NOAA Weighs Letting Construction Harass Marine Mammals
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Notice
Summary
Turnagain Marine Construction wants permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while building a new cruise ship terminal near Juneau, Alaska. The government is asking for public feedback before deciding on two one-year permits and possible renewals. Comments are open until July 29, 2026, so speak up if you care about sea life and construction plans!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two One-Year Permits Proposed
NMFS is proposing to issue two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to Turnagain Marine Construction to allow pile driving near Juneau, Alaska. Each IHA would be valid for up to one year, the overall project is planned over two years (Phase I about 122 non-consecutive days; Phase II about 217 non-consecutive days), and NMFS is accepting comments through July 29, 2026.
New Cruise Terminal Helps Tourism
The project would build two cruise ship berths and associated facilities, plus a multi-use harbor, seaplane base, and a fuel dock to serve commercial tour boats and planes. It is explicitly intended to provide safe harbor for cruise ships and accommodate passengers during the Southeast Alaska visitor season (late April to mid-October) and to reduce congestion in downtown Juneau.
Pile Driving May Harass Marine Mammals
The proposed construction would use impact, vibratory, and down-the-hole (DTH) pile driving that NMFS says could result in Level B harassment of 10 species (15 stocks) of marine mammals and Level A harassment for a subset (9 species, 11 stocks). NMFS and the applicant do not expect serious injury or mortality, and the IHAs would include required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting.
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
2026-05599 — 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.
2026-12988 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee is meeting July 15-16, 2026, to update fishing limits for Ocean Quahog and Butterfish and review data for other important fish species. These decisions affect fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities by guiding sustainable catch limits for 2027-2029. The meeting is both in-person and online, making it easy for everyone to join and stay informed.
2026-13054 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications; 2026-2027 Annual Specifications and Management Measures for Pacific Sardine
Starting July 1, 2026, most commercial fishing for Pacific sardines off Washington, Oregon, and California will be paused to help the sardine population bounce back. Only limited fishing for live bait, small catches, or special permits will be allowed. This plan sets clear catch limits to protect the fish and supports a healthier ocean and fishing future.
2026-13069 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, scientists, and fish lovers in the Gulf of America are gearing up for a big meeting to check on the health of gray triggerfish. From August 11-14, 2026, experts will review data and decide if any fishing rules need to change to keep the fish population strong. This helps protect the fish and the fishing jobs that depend on them, with no immediate costs but important future impacts.
2026-13076 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding and Proposed Rule To Revise Critical Habitat Designation for Southern California Steelhead
The government is proposing to change the protected area for Southern California steelhead by removing a 9-mile stretch of stream near Santa Felicia Dam. This change comes after reviewing new data and a request from the United Water Conservation District. People have until August 28, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this update could affect local water and land use plans.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13053 — Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on applications to get special permits for working with endangered species. These permits let people do activities that are usually not allowed under the Endangered Species Act. You have until July 29, 2026, to send in your comments, so don’t miss your chance to help protect these rare animals!
Next: 2026-13056 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired: Title-Census of Tribal Court Systems (CTCS)
The Department of Justice is bringing back the Census of Tribal Court Systems survey with some updates to better understand how tribal courts work. Tribal courts and related groups will be involved, and the government wants your feedback by August 28, 2026. This effort helps improve data collection while keeping the process easy and efficient, with no big cost changes expected.