Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale, 34571-34588 [06-5439]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 115 (Thursday, June 15, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34571-34588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5439]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 226

[Docket No. 060228057-6057-01; I.D. 022206D]
RIN 0648-AU38


Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical 
Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to 
designate critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale 
(Orcinus orca) distinct population segment (DPS), which was recently 
listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Three 
specific areas are proposed for designation: The Summer Core Area in 
Haro Strait and waters around the San Juan Islands; Puget Sound; and 
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which comprise approximately 2,564 square 
miles (6,641 sq km) of marine habitat. We propose to exclude 18 
military sites, comprising approximately 112 square miles (291 sq km), 
because of national security impacts.
    We are soliciting comments from the public on all aspects of the 
proposal, including information on the economic, national security, and 
other relevant impacts of the proposed designation, as well as the 
benefits to Southern Resident killer whales from designation. A draft 
economic analysis, biological report, and Section 4(b)(2) report 
conducted in support of this proposal are also available for public 
review and comment.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by close of 
business on August 14, 2006. Public meetings have been scheduled for 
July 12, 2006, 7-9 p.m., at the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA and July 
13, 2006, 7-9 p.m., at the Whale Museum, Friday Harbor, WA. Requests 
for additional public hearings must be made in writing by July 31, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
     E-mail: orcahabitat.nwr@noaa.gov. E-mail comments, with or 
without attachments, are limited to 5 megabytes.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions at that site for submitting comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments and information to Chief, 
Protected Resources Division, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, 
Portland, OR 97232-1274.
    The proposed rule, maps, stock assessments, listing rule, 
biological and economic analyses, and other materials relating to this 
proposal can be found on our Web site at https://www.nwr.noaa.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynne Barre at (206) 526-4745, or 
Marta Nammack at (301) 713-1401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), we are 
responsible for determining whether certain species, subspecies, or 
distinct population segments (DPS) are threatened or endangered, and 
designating critical habitat for them (16 U.S.C. 1533). In November 
2005, we listed the Southern Resident killer whale DPS as endangered 
under the ESA (70 FR 69903; November 18, 2005). At the time of listing, 
we also announced our intention to propose critical habitat for the 
Southern Resident killer whale.
    Section 3 of the ESA defines critical habitat as ``(i) the specific 
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species, at the time 
it is listed * * *, on which are found those physical or biological 
features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) 
which may require special management considerations or protection; and 
(ii) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time it is listed * * *, upon a determination by the 
Secretary that such areas are essential for the conservation of the 
species.'' Section 3 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1532(3)) also defines the 
terms ``conserve,'' ``conserving,'' and ``conservation'' to mean: ``to 
use, and the use of, all methods and procedures which are necessary to 
bring any endangered species or threatened species to the point at 
which the measures provided pursuant to this chapter are no longer 
necessary.''
    Section 4 of the ESA requires that, before designating critical 
habitat, we consider economic impacts, impacts on national security, 
and other relevant impacts of specifying any particular area as 
critical habitat. The Secretary may exclude any area from critical 
habitat if he determines that the benefits of exclusion outweigh the 
benefits of designation, unless excluding an area from critical habitat 
will result in the extinction of the species concerned. Once critical 
habitat is designated, section 7(a)(2) of the ESA requires that each 
Federal agency, in consultation with us and with our assistance, ensure 
that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to 
result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.

Killer Whale Natural History

    Killer whales are the world's largest dolphin. The sexes show 
considerable size dimorphism, with males attaining maximum lengths and 
weights of 29.5 feet (9 m) and 12,275 pounds (5,568 kg), respectively, 
compared to 25.3 feet (7.7 m) and 8,400 pounds (3,810 kg) for females 
(Dahlheim and Heyning, 1999). Adult males develop larger pectoral 
flippers, dorsal fins, tail flukes, and girths than females (Clark and 
Odell, 1999). Maximum life span is estimated to be 80-90 years for 
females and 50-60 years for males (Olesiuk et al., 1990). Animals are 
black dorsally and have a white ventral region extending from the chin 
and lower face to the belly and anal region. Each whale has a uniquely 
shaped and scarred dorsal fin and saddle patch, which permits animals 
to be individually recognized, as depicted in photo-identification 
catalogs, such as those compiled for the northeastern Pacific region 
(e.g., Black et al., 1997; Dahlheim, 1997; Dahlheim et al., 1997; van 
Ginneken et al., 1998; 2000; 2005; Matkin et al., 1999; Ford and Ellis, 
1999; Ford et al., 2000).
    Three distinct forms of killer whales, termed residents, 
transients, and offshores, are recognized in the northeastern Pacific 
Ocean. Although there is considerable overlap in their ranges, these 
forms display significant genetic differences due to a lack of 
reproductive interchange (Stevens et al., 1989; Hoelzel and Dover, 
1991; Hoelzel et al., 1998; Barrett-Lennard, 2000; Barrett-Lennard and 
Ellis, 2001; Krahn et al., 2004). There are also important differences 
in ecology, behavior, morphology, and acoustics among these three forms 
(Baird, 2000; Ford et al., 2000).
    Resident killer whales in U.S. waters are distributed from Alaska 
to California, with four distinct communities recognized: Southern, 
Northern, Southern Alaska, and Western Alaska (Krahn et al., 2002; 
2004). The Southern Resident DPS consists of three pods, identified as 
J, K, and L pods, that reside for part of the year in the inland 
waterways of Washington State and British Columbia (Strait of Georgia,

