Federal Register #2026-15987

Modified Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammal Takes During U.S. Coast Guard Construction in Sitka, Alaska

NOAA has issued a modified Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Coast Guard for construction activities in Sitka, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - U.S. Coast Guard (recipient of authorization) - Scope of Authorization: - Covers incidental take of marine mammals during pile driving for homeporting a fast response cutter - Activities involve installation of 60 plastic fender piles (14- to 16-inch diameter) using vibratory methods - Marine Mammal Protection: - Authorization includes take estimates for killer whales (Orcinus orca), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and other species - Level B harassment takes specified for each stock - Requirements: - Mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures required to minimize impacts - Compliance with Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory authorization, not a procurement of products or services.

Description

This notice announces the issuance of a modified incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Coast Guard for the incidental take of marine mammals during construction activities related to the homeporting of a fast response cutter in Sitka, Alaska. The authorization is effective for one year from the date of notification by the IHA-holder, not to exceed August 3, 2026. The project involves pile driving activities using plastic fender piles, with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures prescribed to minimize impacts on marine mammals. The authorization includes take estimates for several marine mammal species, including killer whales and humpback whales, and complies with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

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