SERO-2022-02452 Pelican Key Beneficial Use Site

Biological Opinion considering the effects of the USACE’s proposal to authorize construction of a beneficial use site for the placement of dredged material in the open waters of the Mississippi Sound in Harrison County, Mississippi (Permit tracking number - SAM-2022-00145-KMN). NMFS concludes that the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect green sea turtles (NA and SA DPSs), Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles (NWA DPS), Gulf sturgeon, and giant manta ray. NMFS concludes that the proposed action is likely to adversely affect, but is not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for Gulf sturgeon critical habitat (Unit 8- Lake Pontchartrain - Mississippi Sound).