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.
Simple Explanation
The people who help protect ocean animals have given the Navy permission to work on a building project near the water. They had to ask for permission again because they haven't started yet, and this allows them to keep working without hurting the animals too much.