Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Physical Oceanographic Studies in the Southwest Indian Ocean, January Through February, 2012, 4014-4022 [2012-1708]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 17 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4014-4022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1708]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA871


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Physical Oceanographic Studies in the Southwest Indian Ocean, January 
Through February, 2012

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), 
notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental 
Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the United States Navy (Navy) to take 
marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting physical 
oceanographic studies in the southwest Indian Ocean.

DATES: Effective January 23, 2012, through March 7, 2012.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and application are available by writing 
to P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office 
of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    An electronic copy of the application containing a list of 
references used in this document may be obtained by writing to the 
above address, telephoning the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. NMFS wrote an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) and prepared a Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FONSI), which are available at the same Internet address. 
Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by appointment, during 
regular business hours, at the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Magliocca, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 
as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs the Secretary of 
Commerce to authorize, upon request, the incidental, but not 
intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals of a species or 
population stock, by United States citizens who engage in a specified 
activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified 
geographical region if certain findings are made and, if the taking is 
limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided 
to the public for review.
    Authorization for the incidental taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a 
negligible impact on the species or stock(s), and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant). The authorization must 
set forth the permissible methods of taking, other means of effecting 
the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its 
habitat, and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and 
reporting of such takings. 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.''
    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process 
by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization 
to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment. 
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA establishes a 45-day time limit for 
NMFS' review of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and 
comment period on any proposed authorizations for the incidental 
harassment of small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the 
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny the 
authorization.
    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].

Summary of Request

    NMFS received an application on August 15, 2011, from the United 
States Navy (Navy) for the taking of marine mammals, by Level B 
harassment, incidental to conducting physical oceanographic studies in 
the southwest Indian Ocean. Upon receipt of additional information, 
NMFS determined the application complete and adequate on September 14, 
2011.
    The Navy plans to use one source vessel, the R/V Melville 
(Melville), and a seismic airgun array to obtain high resolution 
imaging of ocean mixing dynamics at the Agulhas Return Current and 
Antarctic Circumpolar Currents (ARC/ACC) in a research project titled 
ARC12. The Melville will spend 14 days on seismic oceanography surveys 
and three days on acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) mooring 
deployments and recoveries, other oceanographic sampling methods, and 
transit to and from the study site.
    Acoustic stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated 
during the operation of the airgun array has the potential to cause 
short-term behavioral disturbance for marine mammals in the survey 
area. This is the principal means of marine mammal taking associated 
with these activities, and the Navy has requested an authorization to 
take 30 species of marine mammals by Level B harassment. NMFS does not 
expect the use of the multibeam echosounder (MBES), subbottom profiler 
(SBP), or ADCPs to result in any take that has not already been 
considered in the discussion of the airguns, which will operate 24 
hours per day. Take is also not expected to result from collision with 
the Melville because it is a single vessel moving at relatively slow 
speeds during seismic acquisition within the survey, for a relatively 
short period of time.

Description of the Specified Activity

    The Navy's physical oceanographic studies are scheduled to commence 
on January 23, 2012, and continue for approximately 17 days ending on 
February 8, 2012. Some deviation from this timeline is possible due to 
logistics and weather conditions. NMFS is issuing an authorization that 
extends from January 23, 2012, through March 7, 2012.
    Within this time period, the Navy will conduct seismic oceanography 
surveys using a towed array of two low-energy

[[Page 4015]]

105 in\3\ generator-injector (GI) airguns. The Melville is scheduled to 
depart from Cape Town, South Africa, on January 23, 2012, and transit 
to the survey area near the Agulhas Plateau, off the southern tip of 
Africa. The exact location of the ARC/ACC front in January cannot be 
predetermined due to the natural meander of the currents, but studies 
will most likely take place within the boundaries of 36[deg]S to 
43[deg]S and 19[deg]E to 30[deg]E. The exact locations of the ARC/ACC 
frontal system will be determined on site using high-resolution 
conductivity-temperature-depth measurements. The total area of this 
region is about 207,500 nautical miles\2\ (Nm\2\) (713,000 
kilometers\2\ [km\2\]). The proposed study will take place in water 
depths of approximately 1,000 to 5,200 meters (m). The survey will 
require approximately 17 days to complete approximately 2,489 km of 
transect lines, and be comprised of multiple transects across and along 
the ARC/ACC front.

Vessel Specifications

    The Melville, owned by the Navy, is a seismic research vessel with 
a propulsion system designed to be as quiet as possible to avoid 
interference with the seismic signals emanating from the airgun array. 
The vessel, which has a length of 97 m (318 feet [ft]); a beam of 14 m 
(46 ft); and a maximum draft of 5 m (16 ft); is powered by two 1,385 
horsepower (hp) Propulsion General Electric motors and a 900 hp 
retracting bow thruster. The Melville's operation speed during seismic 
acquisition will be approximately 7 to 11 km/hour (hr) (4 to 6 knots) 
and the cruising speed of the vessel outside of seismic operations will 
be about 20 km/hr (11 knots). The vessel also has a platform one deck 
below and forward of the bridge, which is positioned 12.5 m (41 ft) 
above the waterline and provides a relatively unobstructed 180 degree 
view forward. Aft views can be obtained along both the port and 
starboard decks.

