Biological Opinion on the Reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit AKG524000 for Offshore Seafood Processors in Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of reissuing a permit to discharge seafood processing waste from vessels operating greater than 3 nautical miles from the Alaskan shoreline. EPA proposes to reissue the permit with changes from the existing permit, including the removal of a requirement, under certain conditions, for smaller-volume dischargers to grind effluent to no more than 0.5 inches in any dimension. This action has the potential to affect every threatened and endangered species under NOAA Fisheries' jurisdiction in waters off the coast of Alaska, including whales, seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species.

Action Agency: Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10

NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2018-9801