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Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound), principally during the late 
spring, summer, and fall (Ford et al., 2000; Krahn et al., 2002). Pods 
visit coastal sites off Washington and Vancouver Island (Ford et al., 
2000), but travel as far south as central California and as far north 
as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Offshore movements and distribution are 
largely unknown for the Southern Resident DPS.
    Social organization in this region is based on maternal kinship. 
Most mating in the North Pacific is believed to occur from May to 
October (Nishiwaki, 1972; Olesiuk et al., 1990; Matkin et al., 1997). 
However, small numbers of conceptions apparently happen year-round, as 
evidenced by births of calves in all months. Calves remain close to 
their mothers during their first year of life, often swimming slightly 
behind and to the side of the mother's dorsal fin. Weaning age remains 
unknown, but nursing probably ends at 1 to 2 years of age (Haenel, 
1986; Kastelein et al., 2003). Mothers and offspring maintain highly 
stable social bonds throughout their lives, and this natal relationship 
is the basis for the matrilineal social structure (Bigg et al., 1990; 
Baird, 2000; Ford et al., 2000). A matriline is usually composed of a 
female, her sons and daughters, and offspring of her daughters, and 
contains up to 17 individuals spanning up to five generations. Members 
maintain extremely strong bonds, and individuals seldom separate from 
the group for more than a few hours.
    Although there is considerable overlap in the geographic ranges of 
Southern and Northern Resident killer whales, pods from the two 
communities have not been observed to intermix (Ford et al., 2000). 
Genetic analyses using nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial DNA 
indicate that the two communities are most likely reproductively 
isolated from each other (Hoelzel et al., 1998; Barrett-Lennard, 2000; 
Barrett-Lennard and Ellis, 2001). Recent paternity analyses using 
microsatellite DNA indicate that resident males nearly always mate with 
females outside of their own pods, thereby reducing the risks of 
inbreeding (Barrett-Lennard, 2000; Barrett-Lennard and Ellis, 2001).
    Based on scale sampling and stomach contents studies, Southern 
Resident killer whales are known to consume 22 species of fish and one 
species of squid (Scheffer and Slipp, 1948; Ford et al., 1998; 2000; 
Ford and Ellis, 2005; Saulitis et al., 2000). Most published 
information originates from a single study (Ford et al., 1998; Ford and 
Ellis, 2005) in British Columbia, including southeastern Vancouver 
Island, that focused primarily on Northern Residents, relied on several 
field techniques susceptible to bias (e.g., surface observations and 
scale sampling), and reported on a relatively small sample of 
observations for Southern Residents. Of the 487 records of apparent 
fish predation events from 1974-2004, only 68 (14 percent) observations 
came from Southern Residents. While this information is limited, it is 
the best information available.
    In this study, salmon were found to represent over 96 percent of 
the prey during the summer and fall. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus 
tshawytscha) were selected over other species, comprising over 70 
percent of the identified salmonids taken. This preference occurred 
despite the much lower abundance of Chinook in the study area in 
comparison to other salmonids and is probably related to the species' 
large size, high fat and energy content, and year-round occurrence in 
the area. Other salmonids eaten in smaller amounts included chum (O. 
keta, 22 percent of the diet), pink (O. gorbuscha, three percent), coho 
(O. kisutch, two percent), and sockeye (O. nerka, one percent) salmon, 
and steelhead (O. mykiss, less than one percent) (Ford and Ellis, 
2005). This work suggests an overall preference for Chinook salmon 
during the summer and fall, but also revealed extensive feeding on chum 
salmon in the fall. Rockfish (Sebastes spp.), Pacific halibut 
(Hippoglossus stenolepis), and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) were 
also observed during predation events (Ford and Ellis, 2005), but in 
much smaller amounts. This study may underestimate the extent of 
feeding on bottom fish (Baird, 2000) because it is more difficult to 
observe predation on bottom fish.
    A number of smaller flatfish, lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), 
greenling (Hexagrammos spp.), and squid have been identified in stomach 
content analyses of resident whales (Ford et al., 1998). Additional 
sampling of prey remains in 2004 and 2005 also indicate consistent 
primary selection of Chinook by the Southern Residents in the seasons 
sampled (NWFSC, unpubl. data).
    The energy requirements of killer whales are about 85,000 kcal per 
day for juveniles, 100,000 kcal per day for immatures, 160,000 kcal per 
day for adult females, and 200,000 kcal per day for adult males 
(Osborne, 1999). Based on these values and an average size for five 
salmon species combined, Osborne (1999) estimated that adults must 
consume about 28-34 adult salmon daily and that younger whales (<13 
years of age) need 15-17 salmon daily to maintain their energy 
requirements. These data provide a ``rule of thumb'' of approximately 
25 salmon per day per whale, estimated over all age classes. We 
estimate that a Southern Resident DPS of 90 individuals would eat about 
820,000 adult salmon annually (Osborne, 1999). This does not, however, 
account for any other prey species and is therefore likely an 
overestimate of potential salmon consumption. The average fish size in 
the extrapolation was based on a combination of five species, so the 
estimate also does not account for consumption of varying amounts of 
different species of salmon.
    As with other delphinids, killer whales hear sounds through the 
lower jaw and other portions of the head, which transmit the sound 
signals to receptor cells in the middle and inner ears (Mhl et al., 
1999; Au, 2002). Hearing ability extends from one to at least 120 kHz, 
but is most sensitive in the range of 18-42 kHz (Szymanski et al., 
1999). The most sensitive frequency is 20 kHz, which corresponds with 
the approximate peak energy of the species' echolocation clicks 
(Szymanski et al., 1999). Clicks are brief pulses of ultrasonic sound 
given singly or more often in series known as click trains. They are 
used primarily for navigation and discriminating prey and other objects 
in the surrounding environment, but are also commonly heard during 
social interactions and may have a communication function (Barrett-
Lennard et al., 1996). Killer whales locate their prey through a 
combination of echolocation and passive listening (Barrett-Lennard et 
al., 1996), but probably rely on vision and echolocation during 
capture.
    Vocal communication is particularly advanced in killer whales and 
is an essential element of the species' complex social structure. Like 
all dolphins, killer whales produce numerous types of vocalizations 
that are useful in navigation, communication, and foraging (Dahlheim 
and Awbrey, 1982; Ford, 1989; Barrett-Lennard et al., 1996; Ford et 
al., 2000; Miller, 2002; Miller et al., 2004). Dialects are complex and 
stable over time, and are unique to single pods. Call patterns and 
structure are also distinctive within matrilines (Miller and Bain, 
2000). Individuals likely learn their dialect through contact with 
their mother and other pod members (Ford, 1989; 1991; Miller and Bain, 
2000). Distinct vocal repertoires, or dialects, may be a mechanism that 
guides breeding with individuals

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outside of natal pods, but within the resident group.
    Killer whales frequent a variety of marine habitats that do not 
appear to be constrained by water depth, temperature, or salinity 
(Baird, 2000). They are highly mobile, can cover large distances, and 
range over a variety of habitats, including inland waters and open 
ocean coastal areas.
    The Southern Residents spend large amounts of time in ``core'' 
inland marine waters coinciding with congregations of migratory salmon 
returning from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in U.S. and Canadian Rivers. 
The topographic and oceanographic features in these core areas include 
channels and shorelines which congregate prey and assist with foraging. 
Southern Residents are large mammals requiring abundant food sources to 
sustain metabolic processes throughout the year. Prey availability 
changes seasonally, and Southern Residents appear to depend on 
different prey species and habitats throughout the year. The seasonal 
timing of salmon returns to Southern Puget Sound river systems likely 
influences the movements of Southern Residents out of core summer 
areas. Whales may travel significant distances to locate prey 
aggregations sufficient to support their numbers.

