# Federal Register #2026-20868

NOAA renews ODOT authorization for the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project

**Buyer:** U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
**Posted:** October 13, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-20868

NOAA issued ODOT a renewed authorization for marine-mammal interactions during the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project; the notice also seeks comments on a separate fishing-gear research permit.
- **Government agencies:** U.S. Department of Commerce; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources; and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is the IHA recipient.
- **Awarded authorization:** Renewal of an incidental harassment authorization for marine-mammal takes associated with ODOT construction in Newport, Oregon. Existing project activities, authorized take methods, and mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements remain in place.
- **Separate permit matter:** NOAA NEFSC is seeking comments on a proposed exempted fishing permit for trials of on-demand fishing gear using one or no surface buoys, and testing gear-marking systems intended to help locate gear. It would allow participating federally permitted vessels to conduct activities otherwise restricted by regulations; this is not a purchased service.
- **OEMs and vendors:** None identified. No products, quantities, or part numbers are requested.

### Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued the Oregon Department of Transportation a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for incidental take of marine mammals during construction of the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project in Newport, Oregon. The authorization is valid from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027. The notice states that there were no changes to the specified activity, the species or methods of take, or the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures described in the proposed IHA.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/13/2026-20868/takes-of-marine-mammals-incidental-to-specified-activities-taking-marine-mammals-incidental-to-the)