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.
Simple Explanation
The big bosses in charge of ocean animals said it's okay for the Navy to do some noisy work at a pier in San Diego since it might bother some sea lions, but not hurt them. They have special rules to make sure the sea lions stay safe while the work is going on.