Biological Opinion (NMFS) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Ketchikan Berth IV Expansion, Ketchikan, Alaska

NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2025-02542

This opinion considers the effects of a proposed action by the KDC to remove existing dock structures, install a larger floating dock to accommodate larger cruise ships, and build an adjacent small boat float at Ketchikan Cruise Port Berth IV in Tongass Narrows located in southeastern Alaska. The proposed action would address the increased demand from the cruise industry to accommodate larger class cruise ships and is necessary to provide safe moorage capacity when a Norwegian Breakaway Plus (Bliss) class cruise ship vessel, or similar, is moored at Berth IV.

These actions may affect the following endangered or threatened species and critical habitats: fin whale; Mexico distinct population segment humpback whale.

This opinion is based on information provided in the June 2025 BA submitted by the USACE's non-federal representative, Solstice Consulting, Alaska (Solstice) and the IHA Application and Proposed IHA (90 FR 46834, September 30, 2025). 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 and around Ketchikan, Alaska. A complete record of this consultation is on file at NMFS's Alaska Region office.

Last updated by Alaska Regional Office on 01/16/2026

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