Federal Register #2026-12111

Incidental Harassment Authorizations for Marine Mammal Take During Bulkhead Replacement at Naval Station Newport

This award notice concerns the issuance of two consecutive 1-year Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Commerce Department, to the United States Navy for construction at Naval Station Newport, RI. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce Department - Project Scope: - Bulkhead replacement construction activities at Naval Station Newport - Authorizations permit incidental harassment (take) of seven marine mammal species during construction - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization for marine mammal take - Includes requirements for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting to minimize environmental impact - Notable Requirements: - Strict mitigation measures to protect marine mammals - Monitoring and reporting obligations for the Navy - Determination that impacts are negligible and do not affect subsistence uses - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned - Period of Performance: - Two consecutive 1-year authorizations, each effective for one year from Navy notification, not to exceed one year from issuance

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued two consecutive 1-year incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to the United States Navy for the incidental take of marine mammals during construction activities associated with the S50S/LNG and S499 Bulkheads Replacement Project at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The IHAs authorize the incidental harassment of seven species of marine mammals and are valid for one year each, starting from the date of notification by the IHA-holder. The project involves construction activities that may incidentally harass marine mammals, but NMFS has determined the impact will be negligible and will not adversely affect subsistence uses. The IHAs include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

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