Biological Opinion National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division Sitka Seaplane Base Construction, Sitka, Alaska

This opinion considers the effects of the following in-water activities: installation and removal of temporary support/guidance piles; installation of permanent piles; and support and material supply vessel transit. The proposed action involves construction of a new Sitka Seaplane Base (SPB) to replace the existing seaplane base in Sitka, AK. Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2024. 

This opinion considers the effects of the associated proposed issuance of an IHA on endangered North Pacific right whale, fin whale, sperm whale, threatened Mexico DPS humpback whales, endangered Western DPS Steller sea lion, and associated critical habitat. The action agency also requested a conference on the proposed listing of the sunflower sea star (88 FR 16212, March 16, 2023) in the consultation, and requested concurrence with a likely to adversely affect determination.

This opinion is based on information provided in the December 8, 2023, Biological Assessment (BA) and subsequent revisions submitted by Solstice AK, and the Incidental Harassment Application (IHA) and subsequent revisions prepared by PR1. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS’s Alaska Regional Office.