Alaska Dock Build Gets Okay to Bug Seals and Whales
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Ketchikan Dock Company got the green light to build their Berth IV Expansion in East Tongass Narrows, Alaska, from February 2026 to January 2027. This means some marine mammals might be disturbed during construction, but the project promises to keep impacts as low as possible. It’s a win for progress and wildlife protection, balancing growth with care for local sea life.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
IHA Approved for Ketchikan Dock Construction
NMFS issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) allowing the Ketchikan Dock Company to incidentally take marine mammals during construction of the Berth IV Expansion in East Tongass Narrows. The authorization is effective from February 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 and includes required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures.
Select Mitigation/Monitoring Requirements Adjusted
NMFS made minor changes to required mitigation and monitoring: removal of the soft-start requirement for down-the-hole drilling and anchoring, removal of the requirement to use pile caps during impact pile driving, and adjustments to where and how many Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are stationed depending on pile driving scenarios. NMFS states these changes align with the Protected Species Mitigation and Monitoring Plan and do not change the agency's analysis or findings.
ESA Consultation Found No Jeopardy for Humpbacks
NMFS consulted under the Endangered Species Act (requested September 25, 2025) and the Alaska Regional Office issued a Biological Opinion concluding the IHA is not likely to jeopardize the Mexico DPS of humpback whales and is not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat for that species.
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