🌊Incidental Take Authorization for Mukilteo Wingwalls Repair Project
NMFS has received a request from the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Mukilteo Wingwalls Repair Project in Puget Sound, Washington. 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 a 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🪸Notice of Intended Repatriation
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Western Washington University, Department of Anthropology (WWU) intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Learn More🏭Subzone Application for PinnacleMOD LLC in Foreign-Trade Zone 173
The Department of Commerce is reviewing an application by the Port of Grays Harbor for subzone status for PinnacleMOD LLC's facility in Aberdeen, Washington. This initiative aims to enhance operational advantages through foreign-trade regulations, inviting public comment until mid-August 2025.
Learn More🎣2025 Salmon Fisheries Management Measures Correction by NOAA
NMFS established fishery management measures for the ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California for the season beginning May 16, 2025, and anticipated to end May 15, 2026 (the 2025 ocean salmon fishing season), under the authority of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2025, included an error in the management measures for commercial ocean salmon fisheries in the area from Humbug Mountain, Oregon, to the U.S./Mexico border. This action edits formatting and corrects an error by adding the text that was unintentionally omitted from the May 16, 2025, rule.
Learn More🌊Authorization for Marine Mammal Takes Under Lower Columbia Plan
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the taking of marine mammals incidental to the implementation of the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan ("Plan") in Oregon and Washington.
Learn More🚤Special Local Regulation for Oak Harbor Bay Hydroplane Races
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a special local regulation for navigable waters within Oak Harbor Bay, Oak Harbor, WA. The regulated area shall be closed immediately prior to, during and immediately after the annual event to all persons and vessels not participating in the event and authorized by the event sponsor. Due to the potential safety hazards associated with hydroplane races, entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Puget Sound (COTP) or designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Learn More🐋Regulations for Marine Mammal Protection in Kingston Ferry Project
NMFS has received a request from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Kingston Ferry Terminal Trestle Seismic Retrofit Project in Kingston, WA. 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 a 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🌊Environmental Assessment for PacifiCorp Yale Hydroelectric Project
The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released an Environmental Assessment for PacifiCorp's proposed modifications to the Yale Hydroelectric Project. The assessment evaluates the environmental effects of proposed changes, including dam improvements and potential public comments on these modifications. The findings indicate no major federal action with significant adverse effects on the environment.
Learn More🏗️Notification of FTZ Production Activity by PINNACLEMOD LLC
The Department of Commerce has received a notification from PINNACLEMOD LLC regarding proposed production activity at its Aberdeen, Washington facility within Foreign-Trade Zone 173. The activity includes manufacturing prefabricated modular steel buildings using various foreign-status materials, subject to specific regulations and public comment.
Learn More🐬New Regulations on Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals in Oregon and Washington
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to implementation of the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan in Oregon and Washington over 5 years (2027-2032). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities and timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements.
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