Acoustic Source Specifications

Metrics Used in This Document

    This section includes a brief explanation of the sound measurements 
frequently used in the discussions of acoustic effects in this 
document. Sound pressure is the sound force per unit area, and is 
usually measured in micropascals ([mu]Pa), where 1 pascal (Pa) is the 
pressure resulting from a force of one newton exerted over an area of 
one square meter. Sound pressure level (SPL) is expressed as the ratio 
of a measured sound pressure and a reference level. The commonly used 
reference pressure level in underwater acoustics is 1 [mu]Pa, and the 
units for SPLs are dB re: 1 [mu]Pa.
    SPL (in decibels (dB)) = 20 log (pressure/reference pressure)
    SPL is an instantaneous measurement and can be expressed as the 
peak, the peak-peak (p-p), or the root mean square (rms). Rms, which is 
the square root of the arithmetic average of the squared instantaneous 
pressure values, is typically used in discussions of the effects of 
sounds on vertebrates and all references to SPL in this document refer 
to rms unless otherwise noted. SPL does not take the duration of a 
sound into account.

Seismic Airguns

    The Melville will deploy two GI guns, which are stainless steel 
cylinders charged with high pressure air that, when instantaneously 
released into the water column, generate sound. The GI guns will 
operate in harmonic mode (105 in\3\ in each of the generator and 
injector chambers for a total discharge volume of 210 in\3\) with a 
1,200 m long hydrophone streamer. GI guns will be energized 
simultaneously at 2,000 psi every 17 seconds (s). The GI gun array will 
emit sound at a frequency range of 10 to 188 Hertz (Hz) and reach a 
peak source level of 240 dB re 1 [micro]Pa. Seismic oceanography 
studies will be conducted 24 hours (hrs) per day for 14 days (336 hrs) 
and the GI guns will be towed at a depth of 3 to 9 m.

Characteristics of the Airgun Pulses

    Airguns function by venting high-pressure air into the water which 
creates an air bubble. The pressure signature of an individual airgun 
consists of a sharp rise and then fall in pressure, followed by several 
positive and negative pressure excursions caused by the oscillation of 
the resulting air bubble. The oscillation of the air bubble transmits 
sounds downward through the seafloor and the amount of sound 
transmitted in the near horizontal directions is reduced. However, the 
airgun array also emits sound that travels horizontally toward non-
target areas. The nominal source levels of the airgun array that will 
be used by the Navy on the Melville are 234 dB re: 1 
[mu]Pa(0-p) to 240 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa(p-p).

Predicted Sound Levels for the Airguns

    Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) developed a verified model 
that predicts impulsive sound pressure field propagation and accurately 
describes acoustic propagation in marine waters of depths greater than 
1,000 m. These model-generated sound propagation radii are routinely 
used for determination of received sound levels generated by impulsive 
sound sources, and have been previously applied in calculating the 
total ensonified area for use of two low-energy 105 in\3\ GI-guns. 
Modeled sound propagation radii of GI-gun sources that are the same or 
similar to the GI-guns used in this study, in water depths >1,000 m, 
are given in Table 1. These modeled acoustic propagation distances were 
applied in Environmental Assessments (EAs) and IHAs for seismic surveys 
conducted in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) off of Central 
America (NMFS, 2004), the Northern Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) (L-DEO, 2003; 
NMFS, 2007), and the Arctic Ocean (NMFS, 2006).
    For the ETP, one and three 105 in\3\ GI-gun arrays were modeled, 
with a source output level of 241 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(0-p) and 
247 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(p-p). For the GOMEX survey, GI-gun 
source output levels were (a) 237 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(0-p) and 
243 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(p-p); and (b) 229 dB re 1 
[micro]Pa(0-p) and 236 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(p-p). L-
DEO's modeling of a single G-gun has also been applied to a seismic 
survey in the Arctic Ocean. The source level for the 210 in\3\ G-gun 
was 246 dB re 1 [micro]Pa(0-p) and 253 dB re 1 
[micro]Pa(p-p). However, because the G-gun generates more 
energy than a GI-gun of the same size, the distances for received sound 
levels may be an overestimate for the lower energy dual 105 in\3\ GI-
gun source used in the ARC12 research project. The GI-gun is comprised 
of two, independently fired air chambers (the generator and the 
injector) to tune air bubble oscillation and minimize the amplitude of 
the acoustic pulse. In contrast, the G-gun is comprised of one chamber 
and generates a single, less refined injection of air into the water, 
which produces more acoustic energy than that of the GI-gun.

[[Page 4016]]



           Table 1--Modeled Sound Propagation Radii for Low-Energy Air-Gun Arrays for Depths >1,000 m
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                                                              Received sound levels (dB re 1 [micro]Pa RMS)
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
    Air-gun configuration      Water depth   Tow depth                                              Location
                                   (m)          (m)          190          180          160     -----------------
                                                                                                  Distance (m)
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1 GI-gun 105 in \3\..........       >1,000          2.5           10           27          275  ETP.
3 GI-guns 105 in \3\.........       >1,000          2.5           26           82          823  ETP.
2 GI-guns 105 in \3\ (a).....       >1,000            3           20           69          670  GOMEX.
2 GI-guns 105 in \3\ (b).....       >1,000            6           15           50          520  GOMEX.
1 G-gun 210 in \3\...........       >1,000            9           20           78          698  Arctic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on extant modeling, the proposed sound propagation radii for 
the two 105 in \3\ GI-guns are 20 m, 70 m, and 670 m for the 190, 180, 
and 160 dB re 1 [micro]Pa rms isopleths, respectively (Table 2). 
Empirical data indicate that for deep water (>1,000 m), the L-DEO model 
tends to overestimate the received sound level at a given distance 
(Tolstoy et al., 2004). It follows that the proposed sound propagation 
radii are considered conservative, and the actual distance at which 
received sound levels are 160 dB re 1 uPa rms or greater are expected 
to be less than that proposed. The proposed sound propagation radii are 
also consistent with recent modeling of sound propagation in the 
Southern Ocean (Breitzke and Bohlen, 2010).

