The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has reissued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy for their maintenance and pile replacement project in Puget Sound, Washington. This reissuance extends the previously granted authorization, with the only change being the new effective dates from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The Navy will be allowed to harass 10 species of marine mammals in a minor way during construction activities, consistent with previous authorizations, as the overall impacts are deemed negligible. The measures to mitigate, monitor, and report the activity impacts remain unchanged.
Simple Explanation
The Navy got permission again to do some work in Puget Sound that might bother some sea animals a little bit, but only the dates have changed, and they have to be careful and check how the animals are doing.