🦭Approval of Marine Mammal Removal Authority
NMFS announces approval of an application to intentionally take, by lethal methods, California sea lions (CSL; Zalophus californianus) and Steller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus: Eastern stock) that are located in the mainstem of the Columbia River between river mile 112 (I-205 bridge) and river mile 292 (McNary Dam), or in any tributary to the Columbia River that includes spawning habitat of threatened or endangered salmon or steelhead (Onchorynchus spp.). This action is intended to reduce or eliminate sea lion predation on species that are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, and species of lamprey or sturgeon that are not listed as endangered or threatened but are listed as a species of concern by the state of Oregon. This authorization is pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS also announces availability of decision documents and other information relied upon in making this determination.
Learn More🌊Withdrawal of Notice for Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation (Co-Lead Agencies) are withdrawing the "Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Columbia River System Operations," published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2024.
Learn More🌊Marine Mammal Protection Regulation for Columbia River Construction
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Sand Island Pile Dike Repairs Project in the Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued 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 authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Learn More🌊Scoping Period Extended for Columbia River SEIS Comments
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation (co-lead agencies) are further extending the scoping period and re- scheduling public meetings for the notice of intent entitled, "Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Columbia River System Operations," published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2024. The revised scoping period will end on August 15, 2025. Information on the public meetings is provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this Notice.
Learn More🌊Scoping Period Extended for Columbia River SEIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation (Co-Lead Agencies) are extending the scoping period and re-scheduling public meetings for the notice of intent entitled "Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Columbia River System Operations," published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2024. The scoping period is now scheduled to end May 9, 2025 and public meetings will now be held the week of April 7, 2025.
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