Physical or Biological Features Essential for Conservation (Primary 
Constituent Elements)

    Joint NMFS-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations for listing 
endangered and threatened species and designating critical habitat at 
50 CFR 424.12(b) state that the agencies ``shall consider those 
physical and biological features that are essential to the conservation 
of a given species and that may require special management 
considerations or protection (hereafter also referred to as `Essential 
Features' or `Primary Constituent Elements'/`PCEs').'' Pursuant to the 
regulations, such requirements include, but are not limited to, the 
following: (1) Space for individual and population growth, and for 
normal behavior; (2) food, water, air, light, minerals, or other 
nutritional or physiological requirements; (3) cover or shelter; (4) 
sites for breeding, reproduction, rearing of offspring, germination, or 
seed dispersal; and generally, (5) habitats that are protected from 
disturbance or are representative of the historic geographical and 
ecological distributions of a species. These regulations state that we 
shall focus on essential features within the specific areas considered 
for designation. These features ``may include, but are not limited to, 
the following: spawning sites, feeding sites, seasonal wetland or 
dryland, water quality or quantity, geological formation, vegetation 
type, tide, and specific soil types.''
    Fish are the major dietary component of resident killer whales in 
the northeastern Pacific, with 22 species of fish and one species of 
squid (Gonatopsis borealis) known to be eaten (Scheffer and Slipp, 
1948; Ford et al., 1998; 2000; Ford and Ellis, 2005; Saulitis et al., 
2000). Observations from this region indicate that salmon are clearly 
preferred as prey (Ford et al., 1998; Ford and Ellis, 2005) and are 
likely consumed in large amounts, as indicated by the estimates of 
total salmon consumed by the Southern Resident killer whale DPS. 
Sufficient prey abundance is necessary to support individual growth to 
reach sexual maturity and reproduction, including lactation and 
successful rearing of calves.
    In addition to a sufficient biomass of prey species, the prey must 
not have amounts of contaminants that exceed levels that can cause 
mortality or reproductive failure. Because of their long life span, 
position at the top of the food chain, and their blubber stores, killer 
whales accumulate high concentrations of contaminants. Organochlorines, 
such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and many other chemical 
compounds are a concern because of their ability to induce immune 
suppression, reproductive impairment, and other physiological damage, 
as observed in several species of marine mammals (Beland et al., 1998; 
Bergman et al., 1992; De Guise et al., 2003; Jepson et al., 1999; 
Reijinders, 2003; Ross, 2002). To move between important habitat areas, 
find prey, and fulfill other life history requirements, the Southern 
Resident killer whales require open waterways that are free from 
obstruction, such as in-water structures that block passage.
    Killer whale habitat use is dynamic, and specific breeding, calving 
or resting areas have not been documented. Births occur largely from 
October to March, but may take place in any month (Olesiuk et al., 
1990), and, therefore, potentially in any part of the whales' range. 
Southern Residents are highly mobile and can travel up to 100 miles 
(160 km) in a 24-hour period (Baird, 2000), allowing rapid movements 
between areas. These movements likely coincide with prey 
concentrations. Individual knowledge of productive feeding areas and 
other special habitats is probably important in the selection of 
locations visited and is likely a learned tradition passed from one 
generation to the next (Ford et al., 1998).
    Based on this natural history of the Southern Resident killer 
whales and their habitat needs, the physical or biological features of 
Southern Resident killer whale habitat identified in the proposal to 
list the species (69 FR 76673; December 22, 2004) were:
    (1) Water quality to support growth and development;
    (2) Prey species of sufficient quantity, quality and availability 
to support growth and development;
    (3) Sound levels that do not exceed thresholds that inhibit 
communication or foraging activities or result in temporary or 
permanent hearing loss; and
    (4) Safe passage conditions to support migration and foraging.
    NMFS received several comments on the features mentioned in the 
proposal to list the species. For purposes of this proposal to 
designate critical habitat, we have revised the PCEs as follows:
    (1) Water quality to support growth and development;
    (2) Prey species of sufficient quantity, quality and availability 
to support individual growth, reproduction and development, as well as 
overall population growth; and
    (3) Passage conditions to allow for migration, resting, and 
foraging.
    We are gathering additional information to assist us in evaluating 
sound as a potential PCE, see Public Comments Solicited.

Geographical Area Occupied by the Species

    Photo-identification studies, tracking by boats, and opportunistic 
sightings have provided considerable information on the ranges and 
movements of Southern Resident killer whales since the early 1970s. 
Ranges are best known from late spring to early autumn (May-September), 
when survey effort is greatest. During this period, all three Southern 
Resident pods--J, K and L--are regularly present in the Georgia Basin 
(defined as the Georgia Strait, San Juan Islands, and Strait of Juan de 
Fuca) (Heimlich-Boran, 1988; Felleman et al., 1991; Olson, 1998; 
Osborne, 1999).
    While in inland waters during summer months, all of the pods 
concentrate their activity in Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, the southern 
Gulf Islands, the northeastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and 
several localities in southern Georgia Strait (Heimlich-Boran, 1988; 
Felleman et al., 1991; Olson, 1998; Ford et al., 2000). Pods commonly 
occur and are observed foraging in areas where salmon frequent, 
especially during the times of year

