Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report, 27246-27248 [2012-11164]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices
with granite outcrops would continue to
be managed at present levels. The target
acreage for restored grassland would be
1,100 acres, and for partially restored
grasslands 1,200 acres. The amount of
nonnative grassland would decrease by
500 acres. Wildlife observation and
photography, environmental education
and interpretation, hunting, fishing,
trapping, and gathering wild edible
plants are recreational opportunities
that would occur under this alternative
if they meet the Service definition of
compatibility. Gathering of shed antlers
would be discontinued. There would be
increased outreach efforts to inform the
public of existing Refuge access and
recreational opportunities. Existing
hunting opportunities would continue,
and there would be added opportunities
for youth and for hunters with
disabilities. Fishing access and
opportunities would increase beyond
present levels. Refuge staff would
continue to work with visitors and local
communities to provide increased
volunteer opportunities to build support
for the Refuge.
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Elements Common to Alternatives 3, 4,
5, and 6
The other four alternatives have a
number of elements in common with
Alternative 2. They are the same
regarding Minnesota River restoration,
water quality improvements, changes to
West Pool, management of remnant
prairie and prairie associated with
granite outcrops, the range of
recreational opportunities including
elimination of shed antler gathering,
fishing access and opportunities, and
volunteer opportunities. The
alternatives also differ in a number ways
as indicated below.
Alternative 3
The target acreage for restored
grassland would be 1,600 acres, and for
partially restored grassland 500 acres.
The amount of nonnative grassland
would decrease by 300 acres. The
amount of visitor access for wildlife
observation and photography would
increase. Existing hunting opportunities
would continue but also be reviewed to
determine the need for improvements to
access, facilities, or opportunities. There
would be additional hunting
opportunities for youth and people with
disabilities.
Alternative 4
The target acreage for restored
grassland would be 1,600 acres, and for
partially restored grassland 700 acres.
The amount of nonnative grassland
would decrease by 500 acres, 200 acres
more than under Alternative 3. The
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amount of visitor access would remain
at present levels, but there would be
increased outreach efforts to inform the
public of existing Refuge access and
recreational opportunities. Existing
hunting opportunities would continue.
The amount of area open to hunting
would remain the same, but hunting
opportunities, access, and facilities
would be reviewed to determine the
need for improvements. There would be
an emphasis on additional hunting
opportunities for youth and people with
disabilities.
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–11187 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R8–FHC–2012–N018; FF08EVEN00–
FXFR1337088SSO0L5–123]
Alternative 5
The target acreage for restored
grassland would be 1,600 acres, and for
partially restored grassland 700 acres.
The amount of nonnative grassland
would decrease by 500 acres. The
amount of visitor access for wildlife
observation and photography would
increase. The amount of area open to
hunting or the types of hunting
permitted would increase above present
levels without the emphasis described
for Alternatives 2, 4, and 6.
Alternative 6 (Preferred Alternative)
The target acreage for restored
grassland would be 1,600 acres, and for
partially restored grassland 700 acres.
The amount of nonnative grassland
would decrease by 500 acres. The
amount of visitor access would remain
at present levels, but there would be
increased outreach efforts to inform the
public of existing Refuge access and
recreational opportunities. Existing
hunting opportunities would continue
but also be reviewed to determine the
need for improvements to access,
facilities, or opportunities. There would
be additional hunting opportunities for
youth and people with disabilities.
Public Involvement
We will give the public an
opportunity to provide input at a public
meeting. You can obtain the schedule
from the address or Web site listed in
this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may
also submit comments anytime during
the comment period.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
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Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock
Assessment Report
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability of draft
revised stock assessment report for the
southern sea otter in California; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (MMPA), and its
implementing regulations, we, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service),
have developed a draft revised marine
mammal stock assessment report (SAR)
for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris
nereis) stock in the State of California.
We now make the SAR available for
public review and comment.
DATES: We will consider comments that
are received or postmarked on or before
August 7, 2012.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the
draft revised SAR for southern sea otter,
you may obtain a copy from our Web
site at https://www.fws.gov/ventura.
