NOAA Allows Whale Disturbances During Alaska Gas Pipeline Build
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA just gave 8 Star Alaska permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals while building the Alaska LNG project in Prudhoe Bay. This okay lasts for one year starting November 11, 2025, letting construction move forward without breaking the law. It’s a careful balance to protect animals while powering Alaska’s future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
One-year permit to disturb marine mammals
NOAA issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to 8 Star Alaska effective November 11, 2025 for up to one year that allows accidental disturbance (``takes'') of marine mammals during construction of the Alaska LNG project in Prudhoe Bay. The request and authorization cover take by Level B harassment for six species and Level A harassment for three species; NOAA states it does not expect serious injury or mortality and notes a maximum of 110 takes of bowhead whales (less than 1% of the stock).
Whaling-season protections for Nuiqsut hunters
To reduce impacts on subsistence bowhead hunts, 8 Star Alaska must cease pile driving and limit barges to waters landward of Cross Island during the Nuiqsut whaling season (typically August 25 through September 15). NOAA also requires continued coordination with subsistence groups (AEWC and Whaling Captains Associations).
Mandatory monitoring and acoustic verification
The IHA requires protected-species observers (PSOs) and monitoring: at least two PSOs will be present during all pile driving and removal activities, PSOs will begin monitoring 3 days before and continue 3 days after those activities, visibility will be recorded every 30 minutes, and 8 Star Alaska must deploy three hydrophones during the open-water season (one during a contingency period) and conduct sound source verification (SSV). Night-vision and infrared devices must be used for low-visibility monitoring.
Aircraft altitude rule to reduce disturbance
NOAA requires that project aircraft transit at 457 meters (1,500 feet) or higher, to the extent practicable and consistent with FAA rules (excluding takeoffs and landings), and that helicopters not hover or circle above marine mammals. If flights must be lower due to conditions, course adjustments must maintain at least 457 m separation from observed marine mammals.
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