Biological Opinion National Telecommunications and Information Administration AU- Aleutians II Fiber Optic Cable Project, Alaska
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion for National Telecommunications and Information Administration AU-Aleutians II Fiber Optic Cable Project, Alaska
NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2023-03226
This opinion considers the effects of the following in-water activities on listed species likely to occur within the action area: laying FOC on the sea floor in areas more than 300 meters (m) (985 feet [ft]) offshore; connecting FOC to onshore stations via cables jetted into place within 300 m (985 ft) of the shoreline; operating the IT Integrity cable- laying ship for support and material supply vessel transit. The project activities may affect the proposed threatened sunflower sea star. NMFS is not currently proposing designating critical habitat for the sunflower sea star.
This opinion is based on information provided in the December 21, 2023, BA and subsequent revisions prepared and submitted by Weston. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Alaska Regional Office (AKRO).