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salmon are migrating to their natal rivers (Heimlich-Boran, 1986; 1988; 
Nichol and Shackleton, 1996). Notable concentrations include Haro 
Strait and Boundary Passage, the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 
Swanson Channel off North Pender Island, and the mouth of the Fraser 
River delta, which is visited by all three pods in September and 
October (Felleman et al., 1991; Ford et al., 2000). These sites are 
major corridors for migrating salmon.
    Individual pods are generally similar in their preferred areas of 
use (Olson, 1998), although some seasonal and temporal differences 
exist in areas used. All three pods typically arrive in May or June and 
spend most of their time in inland waters until departing in October or 
November. However, K and L pods make frequent trips lasting a few days 
to the outer coasts of Washington and southern Vancouver Island during 
this time period (Ford et al., 2000). During early autumn, Southern 
Resident pods, especially J pod, routinely expand their movements into 
Puget Sound, probably to take advantage of chum and Chinook salmon runs 
(Osborne, 1999). Additional studies currently underway have identified 
finer scale pod differences in seasonal movement patterns and use of 
core areas (Hauser et al., in prep).
    There are no confirmed sightings of Southern Resident killer whales 
inside Hood Canal. On one occasion in 1995, acoustic recordings from 
Dabob Bay were identified as J pod vocalizations (Unger, 1997). We do 
not consider this sufficient evidence of presence to find Hood Canal 
``within the geographical area occupied by the species.'' (Transient 
killer whales, in contrast, have been observed in Hood Canal on 
multiple occasions and have remained in Hood Canal for extended periods 
in the last several years.)
    We also do not consider extremely shallow waters of Puget Sound to 
be within the geographical area occupied by the species. Male killer 
whales grow to 29.5 feet (9m), and females to 25.3 feet (7.7m), which 
may limit maneuverability in shallow waters. Southern Residents are 
seldom observed in shallow waters. (This is in contrast to transient 
killer whales, which enter shallow water to capture seals and sea 
lions, and Northern Residents, which spend time in shallow water at 
rubbing beaches.) Because there is limited information, we are 
requesting information on killer whale use of shallow areas with less 
than 20 feet (6.1m) of water (see Public Comments Solicited).
    During the late fall, winter, and early spring, the ranges and 
movements of the Southern Residents are less well known. J pod 
continues to occur intermittently in the Georgia Basin and Puget Sound 
part of this time, but its location during apparent absences is 
uncertain (Osborne, 1999). One sighting of this pod was made off Cape 
Flattery, Washington, in March 2004 (Krahn et al., 2004). Prior to 
1999, K and L pods followed a general pattern in which they spent 
progressively smaller amounts of time in inland waters during October 
and November and departed them entirely by December of most years 
(Osborne, 1999). Sightings of both groups passing through the Strait of 
Juan de Fuca in late fall suggested that activity shifted to the outer 
coasts of Vancouver Island and Washington (Krahn et al., 2002), 
although it is unclear if the whales spend a substantial portion of 
their time in this area or simply transit to other locations.
    While there are considerable data on the use of inland waters of 
Washington, there is very little information on the movements of 
Southern Resident killer whales off the coast. Areas of activity of all 
pods are virtually unknown during their absences from inland waters. In 
the last 30 years of study, there are only 28 confirmed sightings in 
outside waters (Krahn et al., 2004; NWFSC unpubl. data). The majority 
of these sightings were opportunistic, with most occurring within 10 
miles (16.1 km) of shore, and we do not know how far from shore the 
Southern Residents range. Several new sightings occurred during the 
last 5 years, when effort was increased with dedicated ship surveys and 
expanded volunteer coastal sighting networks. Our knowledge of the 
southern and northern boundaries of the range has expanded with these 
new sightings from California and the Queen Charlotte Islands in recent 
years. At this time there are few data on how the whales are using 
offshore areas; however, some of the sightings included observations of 
feeding.
    There is an active research effort underway to identify coastal and 
offshore distribution of Southern Residents. We have increased outreach 
efforts to gather sighting information from coastal communities, vessel 
operators, and pilots along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and 
British Columbia. In addition, researchers are conducting dedicated 
ship surveys to locate the whales and observe their activities outside 
of Puget Sound. The research program is a long-term effort, but we hope 
to greatly increase the number of coastal observations in the next 5 
years. As new information is collected on the coastal and offshore 
distribution and habitat use, we hope to fill in the data gaps about 
the important habitat features of these coastal and offshore areas.
    NMFS regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(h) state: ``Critical habitat 
shall not be designated within foreign countries or in other areas 
outside of United States jurisdiction.'' Although the Southern 
Residents' range includes inland waters of Canada, we are not proposing 
these areas for designation.

Specific Areas Within the Geographical Area Occupied by the Species

    Several commenters stated that designating critical habitat was 
important for the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales and that 
designation should occur as soon as possible. Suggestions for essential 
features, and specific areas where they could be found, were general 
and included ``most of Puget Sound,'' ``Puget Sound and the Straits of 
Georgia and Juan de Fuca,'' and ``all internal waters of Washington 
State.''
    We reviewed the available information on Southern Resident 
distribution, habitat use and habitat needs in a biological report to 
assist in identifying critical habitat (NMFS, 2006a). Within the 
geographical area occupied by the Southern Resident killer whales we 
have identified three specific areas that contain essential habitat 
features. We have divided the inside waters of Washington State into 
specific areas based on the habitat features and the use patterns of 
the Southern Resident killer whales.
    We analyzed Southern Resident killer whale sightings data from The 
Whale Museum (Osborne, 2005; The Whale Museum Orca Master, 1990-2003) 
to assist in identifying specific areas based on habitat use patterns 
by the whales. The Whale Museum data are predominantly opportunistic 
sightings from a variety of sources, including public reports, 
commercial whale watching industry pager system, Soundwatch, Lime Kiln 
State Park land-based observations, and compilations of independent 
researcher reports. The data set does not account for level of effort 
by season or location, and, therefore, the sampling and data are biased 
(Osborne, 2005). The 1990-2003 Whale Museum data set is, however, the 
most comprehensive long-term data available to evaluate broad-scale 
whale distribution in inland waters at this time (with a total number 
of sighting records of 22,509). In order to evaluate frequency of use, 
our analysis of the sightings was limited to one unique location 
sighting, per location, per day to reduce the bias introduced by 
multiple sightings of the same whales in

