species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document, characteristic of government and regulatory publications, employs complex legal and technical language that could be difficult for a general audience without specialized knowledge of environmental regulations. Although it discusses the minimal impact on marine mammals, the criteria and data supporting the "negligible impact" determination are not clearly explained. This lack of detail makes it challenging for readers to understand how the determinations were reached or what informed these conclusions.

Additionally, while the document touches on measures like bubble curtains to mitigate the impact of construction noise, it does not offer quantitative evidence of their effectiveness, which would be beneficial for validating these approaches. The methodology for calculating "small numbers" of affected mammals is mentioned but without detailed data, making the claims less transparent.

Impact on the Public

The document outlines federal activities that might interest environmental groups, local communities, and industries involved in marine and coastal activities. For the general public, there may be concerns about the impact of human activities on local wildlife, particularly iconic species like seals and sea lions. The assurance of "negligible impact" may allay some public concerns, but without detailed evidence or context, these reassurances could be met with skepticism.

Impacts on Stakeholders

For stakeholders like environmental advocacy organizations, this document may raise issues of transparency and environmental accountability. These groups often lobby for more stringent protections and clearer evidence of impact assessments. They might argue that without clearer data, it's difficult to assess how well marine life is being protected.

Conversely, the USCG and related industry stakeholders may view this authorization positively, as it allows construction to proceed while adhering to legal obligations. The mitigation measures prescribed can be seen as balanced efforts to address ecological concerns while allowing infrastructure projects to move forward.

In summary, while the document is a necessary regulatory step for the USCG's construction project, the lack of detailed explanation for key decisions leaves room for interpretation and concern among various interests. A greater emphasis on transparency and data could improve public understanding and trust.