[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9440-9446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03999]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XE233
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; St.
George Reef Light Station Restoration and Maintenance at Northwest Seal
Rock, Del Norte County, California
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
implementing regulations, NMFS, we, hereby give notice that we have
issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to the
St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society (Society) to take four
species of marine mammals, by harassment incidental to conducting
aircraft operations, lighthouse renovation, and light maintenance
activities on the St. George Reef Light Station on Northwest Seal Rock
in the northeast Pacific Ocean from February 19, 2016 through February
18, 2017.
DATES: Effective February 19, 2016, through February 18, 2017.
ADDRESSES: An electronic copy of the final Authorization, the Society's
application, and NMFS' environmental assessment are available by
writing to Jolie Harrison, Division Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries
Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; by
telephoning the contacts listed here, or by visiting the Internet at:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannine Cody, NMFS, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS (301) 427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary
of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals of a species or
population stock, by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity
(other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region
if, after NMFS provides a notice of a proposed authorization to the
public for review and comment: (1) NMFS makes certain findings; and (2)
the taking is limited to harassment.
An Authorization for incidental takings for marine mammals shall be
granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on
the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on
the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of such taking
are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103
as ``an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of
recruitment or survival.'' Except with respect to certain activities
not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment];
or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal
stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns,
including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment].
[[Page 9441]]
Summary of Request
On October 1, 2015, the Society requested that we issue an
Authorization for the take of marine mammals, incidental to conducting
restoration activities on the St. George Reef Light Station (Station)
located on Northwest Seal Rock offshore of Crescent City, California in
the northeast Pacific Ocean. NMFS determined the application complete
and adequate on October 7, 2015 and published a notice of proposed
Authorization on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65201). The notice afforded
the public a 30-day comment period on the proposed MMPA Authorization.
The Society proposes to conduct aircraft operations, lighthouse
renovation, and periodic maintenance on the Station's optical light
system on a monthly basis. The proposed activity would occur on a
monthly basis over one weekend, February 2016 through February 2017.
The Society would not conduct the proposed activities between May 1 and
October 31, 2016. The following specific aspects of the proposed
activities would likely to result in the take of marine mammals: (1)
Helicopter landings/takeoffs; (2) noise generated during restoration
activities (e.g., painting, plastering, welding, and glazing); (3)
maintenance activities (e.g., bulb replacement and automation of the
light system); and (4) human presence. Thus, NMFS anticipates that
take, by Level B harassment only, of California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus); Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina); Steller sea
lions (Eumetopias jubatus) of the eastern U.S. Stock; and northern fur
seals (Callorhinus ursinus) could result from the specified activity.
Description of the Specified Activity
Overview
To date, NMFS has issued four Authorizations to the Society for the
conduct of the same activities from 2010 to 2015 (75 FR 4774, January
29, 2010; 76 FR 10564, February 25, 2011; 77 FR 8811, February 15,
2012; and 79 FR 6179, February 3, 2014). This is the Society's fifth
request for an annual Authorization as their last Authorization expired
on April 10, 2015.
The Station, listed in the National Park Service's National
Register of Historic Places, is located on Northwest Seal Rock offshore
of Crescent City, California in the northeast Pacific Ocean. The
Station, built in 1892, rises 45.7 meters (m) (150 feet (ft)) above sea
level. The structure consists of hundreds of granite blocks topped with
a cast iron lantern room and covers much of the surface of the islet.
The purpose of the project is to restore the lighthouse and to conduct
annual and emergency maintenance on the Station's optical light system.
Dates and Duration
The Society proposes to conduct the activities (aircraft
operations, lighthouse restoration, and maintenance activities) at a
maximum frequency of one session per month. The proposed duration for
each session would last no more than three days (e.g., Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday). The Authorization would be effective from
February 19, 2016 through February 17, 2017 with restrictions on the
Society conducting activities from May 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016.
Specified Geographic Region
The Station is located on Northwest Seal Rock, a small rocky islet
(41[deg]50'24'' N., 124[deg]22'06'' W.) approximately nine kilometers
(km) (6.0 miles (mi)) in the northeast Pacific Ocean, offshore of
Crescent City, California (Latitude: 41[deg]46'48'' N.; Longitude:
124[deg]14'11'' W.). Northwest Seal Rock is approximately 91.4 m (300
ft) in diameter that peaks at 5.18 m (17 ft) above mean sea level.
Description of Activities
We outlined the purpose of the Society's activities in a previous
notice for the proposed Authorization (80 FR 65201, October 26, 2015).
The proposed activities have not changed between the notice for the
proposed Authorization and this notice announcing the issuance of the
Authorization. For a more detailed description of the authorized
action, we refer the reader to the Detailed Description of Activities
section in the notice for the proposed Authorization (80 FR 65201,
October 26, 2015).
Comments and Responses
A notice of receipt of the Society's application and NMFS' proposal
to issue an Authorization to the Society published in the Federal
Register on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65201). During the 30-day public
comment period, we received one comment from the Marine Mammal
Commission (Commission) which recommended that we issue the requested
Authorization, provided that the Society carries out the required
monitoring and mitigation measures as described in the notice for the
proposed Authorization (80 FR 65201, October 26, 2015) and the
application. We have included all measures described in the notice for
the proposed Authorization (80 FR 65201, October 26, 2015) in the
issued Authorization.
Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity
The marine mammals most likely to be harassed incidental to the
Society's helicopter operations, lighthouse restoration, and lighthouse
maintenance on Northwest Seal Rock are primarily Steller and California
sea lions and to a lesser extent the Pacific harbor seal and the
eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seal.
Table 1 provides the following information: All marine mammal
species with possible or confirmed occurrence in the proposed activity
area; information on those species' regulatory status under the MMPA
and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
abundance; occurrence and seasonality in the activity area.
Table 1--General Information on Marine Mammals That Could Potentially Haul Out on Northwest Seal Rock
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Regulatory status Stock
Species Stock 1 2 abundance \3\ Occurrence and seasonality
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California sea lion (Zalophus U.S............. MMPA--NC, ESA--NL 296,750 Year-round presence.
californianus).
Northern fur seal (Callorhinus California MMPA--D, ESA--NL 14,050 Rare.
ursinus). Breeding.
Pacific harbor seal (Phoca California...... MMPA--NC, ESA--NL 30,968 Occasional, spring.
vitulina).
[[Page 9442]]
Steller sea lion (Eumetopias Eastern Distinct MMPA--D, ESA--DL 60,131-74,448 Year-round presence.
jubatus). Population
Segment.
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\1\ MMPA: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, NC = Not Classified.
\2\ ESA: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, NL = Not listed.
\3\ 2015 draft NMFS Stock Assessment Reports: Carretta et al. (2015) and Muto and Angliss (2015).
NMFS refers the public to the 2015 draft NMFS Marine Mammal Stock
Assessment Report available online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/ for general information on the biology and distribution of these
species which we presented in the notice of the proposed Authorization
(80 FR 65201, October 26, 2015).
Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area
California (southern) sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), listed as
threatened under the ESA and categorized as depleted under the MMPA,
usually range in coastal waters within two km (1.2 mi) of the mainland
shoreline. Neither CCR nor the Society has encountered California sea
otters on Northwest Seal Rock during the course of the four-year
wildlife study (CCR, 2001; SGRLPS, 2010; 2011; 2012)) nor has the
Society encountered this species during the course of the previously
issued Authorizations for the same activities. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service manages the sea otter and NMFS will not consider this
species further in this notice.
Potential Effects of the Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and
Their Habitat
This section of the notice for the proposed Authorization (80 FR
65201, October 26, 2015) included a summary and discussion of the ways
that components of the specified activity (e.g., visual and acoustic
disturbance) may impact marine mammals and their habitat. The
``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment'' section later in this
document will include a quantitative analysis of the number of
individuals that NMFS expects the Society to take during this activity.
The ``Negligible Impact Analysis'' section will include the analysis of
how this specific activity would impact marine mammals. NMFS will
consider the content of the following sections: ``Estimated Take by
Incidental Harassment,'' ``Mitigation,'' and ``Anticipated Effects on
Marine Mammal Habitat,'' to draw conclusions regarding the likely
impacts of this activity on the reproductive success or survivorship of
individuals--and from that consideration--the likely impacts of this
activity on the affected marine mammal populations or stocks.
Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: (1) Helicopter landings/
takeoffs; (2) noise generated during restoration activities (e.g.,
painting, plastering, welding, and glazing); and (3) maintenance
activities (e.g., bulb replacement and automation of the light system)
may have the potential to cause the following: Temporary or permanent
hearing impairment and/or behavioral disturbance.
We provided detailed information on these potential effects notice
for the proposed Authorization (80 FR 65201, October 26, 2015). The
information presented in that notice has not changed.
Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat
The only habitat modification associated with the proposed activity
is the restoration of a light station which would occur on the upper
levels of Northwest Seal Rock which are not used by marine mammals.
Thus, NMFS does not expect that the authorized activity would have any
effect on marine mammal habitat and NMFS expects that there will be no
long- or short-term physical impacts to pinniped habitat on Northwest
Seal Rock.
The Society would remove all waste, discarded materials and
equipment from the island after each visit. The proposed activities
will not result in any permanent impact on habitats used by marine
mammals, including prey species and foraging habitat. The main impact
associated with the proposed activity will be temporarily elevated
noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine mammals (i.e.,
the potential for temporary abandonment of the site), previously
discussed in this notice. Based on the preceding discussion, NMFS does
not anticipate that the proposed activity would have any habitat-
related effects that could cause significant or long-term consequences
for individual marine mammals or their populations.
Mitigation
In order to issue an incidental take authorization under section
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the permissible methods
of taking pursuant to such activity, and other means of effecting the
least practicable adverse impact on such species or stock and its
habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and
areas of similar significance, and on the availability of such species
or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses (where relevant).
Time and Frequency: The Society would conduct restoration
activities at maximum of once per month between February 19, 2016,
through February 18, 2017. Each restoration session would last no more
than three days. Maintenance of the light beacon would occur only in
conjunction with restoration activities. The Society would not conduct
restoration activities between the period of May 1, 2016, and October
31, 2016.
Helicopter Approach and Timing Techniques: The Society would ensure
that its helicopter approach patterns to the Station and timing
techniques do not disturb marine mammals as most practicable. To the
extent possible, the helicopter should approach Northwest Seal Rock
when the tide is too high for the marine mammals to haul-out on
Northwest Seal Rock.
Since the most severe impacts (stampede) precede rapid and direct
helicopter approaches, the Society's initial approach to the Station
must be offshore from the island at a relatively high altitude (e.g.,
800-1,000 ft, or 244-305 m). Before the final approach, the helicopter
shall circle lower, and approach from area with the lowest pinniped
density. If for any safety reasons (e.g., wind condition) the Society
cannot conduct these types of helicopter approach and timing
techniques, they must postpone the restoration and maintenance
activities for that day.
[[Page 9443]]
Avoidance of Visual and Acoustic Contact with People on Island: The
Society would instruct its members and restoration crews to avoid
making unnecessary noise and not expose themselves visually to
pinnipeds around the base of the Station. The door to the lower
platform (which pinnipeds occasionally use at times) shall remain
closed and barricaded to all tourists and other personnel.
Mitigation Conclusions
NMFS has carefully evaluated the Society's proposed mitigation
measures in the context of ensuring that we prescribe the means of
affecting the least practicable impact on the affected marine mammal
species and stocks and their habitat. The evaluation of potential
measures included consideration of the following factors in relation to
one another:
The manner in which, and the degree to which, the
successful implementation of the measure is expected to minimize
adverse impacts to marine mammals;
The proven or likely efficacy of the specific measure to
minimize adverse impacts as planned; and
The practicability of the measure for applicant
implementation.
Any mitigation measure(s) prescribed by NMFS should be able to
accomplish, have a reasonable likelihood of accomplishing (based on
current science), or contribute to the accomplishment of one or more of
the general goals listed here:
1. Avoidance or minimization of injury or death of marine mammals
wherever possible (goals 2, 3, and 4 may contribute to this goal).
2. A reduction in the numbers of marine mammals (total number or
number at biologically important time or location) exposed to vessel or
visual presence that NMFS expects to result in the take of marine
mammals (this goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing
harassment takes only).
3. A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at
biologically important time or location) individuals exposed to vessel
or visual presence that NMFS expects to result in the take of marine
mammals (this goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing
harassment takes only).
4. A reduction in the intensity of exposures (either total number
or number at biologically important time or location) to vessel or
visual presence that NMFS expects to result in the take of marine
mammals (this goal may contribute to a, above, or to reducing the
severity of harassment takes only).
