Ketchikan's Dolphin Project Might 'Take' Actual Sea Mammals—NOAA Weighs In
Published Date: 4/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The City of Ketchikan wants to upgrade its Berth III Mooring Dolphins in Alaska, which might accidentally disturb some marine mammals nearby. NOAA is considering giving permission for this, but they want your thoughts by May 16, 2025. If approved, the project can move forward with a chance for a one-year extension, helping the city improve its port while keeping marine life in mind.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NOAA may allow Ketchikan berth upgrade
NOAA (NMFS) is proposing to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that would allow the City of Ketchikan to carry out the Berth III Mooring Dolphins construction to accommodate large cruise ships (Bliss class). If issued, the proposed IHA would be effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and NMFS is also considering a possible one-time, 1-year renewal under certain circumstances.
Limited harassment of marine mammals allowed
The proposed IHA would authorize incidental take by harassment of 13 marine mammal species (16 managed stocks) by Level B harassment, and a limited number of individuals from 8 of those stocks by Level A harassment. NMFS and the City of Ketchikan do not expect any serious injury or mortality from the activity.
Project requires 28 piles over ~166 days
The construction would install a total of 28 piles (including six 48-inch steel pipe piles at MD#2, three 36-inch piles at MD#3 and MD#4 each, and up to 16 temporary template piles). In-water work is estimated to take approximately 166 days between October 1, 2025, and March 15, 2026, with a maximum of one pile installed per day and specified activity-day counts (e.g., MD#2 ~70 days, MD#3 ~95 days).
Public comment opportunity (May 16, 2025)
NMFS requests public comments on the proposed IHA and possible renewal, with comments due no later than May 16, 2025. Comments are to be submitted by email to the address provided and will generally be posted online as part of the public record.
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