Federal Register #Docket No. 260820-0009

NOAA authorizes marine mammal monitoring and mitigation for Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project

This opportunity relates to regulatory authorization for marine mammal protection during the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project in Hood Canal, Washington. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the responsible agency - No OEMs or commercial vendors are specified; the rule sets requirements for project compliance. - Services Requested: - Protected Species Observer (PSO) services: Qualified, NMFS-approved PSOs to conduct visual monitoring, data collection, and reporting during construction, independent of the construction contractor - Incidental Take Authorization: Monitoring, mitigation, and reporting for harbor seals during construction activities - Products Requested: - No products or equipment are solicited; focus is on regulatory compliance and monitoring services - Notable Requirements: - Strict mitigation measures: construction only during daylight hours, gradual ramp-up, shutdown if marine mammals are detected within specified zones - 300-meter observation zone for marine mammal monitoring - Comprehensive monitoring and reporting, including pre- and post-construction protocols - PSOs must be independent and NMFS-approved - Level B harassment only (behavioral disturbance), no injuries or mortalities permitted - Annual and final summary reporting required over the 5-year project period - No solicitation for commercial procurement; this is a regulatory rule setting compliance obligations for the restoration project.

Description

This final rule, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), authorizes the incidental taking of marine mammals during the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project (DERP) in Hood Canal, Washington, over a five-year period from July 9, 2027, through July 8, 2032. The rule prescribes permissible methods of taking, establishes monitoring and reporting requirements, and mandates mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for compliance, including training personnel, conducting visual monitoring by qualified Protected Species Observers (PSOs), and adhering to shutdown requirements to protect marine mammals during construction activities.

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