Federal Register #2026-13055

NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Marine Mammal Harassment Authorizations for Douglas Island Cruise Ship Terminal Construction

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comment on proposed incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) for marine mammal impacts during the construction of the Douglas Island Cruise Ship Terminal in Juneau, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Primary Vendor Mentioned: - Turnagain Marine Construction - Project Scope: - Construction of the Douglas Island Cruise Ship Terminal involving installation and removal of 465 steel piles over two phases - Activities include pile driving and removal, which may disturb marine mammals - Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for Level A and Level B harassment takes of 10 marine mammal species (15 stocks) - Environmental monitoring and reporting services, including deployment of NMFS-approved Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Notable Requirements: - Implementation of mitigation measures such as shutdown zones, soft-start techniques, and use of bubble curtains - Detailed monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance and minimize impact on marine mammals - No specific product part numbers or purchase quantities are listed - Opportunity is regulatory in nature but relevant to environmental consulting, marine construction, and monitoring service providers

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from Turnagain Marine Construction for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the construction of the Douglas Island Cruise Ship Terminal near Juneau, Alaska. The request is pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and involves issuing two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) for the specified activities. The project includes pile driving and removal, which may cause temporary disturbance to marine mammals and their habitat. NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed authorizations and possible one-time, 1-year renewals.

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