Biological Opinion regarding proposed U.S. Space Missile Defense Command’s Navy weapon flight testing activities in the Marshall Islands, 2024

NOAA Fisheries has issued a no-jeopardy biological opinion to the U.S. Army and U.S Navy regarding proposed Conventional Prompt Strike Weapon System Flight Tests Activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. 

After careful evaluation, NOAA Fisheries has determined that the flight test activities may adversely affect 2 types of fish, 6 Indo-Pacific corals, 3 giant clam species, and the top shell snail within the Republic of the Marshall Islands. However, the effects of the proposed action do not appreciably contribute to the extinction risk of these species nor impede their recovery.

The species include: the UES-listed Acropora microclados, A. polystoma, Cyphastrea agassizi,  Cyphastrea agassizi, Pavona venosa, Turbinaria reniformis, humphead wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, top shell snail, UES and proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) threatened Hippopus hippopus, UES and proposed ESA threatened Tridacna squamosa and T. maxima. Both T. squamosa and T. maxima are listed solely based on appearance under ESA section 4(e) and were added to the UES of consultation species effective July 25, 2024.

These 12 species are protected under the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Environmental Standards (UES). They are not listed under the Endangered Species Act, as the Republic of the Marshall Islands is not subject to consultation under the Endangered Species Act.

The biological opinion identifies reasonable and prudent measures to ensure that take is not exceeded.