Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' Ward Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Ketchikan, Alaska

Abstract

NMFS has received a request from Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Ward Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on possible one-time, 1-year renewals that could be issued for either or both of the two IHAs under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations.