Federal Register #FWS-R7-ES-2026-2576

Incidental Harassment Authorization for Sea Otters During Marine Construction in Unalaska, Alaska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under the Department of the Interior, is proposing to authorize the incidental harassment of northern sea otters during marine construction at Robert Storrs Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Alaska Region, Department of the Interior - Project Scope: - Authorization for incidental take (harassment) of up to 112 northern sea otters (Southwest Alaska stock, Enhydra lutris kenyoni) - Activities include removal and installation of steel piles over up to 100 non-consecutive days within a one-year period - Covers both Level A (potential injury, up to 32 events) and Level B (behavioral disturbance, up to 273 events) harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act - Services and Requirements: - Environmental monitoring and reporting of sea otter activity and mitigation effectiveness - Implementation of mitigation measures to minimize in-water noise and establish shutdown zones for otter safety - Outreach and consultation with subsistence stakeholders and Alaska Native communities - Monthly and final reporting on sea otter observations and mitigation outcomes - Notable Details: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is an environmental regulatory authorization rather than a procurement of goods or equipment - The FWS is seeking public, Tribal, and agency comments on the proposed authorization and draft environmental assessment

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposes to authorize incidental take by harassment of small numbers of Southwest Alaska stock northern sea otters for up to one year. This authorization is requested by the City of Unalaska for activities related to pile driving and marine construction at Robert Storrs Harbor in Unalaska, Alaska. The proposed authorization includes incidental take by Level A and Level B harassment. The FWS invites public, Tribal, and agency comments on the proposed authorization and the draft environmental assessment.

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