Alternatively, you may contact the
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493
Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA
93003 (telephone: 805–644–1766). If
you wish to comment on the SAR, you
may submit your comments in writing
by any one of the following methods:
• U.S. mail: Field Supervisor, at the
above address;
• Hand delivery: Ventura Fish and
Wildlife Office at the above address;
• Fax: (805) 644–3958; or
• Email: fw8ssostock@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lilian Carswell, at the above street
address, by telephone (805–612–2793),
or by email (Lilian_Carswell@fws.gov).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Background
Under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et
seq.) and its implementing regulations
in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) at 50 CFR part 18, we regulate the
taking, possession, transportation,
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09MYN1
27247
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices
purchasing, selling, offering for sale,
exporting, and importing of marine
mammals. One of the MMPA’s goals is
to ensure that stocks of marine
mammals occurring in waters under
U.S. jurisdiction do not experience a
level of human-caused mortality and
serious injury that is likely to cause the
stock to be reduced below its optimum
sustainable population level (OSP). OSP
is defined under the MMPA as ‘‘* * *
the number of animals which will result
in the maximum productivity of the
population or the species, keeping in
mind the carrying capacity of the habitat
and the health of the ecosystem of
which they form a constituent element’’
(16 U.S.C. 1362(3)(9)).
To help accomplish the goal of
maintaining marine mammal stocks at
their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA
requires the Service and the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to
prepare a SAR for each marine mammal
stock that occurs in waters under U.S.
jurisdiction. A SAR must be based on
the best scientific information available;
therefore, we prepare it in consultation
with established regional scientific
review groups. Each SAR must include:
1. A description of the stock and its
geographic range;
2. A minimum population estimate,
maximum net productivity rate, and
current population trend;
3. An estimate of human-caused
mortality and serious injury;
4. A description of commercial fishery
interactions;
5. A categorization of the status of the
stock; and
6. An estimate of the potential
biological removal (PBR) level.
The MMPA defines the PBR as ‘‘the
maximum number of animals, not
including natural mortalities, that may
be removed from a marine mammal
stock while allowing that stock to reach
or maintain its OSP’’ (16 U.S.C.
1362(3)(20)). The PBR is the product of
the minimum population estimate of the
stock (Nmin); one-half the maximum
theoretical or estimated net productivity
rate of the stock at a small population
size (Rmax); and a recovery factor (Fr) of
between 0.1 and 1.0, which is intended
to compensate for uncertainty and
unknown estimation errors. This can be
written as:
PBR = (Nmin)(1⁄2 of the Rmax)(Fr)
Section 117 of the MMPA also
requires the Service and NMFS to
review the SARs (a) at least annually for
stocks that are specified as strategic
stocks, (b) at least annually for stocks for
which significant new information is
available, and (c) at least once every 3
years for all other stocks.
A strategic stock is defined in the
MMPA as a marine mammal stock ‘‘(a)
for which the level of direct humancaused mortality exceeds the PBR level;
(b) which, based on the best available
scientific information, is declining and
is likely to be listed as a threatened
species under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.) [the ‘‘ESA’’], within the
foreseeable future; or (c) which is listed
as a threatened or endangered species
under the ESA, or is designated as
depleted under [the MMPA].’’ 16 U.S.C.
1362(3)(19).
The southern sea otter SAR was last
revised in December 2008. Because the
southern sea otter qualifies as a strategic
stock due to its listing as a threatened
species under the ESA, the Service had
reviewed the stock assessment annually
since then. In December of 2009 and
again in December of 2010, Service
reviews concluded that revision was not
warranted because the stock had not
changed significantly, nor could it be
more accurately determined. However,
upon review in 2011, the Service
determined that revision was warranted
due to an increase in the relative
number of strandings.
The following table summarizes the
information we are now making
available in the draft revised southern
sea otter SAR, which lists the stock’s
Nmin, Rmax, Fr, PBR, annual estimated
human-caused mortality and serious
injury, and status. After consideration of
any public comments we receive, the
Service will revise and finalize the SAR,
as appropriate. We will publish a notice
of availability and summary of the final
SAR, including responses to submitted
comments.
SUMMARY: DRAFT REVISED STOCK ASSESSMENT REPORT, SOUTHERN SEA OTTER IN CALIFORNIA
Stock
Nmin
Southern sea otters .....................
Rmax
2,762
0.06
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Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
References
In accordance with the MMPA, we
include in this notice a list of the
information sources and public reports
upon which we based the SAR.
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Fr
0.1
Annual estimated average
human-caused mortality and
serious injury (5-year average)
PBR
8
Due to lack of observer coverage, a science-based estimate cannot be made.
