Alaska's Pier Upgrade Might Accidentally Bug Some Seals
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Aleut Corporation wants to improve Pier 5 at Adak Island, Alaska, which might accidentally disturb some local marine mammals. NOAA is thinking about giving permission for this but wants your thoughts by April 13, 2026. If all goes well, they might renew this permission for another year, helping the project move forward while protecting wildlife.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pier Fixes Help Local Shipping and Seafood
The Pier 5 improvements would let small and large commercial vessels safely moor, load, and unload at Adak, and make it easier and safer for crew to get on and off boats. NMFS is considering an incidental harassment authorization so the work can proceed, which the notice says would support the local and regional economy and the seafood industry.
One-Year IHA with Possible Renewal
NMFS is proposing to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that would be valid for up to 1 year from its effective date and could be renewed one time for an additional year if conditions are met. The notice says the project would likely occur between April and November 2027, with pile work up to 126 days (planned May 1–September 30, may extend April 1–November 30), including removal of up to 385 timber piles and installation of 86 steel piles.
Improves Oil Spill Response and Data Support
Pier 5 currently houses a NOAA data collection structure and serves as an oil spill response storage hub for the Alaska Chadux Network, but it cannot support movement of equipment now and must rely on the Adak airfield. The Pier 5 Improvements Project would repair the fender and piling system so the port can better move oil-spill response equipment and support NOAA infrastructure.
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