Public Comment Deadline: Northern Sea Otter Incidental Harassment Authorization

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued a notice of receipt of an application from Turnagain Marine Construction for an incidental harassment authorization (IHA). The request pertains to the potential incidental take of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from the Southeast Alaska stock during pile driving and marine construction activities in Stephens Passage, Juneau, Alaska. If finalized, the authorization would permit Level A and Level B harassment of the sea otters for a period of up to one year. The FWS has also released a draft environmental assessment for public review alongside the application. The agency is soliciting comments from the public, Tribes, and government entities regarding the proposed authorization and the draft environmental assessment. Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or U.S. mail by September 11, 2026, referencing Docket No. FWS-R7-ES-2026-2312.