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the same location on the same day (total number of unique sightings per 
day is 11,836). For the majority of the killer whale sightings the 
location reported was not an exact point location (Lat./Long.), and all 
locations were subsequently assigned to a center point in a quadrant 
system (Osborne, 2005). Almost half of the data is from the Whale Watch 
pager system created by the commercial whale watch industry and 
available to subscribers. A validation of recent pager data revealed 
greater than 90 percent accuracy in locating whales (Hauser et al., in 
prep).
    From the sightings and other data, we have identified three 
``specific areas,'' within the geographical area occupied by the 
species, that contain PCEs. We considered presence and movements of the 
whales, behavioral observations and studies, and other information to 
verify that one or more of the physical or biological features, or 
PCEs, can be found in these three areas. In some cases where direct 
data on PCEs were not available, we relied on distribution patterns of 
the whales to infer presence of PCEs.
    Area 1. Core Summer Area--Bordered to the North and West by the 
U.S./Canadian border, Area 1 includes the waters surrounding the San 
Juan Islands, the U.S. portion of the Southern Strait of Georgia, and 
areas directly offshore of Skagit and Whatcom counties. Prey species, 
one of the PCEs, are present in Area 1. Runs of salmon passing through 
Area 1 include Chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon, which 
have all been identified as prey for Southern Residents (Ford et al., 
1998; Ford and Ellis, 2005; NWFSC, unpubl. data). The Strait of Juan de 
Fuca, Haro and Georgia Straits are relatively narrow channels and 
concentrate salmon returning from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in U.S. 
and Canadian rivers. In particular, Area 1 lies near the mouth of the 
Fraser River, which has the largest salmon runs in the Georgia Basin/
Puget Sound region (Northcote and Atagi, 1997).
    Occurrence of Southern Residents in Area 1 coincides with 
concentrations of salmon. Southern Resident killer whales have been 
sighted in Area 1 during every month of the year, but sightings are 
more consistent and concentrated in the summer months of June through 
August. The Whale Museum database from 1990-2003 contains 11,836 unique 
sightings after duplicate locations on the same date are excluded. Of 
these, 8,508 are in U.S. waters, and 85 percent of the U.S. sightings 
are in Area 1. Although sighting effort in Area 1 is extensive during 
the summer months as compared to other areas, which biases the data, 
the strength of the summer use pattern would undoubtedly persist if 
accounting for sighting effort. Sighting data from 1976-1990, when 
effort was significantly lower, also reflects this pattern (Whale 
Museum, unpubl. data). The largest number of sightings in Washington's 
inland waters is from Haro Strait off the west side of San Juan Island. 
There are over 1,200 unique sightings from 1990-2003 in one quadrant 
off the west side of San Juan Island.
    Much of the behavioral research on Southern Residents takes place 
within Area 1. Southern Residents are observed exhibiting a variety of 
behaviors in this area, including travel, forage, social, and play. 
Resident whales spend 50-67 percent of their time foraging (Heimlich 
Boran, 1988; Ford, 1989; Morton, 1990; Felleman et al., 1991). 
Opportunities to forage are presumed to be a major factor attracting 
Southern Residents to Area 1, particularly in the summer months when it 
is considered a primary feeding area for all three pods (J, K, and L).
    Area 2. Puget Sound--south from Deception Pass Bridge, entrance to 
Admiralty Inlet, Hood Canal Bridge. Southern Resident killer whale 
occurrence in Area 2 has been correlated with fall salmon runs, a prey-
related PCE. Feeding has been observed in Area 2 (NWFSC, unpubl. data), 
though few behavioral studies have been conducted in this area. During 
the fall, Southern Residents, especially J pod, expand their movements 
into Puget Sound, likely taking advantage of chum and Chinook salmon 
runs (Osborne, 1999). A fall chum run was suggested as the likely 
reason for an extended presence of members of L pod in Dyes Inlet 
during October and November of 1997.
    Southern Resident killer whales have been sighted in parts of Area 
2 in all seasons despite limited search effort. The presence of 
Southern Residents in Area 2 is intermittent, with the smallest number 
of sightings in May-July. There are different sighting patterns in Area 
2 for the three pods. In the most southern portion of Area 2, south of 
Tacoma Narrows Bridge, there have been only a small number of Southern 
Resident sightings from October-January, with one additional sighting 
in April.
    Area 3. Strait of Juan de Fuca--Deception Pass Bridge, San Juan and 
Skagit County lines to the northeast, entrance to Admiralty Inlet to 
the southeast, U.S./Canadian border to the north, Bonilla Point/Tatoosh 
Island line to the West. All pods regularly use the Strait of Juan de 
Fuca for passage from Areas 1 and 2 to outside waters in the Pacific 
Ocean. Area 3 is predominantly a passage used to access outer coastal 
waters feeding grounds, including Swiftsure and La Perouse Banks, off 
Tofino, British Columbia, and off Westport, as well as other areas with 
unknown usage, such as the coast of northern California. Recent 
observations at Westport coincided with presence of a spring Chinook 
salmon run, although other species were also likely present (NWFSC, 
unpubl. data). The presence of migrating salmonids in the Strait of 
Juan de Fuca suggests that feeding might occur during times the whales 
are transiting. However, the whales are not known to spend long periods 
in localized areas in the Strait. Sightings of the Southern Residents 
in Area 3 are limited, particularly on the U.S. side of the 
international boundary, as there is little observation effort in the 
area, particularly to the west toward the Bonilla Point/Tatoosh Island 
line. Even with a small number of actual sightings, we can infer that 
the whales are using this corridor, and the passage PCE is present in 
Area 3 based on the inland and coastal sightings of whales. The Strait 
of Juan de Fuca is not the only transit corridor between inland waters 
and coastal British Columbia, and the whales occasionally use the 
Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait in Canadian waters as an 
alternate route.

Special Management Considerations

    The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a 
species meet the definition of critical habitat only if they contain 
physical or biological features that ``may require special management 
considerations or protection.'' Agency regulations at 50 CFR 424.02(j) 
define ``special management considerations or protection'' to mean 
``any methods or procedures useful in protecting physical and 
biological features of the environment for the conservation of listed 
species.'' Several forms of human activity have the potential to affect 
the habitat of killer whales and, specifically, the PCEs that are 
essential to their conservation.
    Most salmon stocks throughout the Northwest are at a fraction of 
their historic levels. Historically, overfishing was a major cause of 
decline. More recently the major cause is loss of freshwater habitat. 
Poor ocean conditions over the past two decades reduced populations 
already weakened by the degradation and loss of freshwater and estuary 
habitat, fishing pressures, hydropower system management, and hatchery 
practices.
    Continued regulation of contaminants and pollution in Puget Sound 
is also necessary to protect the prey PCE for

[[Page 34576]]

