Biological Opinion (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division, Port of Alaska Cargo Terminals Replacement (CTR) Project, Anchorage, Alaska
May 05, 2025
This opinion considers the effects from in-water pile installation and removal and from the operation of vessels during construction on listed species and designated critical habitat, and the associated proposed issuance of ITRs and an LOA.
NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2024-02213
This opinion considers the effects from in-water pile installation and removal and from the operation of vessels during construction on listed species and designated critical habitat, and the associated proposed issuance of ITRs and an LOA.
The action may affect the endangered western distinct population segment (DPS) Steller sea lion, threatened Mexico DPS humpback whale, endangered Western North Pacific DPS humpback whale, and endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale.
This opinion and concurrence are based on information provided in the ITR and LOA application, the proposed ITRs (89 FR 85686, October, 28, 2024), and the POA’s Biological Assessment. Other sources of information relied upon primarily include consultation communications (emails and virtual meetings), recent consultations completed in the same region, previous monitoring reports, and marine mammal surveys conducted in Cook Inlet. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Juneau, Alaska office.