Biological Opinion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sitka CBS GPIP Vessel Haulout Project, Sitka, Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of the two-phased project involving pile driving activities, including vibratory and impact pile driving, to construct 150-ton vessel haulout piers with steel pipe piles and concrete deck panels to hoist vessels, and the placement of fill to protect the shoreline and to create deck, piers, and upland structures and storage. The opinion also considers the effects of vessel transit for two barges and two tugboats equipped with construction equipment and materials to and from the project site; the barge and tugboats will likely deploy from Juneau, Alaska, or Seattle, Washington.

These actions may affect the endangered Western distinct population segment (DPS) Steller sea lion, threatened Mexico distinct population DPS humpback whale, endangered fin whale, North Pacific right whale, and endangered sperm whale. The project transits through Mexico DPS humpback whale and Western DPS Steller sea lion designated critical habitat; however, there is no designated critical habitat for Western DPS Stellar sea lion or Mexico DPS Humpback whale in the ensonified area.

This opinion is based on information provided in the proposed IHA (89 FR 56317, July 9, 2024) prepared by PR1, and the BA and subsequent revisions submitted by PND on behalf of the USACE. Other sources of information relied upon include consultation communications (emails and virtual meetings), recent consultations completed in the same region, previous regional monitoring reports, and supporting materials received from the USACE. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS's, Alaska Regional Office (AKRO).

Last updated by Alaska Regional Office on 11/21/2024

More Information

• Incidental Take Authorization
• Section 7 Biological Opinions Issued in Alaska
• Section 7 Consultation Guidance