Biological Opinion on the Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project at the Port of Anchorage, Alaska

This opinion addresses the Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project at the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. Its provides an assessment of this action on the continued existence of the Cook Inlet beluga whale. It also provides measures to conserve the species and mitigate impact.

This opinion will also address authorization by NOAA Fisheries of the incidental and unintentional taking of Cook Inlet beluga whales due to construction activities at the Port of Anchorage. Such authorization may be accomplished through regulations and issuance of letters of authorization under those regulations, or through issuance of an incidental harassment authorization. These authorizations are often requested for activities which produce underwater noise capable of harassing or harming marine mammals. Harassment is a form of taking otherwise prohibited by the MMPA
and ESA.

Action Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration is the lead Federal agency for this project. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska is a cooperating action agency with responsibilities for issuance of permits under the Rivers and Harbors Act and Clean Water Act, as well as dredging activities under Congressional authorization.

NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2009-2523