Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Navy Construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine (2022)

NOAA Fisheries received a request from the U.S. Navy for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with the multifunctional expansion of Dry Dock 1 project at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. These activities are identical to those covered by the current authorization, and consist of a subset of activities that 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, and NOAA Fisheries is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period.

NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy to incidentally harass, by Level A and B harassment, marine mammals during activities associated with the Multifunctional Expansion of Dry Dock 1 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine.