Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Northern Sea Otters During Marine Construction in Angoon, Alaska (2026–2027)
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in response to a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF). The authorization would permit the nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from the Southeast Alaska stock during pile driving and marine construction activities at Killisnoo Harbor in Angoon, Alaska. The proposed authorization covers the period from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. FWS estimates that up to 34 northern sea otters from the Southeast Alaska stock may be incidentally harassed as a result of the construction activities. No lethal take is anticipated or proposed to be authorized under this IHA. The FWS is inviting public comments on both the proposed IHA and an accompanying draft environmental assessment. Tribes, local governments, state agencies, and federal agencies are specifically encouraged to participate in the comment process. This is a standard regulatory review step before a final authorization decision is made.
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Key Changes
- FWS proposes to authorize nonlethal incidental harassment of up to 34 northern sea otters (Southeast Alaska stock) during construction activities
- Authorization period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027 (12 months)
- Covered activities include pile driving and marine construction at Killisnoo Harbor, Angoon, Alaska
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
ADOT&PF must limit incidental take by harassment of northern sea otters to no more than 34 individuals from the Southeast Alaska stock during the authorization period
All pile driving and marine construction activities at Killisnoo Harbor in Angoon, Alaska must be conducted only during the authorization period from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027
ADOT&PF must ensure that incidental take is nonlethal and consists only of harassment; no lethal take of northern sea otters is permitted
FWS must make the draft environmental assessment available for public review prior to issuing the final authorization
FWS must accept and consider public comments from Tribes, local governments, state agencies, and federal agencies on the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization