NOAA authorizes limited incidental harassment of marine mammals for Kodiak harbor rebuild
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The notice allows the City of Kodiak to carry out two phases of the St. Herman Harbor infrastructure rebuild even though construction may incidentally disturb small numbers of marine mammals in Kodiak, Alaska. The authorizations cover harassment only, not intentional harm or killing. The practical effect is that the harbor project can proceed under federal Marine Mammal Protection Act conditions. The city and its contractors must follow NOAA’s limits and mitigation measures designed to reduce impacts on protected marine mammal species.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- NOAA issued two incidental harassment authorizations for Phase I and Phase II of the St. Herman Harbor rebuild.
- The authorizations allow only incidental harassment of small numbers of marine mammals during specified construction activities.
- Each authorization is limited to a one-year effective period tied to project timing.
Obligations
What this law requires
Conduct any taking of marine mammals under the IHAs only as incidental harassment associated with Phase I or Phase II of the St. Herman Harbor Infrastructure Rebuild Project; intentional taking, injury, or killing is not authorized.
Use the Phase I incidental harassment authorization only during its 1-year effective period beginning on the date the IHA-holder notifies NMFS, and not beyond 1 year from the June 10, 2026 issuance date.
Use the Phase II incidental harassment authorization only during its 1-year effective period beginning on the date the IHA-holder notifies NMFS, and not beyond 1 year from expiration of the Phase I IHA.
Limit project activities under the authorizations to the specified St. Herman Harbor Infrastructure Rebuild Project in Kodiak, Alaska, and to the phases covered by the issued IHAs.