                  Table 2--Sound Propagation Radii for the Dual 105 in \3\ GI-gun Array Proposed for Use in the ARC12 Research Project
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                                                                                                                Received levels (dB re 1 [micro]Pa)
                 Acoustic source                    Frequency (Hz)     Source level (dB re 1 [micro]Pa)  -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                190             180             160
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                                                                                                                           Distance (m)
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2 GI-guns 105 in \3\............................             10-188  ~240(peak-to-peak).................        20              70              670
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    Considering the circumference of the area ensonified to the 160 dB 
isopleth extends to 1,340 m (twice the 670 m radius); that the GI-gun 
array is towed approximately 2-9 m below the surface at a speed of 4 
knots (7.4 km/hr), and that the seismic oceanographic surveys will be 
conducted for 14 days for 24 hrs/day, the Navy estimates that the 
seismic oceanographic survey distance will encompass 1,344 Nm (2,489 
km). Multiplying the total linear distance of the seismic oceanographic 
survey by the area ensonified to the 160 dB isopleth (1,340 m), yields 
a total ensonified area of approximately 3,335 km \2\.

Ocean Surveyor ADCP

    A hull-mounted Teledyne RD Instruments Ocean Surveyor ADCP (TRDI OS 
ADCP) will be operated at 38 kHz with acoustic output pressure of 224 
dB re 1 [micro]Pa. The beamwidth will be 30 degrees off nadir and the 
acoustic pressure along each beam is estimated at 180 dB re 1 [micro]Pa 
at 114 m. The TRDI OS ADCP will operate concurrently with the GI-gun 
array and intermittently to map the distribution of water currents and 
suspended materials in the water column.

Lowered ADCP (L-ADCP)

    A lowered Teledyne RD Instruments ADCP (L-ADCP) will be mounted on 
a rosette with a conductivity-temperature-depth gauge. The beamwidth 
will be 30 degrees off nadir and the output pressure will be 216 dB re 
1 [micro]Pa at 300 kHz. The L-ADCP will be deployed intermittently to 
collect hydrographic data.

Moored ADCP

    Up to four long-range ADCPs (LR-ADCPs) will be anchored on the sea 
floor using 400 kilograms (kg) of scrap iron (assemblage of four scrap 
locomotive wheels). LR-ADCPs will be moored to the sea floor at an 
estimated 3,000 m, such that they float at a depth of 500 m below the 
sea surface. LR-ADCPs will be suspended from the iron anchorage 
assemblies by a single line comprised of \3/4\-inch (in) nylon line and 
\1/2\-in wire rope. The LR-ADCPs and suspension line will be recovered 
at the close of the study via an acoustic release and the iron 
anchorage assembly will remain on the sea floor. The acoustic source 
frequency will be 75 kHz with an output pressure level of 200 dB re 1 
[micro]Pa at a rate of once per second. The beamwidth will be four 
degrees and directed vertically upward at 20 degrees. LR-ADCPs will be 
moored several kilometers apart, in the area of the ARC/ACC frontal 
system, with exact mooring locations to be determined onsite due to the 
natural meander of the currents and front. LR-ADCPs will operate 
continuously for the estimated 14 days of research before being 
recovered.

Multibeam Echosounder

    The Melville will operate a hull-mounted Kongsberg EM 122 multibeam 
echosounder (MBES) at 10.5 to 13 kilohertz (kHz). The MBES will 
generate acoustic pulses in a downward fan-shaped beam, one degree 
fore-aft and 150 degrees athwartship. For deep water operations, each 
``ping'' is comprised of eight (>1,000 m depth; 3,280 ft) or four 
(<1,000 m depth; 3,280 ft) successive acoustic transmissions 2 to 100 
milliseconds (ms) in duration. The maximum sound pressure output level 
would be 242 dB re 1 [micro]Pa.

Sub-bottom Profiler

    The Melville will also operate a Knudsen 320B/R sub-bottom profiler 
(SBP). The SBP is dual-frequency and operates at 3.5 and 12 kHz with 
maximum power outputs of 10 kilowatts (kW) and 2 kW, respectively. The 
pulse length used during this study will be 0.8 to 24 ms, relative to 
water depth and sediment characteristics. The pulse repetition rates 
will be between 0.5 and 2 seconds (s) in shallow water and up to 8 s in 
deep water. A common operational mode is broadcast of five

[[Page 4017]]

pulses at 1-s intervals followed by a 5-s delay. Maximum acoustic 
output pressure will be 211 dB re 1 [micro]Pa at 3.5 kHz; however, 
systems are typically used at 80 percent capacity. The SPB emits a 
downward conical beam with a width of about 30 degrees.

