Biological Opinion for the US Army Corps of Engineers on a Pacific Kelp Felice Strait Aquaculture Project, Ketchikan, Alaska

NMFS Consultation Number:  AKRO-2025-00571

This opinion considers the effects of the construction, placement, and operation of a 22.3-acre kelp-focused aquaculture facility, in addition to operational activities associated with the facility.

The action may affect and is likely to adversely affect the Mexico distinct population segment (DPS) of humpback whales and also may affect but are not likely to adversely affect the fin whale. No designated critical habitat is located within the action area.

This biological opinion is based on information provided in the Biological Assessment provided to NMFS on March 3, 2025. Other sources of information include species stock assessment reports, clarifying emails, and targeted studies listed in the References section. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Juneau, Alaska office.