Biological Opinion National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division Whittier Head of the Bay Cruise Ship Dock Project, Whittier, Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of pile driving activities, including
vibratory and impact pile driving and down-the hole (DTH) drilling, and vessel transit of
materials and construction barges through habitat occupied by ESA-listed marine mammals.

These actions have the potential to affect endangered fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus),
threatened Mexico distinct population segment (DPS) humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae), endangered Western North Pacific (WNP) DPS humpback whale, endangered
North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), endangered sperm whale (Physeter
macrocephalus), endangered Western DPS Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), Steller sea
lion critical habitat, and Mexico DPS humpback whale critical habitat. There is no critical
habitat for WNP DPS humpback whales and North Pacific right whales in the action area.
The proposed action involves the construction of a cruise ship berth and associated facilities
on the western shore of Passage Canal, approximately 1.2 km northwest of downtown
Whittier, Alaska.

This opinion is based on information provided in the IHA application, the proposed IHA (88 FR
9227, February 13, 2023), and the Biological Assessment. Other sources of information relied
upon include consultation communications (emails and virtual meetings), recent consultations
completed in the same region, previous monitoring reports, and marine mammal surveys
conducted in Prince William Sound (PWS). A complete record of this consultation is on file at
NMFS’s Anchorage, Alaska office.