Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals where the take will be limited to harassment. The Service may issue IHAs for a period of up to one year.The MMPA establishes the following schedule for consideration of requests for IHAs:
- Review of application an publication in Federal Register (45 days)
- Public comment period (30 days)
- Issue or deny authorization (45 days)
Incidental Harassment Authorization available for Public Review
Akutan Airport construction and Hovercraft Operation
On July 9, 2008, we received a joint application from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Aleutians East Borough (Applicants) for the taking by harassment of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) incidental to the Akutan Airport, Alaska—Airport Construction and Hovercraft Operation.
On August 27, 2008, the Service published in the Federal Register 73 FR 50634 (pdf) a proposal to authorize the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of sea otters during the construction of the Akutan Airport and the operation of a hovercraft in southwest Alaska. Information regarding this action is listed below.
Background Information
Akutan Airport IHA Application (pdf).
Akutan Airport EA 73 FR 4040 (pdf).
Akutan Airport Record of Decision (pdf).
