Federal Register #FWSR7ES20262312

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

This opportunity involves a proposed authorization by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for marine construction activities in Juneau, Alaska, that may incidentally harass northern sea otters. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Alaska Region, Marine Mammals Management office - Vendor/Applicant: - Turnagain Marine Construction (TMC) - Products/Services Requested: - Authorization for incidental take (harassment) of northern sea otters during pile driving and marine construction - Activities include installation of 78 temporary and 97 permanent steel piles using vibratory, impact, and down-the-hole (DTH) drilling methods - Up to 122 non-consecutive days of construction within a one-year period - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Use of noise-minimizing equipment (e.g., bubble curtains) - Implementation of shutdown zones if sea otters are detected nearby - Soft-start procedures for pile driving - Comprehensive monitoring and reporting obligations - Coordination with Alaska Native communities to address potential impacts on subsistence hunting - Estimated take: up to 98 Level A harassment events and 360 Level B harassment events, affecting up to 119 sea otters - No specific products, part numbers, or OEMs are listed, as this is an environmental regulatory authorization rather than a procurement of goods or equipment.

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to authorize incidental take by harassment of small numbers of northern sea otters from the Southeast Alaska stock for up to one year. This authorization responds to a request by Turnagain Marine Construction for activities related to pile driving and marine construction within Stephens Passage in Juneau, Alaska. The proposed authorization covers Level A and Level B harassment of northern sea otters. Public comments are invited on the proposed incidental harassment authorization and the accompanying draft environmental assessment.

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