Search Results for keywords:"Incidental Harassment Authorization"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for their ferry terminal project in Angoon, Alaska, which could incidentally affect marine mammals. The authorization allows for a limited number of marine mammals to be harassed, primarily through noise from pile driving activities, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NMFS has laid out specific mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts, and these activities are not expected to significantly harm marine mammal populations. The public is invited to comment on the proposal and the potential one-year renewal of the IHA.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed giving the National Science Foundation permission to potentially disturb northern sea otters during a marine survey in the northeast Pacific Ocean. This activity is intended to take place from May 1 to June 30, 2021, and involves using sound waves in the ocean, which might bother the otters. Up to 13 otters could be affected, but the goal is to ensure that this does not harm the species as a whole. The Service is also seeking public feedback on this plan and the related environmental assessment.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has received a request from the U.S. Navy to renew an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). This renewal allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the construction needed for relocating NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The activities are nearly identical to those already analyzed in an existing authorization and the renewal will allow continuation for up to another year. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed actions will not have a significant impact on marine mammals and seeks additional public comments before making a final decision.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed issuing an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) that would allow the United States Army Corps of Engineers to take small numbers of marine mammals during geotechnical surveys in St. George, Alaska. These surveys aim to support the construction of a small boat harbor and may incidentally affect northern fur seals, harbor seals, and possibly other marine mammals. The IHA includes measures to reduce impacts, such as temporarily stopping work if certain marine mammals are nearby and avoiding work during sensitive times, like when northern fur seals are pupping. Public comments on the proposal are being requested.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to South Fork Wind, LLC, which would allow the company to take certain marine mammals incidentally during the construction of the South Fork Offshore Wind Project. This project involves pile driving and high-resolution geophysical surveys off the coast of Rhode Island, which may affect marine mammals. NMFS evaluated potential impacts to marine mammals, including endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale, and proposed stringent mitigation measures, such as seasonal restrictions and monitoring, to minimize potential harm. Public comments are requested on this proposal, with the possibility of a one-year renewal under certain conditions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy to allow for the incidental harassment of marine mammals during the Pier 6 Replacement Project at Naval Base San Diego. This project involves pile driving and removal activities, which might disturb California sea lions but is not expected to cause injury or mortality. The authorization includes specific measures to mitigate impacts on marine mammals, such as monitoring practices and temporary work stoppages if marine mammals enter the designated zones. The project's environmental impact has been assessed, and it is not expected to have significant adverse effects on marine mammals or their habitats.

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes a change to an existing Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) issued to Bay State Wind, LLC for marine surveys off Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This modification is necessary because Bay State Wind has encountered more common dolphins than expected and requests an increase in the number they can disturb without harm (Level B harassment). The proposed modification would raise the authorized take of common dolphins from 1,485 to 2,970, with no other changes to the authorization. The public can comment on this proposed modification until December 26, 2024.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for activities related to construction at the Station Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. This authorization allows the USCG to incidentally harass, but not seriously harm, small numbers of certain marine mammals, like harbor seals and sea lions, during pile driving activities. The measures aim to minimize the impact on marine mammals, and the authorization specifies monitoring and reporting requirements. NMFS determined that the project will not significantly harm marine mammal populations or habitats and will not adversely impact any species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the United States Air Force (USAF) for repair work at the Eareckson Air Station Fuel Pier in Alaska. This authorization would allow USAF to perform activities that might incidentally disturb marine mammals in the area. The proposal considers public comments and follows the implementation of mitigation measures to ensure minimal impact on the animals and their environment. NMFS is welcoming public feedback on the proposed authorization and is considering a potential one-year renewal if certain conditions are met.