Biological Opinion Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) Prince William Sound (PWS) Ferry Terminals Improvements Project, Prince William Sound, Alaska
July 24, 2025
This opinion considers the effects of improvement and modification activities including pile removal and installation using vibratory and impact driving and down the hole, as well as dredging (Cordova only), and the associated proposed issuance of an IHA.
NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2024-02972
This opinion considers the effects of improvement and modification activities including pile removal and installation using vibratory and impact driving and down the hole (DTH), as well as dredging (Cordova only), and the associated proposed issuance of an IHA.
The action may affect the endangered western distinct population segment (WDPS) Steller sea lion, the threatened Mexico DPS humpback whale, and designated critical habitat for both species.
This opinion is based on information provided in the Biological Assessment (HDR 2025b) and the IHA Application (HDR 2025a), and the Proposed IHA (June 4, 2025; 90 FR 23814) covering the three requested IHAs. Other sources of information relied upon include email correspondences between NMFS AKR, ADOT&PF, and NMFS Permits Division. A complete record of this consultation is on file at our office.