Biological Opinion Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Lease Sale 258, Cook Inlet, Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of oil and gas exploration activities for LS 258 under the OCSLA from May 2023 to May 2028. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), endangered fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), endangered Western North Pacific DPS humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), threatened Mexico DPS humpback whale, and endangered Western DPS Steller sea lion (Eumatopias jubatus), as well as the designated critical habitat for Cook Inlet beluga whale, and Steller sea lion.

This biological opinion is based on information provided in the November 10, 2022 Biological Assessment (BOEM 2022a); October 2022 Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Lease Sale 258 in Cook Inlet, Alaska (BOEM 2022b); clarifying email and telephone conversations between NMFS and BOEM staff; and other sources of information. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Alaska Regional Office.