Comments and Responses

    A proposed authorization and request for public comments was 
published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2011 (76 FR 71940). 
During the 30-day public comment period, NMFS received comments from 
the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) and one individual. The 
individual was generally opposed to the proposed authorization and the 
killing of marine mammals. The Navy did not request and NMFS is not 
authorizing the serious injury or mortality of marine mammals. All 
comments have been compiled and posted at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. Any application-specific comments 
that address the statutory and regulatory requirements or findings NMFS 
must make to issue an IHA are addressed in this section of the Federal 
Register notice.
    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that NMFS require the Navy to 
re-estimate the proposed exclusion and buffer zones for the two-airgun 
array and associated numbers of marine mammal takes using operational 
and site-specific environmental parameters. If the exclusion and buffer 
zones are not re-estimated, the Commission recommends that NMFS require 
the Navy to provide a detailed justification for basing the exclusion 
and buffer zones for the proposed survey in the southwestern Indian 
ocean on modeling that relies on measurements from the Gulf of Mexico.
    Response: NMFS disagrees that the Navy should re-estimate the 
proposed exclusion and buffer zones for the two-airgun array. The 
proposed exclusion and buffer zones are based on modeled and measured 
data from L-DEO. Empirical data indicate that for deep water (>1,000 
m), L-DEO-modeled data tends to overestimate the received sound level 
at a given distance. The ARC12 research project will be conducted in 
waters up to 5,000 m (16,404 ft) in depth. Therefore, the sound 
propagation radii are considered conservative and the Navy expects the 
actual distance at which received levels reach 160 dB to be less. The 
sound propagation radii are also consistent with recent modeling of 
sound propagation in the Southern Ocean (Breitzke and Bohlen, 2010).
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that NMFS require the Navy to 
use species-specific mean maximum densities, rather than the mean 
average densities, and then re-estimate the anticipated number of 
takes.
    Response: NMFS disagrees that the Navy should use mean maximum 
densities, rather than mean average densities. Marine mammal population 
density estimates were derived from the Navy Global Marine Species 
Density Database, which includes the highest quality, spatially modeled 
density data where available. Population density estimates were also 
evaluated relative to data on marine mammal population distributions, 
occurrence, status, and critical habitat, derived from: the Ocean 
Biogeographic Information System Seamap (OBIS-SEAMAP); the 
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2010); the 
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 
(CMS, 2010); NatureServe Explorer (NatureServe, 2010); the 
International Whaling Commission (IWC); and NOAA Fisheries Office of 
Protected Resources. The average (or best) population density data was 
used in exposure assessment, and is considered the most reasonable 
estimate to employ for this research endeavor, location, and time of 
year. The average (or best) population density data is also consistent 
with what NMFS has analyzed for previous seismic surveys.
    Due to lack of detailed information on marine mammal population 
distributions and densities in the research area, informed assumptions 
on the exact distribution patterns of animals cannot be made. 
Therefore, exposure estimates are based on uniform distribution of 
marine mammals over the area for which population data is available. 
Many species are unlikely to be found in numbers that peak population 
density estimates suggest. During the January-February period, when the 
ARC12 research project is planned, many marine mammals will be outside 
of the action area.
    Comment 3: The Commission recommends that NMFS require the Navy to 
extend the pause in airgun activity following a marine mammal sighting 
in the exclusion zone to cover the full dive times of all species 
likely to be encountered.
    Response: NMFS believes that 15 min (for small whales and 
pinnipeds) and 30 min (for large whales) are appropriate periods of 
time to wait if the protected species observer (PSO) has not re-sighted 
the animal. Full, or maximum, dive times vary widely among species and 
NMFS considers 30 min a reasonable time to cease airgun activity on 
sighting of an animal, and sufficient to allow enough distance to 
develop between the research vessel and the animal. NMFS believes that 
the proposed monitoring and mitigation efforts will be effective in 
minimizing any incidental exposure of marine mammals to sounds 
generated by the airguns.

Description of the Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    Forty marine mammal species are known to inhabit waters between 
South Africa and Antarctica. Six of these species are listed as 
endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 
16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and depleted under the MMPA, including the 
southern right (Eubalaena australis), humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), fin (Balaenoptera 
physalus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), and sperm (Physeter 
macrocephalus) whales. Most of the species occurring in the area spend 
the austral summer in preferred Antarctic habitats, and the austral 
winter in areas northward around the east and west coasts of Africa, 
South America, Australia, and islands of the Indian Ocean. Estimates of 
marine mammal population densities, anticipated occurrence, primary 
habitat(s), and ESA listing status for the forty marine mammal species 
were provided in the notice of proposed IHA (76 FR 71940, November 21, 
2011).

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic stimuli generated by the operation of airguns, which 
introduce sound into the marine environment, may have the potential to 
cause Level B harassment of marine mammals in the proposed survey area. 
The effects of sounds from airgun operations might include one or more 
of the following: tolerance, masking of natural sounds, behavioral 
disturbance, temporary or permanent impairment, or non-auditory 
physical or physiological effects (Richardson et al., 1995; Gordon et 
al., 2004; Nowacek et al., 2007; Southall et al., 2007).
    Permanent hearing impairment, in the unlikely event that it 
occurred, would constitute injury, but temporary threshold shift (TTS) 
is not considered an injury but rather a type of Level B harassment 
(Southall et al., 2007). Although the possibility cannot be entirely 
excluded, it is unlikely that the proposed project would result in any 
cases of temporary or permanent hearing impairment, or any significant

[[Page 4018]]

non-auditory physical or physiological effects. Based on the available 
data and studies described here, some behavioral disturbance is 
expected, but NMFS expects the disturbance to be localized and short-
term.
    The notice of the proposed IHA (76 FR 71940, November 21, 2011) 
included a discussion of the effects of sounds from seismic activities 
on cetaceans and pinnipeds. NMFS refers the reader to the Navy's 
application and NMFS' EA (https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications) for additional information on the 
behavioral reactions by all types of marine mammals to seismic 
activities.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    The seismic survey will not result in any permanent impact on 
habitats used by the marine mammals in the survey area, including the 
food sources they use (i.e., fish and invertebrates), and there will be 
no physical damage to any habitat. While it is anticipated that the 
specified activity may result in marine mammals avoiding certain areas 
due to temporary ensonification, this impact to habitat is temporary 
and reversible and was considered in the notice of the proposed IHA (76 
FR 71940, November 21, 2011) as behavioral modification. The main 
impact associated with the proposed activity will be temporarily 
elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine 
mammals, also discussed in the notice of the proposed IHA.

