15 Aug 2025

🐬Proposed Regulations on Marine Mammal Take for Duckabush Estuary

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project in Washington

Summary

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for incidental take regulations (ITR) and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of small numbers of marine mammals over 5 years (2026-2031) incidental to the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project (DERP) in Hood Canal, Washington. NMFS requests public comments and will consider them prior to making any final decision on the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA; agency responses to comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued.

Agencies

  • Commerce Department
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Business Impact ?

$$$ - High

The document outlines proposed regulations related to the incidental take of marine mammals linked to the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will need to comply with NOAA's authorization requirements, impacting operational procedures and potential costs for businesses involved in environmental and construction activities.

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