Federal Register #2026-11580

Incidental Harassment Authorizations Awarded for Marine Mammal Takes During Construction and Research Activities

This award announcement concerns the issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), for activities that may incidentally impact marine mammals. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Award Recipients: - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for pile dike repair and replacement projects on the lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington) - Point Blue Conservation Science (for seabird research activities at South Farallon Islands, Ano Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore in California) - Services Authorized: - Incidental Harassment Authorization for marine mammal take during: - Miller Sands-Rice Island Pile Dike Repairs Project - Cottonwood Island Pile Dike Replacement Project - Seabird research activities at specified California locations - Each authorization includes requirements for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Focus on environmental compliance under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) - No procurement of goods or equipment; authorizations are for regulated research and construction activities - Emphasis on minimizing and monitoring incidental impacts to marine mammals - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement of products or services

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Point Blue Conservation Science. This authorization allows the incidental taking of marine mammals during seabird research activities conducted on the South Farallon Islands, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, California, as well as at partner sites on Año Nuevo Island and the Point Reyes National Seashore. The authorization is effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The activities are regulated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures to minimize impact on marine mammals.

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