Incidental Take Authorization: Alaska Department of Transportation Ferry Berth Improvements in Tongass Narrows, Alaska

NOAA Fisheries received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for the Renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to activity related to Phase 1 of the two-part ferry berth improvements and construction in Tongass Narrows, near Ketchikan, AK. These activities consist of activities that are covered by the current authorization but will not be completed prior to its expiration. Prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NOAA Fisheries requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The Renewal requirements have been satisfied.

NOAA Fisheries has issued two consecutive IHAs to the ADOT&PF to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during two years of activity related to ferry berth improvements and construction in Tongass Narrows, near Ketchikan, AK.

The Year 1 Authorization is effective from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021. The Year 2 Authorization is effective from March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022.