This target timeline is dependent on receipt of a consultation request from BOEM, consisting of a Biological Assessment that considers effects of all proposed Federal actions.  Receipt of the consultation request and biological assessment is set concurrent with the receipt of preliminary DEIS for cooperating agency review NEPA document.

This date is dependent upon NOAA Fisheries receiving sufficient information from BOEM to deem the package complete and initiate the ESA consultation.  This includes receipt of a complete final Biological Assessment (as an appendix to the DEIS), the proposed MMPA Incidental Take Authorization from NMFS, and the public availability of the DEIS.  (Note that this date anticipates considerable coordination with BOEM on review of a draft BA).  This date is set 60 days after the NOA for DEIS to allow adequate time to review the incoming materials and ensure receipt of complete information prior to initiation of consultation.

The final completion date is contingent upon NOAA Fisheries receiving sufficient information that NOAA Fisheries determines adequate to initiate ESA consultation.  This date must be prior to issuance of the MMPA ITA Publication of Final Regulations (for a LOA) or MMPA Decision Rendered (if IHA).  The target completion date is 150 days following the consultation initiation date (135 day regulatory timeline plus 15 days to allow for BOEM review of the draft Opinion) to ensure NMFS has sufficient time to refine the Opinion in advance of integration into the FEIS.  The target completion date provides sufficient time (43 days) prior to the NOA for FEIS to allow incorporation of the findings of the consultation into the FEIS.