NOAA OKs Dock Work Near Alaska Marine Mammals
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA has given Coeur Alaska the green light to do repair work on the Kensington Dock in Berners Bay, Alaska, even though it might bother some marine mammals nearby. This permission lasts for one year starting June 16, 2026, and includes rules to keep the impact on animals as low as possible. The project helps fix important infrastructure while protecting local wildlife.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
One-year IHA issued for dock repairs
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Coeur Alaska, Inc. for the Kensington Dock Repair Project in Berners Bay, Alaska. The authorization is effective for one year from the date Coeur notifies NMFS, and in any case not to exceed one year from June 16, 2026.
Authorized incidental take of listed marine mammals
The IHA authorizes incidental take (harassment) of certain marine mammals during the project, including humpback whale Mexico DPS (Mexico-North Pacific stock) and Western North Pacific DPS (Western North Pacific stock) and the Steller sea lion Western DPS (Western stock). Those humpback whale DPSs are listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened and endangered, and the Steller sea lion Western DPS is listed as endangered.
Mitigation, monitoring, and NEPA review outcome
The IHA includes required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures to minimize impacts on marine mammals, and NMFS determined the action fits Categorical Exclusion B4 under NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A so no further NEPA review was required. NMFS also completed internal ESA consultation with its Alaska Regional Office for listed species.
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