5. Avoidance or minimization of adverse effects to marine mammal
habitat, paying special attention to the food base, activities that
block or limit passage to or from biologically important areas,
permanent destruction of habitat, or temporary destruction/disturbance
of habitat during a biologically important time.
6. For monitoring directly related to mitigation--an increase in
the probability of detecting marine mammals, thus allowing for more
effective implementation of the mitigation.
Based on the evaluation of the Society's proposed measures, NMFS
has determined that the mitigation measures provide the means of
effecting the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or
stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries,
mating grounds, and areas of similar significance.
Monitoring
In order to issue an incidental take authorization for an activity,
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth
``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such
taking.'' The MMPA implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13)
indicate that requests for Authorizations must include the suggested
means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will
result in increased knowledge of the species and of the level of taking
or impacts on populations of marine mammals that NMFS expects to be
present in the proposed action area.
Monitoring measures prescribed by NMFS should accomplish one or
more of the following general goals:
1. An increase in the probability of detecting marine mammals
within the mitigation zone (thus allowing for more effective
implementation of the mitigation) in order to generate more data to
contribute to the analyses mentioned later;
2. An increase in our understanding of the nature, scope, or
context of the likely exposure of marine mammal species to any of the
potential stressor(s) associated with the action (e.g., sound or visual
stimuli) and the likelihood of associating those exposures with
specific adverse effects, such as behavioral harassment, temporary or
permanent threshold shift;
3. An increase in our understanding of how marine mammals respond
to stimuli that we expect to result in take and how those anticipated
adverse effects on individuals (in different ways and to varying
degrees) may impact the population, species, or stock (specifically
through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival) through any
of the following methods:
a. Behavioral observations in the presence of stimuli compared to
observations in the absence of stimuli;
b. Physiological measurements in the presence of stimuli compared
to observations in the absence of stimuli;
c. Distribution and/or abundance comparisons in times or areas with
concentrated stimuli versus times or areas without stimuli;
4. An increased knowledge of the affected species; and
5. An increase in our understanding of the effectiveness of certain
mitigation and monitoring measures.
The Society proposes to sponsor marine mammal monitoring in order
to implement the mitigation measures that require real-time monitoring
and to satisfy the monitoring requirements of the Authorization. These
include:
At least once during the period between February 19, 2016, and
February 18, 2017, a qualified biologist shall be present during all
three workdays at the Station. The qualified biologist hired will be
subject to approval by us and they shall document use of the island by
the pinnipeds, frequency, (i.e., dates, time, tidal height, species,
numbers present, and any disturbances), and note any responses to
potential disturbances.
Aerial photographic surveys may provide the most accurate means of
documenting species composition, age and sex class of pinnipeds using
the project site during human activity periods. The Society should
complete aerial photo coverage of Northwest Seal Rock from the same
helicopter used to transport the Society's personnel during restoration
trips. The Society would take photographs of all hauled out marine
mammals at an altitude greater than 300 m (984 ft) by a skilled
photographer, prior to the first landing on each visit included in the
monitoring program. Photographic documentation of marine mammals
present at the end of each three-day work session shall also be made
for a before and after comparison. These photographs will be forwarded
to a biologist capable of discerning marine mammal species. Data shall
be provided to us in the form of a report with a data table, any other
significant observations related to marine mammals, and a report of
restoration activities (see Reporting). The original photographs can be
made available to us or other marine mammal experts for inspection and
further analysis.
The monitoring requirements in relation to the Society's proposed
[[Page 9444]]
activities would include species counts, numbers of observed
disturbances, and descriptions of the disturbance behaviors during the
restoration activities, including location, date, and time of the
event. In addition, the Society would record observations regarding the
number and species of any marine mammals either observed in the water
or hauled out.
The Society can add to the knowledge of pinnipeds in the proposed
action area by noting observations of: (1) Unusual behaviors, numbers,
or distributions of pinnipeds, such that any potential follow-up
research can be conducted by the appropriate personnel; (2) tag-bearing
carcasses of pinnipeds, allowing transmittal of the information to
appropriate agencies and personnel; and (3) rare or unusual species of
marine mammals for agency follow-up.
