Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Three Marine Geophysical Surveys in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, June Through July, 2012, 41755-41773 [2012-17258]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 136 (Monday, July 16, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41755-41773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17258]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XB105


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Three 
Marine Geophysical Surveys in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, June Through 
July, 2012

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; issuance of three incidental take authorizations (ITA).

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
regulations, notification is hereby given that we have issued three 
Incidental Harassment Authorizations to the Lamont-Doherty Earth 
Observatory (Observatory), a part of Columbia University, to take 
marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting three 
consecutive marine geophysical (seismic) surveys in the northeast 
Pacific Ocean, June through July, 2012.

DATES: Effective June 13 through July 25, 2012; July 1 through August 
1, 2012; and July 12 through August 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Incidental Harassment Authorizations 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 or by telephoning the contacts listed here. A copy of 
the application containing a list of the 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannine Cody or Howard Goldstein, 
NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, 301-427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA of 1972, as amended (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: (1) We make certain 
findings; (2) the taking is limited to harassment; and (3) we provide a 
notice of a proposed authorization to the public for review.
    We shall grant authorization for the incidental taking of small 
numbers of marine mammals if we find 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. We have 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 Act establishes a 45-day time limit for our 
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, we must either issue or deny the authorization 
and must publish a notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of our 
determination to 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)

[[Page 41756]]

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].
    The U.S. National Science Foundation (Foundation) has prepared an 
``Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact 
Determination Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq. and Executive Order 12114 Marine Seismic Surveys in 
the northeastern Pacific Ocean, 2012.'' The Environmental Assessment 
incorporates an ``Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical 
Surveys by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth in the Northeastern Pacific 
Ocean, June-July 2012,'' prepared by LGL Limited Environmental Research 
Associates, on behalf of the Foundation. We also issued a Biological 
Opinion under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to evaluate 
the effects of the survey and Incidental Harassment Authorization on 
marine species listed as threatened or endangered. The Biological 
Opinion will be available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultations/opinions.htm. The public can view documents cited in this 
notice by appointment, during regular business hours, at the 
aforementioned address.

Summary of Request

    We received an application on January 27, 2012, from the 
Observatory for the taking by harassment, of small numbers of marine 
mammals, incidental to conducting three separate marine seismic surveys 
in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We determined the application complete 
and adequate on March 27, 2012. On May 2, 2012, we published a notice 
in the Federal Register (77 FR 25966) disclosing the effects on marine 
mammals, making preliminary determinations, and proposing to issue the 
Incidental Harassment Authorization. The notice initiated a 30 day 
public comment period.
    The Observatory, with research funding from the Foundation, plans 
to conduct three research studies on the Juan de Fuca Plate, the 
Cascadia thrust zone, and the Cascadia subduction margin in waters off 
the Oregon and Washington coasts. The Observatory will conduct the 
first survey from June 14 through July 8, 2012, the second survey from 
July 4 through July 6, 2012, and the third survey from July 12 through 
July 23, 2012, for a total of 30 days of active seismic operations. 
Some minor deviation from these dates is possible, depending on 
logistics, weather conditions, and the need to repeat some lines if 
data quality is substandard. Therefore, the authorizations are 
effective from June 13, 2012 to July 25, 2012; July 1 to August 1, 
2012; and July 12 to August 10, 2012, respectively.
    The Observatory will use one source vessel, the R/V Marcus G. 
Langseth (Langseth), a seismic airgun array, a single hydrophone 
streamer, and ocean bottom seismometers to conduct the seismic surveys.
    The surveys will provide data necessary to:
     Characterize the evolution and state of hydration of the 
Juan de Fuca plate at the Cascadia subduction zone;
     Provide information on the buried structures in the 
region; and
     Assess the location, physical state, fluid budget, and 
methane systems of the Juan de Fuca plate boundary and overlying crust.
    The results of the three studies will provide background 
information for generating improved earthquake hazards analyses and a 
better understanding of the processes that control megathrust 
earthquakes, which are produced by a sudden slip along the boundary 
between a subducting and an overriding plate.
    In addition to the operations of the seismic airgun array and 
hydrophone streamer, and the ocean bottom seismometers (seismometers), 
the Observatory intends to operate a multibeam echosounder and a sub-
bottom profiler continuously throughout the surveys.
    Acoustic stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated 
during the operation of the seismic airgun arrays, may have the 
potential to cause a 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 Observatory has 
requested an authorization to take 26 species of marine mammals by 
Level B harassment. We do not expect that the use of the multibeam 
echosounder, the sub-bottom profiler, or the ocean bottom seismometers 
(seismometers) will result in the take of marine mammals and will 
discuss our reasoning later in this notice. Also, we do not expect take 
to result from a collision with the Langseth because it is a single 
vessel moving at relatively slow speeds (4.6 knots (kts); 8.5 
kilometers per hour (km/h); 5.3 miles per hour (mph)) during seismic 
acquisition within the survey, for a relatively short period of time. 
It is likely that any marine mammal would be able to avoid the vessel.

