Puget Sound Nearshore Conservation Calculator
March 08, 2024
This conservation calculator assesses the value of nearshore habitat so that project proponents can gauge the impacts of their projects.
The new Nearshore Calculator and User Guide are out. Please download V1.7 above and use it for all projects.
Applicability of the Calculator
The Puget Sound Nearshore Habitat Conservation Calculator may be used in ESA consultations to quantify long term habitat impacts from new construction and maintenance of existing structures in the Salish Sea, regardless of action agency and consultation pathway. The calculator is a valid tool to use for analysis in Individual consultations, as the calculator is applicable broadly, not only for programmatic verifications under the Salish Sea Nearshore Programmatic. A negative calculator output typically will require offsetting measures (compensatory mitigation). The NOAA comprehensive mitigation policy for trust resources can be found here.
However, the current Nearshore Calculator may not be fully applicable to some projects and habitat types in circumstances different from those it was designed for. For example, some elements of aquaculture, or port structures in some estuarine environments may require individualized assessment.
View the Calculator User Guide (Version 1.7)
Accessibility Disclaimer: This habitat tool is not currently in a format compliant with Section
508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need assistance with the habitat tool,
please contact Lisa Abernathy at Lisa.Abernathy@noaa.gov, (206) 526-4742 to discuss your
information needs.
Puget Sound Nearshore Habitat Conservation Calculator main page