NOAA Eyes Marine Impacts from Juneau Landing Project
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering letting Turnagain Marine Construction work on the Aak'w Landing Development in Juneau, Alaska, even though it might disturb some marine mammals nearby. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by May 15, 2026, before deciding. If approved, the project could get a one-year extension under certain conditions, balancing development with protecting sea life.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed IHA Allows Marine Disturbance
NOAA/NMFS is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Turnagain Marine Construction that would allow take by Level B harassment of six marine mammal species and Level A harassment of five of those species during the Aak'w Landing Project in Juneau, Alaska. NMFS is requesting public comment on this proposal by May 15, 2026 before making a final decision.
One-Year Permit with Renewal Option
If issued, the IHA would be valid for up to 1 year from when it becomes effective and NMFS may grant a one-time, 1-year renewal under certain circumstances, but the IHA cannot begin later than 1 year after issuance or extend beyond 2 years from issuance. This limits how long authorized construction-related disturbance to marine mammals can lawfully occur under a single IHA.
Work Timing and Seasonal Limits
The project is currently scheduled to begin September 1, 2026 and would occur on approximately 226 days (potentially non-consecutive); pile removal and installation would occur only during daylight hours (about 8 to 18 hours per day depending on season). No in-water work is allowed from April 15 to June 1 to protect out-migrating salmon smolt.
Mitigation, Monitoring, Reporting Requirements
NMFS will prescribe mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures that Turnagain Marine Construction must follow if the IHA is issued, including measures to minimize impacts to marine mammals and their habitat and requirements for monitoring and reporting takes.
Public Comment Deadline for Stakeholders
NMFS is accepting public comments on the proposed IHA and related renewal option; comments and information must be received no later than May 15, 2026. Anyone may submit comments by that date to be considered before NMFS makes a final decision.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 when and where shark fishing is allowed in the Mid-Atlantic and adjust boundaries off Charleston and East Florida to better protect sharks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear with Atlantic HMS permits will need to pay for electronic monitoring if they fish in certain safer zones. These updates help keep shark populations healthy while making fishing smarter and fairer.
2026-09776 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project at Adak Island, Alaska
The Aleut Corporation got permission to do construction work on Pier 5 at the Port of Adak, Alaska, which might accidentally bother some local marine mammals. This project runs for one year starting May 12, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. It’s a big step to improve the port while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
2026-09665 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
After a full review, NOAA decided that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon aren’t in danger of disappearing right now, so they won’t be listed as threatened or endangered. This means fishermen and communities can keep enjoying these salmon without new restrictions or costs for now. The decision was announced on May 14, 2026, and NOAA will keep watching to protect these fish if things change.
2026-09699 — North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting from June 9-11, 2026, to review the health of the Eastern Bering Sea Tanner crab population. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and communities relying on crab fishing, as the review could lead to changes in fishing rules. The meeting is in Seattle and requires advance registration, signaling careful planning and possible future impacts on crab fishing limits and local economies.
2026-09669 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 12, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear by catcher/processors in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This pause lasts until September 1, 2026, helping keep the fish population healthy and the fishing fair. Fishermen using this gear in this area need to plan around this closure to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
2026-09617 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans
The New England Fishery Management Council wants to make fishing rules more flexible and consistent across the Northeast. If approved, these changes will affect fishermen and fishery managers by simplifying some administrative steps without changing catch limits. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules could take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07293 — Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals
The U.S. is giving a thumbs-up to Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Spain to keep importing their yellowfin tuna caught in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean for another year (April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027). This means these countries are playing by the rules to protect dolphins while fishing, so their tuna products can keep swimming into U.S. markets without a hitch. Fish lovers and importers can relax knowing the seafood stays sustainable and legal!
Next: 2026-07296 — Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Savannah River Site
The Savannah River Site’s Environmental Management Advisory Board is holding a public meeting on May 19, 2026, to discuss cleanup, waste management, and future plans. Anyone interested can join in person or watch online, with chances to share their thoughts. This meeting helps shape how the site handles environmental work and budget priorities, keeping the community in the loop.