Bacon, C.E. 1994. An ecotoxicological
comparison of organic contaminants in
sea otters among populations in
California and Alaska. M.S. thesis,
University of California, Santa Cruz.
Bacon, C.E., W.M. Jarman, J.A. Estes, M.
Simon, and R.J. Norstrom. 1999.
Comparison of organochlorine
contaminants among sea otter (Enhydra
lutris) populations in California and
Alaska. Environ. Toxicology and
Chemistry 18(3):452–458.
Bentall, G.B. 2005. Morphological and
behavioral correlates of population status
in the southern sea otter: a comparative
study between central California and San
Nicolas Island. Master’s Thesis,
University of California, Santa Cruz,
unpublished.
Bryant, H.C. 1915. Sea otters near Point Sur.
California Department of Fish and Game
Bull. 1:134–135.
PO 00000
Frm 00071
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Stock status
Strategic.
Cameron, G.A., and K.A. Forney. 2000.
Preliminary estimates of cetacean
mortality in California/Oregon gillnet
fisheries for 1999. Paper SC/S2/O24
presented to the International Whaling
Commission, 2000 (unpublished). 12 pp.
Available from NMFS, Southwest
Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 271,
La Jolla, California.
Carretta, J.V. 2001. Preliminary estimates of
cetacean mortality in California gillnet
fisheries for 2000. Paper SC/53/SM9
presented to the International Whaling
Commission, 2001 (unpublished). 21 pp.
Available from NMFS, Southwest
Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 271,
La Jolla, California.
Cronin, M.A., J. Bodkin, B. Bellachey, J.A.
Estes, and J.C. Patton. 1996.
Mitochondrial-DNA variation among
subspecies and populations of sea otters
(Enhydra lutris). J. Mammal. 77:546–557.
E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM
09MYN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
27248
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices
Estes, J.A. 1990. Growth and equilibrium in
sea otter populations. J. Anim. Ecol.
59:385–401.
Estes, J.A., and R.J. Jameson. 1988. A doublesurvey estimate for sighting probability
of sea otters in California. J. Wildl.
Manage. 52:70–76.
Estes, J.A., B.B. Hatfield, K. Ralls, and J.
Ames. 2003. Causes of mortality in
California sea otters during periods of
population growth and decline. Marine
Mammal Science 19(1):198–216.
Forney, K.A., S.R. Benson, and G.A.
Cameron. 2001. Central California gill
net effort and bycatch of sensitive
species, 1990–1998. Pages 141–160 in
Seabird Bycatch: Trends, Roadblocks,
and Solutions, E.F. Melvin and J.K.
Parrish, eds. Proceedings of an
International Symposium of the Pacific
Seabird Group, University of Alaska Sea
Grant, Fairbanks, Alaska, 212 pp.
Hatfield, B.B., and J.A. Estes. 2000.
Preliminary results of an evaluation of
the potential threat to sea otters posed by
the nearshore finfish trap fishery.
Unpublished. 6 pp. plus appendices.
Hatfield, B.B., J.A. Ames, J.A. Estes, M.T.
Tinker, A.B. Johnson, M.M. Staedler, and
M.D. Harris. 2011. Sea otter morality in
fish and shellfish traps: estimating
potential impacts and exploring possible
solutions. Endangered Species Research
13:219–229.
Herrick, S.F., Jr., and D. Hanan. 1988. A
review of California entangling net
fisheries, 1981–1986. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration
Technical Memorandum. National
Marine Fisheries Service. NOAA–TM–
NMFS–SWFC–108. 39 pp.
Jameson, R.J. 1989. Movements, home range,
and territories of male sea otters off
central California. Marine Mammal
Science 5:159–172.
Jameson, R.J., and S. Jeffries. 1999. Results of
the 1999 survey of the Washington sea
otter population. Unpublished report. 5
pp.
Jameson, R.J., and S. Jeffries. 2005. Results of
the 2005 survey of the reintroduced
Washington sea otter population.
Unpublished report. 6 pp.
Jessup, D.A., M.A. Miller, M. Harris, B.B.
Hatfield, and J.A. Estes. 2004. The 2003
southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis)
unusual mortality event: A preliminary
report to NOAA and USFWS.
Unpublished report. 38pp.
Johnson, C.K., M.T. Tinker, J.A. Estes, P.A.
Conrad, M. Staedler, M.A. Miller, D.A.
