Incidental Take Authorization: United States Navy's Construction at U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut

NOAA Fisheries has received a request from the U.S. Navy for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of six species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, and for take of harbor seals, gray seals, and harp seals by Level A harassment, incidental to construction associated with the New London Pier Extension Project at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NOAA Fisheries is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.

NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization to the U.S. Navy to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with the New London Pier Extension Project at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. There are no changes from the proposed authorization in this final authorization.