Federal Register #0648XG010

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammal Monitoring During Seward Cruise Ship Dock Construction

This opportunity involves the renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammal monitoring during construction at the Seward Cruise Ship Passenger Dock in Alaska. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - OEMs and Vendors: - Turnagain Marine Construction (TMC) is the construction vendor; no equipment OEMs are specified as this is a regulatory/monitoring authorization. - Services Requested: - Renewal of IHA for incidental take of marine mammals during pile driving and related construction activities - Monitoring and mitigation services, including: - Use of NMFS-approved Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Establishment of monitoring locations - Implementation of shutdown procedures if marine mammals enter designated zones - Reporting requirements - Products Requested: - No physical products or equipment are specified; focus is on regulatory compliance and monitoring services - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Authorization covers Level A and Level B harassment of marine mammals (gray whales, fin whales, humpback whales, killer whales, Dall's porpoises, harbor porpoises, Steller sea lions, harbor seals) - Bubble curtain deployment is not required for the renewal, as it was completed under the initial IHA - Renewal is for approximately 12 days of remaining construction work, not to exceed one year - Public comment is requested on mitigation, monitoring, and analyses

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from Turnagain Marine Construction (TMC) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to the Seward Cruise Ship Passenger Dock and Terminal Facility project in Seward, Alaska. The renewal is necessary because TMC activities will not be completed prior to the expiration of the current IHA. The renewal process includes a 15-day public comment period. The activities involve pile driving and other construction work that may incidentally harass marine mammals, with mitigation and monitoring measures in place to minimize impacts.

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