Jessup, and J. A.K. Mazet. 2009. Prey
choice and habitat use drive sea otter
pathogen exposure in a resource-limited
coastal system. PNAS 106:2242–2247.
Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, and N.J. Thomas.
2006. Association between
perfluorinated compounds and
pathological conditions in southern sea
otters. Environmental Science &
Technology 40:4943–4948.
Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, N.J. Thomas, and
K.M. Aldous. 2007. A comparative
analysis of polybrominated diphenyl
ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in
southern sea otters that died of infectious
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15:44 May 08, 2012
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diseases and noninfectious causes.
Archives of Environmental
Contamination and Toxicology 53:293–
302.
Kannan K., K.S. Guruge, N.J. Thomas, S.
Tanabe, J.P. Giesy. 1998. Butyltin
residues in southern sea otters (Enhydra
lutris nereis) found dead along California
coastal waters. Environmental Science
and Technology 32:1169–1175.
Kooyman, G.L., and D.P. Costa. 1979. Effects
of oiling on temperature regulation in sea
otters. Yearly progress report, Outer
Continental Shelf Energy Assessment
Program.
Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, D.A. Jessup, L.J.
Lowenstein, M.D. Harris, J.A. Ames, T.E.
Carpenter, P.A. Conrad, and J.A.K.
Mazet. 2003. Patterns of mortality in
southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris
nereis) from 1998–2001. Journal of
Wildlife Diseases 39(3):495–509.
Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, L.J. Lowenstine,
P.A. Conrad, T.E. Carpenter, D.A. Jessup,
and J.A.K. Mazet. 2005. Evaluation of
cardiac lesions and risk factors
associated with myocarditis and dilated
cardiomyopathy in southern sea otters
(Enhydra lutris nereis). American Journal
of Veterinary Research 66:289–299.
Laidre, K.L., R.J. Jameson, and D.P. DeMaster.
2001. An estimation of carrying capacity
for sea otters along the California coast.
Marine Mammal Science 17(2):294–309.
Larson, S., R. Jameson, J. Bodkin, M.
Staedler, and P. Bentzen. 2002.
Microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial
DNA variation in remnant and
translocated sea otter (Enhydra lutris)
populations. J. Mammal. 83(3):893–906.
Mayer, K.A., M.D. Dailey, and M.A. Miller.
2003. Helminth parasites of the southern
sea otter Enhydra lutris nereis in central
California: abundance, distribution, and
pathology. Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms 53:77–88.
Miller, M.A., R.M. Kudela, A. Mekebri, D.
Crane, S.C. Oates, M.T. Tinker, M.
Staedler, W.A. Miller, S. Toy-Choutka, C.
Domink, D. Hardin, G. Langlois, M.
Murray, K. Ward and D.A. Jessup. 2010.
Evidence for a novel marine harmful
algal bloom: cyanotoxin (Microcystin)
transfer from land to sea otters. PLoS
ONE 5(9): e12576.
Nakata, H., K. Kannan, L. Jing, N. Thomas,
S. Tanabe, and J.P. Giesy. 1998.
Accumulation pattern of organochlorine
pesticides and polychlorinated
biphenyls in southern sea otters
(Enhydra lutris nereis) found stranded
along coastal California, USA. Environ.
Poll. 103:45–53.
Ralls, K., T.C. Eagle, and D.B. Siniff. 1996.
Movement and spatial use patterns of
California sea otters. Canadian Journal of
Zoology 74:1841–1849.
Riedman, M.L., and J.A. Estes. 1990. The sea
otter (Enhydra lutris): behavior, ecology,
and natural history. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Biol. Rep. 90(14). 126
pp.
Riedman, M.L., J.A. Estes, M.M. Staedler,
A.A. Giles, and D.R. Carlson. 1994.
Breeding patterns and reproductive
success of California sea otters. J. Wildl.
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Sanchez, M.S. 1992. Differentiation and
variability of mitochondrial DNA in
three sea otter, Enhydra lutris,
populations. M.S. Thesis, University of
California, Santa Cruz.
Siniff, D.B., and K. Ralls. 1991.
Reproduction, survival, and tag loss in
California sea otters. Marine Mammal
Science 7(3):211–229.
Siniff, D.B., T.D. Williams, A.M. Johnson,
and D.L. Garshelis. 1982. Experiments on
the response of sea otters, Enhydra lutris,
to oil contamination. Biol. Conserv.
