Biological Opinion on Regulations and Authorization for the Incidental Take of Marine Mammals by U.S. Citizens Engaged in Space Vehicle and Missile Launch Operations at the Kodiak Launch Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska
March 17, 2011
Biological opinion to determine whether space vehicle and missile launch operations at the Kodiak Launch Complex are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Steller sea lion, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of its critical habitat.
The operator of the KLC, AAC has reapplied for authorization for the harassment taking of marine mammals under the MMPA (75 FR 80775, December 23, 2010). This authorization would permit the unintentional and incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals due to the operation of the KLC. Because the western population of Steller sea lions is also listed as an endangered species, those takings must also be authorized under the ESA. Incidental takes of endangered species which are associated with a Federal action (i.e., NOAA Fisheries' issuing regulations and subsequent LOAs) are authorized through the issuance of an Incidental Take Statement. This Statement is prepared by NOAA Fisheries AKR. It is accompanied by a biological opinion, which concludes that the action as authorized will not jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of its designated critical habitat.
Action Agency: NOAA Fisheries
MFS Consultation Number: AKR-2013-9306