NOAA Approves 5-Year Permit for Marine Mammal Incidental Take in Washington Estuary Project

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a final rule allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project in Hood Canal, Washington, from 2027 to 2032. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this rule permits the “incidental take” of marine mammals, meaning the agency acknowledges that construction activities will unavoidably disturb or harm some animals, such as seals, sea lions, or porpoises, during the work.

Why it matters: This is a standard regulatory step required before the Army Corps of Engineers can begin physical work on the estuary. While the project itself aims to restore habitat, the rule is the legal mechanism that allows construction to proceed without violating federal protections for marine life. It is a routine compliance action rather than a new policy shift.

Who it affects

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project teams

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This action is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, published in the Federal Register, and readers should consult the original document for specific species limits and monitoring protocols.

Agency: Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document