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Taylor, B.L., M. Scott, J. Heyning, and J.
Barlow. 2002. Suggested guidelines for
recovery factors for endangered marine
mammals. Unpublished report submitted
to the Pacific Scientific Review Group. 7
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Tinker, M.T., G. Bentall, and J.A. Estes. 2008.
Food limitation leads to behavioral
diversification and dietary specialization
in sea otters. PNAS 105:560–565.
Tinker, M.T., J.A. Estes, K. Ralls, T.M.
Williams, D. Jessup, and D.P. Costa.
2006. Population Dynamics and Biology
of the California Sea Otter (Enhydra
lutris nereis) at the Southern End of its
Range. MMS OCS Study 2006–007.
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Institute, University of California, Santa
Barbara, California. MMS Cooperative
Agreement Number 14–35–0001–31063.
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Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern
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Portland, Oregon. 177 pp.
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Hatch, V.L. Butler, R.L. Hall, and N.
Lehman. 2008. Ancient DNA reveals
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1986. An assessment of the accidental
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Authority
The authority for this action is the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.).
Dated: April 29, 2012.
Gregory E. Siekaniec,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–11164 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27246-27248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11164]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R8-FHC-2012-N018; FF08EVEN00-FXFR1337088SSO0L5-123]
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability of draft revised stock assessment report
for the southern sea otter in California; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (MMPA), and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (Service), have developed a draft revised marine
mammal stock assessment report (SAR) for the southern sea otter
(Enhydra lutris nereis) stock in the State of California. We now make
the SAR available for public review and comment.
DATES: We will consider comments that are received or postmarked on or
before August 7, 2012.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the draft revised SAR for southern sea
otter, you may obtain a copy from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/ventura. Alternatively, you may contact the Ventura Fish and Wildlife
Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003 (telephone: 805-
644-1766). If you wish to comment on the SAR, you may submit your
comments in writing by any one of the following methods:
U.S. mail: Field Supervisor, at the above address;
Hand delivery: Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at the
above address;
Fax: (805) 644-3958; or
Email: fw8ssostock@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lilian Carswell, at the above street
address, by telephone (805-612-2793), or by email (Lilian_Carswell@fws.gov).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and its implementing
regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR part 18,
we regulate the taking, possession, transportation,
[[Page 27247]]
purchasing, selling, offering for sale, exporting, and importing of
marine mammals. One of the MMPA's goals is to ensure that stocks of
marine mammals occurring in waters under U.S. jurisdiction do not
experience a level of human-caused mortality and serious injury that is
likely to cause the stock to be reduced below its optimum sustainable
population level (OSP). OSP is defined under the MMPA as ``* * * the
number of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the
population or the species, keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the
habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a
constituent element'' (16 U.S.C. 1362(3)(9)).
To help accomplish the goal of maintaining marine mammal stocks at
their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA requires the Service and the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to prepare a SAR for each
marine mammal stock that occurs in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. A
SAR must be based on the best scientific information available;
therefore, we prepare it in consultation with established regional
scientific review groups. Each SAR must include:
1. A description of the stock and its geographic range;
2. A minimum population estimate, maximum net productivity rate,
and current population trend;
3. An estimate of human-caused mortality and serious injury;
4. A description of commercial fishery interactions;
5. A categorization of the status of the stock; and
6. An estimate of the potential biological removal (PBR) level.
The MMPA defines the PBR as ``the maximum number of animals, not
including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal
stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its OSP'' (16
U.S.C. 1362(3)(20)). The PBR is the product of the minimum population
estimate of the stock (Nmin); one-half the maximum
theoretical or estimated net productivity rate of the stock at a small
population size (Rmax); and a recovery factor
(Fr) of between 0.1 and 1.0, which is intended to compensate
for uncertainty and unknown estimation errors. This can be written as:
PBR = (Nmin)(\1/2\ of the Rmax)(Fr)
Section 117 of the MMPA also requires the Service and NMFS to
review the SARs (a) at least annually for stocks that are specified as
strategic stocks, (b) at least annually for stocks for which
significant new information is available, and (c) at least once every 3
years for all other stocks.
A strategic stock is defined in the MMPA as a marine mammal stock
``(a) for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds the
PBR level; (b) which, based on the best available scientific
information, is declining and is likely to be listed as a threatened
species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) [the ``ESA''], within the foreseeable future; or (c)
which is listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA, or
is designated as depleted under [the MMPA].'' 16 U.S.C. 1362(3)(19).