Southern Residents through management schemes, such as the National 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Contaminants enter 
marine waters and sediments from numerous sources, but are typically 
concentrated near areas of high human population and industrialization. 
Once in the environment these substances proceed up the food chain, 
accumulating in long-lived top predators like Southern Resident killer 
whales. Chemical contamination through the food chain continues to be a 
potential threat to Southern Resident killer whales, despite the 
enactment of modern pollution controls in recent decades, which were 
successful in reducing, but not eliminating, the presence of many 
contaminants in the environment.
    Oil spills are another source of contamination that can have long-
lasting impacts on habitat (although the primary concern with oil 
spills is the potential for direct injury to the whales). The 
Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard oversee the Oil 
Pollution Prevention regulations promulgated under the authority of the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act. There is a Northwest Area 
Contingency Plan, developed by the Northwest Area Committee, which 
serves as the primary guidance document for oil spill response in 
Washington and Oregon.
    Southern Residents are highly mobile and use a variety of areas for 
foraging and other activities, as well as for traveling between these 
areas. Human activities can interfere with movements of the whales and 
impact the passage PCE. In particular, vessels may present obstacles to 
whale passage, causing the whales to swim further and change direction 
more often, which potentially increases energy expenditure for whales 
and impacts foraging behavior (although this effect of vessels is 
primarily a direct effect on the whales rather than an effect on their 
habitat).
    Major categories of habitat-related activities which may require 
special management considerations or protection include fishery 
management, vessel activities, and water quality management. All of 
these activities have the potential to affect the PCEs by altering prey 
abundance, prey contamination levels, and passage between areas.

Features Which May Require Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in Each Specific Area

    Area 1. Area 1 likely has areas of low to moderate levels of 
contaminated sediments. Levels of contaminants in marine mammals such 
as harbor seals show a trend of decreasing levels of contamination 
moving north from South Puget Sound to the San Juans and up into 
Canadian waters (Jeffries et al., 2003; Ross et al., 2004). Exposure to 
contaminants for species of salmon depends on feeding patterns and may 
also be linked to salmon spending different amounts of time in Puget 
Sound (O'Neill et al., 2005). Three of the four major oil refineries in 
Puget Sound are located in Area 1. There is commercial and recreational 
fishing for salmon and other species in Area 1, and effort is 
seasonally dependent on fish abundance.
    Area 1 and nearby adjoining Canadian waters contain the highest 
level of commercial and recreational whale watching activity in the 
region. The majority of both Canadian- and U.S.-based whale watching 
vessels originate from ports and marinas in Area 1, although there are 
a small number of vessels originating from ports in Areas 2 and 3 
(Hauser et al., in prep). Fishing vessels, ferries, oil tankers, and 
commercial shipping vessels are also present in Area 1, which contains 
a major shipping channel along the U.S.-Canada border.
    Area 2. Contaminated sediment levels in Area 2 likely range from 
low/moderate (northern portions) to very high (e.g., near Tacoma). A 
higher number of NPDES permits are issued in Area 2 than in Areas 1 or 
3. One of the four major oil refineries in Puget Sound is located in 
Area 2. Considerable vessel traffic (including shipping, oil tanker and 
ferry traffic) occurs in Area 2, and the ports of Seattle and Tacoma 
are located in Area 2. Whale watching may be expanding in Area 2 to 
include fall months following the primary summer whale watch season. 
There is commercial and recreational fishing for salmon and other 
species in Area 2, and effort is seasonally dependent on fish 
abundance.
    Area 3. Contaminated sediment levels in Area 3 likely range from 
low to moderate with isolated spots of moderate/high levels (e.g., Port 
Angeles). Area 3 contains a major shipping lane for commercial shipping 
vessels entering and departing major U.S. ports of Seattle and Tacoma, 
and Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Oil tankers also use the 
shipping lane to transport crude oil to the four major refineries in 
Puget Sound. There is little whale watching activity in Area 3. There 
is commercial and recreational fishing for salmon and other species in 
Area 3, and effort is seasonally dependent on fish abundance.

Coastal and Offshore Areas

    We have few data on Southern Resident distribution and habitat use 
of coastal and offshore areas in the Pacific Ocean. While we know that 
the whales occupy these waters for a portion of the year and they are 
considered part of the geographical area occupied by the species, we do 
not have detailed information about distribution, behavior, and 
habitat. While we can infer that some of the PCEs, such as prey, must 
be present to support the whales, we do not have sufficient data to 
describe them adequately and identify ``specific areas'' with those 
features. Based on the difficulties of determining PCEs, we cannot 
assess the human activities affecting them or the special management 
considerations for their protection. At this time we are not proposing 
to designate coastal or offshore areas, though we do recognize that 
they are important for the Southern Resident killer whales. There is an 
active research program to fill the data gaps regarding coastal and 
offshore distribution and habitat features, and we anticipate obtaining 
additional data in the coming years. We will consider new information 
as it becomes available to inform future considerations of critical 
habitat for Southern Residents.

Unoccupied Areas

    ESA section 3(5)(A)(ii) further defines critical habitat to include 
``specific areas outside the geographical area occupied'' if the areas 
are determined by the Secretary to be ``essential for the conservation 
of the species.'' Regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(e) specify that NMFS 
``shall designate as critical habitat areas outside the geographical 
area presently occupied by a species only when a designation limited to 
its present range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the 
species.'' At the present time we have not identified any areas outside 
the geographical area occupied by the species that are essential for 
its conservation, and, therefore, we are not proposing to designate any 
unoccupied areas. During the comment period we are requesting 
information on any potential unoccupied areas that may be essential for 
conservation.

Activities That May be Affected

    Section 4(b)(8) of the ESA requires that we describe briefly and 
evaluate, in any proposed or final regulation to designate critical 
habitat, those activities that may destroy or adversely modify such 
habitat or that may be affected by such designation. A wide variety of 
activities may affect critical

[[Page 34577]]

habitat and, when carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal 
agency, require an ESA section 7 consultation. Such activities include, 
but are not limited to, fishery management practices, vessel traffic, 
dredging and disposal, sub-marine cable/pipeline installation and 
repair, oil and gas exploration, pollutant discharge, and oil spill 
prevention and response.
    This proposed designation of critical habitat will provide Federal 
agencies, private entities, and the public with clear notification of 
proposed critical habitat for Southern Resident killer whales and the 
boundaries of the habitat. This proposed designation will also assist 
Federal agencies and others in evaluating the potential effects of 
their activities on critical habitat and in determining if ESA section 
7 consultation with NMFS is needed. Consistent with recent agency 
guidance on conducting adverse modification analyses (NMFS, 2005a), we 
will apply the statutory provisions of the ESA, including those in 
section 3 that define ``critical habitat'' and ``conservation,'' to 
determine whether a proposed action might result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat.

