Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammals: Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project, Alaska
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the City of Homer, Alaska, seeking authorization to incidentally take (harass) marine mammals during the Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project. This construction activity in Homer, AK involves in-water work that may disturb marine mammals present in the area, triggering requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS is soliciting public comments on its proposal to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA), which would legally permit a limited, non-lethal level of marine mammal disturbance during the project. The IHA process ensures that any such taking is authorized, monitored, and mitigated to the least practicable level. Additionally, NMFS is requesting comments on a potential one-time, 1-year renewal of the IHA, which could be issued under specific circumstances if all regulatory requirements are satisfied. The agency will review all public comments before making a final determination on whether to issue the authorization.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- NMFS proposes to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the City of Homer for in-water construction activities at Homer Harbor
- Authorization covers non-lethal, incidental take (harassment) of marine mammals during the Four Float Replacement Project
- A possible one-time, 1-year IHA renewal is under consideration if initial conditions are met
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
City of Homer must obtain an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) from NMFS before conducting in-water work on the Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project that may disturb marine mammals
City of Homer must implement mitigation measures to reduce marine mammal harassment to the least practicable level during authorized construction activities
City of Homer must conduct monitoring of marine mammals during the in-water work activities covered by the IHA
NMFS must solicit and consider public comments on the proposed IHA before making a final determination on issuance
NMFS must evaluate whether a one-time, 1-year renewal of the IHA meets all regulatory requirements before issuing renewal authorization