Under the Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA) all Federal agencies must consult on any action they authorize, fund, or undertake, or propose to authorize, fund, or undertake if they determine their actions may adversely affect essential fish habitat (EFH). EFH is defined as defined as those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to maturity (16 U.S.C. 1802 (10)). Permits are not issued under this authority. NOAA provides conservation recommendations to Federal action agencies to minimize the projects potential adverse effect on EFH. Federal agencies must respond in writing to these conservation recommendations describing actions they will take to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for the impacts to EFH. More information may be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/consultations-essential-fish-habitat