Biological Opinion (NMFS) for US Coast Guard regarding Dock Construction, Sitka, Alaska
July 24, 2026
This opinion considers the effects of dock construction and replacement through pile driving and DTH, and the associated proposed issuance of an IHA.
NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2026-00013
This opinion considers the effects of dock construction and replacement through pile driving and DTH, and the associated proposed issuance of an IHA.
The action may affect the threatened Mexico distinct population segment (DPS) humpback whale, the endangered western DPS Steller sea lion, the endangered fin whale, the endangered North Pacific right whale, and the endangered sperm whale.
This biological opinion is based on information provided in the December 2023 Biological Assessment submitted by WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc., the January 2026 modification request submitted by Solstice Alaska Consulting, Inc., and the IHA Application and Proposed IHA (91 FR 16672, April 2, 2026). Other sources of information include consultation communications (emails and virtual meetings), recent consultations completed in the same region, previous monitoring reports in the region, scientific literature, and marine mammal surveys in Alaska. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Alaska Office.