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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
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 shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-19182, Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic and the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Amendments 11/12
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council wants to open a new shrimp fishing area near the Oculina Bank coral habitat where rock shrimp trawling is now banned. This change aims to bring back historic shrimp fishing spots while protecting deep-water corals. Shrimp fishers and coral conservationists should weigh in by November 17, 2026, as this could impact fishing access and the environment.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11959, EXPLORE Act Mandated Wilderness Climbing Guidance for National Park Service
The National Park Service is rolling out new rules to manage climbing in wilderness areas, thanks to the EXPLORE Act. These rules aim to protect nature while keeping climbing fun and safe for everyone. If you have thoughts, speak up by August 14, 2026—this affects climbers, park visitors, and local communities, with no big costs expected.
Next: 2026-11961, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is reviewing its paperwork rules to make sure collecting info is useful and not too hard, especially for small businesses. They’re asking companies and the public to share thoughts by August 14, 2026, to help improve how they gather info about switching from TTY to Real-Time Text technology. This update could save time and reduce hassle while keeping communication tech up to date.