Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to issue a one-year Incidental Harassment Authorization to the Port of San Francisco for the construction of a two-berth ferry landing in San Francisco Bay. The project involves vibratory pile driving, pile extraction, and down-the-hole drilling that may cause Level B harassment to small numbers of eight marine mammal species. No Level A harassment, serious injury, or mortality is expected. Activities are limited to 32 days between June 1 and November 30, 2026, within a one-year IHA valid from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. This follows a previous 2019 authorization that was delayed due to funding issues. Public comments are due by May 4, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Proposes new 1-year IHA effective June 1 2026 to May 31 2027
- Authorizes Level B harassment only for 8 marine mammal species; zero Level A take
- Limits in-water construction to 32 days between June 1 and November 30 2026
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Port of San Francisco must submit public comments and information to NMFS no later than May 4, 2026, via email to ITP.esch@noaa.gov
Port of San Francisco must limit construction activities (vibratory pile driving, pile extraction, and down-the-hole drilling) to 32 days between June 1 and November 30, 2026
Port of San Francisco must comply with the Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) issued by NMFS valid from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027
Port of San Francisco must implement mitigation measures prescribed by NMFS to effect the least practicable adverse impact on affected marine mammal species and their habitat
Port of San Francisco must monitor and report on the taking of marine mammals incidental to the construction activities according to NMFS requirements