Description of the Specified Activities, Dates, Duration, and Specified 
Geographic Region

    The notice for the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (77 
FR 25966, May 2, 2012) contained a full description of the 
Observatory's planned activities. That notice describes the dates, 
locations, and operational details of the three surveys. The activities 
to be conducted have not changed between the proposed Incidental 
Harassment Authorization notice and this final notice announcing the 
issuance of the Incidental Harassment Authorization; therefore, only a 
short summary is provided here. For a more detailed description of the 
authorized action, including vessel and acoustic source specifications, 
the reader should refer to the notice of the proposed Incidental 
Harassment Authorization notice (77 FR 25966, May 2, 2012), the 
Incidental Harassment Authorization application, Environmental 
Assessment, and associated documents referenced above this section.

Juan de Fuca Plate Survey

    The first seismic survey would begin on June 14, 2012, and end on 
July 8, 2012. The Langseth will depart from Astoria, Oregon on June 14, 
2012, and transit to the survey area in the northeast Pacific Ocean in 
international waters and the Exclusive Economic Zones of the United 
States and Canada. The study area will encompass an area bounded by 
approximately 43 to 48 degrees ([deg]) North by approximately 124 to 
130[deg] East (see Figure 1 in the Observatory's Application 
1). Water depths in the survey area range from approximately 
50 to 3,000 meters (m) (164 feet [ft] to 1.7 nautical miles [nmi]). At 
the conclusion of the first survey, the Langseth would begin a second 
three-day seismic survey on July 5, 2012, in the same area.
    During this survey, the Langseth would deploy a 36-airgun array as 
an energy source, an 8-kilometer (km)-long (4.3 nmi-long) hydrophone 
streamer, and 46 seismometers.
    The Observatory plans to discharge the airgun array along three 
long transect lines and three semi-circular arcs using the seismometers 
as the receivers and then repeat along the long transect lines in 
multichannel seismic mode using the 8-km streamer as the receiver (see 
Figure 1 in the Observatory's Application 1). Also, the 
Observatory will use one support vessel, the R/V Oceanus (Oceanus) to 
deploy

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46 seismometers on the northern onshore-offshore line, retrieve the 46 
seismometers from the northern line, and then deploy 39 seismometers on 
the southern onshore-offshore lines and retrieve them at the conclusion 
of the survey.
    The first study (e.g., equipment testing, startup, line changes, 
repeat coverage of any areas, and equipment recovery) will require 
approximately 17 days to complete approximately 3,051 km (1,647.4 nmi) 
of transect lines. The total survey effort including contingency will 
consist of approximately 2,878 km (1,554 nmi) of transect lines in 
depths greater than 1,000 m (3,280.8 ft), 102 km (55.1 nmi) in depths 
100 to 1,000 m (328 to 3,280 ft), and 71 km (38.3 nmi) in water depths 
less than 100 m (328 ft). The northern and southern onshore-offshore 
lines are 70 to 310 km (37.8 to 167.4 mi) and 15 to 450 km (8.1 to 243 
mi) from shore, respectively.
    Data acquisition will include approximately 408 hours of airgun 
operations (i.e., 17 days over 24 hours).

Cascadia Thrust Zone Survey

    The second survey would begin on July 4, 2012, and end on July 6, 
2012. The survey would take place in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone 
in waters off of the Oregon and Washington coasts. The study area will 
encompass an area bounded by approximately 43.5 to 47[deg] North by 
approximately 124 to 125[deg] East (see Figure 1 in the Observatory's 
Application 2). Water depths in the survey area range from 
approximately 50 to 1,000 m (164 ft to 3,280.8 ft). At the conclusion 
of this survey, the Langseth would return to Astoria, Oregon on July 8, 
2012.
    The Langseth would deploy a 36-airgun array as an energy source, 12 
seismometers, and 48 seismometers (33 in Oregon and 15 in Washington) 
onshore (on land). The Observatory plans to use the Oceanus to deploy 
and retrieve the seismometers.
    The Observatory plans to discharge the airgun array along a grid of 
lines off Oregon and along an onshore-offshore line off Washington (see 
Figure 1 in the Observatory's Application 2).
    The study (e.g., equipment testing, startup, line changes, repeat 
coverage of any areas, and equipment recovery) will require 
approximately 3 days to complete approximately 793 km (492.7 mi) of 
transect lines. The total survey effort including contingency will 
consist of approximately 5 km (2.7 nmi) of transect lines in depths 
greater than 1,000 m, 501 km (270.5 mi) in depths 100 to 1,000 m (328 
to 3,280 ft), and 287 km (155 nmi) in water depths less than 100 m (328 
ft). The northern and southern legs of the onshore-offshore lines are 
15 to 70 km (8.1 to 37.8 nmi) and 15 to 50 km (8.1 to 27 nmi) from 
shore, respectively. Data acquisition will include approximately 72 
hours of airgun operations (i.e., 3 days over 24 hours).

