Incidental Take Authorization: Port of Alaska's Construction Activities for the Port of Alaska Modernization Program Phase 2B: Cargo Terminal Replacement Project in Anchorage, Alaska

NOAA Fisheries has issued a modified letter of authorization (LOA) to the Don Young Port of Alaska, for the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to the Cargo Terminals Replacement project at the existing port facility in Anchorage, Alaska over the course of 5 years (2026 – 2031). Specifically, NOAA Fisheries has updated table 2 Shutdown and Harassment Zones for vibratory extraction of 42-inch (in), 48-in, and 72-in steel pipe piles. In doing so, NOAA Fisheries determined that the anticipated impacts are the same as those described in the final rule, the modification does not change the findings made for the regulations, the modification does not result in any change in the authorized number of takes of marine mammals, and the requirements of the previous LOA were implemented. As required under the relevant Incidental Take Regulations, NOAA Fisheries published a notice of issuance of the modified LOA.

NOAA Fisheries has issued a Letter of Authorization to the Don Young Port of Alaska, for the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to the Cargo Terminals Replacement project at the existing port facility in Anchorage, Alaska over the course of 5 years (2026 – 2031).