Anticipated Effects on Fish

    One reason for the adoption of airguns as the standard energy 
source for marine seismic surveys is that, unlike explosives, they have 
not been associated with large-scale fish kills. However, existing 
information on the impacts of seismic surveys on marine fish 
populations is limited. There are three types of potential effects of 
exposure to seismic surveys: (1) Pathological, (2) physiological, and 
(3) behavioral. A general synopsis of the available information on the 
effects of exposure to seismic and other anthropogenic sound as 
relevant to fish was provided in the notice of proposed IHA (76 FR 
71940, November 21, 2011).

Anticipated Effects on Invertebrates

    The existing body of information on the impacts of seismic survey 
sound on marine invertebrates is very limited. However, there is some 
unpublished and very limited evidence of the potential for adverse 
effects on invertebrates, thereby justifying further discussion and 
analysis of this issue. The three types of potential effects of 
exposure to seismic surveys on marine invertebrates are pathological, 
physiological, and behavioral. Based on the physical structure of their 
sensory organs, marine invertebrates appear to be specialized to 
respond to particle displacement components of an impinging sound field 
and not to the pressure component (Popper et al., 2001). A synopsis of 
available information on the effects of exposure to seismic survey 
sound on species of decapod crustaceans and cephalopods, the two 
taxonomic groups of invertebrates on which most such studies have been 
conducted was included in the notice of proposed IHA (76 FR 71940, 
November 21, 2011).
    In conclusion, NMFS has determined that the Navy's marine seismic 
survey is not expected to have any habitat-related effects that could 
cause significant or long-term consequences for marine mammals or the 
food sources that they utilize.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) 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 impact on such species or stock and its 
habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and 
areas of similar significance, and the availability of such species or 
stock for taking for certain subsistence uses.
    The Navy will implement the following mitigation measures during 
the seismic survey:

Exclusion Zones

    The Navy used the exposure threshold isopleths applicable to 
cetaceans and pinnipeds, as well as extant models of same/similar GI-
gun sources and water depths, as the basis for their exclusion zones. 
The exclusion zone will be 70 m for the 180 dB exposure thresholds and 
will be employed for monitoring.

Speed or Course Alteration

    If a marine mammal is observed moving on a path toward an exclusion 
zone, an attempt will be made to adjust the vessel speed or course in 
order to minimize the likelihood of an animal entering an exclusion 
zone. Speed and course alterations are not always possible when towing 
a long GI-gun array, but are considered possible options given the use 
of a dual GI-gun array.

Shut-Down Procedures

    The Navy will shut down the operating airgun array if a marine 
mammal is seen within or approaching an exclusion zone. The Navy will 
implement a shut-down if a cetacean is observed within or approaching 
the 180 dB isopleth (70 m). Airgun activity will not resume until the 
marine mammal has cleared the exclusion zone or has not been seen for 
15 (dolphins) to 30 minutes (whales).

Ramp-Up Procedures

    Ramp-up will be comprised of gradually activating the dual GI-guns 
in sequence over a period of about 30 min until the desired operating 
level is reached. This should allow any marine mammals in the area to 
avoid the maximum sound source. Airguns will be activated in a sequence 
such that the source level of the array will increase in steps not 
exceeding 6 dB per 5-min periods over a total duration of 30 min. 
During ramp-up, protected species observers will monitor the exclusion 
zones for marine mammals and a shutdown will be implemented if an 
animal is detected in or approaching an exclusion zone.
    NMFS carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed mitigation 
measures and considered a range of other measures in the context of 
ensuring that NMFS prescribes the means of effecting the least 
practicable impact on the affected marine mammal species and stocks and 
their habitat. Our evaluation of potential measures included 
consideration of the following factors in relation to one another: (1) 
The manner in which, and the degree to which, the successful 
implementation of the measure is expected to minimize adverse impacts 
to marine mammals; (2) the proven or likely efficacy of the specific 
measure to minimize adverse impacts as planned; and (3) the 
practicability of the measure for applicant implementation.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, NMFS 
determined that the above mitigation measures provide the means of 
effecting the least practicable impacts on marine mammal species or 
stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, 
mating grounds, and areas of similar significance.

Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an ITA 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

[[Page 4019]]

regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for IHAs 
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 are expected to be present in the action area.

Monitoring

    The Navy will sponsor marine mammal monitoring during the proposed 
activity, in order to implement the mitigation measures that require 
real-time monitoring, and to satisfy the monitoring requirements of the 
IHA. The Navy's monitoring plan is described below.