The southern sea otter SAR was last revised in December 2008.
Because the southern sea otter qualifies as a strategic stock due to
its listing as a threatened species under the ESA, the Service had
reviewed the stock assessment annually since then. In December of 2009
and again in December of 2010, Service reviews concluded that revision
was not warranted because the stock had not changed significantly, nor
could it be more accurately determined. However, upon review in 2011,
the Service determined that revision was warranted due to an increase
in the relative number of strandings.
The following table summarizes the information we are now making
available in the draft revised southern sea otter SAR, which lists the
stock's Nmin, Rmax, Fr, PBR, annual
estimated human-caused mortality and serious injury, and status. After
consideration of any public comments we receive, the Service will
revise and finalize the SAR, as appropriate. We will publish a notice
of availability and summary of the final SAR, including responses to
submitted comments.
Summary: Draft Revised Stock Assessment Report, Southern Sea Otter in California
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual estimated
average human-caused
Stock Nmin Rmax Fr PBR mortality and Stock status
serious injury (5-
year average)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern sea otters.............. 2,762 0.06 0.1 8 Due to lack of Strategic.
observer coverage,
a science-based
estimate cannot be
made.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
References
In accordance with the MMPA, we include in this notice a list of
the information sources and public reports upon which we based the SAR.
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contaminants in sea otters among populations in California and
Alaska. M.S. thesis, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Bacon, C.E., W.M. Jarman, J.A. Estes, M. Simon, and R.J. Norstrom.
1999. Comparison of organochlorine contaminants among sea otter
(Enhydra lutris) populations in California and Alaska. Environ.
Toxicology and Chemistry 18(3):452-458.
Bentall, G.B. 2005. Morphological and behavioral correlates of
population status in the southern sea otter: a comparative study
between central California and San Nicolas Island. Master's Thesis,
University of California, Santa Cruz, unpublished.
Bryant, H.C. 1915. Sea otters near Point Sur. California Department
of Fish and Game Bull. 1:134-135.
Cameron, G.A., and K.A. Forney. 2000. Preliminary estimates of
cetacean mortality in California/Oregon gillnet fisheries for 1999.
Paper SC/S2/O24 presented to the International Whaling Commission,
2000 (unpublished). 12 pp. Available from NMFS, Southwest Fisheries
Science Center, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California.
Carretta, J.V. 2001. Preliminary estimates of cetacean mortality in
California gillnet fisheries for 2000. Paper SC/53/SM9 presented to
the International Whaling Commission, 2001 (unpublished). 21 pp.
Available from NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box
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Cronin, M.A., J. Bodkin, B. Bellachey, J.A. Estes, and J.C. Patton.
1996. Mitochondrial-DNA variation among subspecies and populations
of sea otters (Enhydra lutris). J. Mammal. 77:546-557.
[[Page 27248]]
Estes, J.A. 1990. Growth and equilibrium in sea otter populations.
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Estes, J.A., and R.J. Jameson. 1988. A double-survey estimate for
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52:70-76.
Estes, J.A., B.B. Hatfield, K. Ralls, and J. Ames. 2003. Causes of
mortality in California sea otters during periods of population
growth and decline. Marine Mammal Science 19(1):198-216.
Forney, K.A., S.R. Benson, and G.A. Cameron. 2001. Central
California gill net effort and bycatch of sensitive species, 1990-
1998. Pages 141-160 in Seabird Bycatch: Trends, Roadblocks, and
Solutions, E.F. Melvin and J.K. Parrish, eds. Proceedings of an
International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, University of
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Hatfield, B.B., and J.A. Estes. 2000. Preliminary results of an
evaluation of the potential threat to sea otters posed by the
nearshore finfish trap fishery. Unpublished. 6 pp. plus appendices.
Hatfield, B.B., J.A. Ames, J.A. Estes, M.T. Tinker, A.B. Johnson,
M.M. Staedler, and M.D. Harris. 2011. Sea otter morality in fish and
shellfish traps: estimating potential impacts and exploring possible
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Herrick, S.F., Jr., and D. Hanan. 1988. A review of California
entangling net fisheries, 1981-1986. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Technical Memorandum. National Marine
Fisheries Service. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-108. 39 pp.
