Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Navy Dry Dock Expansion Project at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine (2021)

NOAA Fisheries has received a request from the U.S. Navy for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Dry Dock 1 modification and expansion in Kittery, Maine. NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. We are also requesting comments on a possible one-time, one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met. We will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested authorizations and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.