Vessel-Based Visual Monitoring

    The Navy will continuously monitor the harassment isopleths during 
daytime and nighttime airgun operations. Visual monitoring will be 
comprised of three protected species observers (PSOs) typically working 
in shifts of 4-hr durations or less. A PSO platform is located one deck 
below and forward of the bridge (12.5 m [41 ft] above the waterline), 
providing a relatively unobstructed 180 degree view forward. Aft views 
can be obtained along both the port and starboard decks. During daytime 
operations, PSOs will systematically survey the area around the vessel 
with reticle and big-eye binoculars and the naked eye. A clinometer 
will be used to determine distances of animals in close proximity to 
the vessel, and hand-held fixed rangefinders and distance marks on the 
Melville's side rails will be used to measure the exact location of the 
exclusion zones. During nighttime operations, night vision devices will 
be available if required.
    The PSOs will be in wireless communication with ship's officers on 
the bridge and scientists in the vessel's operations laboratory, so 
they can promptly advise of the need for avoidance maneuvers or seismic 
source shutdown. Shutdown of GI-gun operations will occur immediately 
upon observation/detection of any marine mammal in an exclusion zone. 
Following a shutdown, GI-gun ramp-up will not be initiated until PSOs 
have confirmed the marine mammal is no longer observed/detected for a 
period of 15 or 30 minutes (depending on species). If a marine mammal 
is outside of an exclusion zone and observed by a PSO to exhibit 
abnormal behaviors consistent with signs of harassment (e.g., 
avoidance, dive patterns, multiple changes in direction), operation of 
the GI-guns will cease until the animal moves out of the area or is not 
resighted for a period of 30 min.

PSO Data and Documentation

    PSOs will record data to estimate the numbers of marine mammals 
exposed to various received sound levels and to document apparent 
disturbance reactions or lack thereof. Data will be used to estimate 
numbers of animals potentially `taken' by harassment (as defined in the 
MMPA). They will also provide information needed to order a power down 
or shut down of the airguns when a marine mammal is within or nearing 
the exclusion zone.
    When a sighting is made, the following information will be 
recorded:
    1. Time, location, heading, speed, activity of the vessel, sea 
state, visibility, and sun glare;
    2. Species, group size, age, individual size, sex (if 
determinable);
    3. Behavior when first sighted and subsequent behaviors;
    4. Bearing and distance from the vessel, sighting cue, exhibited 
reaction to the airgun sounds or vessel (e.g., none, avoidance, 
approach, etc.), behavioral pace, and depth at time of detection;
    5. Fin/fluke characteristics and angle of fluke when an animal 
submerges to determine if the animal executed a deep or surface dive;
    6. Type and nature of sounds heard; and
    7. Any other relevant information.
    When shutdown is required for mitigation purposes, the following 
information will be recorded:
    1. The basis for decisions resulting in shutdown of the GI-guns;
    2. Information needed to estimate the number of marine mammals 
potentially taken by harassment;
    3. Information on the frequency of occurrence, distribution, and 
activities of marine mammals in the study area;
    4. Information on the behaviors and movements of marine mammals 
during and without operation of the GI-guns; and
    5. Any adverse effects the shutdown had on the research.
    PSOs will provide estimates of the numbers of marine mammals 
exposed to the GI-gun source and any disturbance reactions exhibited, 
or the lack thereof. Observations and data collection will aim to 
provide estimates of the actual numbers of animals taken, verify the 
level of harassment, aide in assessment of impacts on populations on 
conclusion of the study, and increase knowledge of species in the study 
area. Observations and data collection will also aim to provide 
information that will allow for verifying or disputing that the takings 
are negligible.

Reporting

    The Navy will submit a report to NMFS within 90 days after the end 
of the cruise. The report will describe the operations that are 
conducted and sightings of marine mammals near the operations. The 
report will provide full documentation of methods, results, and 
interpretation pertaining to all monitoring. The 90-day report will 
summarize the dates and locations of seismic operations, and all marine 
mammal sightings (dates, times, locations, activities, associated 
seismic survey activities). The report will also include estimates of 
the number and nature of exposures that could result in ``takes'' of 
marine mammals.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the IHA 
(if issued), such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or 
mortality (e.g., ship-strike, gear interaction, and/or entanglement), 
the Navy will immediately cease the specified activities and 
immediately report the incident to the Chief of the Permits and 
Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS. The report 
must include the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Name and type of vessel involved;
     Vessel's speed during and leading up to the incident;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all sound source use in the 24 hrs preceding the 
incident;
     Water depth;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hrs 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).
    Activities will not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with the Navy to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The Navy may not resume 
their activities until notified by NMFS via letter, email, or 
telephone.
    In the event that the Navy discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the cause of the injury or 
death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in less

[[Page 4020]]

than a moderate state of decomposition as described in the next 
paragraph), the Navy will immediately report the incident to the Chief 
of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS. The report must include the same information 
identified in the paragraph above. Activities may continue while NMFS 
reviews the circumstances of the incident. NMFS will work with the Navy 
to determine whether modifications in the activities are appropriate.
    In the event that the Navy discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the injury or death is not 
associated with or related to the activities authorized in the IHA 
(e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), the Navy will report the incident 
to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS within 24 hrs of the discovery. The Navy will 
provide photographs or video footage (if available) or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS.

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].

