Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of American Samoa

This document represents the NMFS’ biological opinion (opinion) of the effects on marine species protected under the ESA under NMFS jurisdiction that may result from actions under the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of America Samoa. This opinion has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 7 of the ESA, implementing regulations (50 CFR 402), agency policy, and guidance and is based on information contained in the initial Biological Evaluation (BE) submitted in 2015, published and unpublished scientific information on the biology and ecology of threatened and endangered marine species of concern in the action area, monitoring reports and research in the region, similar nursery activities and their effects on corals and other listed species in other regions of the world, and other relevant scientific and grey literature (see Literature Cited). I-PI-18-1774-AG