Federal Register #2026-07295

Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammal Takes during Aak'w Landing Development Project, Juneau, Alaska

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory authorization for marine mammal protection during a major construction project in Juneau, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Applicant/Vendor: - Turnagain Marine Construction (TMC) - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the Aak'w Landing Development Project - Covers incidental take (harassment) of marine mammals during in-water construction activities (pile driving, pile removal, drilling, anchoring) - Includes mitigation measures: soft-start procedures, vessel strike avoidance, clearance and shutdown zones - Requires monitoring and reporting on marine mammal presence and responses - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Authorization is for Level A and Level B harassment of up to six marine mammal species - No in-water work permitted from April 15 to June 1 to protect salmon smolt - Project duration up to 226 days, with possible one-time, 1-year renewal of the IHA - Focus on regulatory compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - No specific OEMs, products, or part numbers are involved, as this is a regulatory authorization rather than a procurement of goods or equipment.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from Turnagain Marine Construction (TMC) for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the Aak'w Landing Development Project in Juneau, Alaska. This project involves activities that may harass marine mammals, and NMFS is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Public comments are requested by May 15, 2026, and NMFS will consider these comments before making a final decision. The notice also discusses possible one-time, 1-year renewal of the IHA under certain conditions.

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