Cascadia Subduction Margin Survey

    The last seismic survey would begin on July 12, 2012, and end on 
July 23, 2012. The Langseth would depart from Astoria, Oregon on July 
12, 2012, and transit to waters off of the Washington coast. The study 
area encompasses an area bounded by approximately 46.5 to 47.5[deg] 
North by approximately 124.5 to 126[deg] East (see Figure 1 in the 
Observatory's Application 3). Water depths in the survey area 
range from approximately 95 to 2,650 m (311.7 ft to 8,694.2 ft). At the 
conclusion of this survey, the Langseth would return to Astoria, 
Oregon.
    The Langseth would deploy a 36-airgun array as an energy source and 
an 8-km-long (4.3 nmi-long) hydrophone streamer. The Observatory plans 
to discharge the airgun array along nine parallel lines that are spaced 
eight km apart. If time permits, the Langseth would survey an 
additional two lines perpendicular to the parallel lines (see Figure 1 
in the Observatory's Application 3).
    The study (e.g., equipment testing, startup, line changes, repeat 
coverage of any areas, and equipment recovery) will require 
approximately 10 days to complete approximately 1,147 km (619.3 nmi) of 
transect lines. The total survey effort including contingency will 
consist of approximately 785 km (423.9 nmi) of transect lines in depths 
greater than1,000 m, 350 km (189 nmi) of transect lines in depths 100 
to 1,000 m, and 12 km (6.5 mi) of transect lines in water depths less 
than 100 m. The survey area is 32 to 150 km (17.3 to 81 nmi) from 
shore. Data acquisition will include approximately 240 hours of airgun 
operations (i.e., 10 days over 24 hours).
    Some minor deviation from these dates is possible, depending on 
logistics, weather conditions, and the need to repeat some lines if 
data quality is substandard. Therefore, the issued authorizations are 
effective from June 13 through July 25, 2012; July 1 through August 1, 
2012; and July 12 through August 10, 2012.

Comments and Responses

    A notice of preliminary determinations and proposed Incidental 
Harassment Authorization for the Observatory's three proposed seismic 
surveys was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2012 (77 FR 
25966). During the 30-day public comment period NMFS received comments 
from the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission). The Commission's 
comments are available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. On June 8 and 11, 2012, we received information and a 
letter, respectively, from the Orca Network regarding the seismic 
survey's potential impacts on endangered Southern Resident killer 
whales after the close of the public comment period. The Orca Network's 
letter is available online at: https://www.orcanetwork.org/news/seismicsurvey2012.html and https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. The Observatory has made changes and enhancements to 
the seismic survey plan since they were originally proposed, and 
additional monitoring and mitigation measures have been required in the 
Incidental Harassment Authorization. Following is a summary of the 
Commission's comments and our responses:
    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that we require the 
Observatory to re-estimate the proposed exclusion and buffer zones and 
associated takes of marine mammals using site-specific information--if 
the exclusion and buffer zones and numbers of takes are not re-
estimated require the Observatory to provide a detailed justification 
explaining the rationale for (1) basing the exclusion and buffer zones 
for the proposed survey in the northeast Pacific Ocean on empirical 
data collected in the Gulf of Mexico or on modeling that relies on 
measurements from the Gulf of Mexico and (2) using simple ratios to 
adjust for tow depth and applying median values to estimate propagation 
in intermediate water depths rather than using empirical measurements.
    Response: With respect to the Commission's first point, based upon 
the best available information and our analysis of the likely effects 
of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, we are 
satisfied that the data supplied by the Observatory are sufficient for 
us to conduct our analysis and support the determinations under the 
MMPA, ESA of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The identified zones are appropriate 
for the survey and additional field measurements are not necessary at 
this time. Thus, for this survey, NMFS will not require the Observatory 
to re-estimate the proposed exclusion zones and buffer zones and 
associated number of marine mammal

