The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation for their construction activities related to the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. This authorization allows the incidental harassment of small numbers of marine mammals, including whales and seals, during the construction activities, with measures in place to minimize impacts. The authorization requires stopping pile driving activities during the Nuiqsut whaling season and includes several mitigation efforts like mandatory observation by trained professionals to protect these animals. The NMFS concluded that these construction activities would not significantly affect the survival or recovery of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Simple Explanation
The government has allowed a company to do some noisy work where sea animals like whales and seals live, as long as they follow rules to avoid hurting them. People will watch to make sure the animals are safe, and the noisy work will stop when it's important for the animals.