Summary of Previous Monitoring
The Society complied with the mitigation and monitoring required
under the previous authorizations (2010-2014). They did not conduct any
operations for the 2013 or 2014 season. However, in compliance with the
2012 Authorization, the Society submitted a final report on the
activities at the Station, covering the period of February 15, 2012
through April 30, 2012. During the effective dates of the 2012
Authorization, the Society conducted one work session in March, 2012.
The Society's aircraft operations and restoration activities on
Northwest Seal Rock did not exceed the activity levels analyzed under
the 2012 Authorization. During the March 2012 work session, the Society
observed two harbor seals hauled out on Northwest Seal Rock. Both
animals (a juvenile and an adult) departed the rock, entered the water,
and did not return to the Station during the duration of the
activities.
Reporting
The Society would submit a draft report to NMFS' Office of
Protected Resources no later than 90 days after the expiration of the
Authorization. The report will include a summary of the information
gathered pursuant to the monitoring requirements set forth in the
Authorization. The Society will submit a final report to the NMFS
Director, Office of Protected Resources within 30 days after receiving
comments from NMFS on the draft report. If the Society receives no
comments from NMFS on the report, NMFS will consider the draft report
to be the final report.
The report will describe the operations conducted and sightings of
marine mammals near the proposed project. The report will provide full
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all
monitoring. The report will provide:
1. A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all
research activities.
2. Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
3. An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals exposed
to human presence associated with the Society's activities.
4. A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the
monitoring and mitigation measures of the Authorization and full
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all
monitoring.
In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the
authorization, such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury,
or mortality (e.g., stampede), Society personnel shall immediately
cease the specified activities and immediately report the incident to
the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and the Assistant Western Regional
Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3264. The report must include the
following information:
Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the
incident;
Description and location of the incident (including water
depth, if applicable);
Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction,
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24
hours preceding the incident;
Species identification or description of the animal(s)
involved;
Fate of the animal(s); and
Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if
equipment is available).
The Society shall not resume its activities until NMFS is able to
review the circumstances of the prohibited take. We will work with the
Society to determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The Society may not
resume their activities until notified by us via letter, email, or
telephone.
In the event that the Society discovers an injured or dead marine
mammal, and the marine mammal observer determines that the cause of the
injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in
less than a moderate state of decomposition as we describe in the next
paragraph), the Society will immediately report the incident to the
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and the Assistant Western Regional
Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3264. The report must include the
same information identified in the paragraph above this section.
Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the
incident. NMFS would work with the Society to determine whether
modifications in the activities are appropriate.
In the event that the Society discovers an injured or dead marine
mammal, and the lead visual observer determines that the injury or
death is not associated with or related to the authorized activities
(e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced
decomposition, or scavenger damage), the Society will report the
incident to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and the Assistant Western
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3264 within 24 hours of the
discovery. Society personnel will provide photographs or video footage
(if available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting
to us. The Society can continue their survey activities while NMFS
reviews the circumstances of the incident.
Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment
Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: any act of pursuit, torment, or
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or
sheltering [Level B harassment].
All anticipated takes would be by Level B harassment, involving
temporary changes in behavior. NMFS expects that the mitigation and
monitoring measures would minimize the possibility of injurious or
lethal takes. NMFS considers the potential for take by injury, serious
injury, or mortality as remote. NMFS expects that the presence of
Society personnel could disturb of animals hauled out on Northwest Seal
Rock and that the animals may alter their behavior or
[[Page 9445]]
attempt to move away from the Society's personnel.
As discussed earlier, NMFS considers an animal to have been
harassed if it moved greater than 1 m (3.3 ft) in response to the
Society's presence or if the animal was already moving and changed
direction and/or speed, or if the animal flushed into the water. NMFS
does not consider animals that became alert without such movements as
harassed.
Based on the Society's previous monitoring reports, NMFS estimates
that approximately 1,120 California sea lions (calculated by
multiplying the maximum number of California sea lions observed on
Northwest Seal Rock [160] by 7 months: February-April, November-
February) of the restoration and maintenance activities), 1,085 Steller
sea lions (calculated by multiplying the maximum number of Steller sea
lions observed on Northwest Seal Rock [155] by 7 months, 42 Pacific
harbor seals (calculated by multiplying the maximum number of harbor
seals observed on Northwest Seal Rock [6] by 7 months), and 7 northern
fur seals (calculated by multiplying the maximum number of northern fur
seals observed on Northwest Seal Rock [1] by 7 months) could be
potentially affected by Level B behavioral harassment over the course
of the Authorization. NMFS bases these estimates of the numbers of
marine mammals that might be affected on consideration of the number of
marine mammals that could be disturbed appreciably by approximately 51
hours of aircraft operations during the course of the activity. These
incidental harassment take numbers represent approximately 0.38 percent
of the U.S. stock of California sea lion, 1.80 percent of the eastern
U.S. stock of Steller sea lion, 0.14 percent of the California stock of
Pacific harbor seals, and 0.05 percent of the San Miguel Island stock
of northern fur seal. However, actual take may be slightly less if
animals decide to haul out at a different location for the day or if
animals are foraging at locations away from Northwest Seal Rock at the
time of the Societies proposed activities.