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takes using operational and site-specific environmental parameters.
    With respect to the Commission's second point, the Observatory has 
modeled the exclusion and buffer zones in the action area based on the 
Observatory's 2003 (Tolstoy et al., 2004) and 2007 to 2008 (Tolstoy et 
al., 2009) peer-reviewed, calibration studies in the northern Gulf of 
Mexico. Received levels have been modeled by the Observatory for a 
number of airgun configurations in relation to distance and direction 
from the airguns (see Figure 3 of the Incidental Harassment 
Authorization applications). The Foundation's Environmental Assessment 
(see Appendix A) includes detailed information on the study, and their 
modeling process of the calibration experiment in shallow, 
intermediate, and deep water. The conclusions in Appendix A show that 
the Observatory's model represents the actual produced sound levels, 
particularly within the first few kilometers, where the predicted zone 
(i.e., exclusion zone) lie. At greater distances, local oceanographic 
variations begin to take effect, and the model tends to over predict.
    Because the modeling matches the observed measurement data, the 
authors concluded that those using the models to predict zones can 
continue to do so, including predicting exclusion zones and buffer 
zones around the vessel for various tow depths. At present, the 
Observatory's model does not account for site-specific environmental 
conditions, and the calibration study analysis of the model predicted 
that using site-specific information may actually estimate less 
conservative exclusion zones at greater distances.
    While it is difficult to estimate exposures of marine mammals to 
acoustic stimuli, we are confident that the Observatory's approach to 
quantifying the exclusion and buffer zones uses the best available 
scientific information (as required by our regulations) and estimation 
methodologies. After considering this comment and evaluating the 
respective approaches for establishing exclusion and buffer zones, we 
have determined that the Observatory's approach and corresponding 
monitoring and mitigation measures will effect the least practicable 
impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that we require the 
Observatory to re-estimate the number of takes during the first survey 
(i.e., Juan de Fuca plate survey) by accounting for two passes over the 
three long transect lines, which should effectively double the 
estimated number of takes from a single survey pass of those lines.
    Response: NMFS and the Observatory base the estimated number of 
takes on the number of individual animals that are exposed to sound 
levels greater than or equal to 160 dB (rms), and some animals may be 
exposed multiple times in a 24 hour period. In the context of a diel 
cycle, if multiple exposures occur to an individual within a 24 hour 
period, NMFS and the Observatory considered this as one take, for 
purposes of estimating the number takes by Level B harassment. The 
Observatory's calculated number of takes assumes that the animals are 
stationary, so two passes over the three long transect lines is 
affecting the same number of individuals twice. Because the animals are 
considered stationary, these calculated take numbers are likely 
overestimates, as animals are constantly moving in the real marine 
environment. The Observatory's use of these peer-reviewed, model-based, 
density estimates are the best available information to estimate 
density for the survey area and to estimate the number of authorized 
takes for the seismic surveys in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
    Comment 3: The Commission recommends that we prohibit an 8 minute 
pause following the sighting of a marine mammal in the exclusion zone 
and extend that pause to cover the maximum dive times of the species 
likely to be encountered prior to resuming airgun operations after both 
power-down and shut-down procedures.
    Response: The Incidental Harassment Authorization specifies the 
conditions under which the Langseth will resume full-power operations 
of the airguns after a power-down or shut-down. During periods of 
active seismic operations, there are occasions when the airguns need to 
be temporarily shut-down (e.g., due to equipment failure, maintenance, 
or shut-down) or when a power-down is necessary (e.g., when a marine 
mammal is seen entering or about to enter the exclusion zone) for less 
than 8 minutes.
    Should the airguns be inactive or powered-down for more than 8 
minutes, then the Observatory would follow the ramp-up procedures 
identified in the ``Mitigation'' section (discussed later in this 
document) where airguns will be re-started beginning with the smallest 
airgun in the array and increase in steps not to exceed 6 dB per 5 
minutes over a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. We and the 
Foundation believe that the 8 minute period in question is an 
appropriate minimum amount of time to pass after which a ramp-up 
process should be followed. In these instances, should it be possible 
for the Observatory to reactivate the airguns without exceeding the 
eight minute period (e.g., equipment is fixed or a marine mammal is 
visually observed to have left the exclusion zone for the full source 
level), then the Observatory would reactivate the airguns to the full 
operating source level identified for the survey (in this case 6,600 
in\3\) without need for initiating ramp-up procedures. In the event a 
marine mammal enters the exclusion zone and the Observatory initiates a 
power-down, and the Protected Species Observers do not visually observe 
the marine mammal leaving the exclusion zone, then the Observatory must 
wait 15 minutes (for species with shorter dive durations--small 
odontocetes and pinnipeds) or 30 minutes (for species with longer dive 
durations--mysticetes and large ondontocetes) after the last sighting 
before initiating a 30-minute ramp-up. However, ramp-up will not occur 
as long as a marine mammal is detected within the exclusion zone, which 
provides more time for animals to leave the exclusion zone, and 
accounts for the position, swim speed, and heading of marine mammals 
within the exclusion zone.
    We recognize that several species of deep-diving cetaceans are 
capable of remaining underwater for more than 30 minutes (e.g., sperm 
whales and several species of beaked whales); however, for the 
following reasons we believe that 30 minutes is an adequate length for 
the monitoring period prior to the ramp-up of airguns:
    (1) Because the Langseth is required to monitor before ramp-up of 
the airgun array, the time of monitoring prior to the start-up of any 
but the smallest array is effectively longer than 30 minutes (ramp-up 
will begin with the smallest airgun in the array and airguns will be 
added in sequence such that the source level of the array will increase 
in steps not exceeding approximately 6 dB per five minute period over a 
total duration of about 30 minutes);
    (2) In many cases Protected Species Observers are observing during 
times when the Observatory is not operating the seismic airguns and 
would observe the area prior to the 30-minute observation period;
    (3) The majority of the species that may be exposed do not stay 
underwater more than 30 minutes; and
    (4) All else being equal and if deep-diving individuals happened to 
be in the area in the short time immediately prior to the pre-ramp-up 
monitoring, if an animal's maximum underwater dive

