Hoonah, Alaska: OK to Harass Sea Mammals for Dock
Published Date: 3/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The City of Hoonah in Alaska got the green light to do pile driving and removal for their new cargo dock from September 2025 to August 2026. This work might bother some local marine mammals, but the government says it won’t harm their populations or the people who rely on them. The project keeps marine life safe while helping Hoonah improve its waterfront.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
IHA Allows Hoonah Cargo Dock Work
NMFS issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the City of Hoonah permitting pile driving and pile removal for the Hoonah Cargo Dock project from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. Work is planned on approximately 107 days over a span of 5 months and includes installation of 542 steel sheet piles (330 linear feet / 100.6 m) plus multiple other steel piles (see project description).
Specific Authorized Marine Mammal Takes
NMFS explicitly authorizes incidental take (harassment) counts for specific marine mammals during the project: 11 Level B takes of minke whale; 214 Level B takes of humpback whale (estimated 210 Hawaii DPS, 4 Mexico DPS); 72 Level B takes of killer whale; 153 Level B takes of Pacific white-sided dolphin; 72 Level B and 12 Level A takes of Dall's porpoise; 321 Level B and 84 Level A takes of harbor porpoise; and 214 Level B takes of harbor seal (among other species listed). The authorization states no serious injury or mortality is anticipated or authorized.
Mandatory Shutdowns to Protect Marine Mammals
The authorization requires shutdowns and monitoring during pile driving: all construction work must be shut down prior to a humpback whale or other species entering the applicable Level A harassment zone for the activity underway. The document lists Level A harassment zone distances (for example, up to 2,831 m for some species and up to 4,381 m for others) and states Hoonah will be required to implement shutdowns during all pile driving activities.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04070, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Definition of Plan Assets-Participant Contributions
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on rules about when employee contributions to benefit plans officially become part of the plan’s assets. Employers must follow clear deadlines—usually within 15 business days—and can request a 10-day extension if they meet certain conditions. This helps protect workers’ money and keeps employers accountable, with comments due by April 14, 2025.
Next: 2025-04072, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Foreign Currency Transactions, Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 1994-20
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on rules that banks and brokers must follow when handling foreign currency trades for employee benefit plans. These rules help protect workers’ retirement money by requiring clear records and confirmations. Comments are open until April 14, 2025, so affected banks, brokers, and plan managers should weigh in soon!