Coast Guard can now harass sea otters for 5 years in three Alaska ports

The US Fish and Wildlife Service proposes new rules that would allow the Coast Guard to harass northern sea otters during construction in three Alaskan ports. This means the Coast Guard can get permits to make noise that disturbs otters for up to five years, as long as no otters are killed.

The Coast Guard needs to do marine construction in these ports. Without this rule, they would face delays or fines for disturbing protected sea otters. This change makes it easier for them to build and maintain infrastructure in these areas, by setting clear limits on what counts as acceptable disturbance.