Kodiak Harbor Project Cleared for Marine Mammal Impacts
Published Date: 6/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The City of Kodiak got permission to do construction work on St. Herman Harbor that might accidentally disturb some local marine mammals. This work will happen in two phases, each lasting up to a year starting June 2026, and the project promises to keep impacts on animals very low. It’s a big step to improve the harbor while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two IHAs Issued for Kodiak Harbor Work
NMFS issued two incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to the City of Kodiak allowing take of marine mammals incidental to Phase I and Phase II of the St. Herman Harbor rebuild. The Phase I IHA was issued June 10, 2026 and is effective for 1 year from the City’s notification but not beyond 1 year from issuance (June 10, 2026).
Subsistence and ESA Findings Preserved
NMFS determined the authorized takings will have a negligible impact and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses. The Alaska Regional Office issued a Biological Opinion concluding the IHAs are not likely to jeopardize ESA-listed humpback whales (Mexico-North Pacific and Western North Pacific DPS), fin whales (Northeast Pacific stock), or Steller sea lions (Western DPS).
Phase II Start Date Flexibility Approved
NMFS modified the Phase II IHA timing so Phase II will begin upon written notification from the applicant but must not begin later than 1 year after the Phase I IHA expires. This change was made at the City's request because of uncertainty in funding and construction scheduling.
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