Application of ESA Section 4(b)(2)

    The foregoing discussion describes the specific areas that fall 
within the ESA section 3(5) definition of critical habitat and are 
eligible for designation as critical habitat. Specific areas eligible 
for designation are not automatically designated as critical habitat. 
Section 4(b)(2) of the ESA requires the Secretary to first consider the 
economic impact, impact on national security, and any other relevant 
impact of designation. The Secretary has the discretion to exclude an 
area from designation if he determines the benefits of exclusion (that 
is, avoiding the impact that would result from designation) outweigh 
the benefits of designation based upon best scientific and commercial 
data. The Secretary may not exclude an area from designation if 
exclusion will result in the extinction of the species. Because the 
authority to exclude is discretionary, exclusion is not required for 
any area.
    The first step in conducting an ESA section 4(b)(2) analysis is to 
identify the ``particular areas'' to be analyzed. ESA section 3(5) 
defines critical habitat in terms of ``specific areas,'' and ESA 
section 4(b)(2) requires the agency to consider certain factors before 
designating ``particular areas.'' Depending on the biology of the 
species, the characteristics of its habitat, and the nature of the 
impacts of designation, ``specific'' areas might be different from, or 
the same as, ``particular'' areas. For this designation, we analyzed 
two types of ``particular'' areas. Where we considered economic 
impacts, and weighed the economic benefits of exclusion against the 
conservation benefits of designation, we used the same biologically-
based ``specific'' areas we had identified under section 3(5)(A) (Areas 
1, 2, and 3). This delineation allowed us to most effectively consider 
the conservation value of the different areas when balancing 
conservation benefits of designation against economic benefits of 
designation. Where we considered impacts on national security, however, 
we instead used a delineation of ``particular'' areas based on 
ownership or control of the area. This delineation allowed us to 
compare and balance the benefits of designation and exclusion relative 
to land ownership and management.

Impacts of Designation

    ESA Section 4(b)(2) provides that the Secretary shall consider 
certain impacts before designating critical habitat: ``the Secretary 
shall designate critical habitat * * * on the basis of the best 
scientific data available and after taking into consideration the 
economic impact, impact to national security, and any other relevant 
impact of specifying any particular area as critical habitat.'' The 
primary impact of a critical habitat designation comes from the ESA 
section 7(a)(2) requirement that Federal agencies ensure their actions 
are not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. Determining this impact is complicated by the fact 
that section 7(a)(2) contains the overlapping requirement that Federal 
agencies must also ensure their actions are not likely to jeopardize 
the species' continued existence. The true impact of designation is the 
extent to which Federal agencies modify their actions to ensure their 
actions are not likely to adversely modify the critical habitat--beyond 
any modifications they would make because of listing and the jeopardy 
requirement. Additional impacts of designation include state and local 
protections that may be triggered as a result of designation, and 
benefits that may arise from education of the public to the importance 
of an area for species conservation. We did not identify state or local 
protections that may be triggered by this proposed designation, but 
have identified educational benefits. We discuss educational benefits 
in the ``Benefits of Designation'' section below.
    We have found it difficult to predict the incremental change in 
Federal agency activities as a result of critical habitat designation 
and the adverse modification prohibition, beyond the changes predicted 
to occur as a result of listing and the jeopardy prohibition. For 
example, in our recent critical habitat designations for salmon and 
steelhead, informed by a Tenth Circuit decision, we considered the 
``co-extensive'' impact of designation--that is, the predicted change 
in agency action as a result of critical habitat designation and the 
adverse modification prohibition, even if the same change would have 
occurred because of listing and the jeopardy prohibition. For the 
present rulemaking, we have again predicted the co-extensive impact of 
designation.
    We examined the types of Federal activities that may affect 
Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat. We identified three 
categories of activities that may affect killer whale critical habitat 
and therefore be subject to ESA section 7's adverse modification 
requirement: Salmon fishing, vessel traffic, and water quality 
management. Because killer whales are newly listed and we lack a 
consultation history, we necessarily had to make assumptions about what 
types of Federal activities might undergo section 7 consultation. We 
next considered the range of modifications we might seek in these 
activities to avoid adverse modification of Southern Resident killer 
whale critical habitat, again making assumptions, given the lack of 
consultation history. We relied on information from our proposed 
conservation plan for the Southern Resident killer whales developed 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (70 FR 57565; October 3, 2005), 
comments on that plan, comments on the proposed listing determination, 
and other information available to the agency to establish the types of 
activities and the potential range of changes.
    A draft economic report describes in detail the actions we assumed 
may be affected, the potential range of changes we might seek in those 
actions, and the estimate of economic impacts that might result from 
such changes (NMFS, 2006b). A separate draft ESA 4(b)(2) report 
describes which actions we consider more directly linked to habitat 
effects than species effects, as well as our consideration of benefits 
of designation versus benefits of exclusion (NMFS, 2006c). This report 
also describes the likelihood of an ESA section 7 consultation 
resulting in changes to each type of action. These reports are 
available on the NMFS Northwest Region Web site at https://
www.nwr.noaa.gov/. We are soliciting comments on our analysis of 
impacts and their potential benefits and costs.

[[Page 34578]]

