• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anchorage; Beluga; Beluga whale; Beluga*
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.222.8379; http://209.112.168.2/protectedresources/whales/beluga/section7/poa_biop0709.pdf

(3) federal action agencies associated with this consultation. MARAD is recognized as the lead action agency. The COE has requested its dredging operations be separately assessed by NMFS so that it might initiate project dredging in May 2009 to remove shoaling at the Port of Anchorage that is currently interfering with docking of vessels. Because the BA found this dredging activity was not likely to adversely affect Cook Inlet beluga whales, NMFS agreed to this request and by letter dated May 12, 2009, concurred with that determination. Consultation under the ESA is now concluded for this dredging action but will be described in this opinion as it concerns a description of the proposed work and in the effects analysis. Term of this Opinion This opinion will be valid upon issuance and remain in force until re-initiation may become necessary. Consultation will be re-initiated if there are significant changes in the type of activities occurring, if new information indicates these actions are impacting the Cook Inlet beluga whale or other listed species/critical habitats to a degree or in a manner not previously considered, or if new species or critical habitats become listed under the Act.