Feds OK Whale and Seal Harassment for Alaska Ferry Dock Build
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Notice
Summary
NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA). The initial IHA authorized take of 11 species of marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Ferry Berth in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
IHA Allows Ferry Berth Construction
NMFS issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that allows in-water construction for the Ketchikan ferry berths in Tongass Narrows from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. The notice states the new ferry berths improve access to developable land on Gravina Island, improve access to Ketchikan International Airport, and facilitate economic development in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
No Subsistence Uses Affected
NMFS determined the authorized activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence purposes because no subsistence uses of marine mammals are expected to be affected by this action.
Same Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements
The re-issued IHA incorporates the identical mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements from the initial 2023 IHA and applies to in-water construction activities from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Those requirements remain mandatory for the project as described in the referenced documents.
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