Federal Register #2026-21072

NMFS seeks public input on marine-mammal authorization for Russian River Estuary management

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking public input on marine-mammal protections for Sonoma County Water Agency activities at the Russian River Estuary; this is not a procurement solicitation. - Government offices and applicant - Buyer/lead agency: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. - Applicant: Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), which seeks authorization for the activities. - Requested activities and requirements - Manage the naturally formed barrier beach at the Russian River mouth to help reduce flooding near the estuary and support juvenile salmonid habitat; conduct biological and physical monitoring. - Activities may include artificial breaching, bulldozers and excavators, small boats, and increased human presence. - The requested authorization addresses incidental marine-mammal take through Level B harassment and would remain in effect for five years from issuance. - Products and named suppliers in an unrelated notice item - A desktop monitor, 23.8-inch, part number 700005401N, was listed for deletion from the Procurement List; authorized source of supply: Goodwill Vision Enterprises. - A medium-weight plastic knife, part number 7340-00-NIB-0014, was listed for deletion from the Procurement List; authorized source of supply: LC Industries, Inc. - These list deletions are separate from the Russian River Estuary notice. No quantities are provided. - Commercial opportunity assessment - No products or services are being solicited for purchase, and no contract value is stated. - The notice does not identify a product OEM; Goodwill Vision Enterprises and LC Industries, Inc. are named as authorized sources of supply for the unrelated listed items.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received an application from the Sonoma County Water Agency for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidentally during Russian River Estuary management activities in Sonoma County, California. The proposed activities include managing the naturally formed barrier beach, possible artificial breaching, and biological and physical monitoring, using heavy equipment, small boats, and increased human presence. The requested regulations would be valid for five years, and NMFS is seeking public information and comments on the application and request. Comments and information are due by November 16, 2026.

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