Biological Opinion - Hoonah Cruise Ship and Lightering Dock Construction at Icy Strait Hoonah, Alaska

Duck Point Development II, LLC (DPD) proposes to increase mooring capacity at Cannery Point by constructing a new cruise ship berth, lightering float, associated support structures, and pedestrian walkway connections to shore. Some of these elements will be constructed onshore and/or above high tide line. This opinion considers the effects of this construction at Icy Strait Point and associated construction activities, as well as the issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered western distinct population segment (DPS) of Steller sea lions and the threatened Mexico DPS of humpback whales. The nearest designated critical habitat for Steller sea lions is Benjamin Island located 60 kilometer (km) northwest of the project area.

After reviewing the current status of the listed species, the environmental baseline within the action area, the effects of the proposed action, and cumulative effects, it is NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion that the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of WDPS Steller sea lions or Mexico DPS humpback whales. 

NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2018-00370