Because of the required mitigation measures and the likelihood that
some pinnipeds will avoid the area, NMFS does not expect any injury or
mortality to pinnipeds to occur and NMFS has not authorized take by
Level A harassment for this proposed activity.
Encouraging and Coordinating Research
The Society would share observations and counts of marine mammals
and all observed disturbances to the appropriate state and federal
agencies at the conclusion of the activities.
Analysis and Preliminary Determinations
Negligible Impact
Negligible impact is ``an impact resulting from the specified
activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably
likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival'' (50 CFR 216.103). The lack of
likely adverse effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival
(i.e., population level effects) forms the basis of a negligible impact
finding. Thus, an estimate of the number of Level B harassment takes
alone is not enough information on which to base an impact
determination. In addition to considering estimates of the number of
marine mammals that might be ``taken'' through behavioral harassment,
NMFS must consider other factors, such as the likely nature of any
responses (their intensity, duration, etc.), the context of any
responses (critical reproductive time or location, migration, etc.), as
well as the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes,
the number of estimated mortalities, effects on habitat, and the status
of the species.
In making a negligible impact determination, NMFS considers:
The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or
mortalities;
The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of
harassment;
The context in which the takes occur (e.g., impacts to
areas of significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative
impacts when taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions
when added to baseline data);
The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e.,
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative
to the size of the population);
Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/
survival; and
The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures to
reduce the number or severity of incidental takes
To avoid repetition, our analysis applies to all the species listed
in Table 1, given that NMFS expects the anticipated effects of the
Society's activities to be similar in nature.
Although the Society's survey activities may disturb a small number
of marine mammals hauled out on Northwest Seal Rock, NMFS expects those
impacts to occur to a small, localized group of animals for a limited
duration (e.g., six hours in one day). Marine mammals would likely
become alert or, at most, flush into the water in reaction to the
presence of the Society's personnel during the proposed activities.
Disturbance will be limited to a short duration, allowing marine
mammals to reoccupy Northwest Seal Rock within a short amount of time.
Thus, the proposed action is unlikely to result in long-term impacts
such as permanent abandonment of the area because of the availability
of alternate areas for pinnipeds to avoid the resultant acoustic and
visual disturbances from the restoration activities and helicopter
operations. Results from previous monitoring reports also show that the
pinnipeds returned Northwest Seal Rock and did not permanently abandon
haul-out sites after the Society conducted their activities.
The Society's activities would occur during the least sensitive
time (e.g., November through April, outside of the pupping season) for
hauled out pinnipeds on Northwest Seal Rock. Thus, pups or breeding
adults would not be present during the proposed activity periods.
Moreover, the Society's mitigation measures regarding helicopter
approaches and restoration site ingress and egress would minimize the
potential for stampedes and large-scale movements. Thus, the potential
for large-scale movements and stampede leading to injury, serious
injury, or mortality is low.
Any noise attributed to the Society's proposed helicopter
operations on Northwest Seal Rock would be short-term (approximately 5
minutes per trip). We would expect the ambient noise levels to return
to a baseline state when helicopter operations have ceased for the day.
As the helicopter landings take place 15 m (48 ft) above the surface of
the rocks on Northwest Seal Rock, NMFS presumes that the received sound
levels would increase above 81-81.9 dB re: 20 [mu]Pa (A-weighted) at
the landing pad. However, we do not expect that the increased received
levels of sound from the helicopter would cause threshold shifts in
hearing because the pinnipeds would flush before the helicopter
approached Northwest Seal Rock; thus increasing the distance between
the pinnipeds and the received sound levels on Northwest Seal Rock
during the proposed action.