Impacts of Designation Generally

    To predict potential impacts of designation, we first identified 
three categories of activities that may affect killer whale critical 
habitat and therefore be subject to ESA section 7 consultation and the 
adverse modification prohibition: Salmon fishing, vessel traffic, and 
water quality management. For salmon fishing, we considered a range of 
potential changes: Reductions in commercial and recreational salmon 
fishing from 5 percent to 50 percent, and closures of fisheries in 
different catch management areas. We could not identify a federal nexus 
for a section 7 consultation on vessel traffic that would relate to the 
effects of vessels on killer whale passage. (The only vessels we 
identified with a section 7 nexus were U.S. vessels, such as military, 
Coast Guard, etc., and ferries, which receive federal funding. However, 
since these vessels do not affect the whales' ability to pass freely 
among areas, we do not anticipate section 7 consultations will have any 
habitat-related impacts on operations of these vessels.) For actions 
related to water quality management, we considered it too speculative 
to predict either the actions that might undergo ESA section 7 
consultation or the types of changes we might seek.
    Where possible, we allocated impacts to each particular area. For 
impacts to salmon fisheries, we did allocate impacts to particular 
areas but recognize that because of the migratory behavior of salmon 
(in contrast to fixed habitat features), designation of any area has 
the potential to affect harvest in other areas.
    In considering potential impacts for each particular area, we kept 
in mind certain analytical limitations resulting in part from our lack 
of a consultation history: Not all activity types are equally likely to 
incur changes as a result of ESA section 7 consultation; all estimates 
are based on potential changes resulting from section 7 consultation, 
regardless of whether the modifications are the result of the 
``jeopardy'' or ``adverse modification'' prohibition of section 7; 
within each activity type, estimates are based on potential changes, so 
there is a wide range of estimated impacts; while some impacts are 
allocated to a particular area, they could result because of other 
areas being designated. Regarding the first two limitations, we have 
attempted in this analysis to weigh impacts of designation according to 
whether they are more or less likely to occur, and whether they are 
more closely associated with jeopardy or adverse modification, as 
described below.
    Regarding the first limitation, we considered each of the activity 
types and how likely it was that a change in a proposed Federal action 
would be required as a result of ESA section 7 consultation. We 
considered some changes to be ``likely'' (it is foreseeable a change 
will occur in most cases); some changes to be ``potential'' (it is 
foreseeable a change will occur but we currently lack data to predict 
with any confidence the nature and extent of the change); or 
``unlikely'' (it is foreseeable a change will not occur in most cases). 
In balancing the benefits of designation against the benefits of 
exclusion, we gave greater weight to changes we considered ``likely'' 
or ``potential'' than to changes we considered ``unlikely.''
    Regarding the overlapping prohibitions of section 7 under the ESA, 
we analyzed each type of activity to determine whether it directly 
affects individual members of the species or affects them through a 
habitat modification (that is, does the activity bear a more direct 
relationship to the jeopardy or adverse modification prohibition of 
section 7?). In balancing the benefits of designation against the 
benefits of exclusion, we gave greater weight to changes we considered 
as having a more direct relationship to adverse modification of 
critical habitat and less weight to changes we considered as having a 
more direct relationship to jeopardy. Table 1 summarizes the nature and 
likelihood of impact for each type of activity, and Table 2 depicts the 
relative weight we gave each impact as a result of these 
considerations. A summary of how we assigned the likelihood, nature of 
impacts, and weights follows the tables.

      Table 1.--Nature and Likelihood of Impact Resulting From ESA Section 7 Consultation, by Activity Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Essential feature
           Activity type              affected  and nature      Type of impact        Likelihood of  section 7
                                           of effect                                           impact
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fisheries..........................  --Affects prey.......  Harvest reduction or   Potential
                                     --Potential to impact   change in timing,
                                      individuals and        location, etc. by
                                      habitat modification.  critical habitat
                                                             area.
                                                            Harvest closure by     Unlikely.
                                                             management area.
Water Quality Management--           --Affects prey.......  Changes in NPDES       Potential.
 Contaminants.                       --Stronger connection   standards.
                                      to habitat
                                      modification.
                                                            Changes in sewer and   Potential.
                                                             stormwater runoff
                                                             standards.
Water Quality Management--Oil        --Affects water        Changes in oil spill   Unlikely.
 Spills.                              quality.               regulations.
                                     --Stronger connection
                                      to impact on
                                      individuals.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Table 2.--Impact of Designation--Relative Weights for Each Type of Activity
                    [Greatest Weight at Top Left of the Matrix, Least Weight at Bottom Right]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Likely (high
                                                            weight)            Potential           Unlikely
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Likelihood of change occurring as a result of section 7 consultation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relationship to section 7:        Adverse             ..................  --Water Quality
 jeopardy vs. adverse              modification                            Management
 modification.                     (high weight).                          (NPDES).
                                                                          --Sewer and
                                                                           stormwater runoff.
                                  Both..............  ..................  --Harvest           --Harvest closure
                                                                           Reduction or        by management
                                                                           Modification.       area.

[[Page 34579]]

 
                                  Jeopardy..........  ..................  ..................  --Changes in oil
                                                                                               spill
                                                                                               regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Salmon Fishing. We considered changes to salmon harvest, either 
through harvest reductions or changes in timing or location of fishing 
effort to be ``potential.'' The limited available information about 
killer whale foraging indicates salmon are their primary prey species 
(NMFS, 2006a). We are therefore likely to focus ESA section 7 
consultations on actions affecting salmon abundance, particularly in 
times and areas where the whales are foraging. There is presently 
little direct information, however, about the interactions between 
salmon harvest and foraging success of whales. Because we presently 
lack information allowing us to predict the nature and extent of any 
changes we might seek, we consider reductions in salmon harvest or 
changes in the location and timing of harvest as ``potential'' impacts 
of section 7 consultation. In contrast, we considered harvest closure 
by management area ``unlikely'' because the management areas are large, 
not necessarily aligned with whale foraging areas, would likely involve 
species that may not be important components of the Southern Residents' 
diet, and could include large numbers of fish that surpass the 
nutritional requirements of the whales for some catch areas.
    We considered fishing to have an equally strong connection to both 
the jeopardy and the adverse modification prohibitions of ESA section 
7. Salmon fishing directly affects individual members of the species by 
reducing the amount of food available, and, therefore, potentially 
affecting the ability of individual animals to meet their nutritional 
requirements. Salmon are also one of the biological features in the 
habitat essential to conservation of the whales, so fishing also 
modifies critical habitat by removing prey. Because changes in 
fisheries through catch reductions or changes in timing and location 
are potential, and because they have a connection to both the jeopardy 
and adverse modification prohibition of section 7, we gave these 
potential changes a moderate weight (see Table 2). We gave area 
management closures a low weight because, while they have a connection 
to both the jeopardy and adverse modification prohibitions, they are 
unlikely.
    Water Quality Management. We considered changes in water quality 
management through changes in NPDES standards or changes in sewer and 
stormwater runoff standards to be ``potential.'' Presently, we lack 
sufficient information about the relationships among the sources of 
contaminants, their movement through the food chain, and their impact 
on killer whales to determine what changes we might seek. Once we have 
more information, however, we anticipate some changes may be required. 
Our ability to estimate impacts of designation is also complicated by 
the fact that the State of Washington has many efforts already underway 
to address water quality issues (PSAT, 2005) and recently announced a 
new Puget Sound Partnership initiative to restore and protect Puget 
Sound. These efforts would presumably be in addition to existing 
requirements under the Clean Water Act and other applicable standards. 
Any new requirements imposed or efforts undertaken by the state and 
local governments would alter the baseline conditions, which we use to 
determine the impacts of designation. We considered changes to oil 
spill regulations unlikely because we believe additional oil spill 
regulations are not needed to meet sec