    Only take by Level B harassment is authorized as a result of the 
physical oceanographic survey off the southern coast of Africa. 
Acoustic stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated during 
the operation of the dual airgun array may have the potential to cause 
marine mammals in the survey area to be exposed to sounds at or greater 
than 160 dB or cause temporary, short-term changes in behavior. There 
is no evidence that the planned activities will result in injury, 
serious injury, or mortality within the specified geographic area for 
which the Navy seeks the IHA. NMFS determined that the required 
mitigation and monitoring measures will minimize any potential risk for 
injury or mortality.
    NMFS included an in-depth discussion of the methods used to 
calculate the densities of marine mammals in the area of the survey in 
a previous notice for the proposed IHA (76 FR 71940, November 21, 
2011). A summary is included here.
    The estimates are based on a consideration of the number of marine 
mammals that could be disturbed appreciably by operations with the GI-
gun array to be used during multiple transects totaling approximately 
2,489 km (1,547 mi). Density estimates on the marine mammal species in 
the survey area are based on data derived from a number of sources: the 
Ocean Biogeographic Information System OBIS Seamap (OBIS-SEAMP); the 
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2010); the 
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 
(CMS, 2010); NatureServe Explorer (NatureServe, 2010); the 
International Whaling Commission (IWC); NOAA Fisheries Office of 
Protected Resources; and the Navy Marine Species Density Database 
(NMSDD); unless otherwise cited.
    One method of estimating takes assumes marine mammals are uniformly 
distributed throughout a given area, although this is not 
representative of the real world distribution of marine mammals in any 
given geographic region. Marine mammals are typically found grouped in 
pods, concentrate around preferred breeding and foraging habitats, and 
most species follow seasonal migratory patterns and routes. However, 
due to lack of substantive information on marine mammal population 
distributions and densities in the area of the proposed action, 
informed assumptions on distribution patterns cannot be made, and 
exposure estimates are based on uniform distribution of marine mammals 
over the area for which population data are available. Bearing these 
factors in mind, the exposure estimates provided are considered 
reasonable approximations of potential exposure, and based on the best 
available information.
    Table 3 provides estimates of the minimum, average (considered the 
best estimate), and maximum marine mammal population densities in the 
area of the proposed study during the austral summer, anticipated 
occurrence of each species, and requested take authorization. For all 
species evaluated, average population density estimates were used for 
calculation of the number of marine mammals that may be exposed. NMFS 
has used average (or best) population density estimates when analyzing 
the allowable harassment for ESA-listed marine mammals incidental to 
marine seismic surveys for scientific research purposes (e.g., see NMFS 
2010c, 2011c). The results of the monitoring reports from those 
surveys, and others, show that the use of the average estimate is 
appropriate for provision of reasonable estimates of exposure and 
harassment.
    Because extant mathematical models poorly simulate and predict the 
natural meander of the AC, ARC, and ARC/ACC frontal system, and due to 
unpredictable weather conditions, it is not possible to accurately 
predict the exact location where seismic oceanographic survey transects 
would occur. For this reason, the minimum, average, and maximum 
population densities given in Table 3 are the mean of the population 
densities for each species within the coordinates of 36[deg]S to 
43[deg]S, and 19[deg]E to 30[deg]E. The front is estimated to be phase-
locked between 36[deg]S to 40[deg]S, and 21[deg]E to 27[deg]E; however, 
the position of the front can vary by up to 100 km (generally west, 
east, and south of this estimated location). Because the precise 
location of the seismic oceanography survey transects cannot be known 
in advance, it is not possible to accurately differentiate the numbers 
of marine mammals that may be exposed in waters of the global commons 
(high seas), as opposed to within the South African exclusive economic 
zone (EEZ). Because the specific location of research activities cannot 
be predetermined, due to the variables described, this assessment 
conservatively estimates that all exposures occur in waters of the 
global commons (high seas) where estimated population density estimates 
are higher.
    Based on the best available population density estimates, 2,412 
cetacea may potentially be exposed to sound pressure levels >=160 dB re 
1 [mu]Pa.rms. Of the total number of cetaceans that are estimated to be 
exposed, 62 are listed as endangered under the ESA: 29 fin (<0.2% of 
the southern hemisphere population), 1 humpback (<0.004% of the 
southern hemisphere population), 11 sei (<0.2% of the population south 
of 30[deg]S), 1 southern right (<0.004% of the southern hemisphere 
population), and 20 sperm (<0.02% of the southern hemisphere 
population) whales. For all species, the number of individuals that 
would be exposed to sounds >=160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa.rms is less than 0.2 
percent of the given species' population for which regional population 
density estimates are known.

[[Page 4021]]