Jameson, R.J. 1989. Movements, home range, and territories of male
sea otters off central California. Marine Mammal Science 5:159-172.
Jameson, R.J., and S. Jeffries. 1999. Results of the 1999 survey of
the Washington sea otter population. Unpublished report. 5 pp.
Jameson, R.J., and S. Jeffries. 2005. Results of the 2005 survey of
the reintroduced Washington sea otter population. Unpublished
report. 6 pp.
Jessup, D.A., M.A. Miller, M. Harris, B.B. Hatfield, and J.A. Estes.
2004. The 2003 southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) unusual
mortality event: A preliminary report to NOAA and USFWS. Unpublished
report. 38pp.
Johnson, C.K., M.T. Tinker, J.A. Estes, P.A. Conrad, M. Staedler,
M.A. Miller, D.A. Jessup, and J. A.K. Mazet. 2009. Prey choice and
habitat use drive sea otter pathogen exposure in a resource-limited
coastal system. PNAS 106:2242-2247.
Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, and N.J. Thomas. 2006. Association between
perfluorinated compounds and pathological conditions in southern sea
otters. Environmental Science & Technology 40:4943-4948.
Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, N.J. Thomas, and K.M. Aldous. 2007. A
comparative analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and
polychlorinated biphenyls in southern sea otters that died of
infectious diseases and noninfectious causes. Archives of
Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 53:293-302.
Kannan K., K.S. Guruge, N.J. Thomas, S. Tanabe, J.P. Giesy. 1998.
Butyltin residues in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
found dead along California coastal waters. Environmental Science
and Technology 32:1169-1175.
Kooyman, G.L., and D.P. Costa. 1979. Effects of oiling on
temperature regulation in sea otters. Yearly progress report, Outer
Continental Shelf Energy Assessment Program.
Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, D.A. Jessup, L.J. Lowenstein, M.D. Harris,
J.A. Ames, T.E. Carpenter, P.A. Conrad, and J.A.K. Mazet. 2003.
Patterns of mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
from 1998-2001. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 39(3):495-509.
Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, L.J. Lowenstine, P.A. Conrad, T.E.
Carpenter, D.A. Jessup, and J.A.K. Mazet. 2005. Evaluation of
cardiac lesions and risk factors associated with myocarditis and
dilated cardiomyopathy in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris
nereis). American Journal of Veterinary Research 66:289-299.
Laidre, K.L., R.J. Jameson, and D.P. DeMaster. 2001. An estimation
of carrying capacity for sea otters along the California coast.
Marine Mammal Science 17(2):294-309.
Larson, S., R. Jameson, J. Bodkin, M. Staedler, and P. Bentzen.
2002. Microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA variation in remnant
and translocated sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations. J. Mammal.
83(3):893-906.
Mayer, K.A., M.D. Dailey, and M.A. Miller. 2003. Helminth parasites
of the southern sea otter Enhydra lutris nereis in central
California: abundance, distribution, and pathology. Diseases of
Aquatic Organisms 53:77-88.
Miller, M.A., R.M. Kudela, A. Mekebri, D. Crane, S.C. Oates, M.T.
Tinker, M. Staedler, W.A. Miller, S. Toy-Choutka, C. Domink, D.
Hardin, G. Langlois, M. Murray, K. Ward and D.A. Jessup. 2010.
Evidence for a novel marine harmful algal bloom: cyanotoxin
(Microcystin) transfer from land to sea otters. PLoS ONE 5(9):
e12576.
Nakata, H., K. Kannan, L. Jing, N. Thomas, S. Tanabe, and J.P.
Giesy. 1998. Accumulation pattern of organochlorine pesticides and
polychlorinated biphenyls in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris
nereis) found stranded along coastal California, USA. Environ. Poll.
103:45-53.
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DNA in three sea otter, Enhydra lutris, populations. M.S. Thesis,
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leads to behavioral diversification and dietary specialization in
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D.P. Costa. 2006. Population Dynamics and Biology of the California
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for the Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). Portland,
Oregon. 177 pp.
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R.L. Hall, and N. Lehman. 2008. Ancient DNA reveals genotypic
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accidental take of sea otters, Enhydra lutris, in gill and trammel
nets. California Department of Fish and Game, Mar. Res. Tech. Rep.
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72(1):22-36.
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Authority
The authority for this action is the Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.).
Dated: April 29, 2012.
Gregory E. Siekaniec,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-11164 Filed 5-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
