Alaska Construction Project Gets Marine Mammal Permit
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Turnagain Marine Construction got the green light to do their Aak'w Landing project in Juneau, Alaska, even though it might bother some marine mammals nearby. They have one year to work carefully so they don’t harm the animals or their homes. This project balances building progress with protecting sea life, keeping everyone happy and on schedule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
IHA issued for Aak'w Landing Project
NMFS issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Turnagain Marine Construction allowing take of marine mammals incidental to the Aak'w Landing Development Project in Juneau, Alaska. The IHA is time-limited (effective up to 1 year from notification and not to exceed 1 year from issuance on July 20, 2026) and explicitly authorizes take of certain stocks, including Steller sea lions and listed humpback whale DPSs.
Steller Sea Lion Level B Takes Corrected
NMFS corrected the number of authorized Level B harassment takes for Steller sea lions to a total of 527 Level B takes, split as 519 for the eastern stock and 8 for the western stock. The proposed IHA notice had carried forward 447 Level B takes; NMFS identified and corrected a counting error in the final authorization.
NEPA and ESA Findings Confirmed
NMFS determined the IHA qualifies for a NEPA categorical exclusion (Categorical Exclusion B4) and the Alaska Regional Office issued a biological opinion on June 23, 2026 finding the action is not likely to jeopardize listed distinct population segments (DPSs) of Steller sea lions and certain humpback whale DPSs. Those findings support issuance of the IHA without further NEPA review and conclude no jeopardy under the Endangered Species Act.
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