          Table 3--Estimated Number of Marine Mammals Exposed to >=160 dB During The Proposed Activity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Density
               Species                         ESA\1\        ---------------------------------------  Authorized
                                                                  Best         Min          Max          take
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:
    Antarctic minke whale............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01         0.01           14
    Bryde's whale....................  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Common minke whale...............  NL                            0.03         0.02         0.05          103
    Fin whale........................  E                             0.01        <0.01         0.01           29
    Humpback whale...................  E                            <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Sei whale........................  E                            <0.01        <0.01        <0.01           11
Odontocetes:
    Arnoux's beaked whale............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01         0.01           15
    Cuvier's beaked whale............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01           12
    Gray's beaked whale..............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01           11
    Hector's beaked whale............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            9
    Southern bottlenose whale........  NL                           <0.01        <0.01         0.01           21
    Southern right whale.............  E                            <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Sperm whale......................  E                             0.01        <0.01         0.01           20
    Strap-toothed whale..............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            9
    True's beaked whale..............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01           10
    Common bottlenose dolphin........  NL                            0.04         0.01         0.10          141
    False killer whale...............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Hourglass dolphin................  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            3
    Killer whale.....................  NL                            0.01        <0.01         0.01           30
    Long-beaked common dolphin.......  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Long-finned pilot whale..........  NL                            0.05        <0.01         0.10          180
    Pantropical spotted dolphin......  NL                            0.01        <0.01         0.01           20
    Pygmy killer whale...............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            1
    Risso's dolphin..................  NL                            0.06         0.04         0.10          210
    Rough-toothed dolphin............  NL                           <0.01        <0.01        <0.01            2
    Short-beaked common dolphin......  NL                            0.24         0.13         0.38          799
    Short-finned pilot whale.........  NL                            0.03         0.01         0.04           86
    Southern right whale dolphin.....  NL                            0.01        <0.01         0.02           29
    Spinner dolphin..................  NL                           <0.01        <0.01         0.01           16
    Striped dolphin..................  NL                            0.19         0.03         0.31          626
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Exposure estimates are based on marine mammal population density 
estimates relative to the total area ensonified by the GI-gun array, 
and evaluated for exposure to the 160 dB isopleth. Multiplying the 
total area ensonified during the seismic oceanography survey by the 
population estimate for each species, yields the estimated number of 
marine mammals exposed to sound pressures >160 dB. The total ensonified 
area is about 3,335 km\2\ and assumes no area of overlap during the 
survey transects, which will cover a total distance of 2,489 km.
Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis and Preliminary 
Determination
    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.'' In making a negligible impact determination, 
NMFS considers a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
    (1) The number of anticipated mortalities;
    (2) The number and nature of anticipated injuries;
    (3) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment; and
    (4) The context in which the takes occur.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that 30 species of marine 
mammals could be potentially affected by Level B harassment over the 
course of the IHA. For each species, these numbers are small (less than 
one percent) relative to the population size.
    No injuries, serious injuries, or mortalities are anticipated to 
occur as a result of the Navy's planned physical oceanographic survey, 
and none are authorized by NMFS. Additionally, for reasons presented in 
the notice of proposed IHA (76 FR 71940, November 21, 2011), temporary 
hearing impairment (and especially permanent hearing impairment) is not 
anticipated to occur during the proposed specified activity. Only 
short-term behavioral disturbance is anticipated to occur due to the 
brief and sporadic duration of the survey activities. No mortality or 
injury is expected to occur, and due to the nature, degree, and context 
of behavioral harassment anticipated, the activity is not expected to 
impact rates of recruitment or survival.
    NMFS has determined, provided that the aforementioned mitigation 
and monitoring measures are implemented, that the impact of conducting 
a physical oceanographic survey off the southern coast of Africa, may 
result, at worst, in a temporary modification in behavior and/or low-
level physiological effects (Level B harassment) of small numbers of 
certain species of marine mammals.
    Of the ESA-listed marine mammals that may potentially occur in the 
survey area, blue and southern right whale populations are thought to 
be increasing; population trends for fin, humpback, sei, and sperm 
whales are not well known in the southern hemisphere. However, no take 
of blue whales was requested because of the low likelihood of 
encountering this species during the survey. There is no designated 
critical habitat for marine mammals in the survey area. There are also 
no important habitat areas (e.g., breeding, calving, feeding, etc.) for 
marine mammals known around the area that would overlap with the 
survey. While behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating 
the area during the operation of the airgun(s),

[[Page 4022]]

may be made by these species to avoid the resultant acoustic 
disturbance, the availability of alternate areas within these areas and 
the short and sporadic duration of the research activities, have led 
NMFS to determine that this action will have a negligible impact on the 
species in the specified geographic region.
    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 mitigation and monitoring 
measures, NMFS finds that the Navy's planned research activities (and 
the resulting total taking from the survey): (1) Will result in the 
incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B 
harassment only; (2) will have a negligible impact on the affected 
species or stocks; and (3) will have mitigated impacts to affected 
species or stocks of marine mammals to the lowest level practicable.
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 will not have an unmitigable adverse impact 
on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for 
subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act

    Of the species of marine mammals that may occur in the proposed 
survey area, six are listed as endangered under the ESA, including the 
blue, fin, humpback, sei, southern right, and sperm whales. Under 
section 7 of the ESA, the Navy initiated formal consultation with NMFS, 
Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species Act Interagency 
Cooperation Division, on this survey. NMFS' Office of Protected 
Resources, Permits and Conservation Division, also initiated formal 
consultation under section 7 of the ESA with NMFS' Office of Protected 
Resources, Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division, to 
obtain a Biological Opinion evaluating the effects of issuing the IHA 
on threatened and endangered marine mammals and, if appropriate, 
authorizing incidental take.
    The Biological Opinion was issued on January 20, 2012, and 
concluded that the specified activity and issuance of the IHA are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of blue, fin, humpback, 
sei, southern right, or sperm whales. The Biological Opinion also 
concluded that designated critical habitat for these species does not 
occur in the survey area and would not be affected by the survey. The 
Navy, in addition to the mitigation and monitoring requirements 
included in the IHA, will be required to comply with the Terms and 
Conditions of the Incidental Take Statement corresponding to NMFS' 
Biological Opinion issued to both the Navy and NMFS' Office of 
Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    To meet NMFS' NEPA requirements for the issuance of an IHA to the 
Navy, NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA), titled ``Issuance 
of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to the Navy to Take Marine 
Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a Physical Oceanographic Survey in 
the Southwest Indian Ocean.'' NMFS provided relevant environmental 
information to the public through the notice for the proposed IHA (76 
FR 71940, November 21, 2011) and has considered public comments 
received in response prior to finalizing the EA and deciding whether or 
not to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
    NMFS concluded that issuance of an IHA would not significantly 
affect the quality of the human environment and has issued a FONSI. 
Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement for the issuance of an IHA to the Navy for this activity. The 
EA and FONSI for this activity can be viewed on NMFS' Web site (https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications).

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, NMFS has issued an IHA to the 
Navy for conducting a physical oceanographic survey off the southern 
coast of Africa, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, 
monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: January 20, 2012.
James H. Lecky,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-1708 Filed 1-25-12; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P