If pinnipeds are present on Northwest Seal Rock, Level B behavioral
harassment of pinnipeds may occur during helicopter landing and takeoff
from Northwest Seal Rock due to the pinnipeds temporarily moving from
the rocks and lower structure of the Station
[[Page 9446]]
into the sea due to the noise and appearance of helicopter during
approaches and departures. It is expected that all or a portion of the
marine mammals hauled out on the island will depart the rock and slowly
move into the water upon initial helicopter approaches. The movement to
the water would be gradual due to the required controlled helicopter
approaches (see ``Mitigation'' for more details), the small size of the
aircraft, the use of noise-attenuating blade tip caps on the rotors,
and behavioral habituation on the part of the animals as helicopter
trips continue throughout the day. During the sessions of helicopter
activity, if present on Northwest Seal Rock, some animals may be
temporarily displaced from the island and either raft in the water or
relocate to other haul-outs.
Sea lions have shown habituation to helicopter flights within a day
at the project site and most animals are expected to return soon after
helicopter activities cease for that day. By clustering helicopter
arrival/departures within a short time period, we expect animals
present to show less response to subsequent landings. NMFS anticipates
no impact on the population size or breeding stock of Steller sea
lions, California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, or northern fur
seals.
In summary, NMFS anticipates that impacts to hauled-out pinnipeds
during the Society's proposed helicopter operations and restoration/
maintenance activities would be behavioral harassment of limited
duration (i.e., less than three days a month) and limited intensity
(i.e., temporary flushing at most). NMFS does not expect stampeding,
and therefore injury or mortality to occur (see ``Mitigation'' for more
details). Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects
of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and
taking into consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring
and mitigation measures, NMFS finds that the total marine mammal take
from the Society's proposed survey activities will have a negligible
impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks.
Small Numbers
As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that the Society's proposed
activities could potentially affect, by Level B harassment only, four
species of marine mammal under our jurisdiction. For each species,
these estimates are small numbers (each, less than or equal to one
percent) relative to the population size. These incidental harassment
take numbers represent approximately 0.32 percent of the U.S. stock of
California sea lion, 0.42 percent of the eastern U.S. stock of Steller
sea lion, 0.11 percent of the California stock of Pacific harbor seals,
and 0.05 percent of the San Miguel Island stock of northern fur seal.
Based on the analysis contained in this notice of the likely
effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat,
and taking into consideration the implementation of the mitigation and
monitoring measures, NMFS finds that the Society's proposed activities
would be limited to small numbers of marine mammals relative to the
populations of the affected species or stocks.
Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for
Subsistence Uses
There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated
by this action. Therefore, NMFS has determined that the total taking of
affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact
on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for
subsistence purposes.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
NMFS does not expect that the Society's proposed helicopter
operations and restoration/maintenance activities would affect any
species listed under the ESA. Therefore, NMFS has determined that a
section 7 consultation under the ESA is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
To meet our NEPA requirements for the issuance of an Authorization
to the Society, NMFS has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in
2010 that was specific to conducting aircraft operations and
restoration and maintenance work on the St. George Reef Light Station.
The EA, titled ``Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to
Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to Conducting Aircraft
Operations, Lighthouse Restoration and Maintenance Activities on St.
George Reef Lighthouse Station in Del Norte County, California,''
evaluated the impacts on the human environment of our authorization of
incidental Level B harassment resulting from the specified activity in
the specified geographic region. At that time, NMFS concluded that
issuance of an annual Authorization would not significantly affect the
quality of the human environment and issued a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) for the 2010 EA regarding the Society's activities. In
conjunction with the Society's 2015 application, NMFS has again
reviewed the 2010 EA and determined that there are no new direct,
indirect, or cumulative impacts to the human and natural environment
associated with the Authorization requiring evaluation in a
supplemental EA and NMFS, therefore, reaffirms the 2010 FONSI. An
electronic copy of the EA and the FONSI for this activity is available
upon request (see ADDRESSES).
Authorization
NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization to the St.
George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society for conducting helicopter
operations and restoration activities on the St. George Light Station
in the northeast Pacific Ocean, February 19, 2016, through February 18,
2017, provided they incorporate the previously mentioned mitigation,
monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Dated: February 19, 2016.
Perry F. Gayaldo,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03999 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P