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time is 45 minutes, then there is only a one in three chance that the 
last random surfacing would occur prior to the beginning of the 
required 30 minute monitoring period and that the animal would not be 
seen during that 30-minute period.
    Finally, seismic vessels are moving continuously (because of the 
long, towed array and streamer) and we believe that unless the animal 
submerges and follows at the speed of the vessel (highly unlikely, 
especially when considering that a significant part of their movement 
is vertical [deep-diving]), the vessel will be far beyond the length of 
the exclusion zone within 30 minutes, and therefore it will be safe to 
start the airguns again.
    Under the MMPA, incidental take authorizations must include means 
of effecting the least practicable impact on marine mammal species and 
their habitat. Monitoring and mitigation measures are designed to 
comply with this requirement. The effectiveness of monitoring is 
science-based, and monitoring and mitigation measures must be 
``practicable.'' We believe that the framework for visual monitoring 
will: (1) Be effective at spotting almost all species for which take is 
requested; and (2) that imposing additional requirements, such as those 
suggested by the Commission, would not meaningfully increase the 
effectiveness of observing marine mammals approaching or entering 
exclusion zones and thus further minimize the potential for take.
    Comment 4: The Commission recommends that we provide additional 
justification for our preliminary determination that the proposed 
monitoring program will be sufficient to detect, with a high level of 
confidence, all marine mammals within or entering the identified 
exclusion and buffer zones--such justification should (1) Identify 
those species that it believes can be detected with a high degree of 
confidence using visual monitoring only under the expected 
environmental conditions, (2) describe detection probability as a 
function of distance from the vessel, (3) describe changes in detection 
probability under various sea state and weather conditions and light 
levels, and (4) explain how close to the vessel marine mammals must be 
for observers to achieve high nighttime detection rates.
    Response: We believe that the planned monitoring program will be 
sufficient to detect (using visual monitoring and passive acoustic 
monitoring), with reasonable certainty, marine mammals within or 
entering the identified exclusion zones. This monitoring, along with 
the required mitigation measures, will result in the least practicable 
impact on the affected species or stocks and will result in a 
negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammals. 
Also, NMFS expects some animals to avoid areas around the airgun array 
ensonified at the level of the exclusion zone.
    We acknowledge that the detection probability for certain species 
of marine mammals varies depending on the animal's size and behavior, 
as well as sea state, weather conditions, and light levels. The 
detectability of marine mammals likely decreases in low light (i.e., 
darkness), higher Beaufort sea states and wind conditions, and poor 
weather (e.g., fog and/or rain). However, at present, we view the 
combination of visual monitoring and passive acoustic monitoring as the 
most effective monitoring and mitigation techniques available for 
detecting marine mammals within or entering the exclusion zone. The 
final monitoring and mitigation measures are the most effective and 
feasible measures, and we are not aware of any additional measures 
which could meaningfully increase the likelihood of detecting marine 
mammals in and around the exclusion zone. Further, public comment has 
not revealed any additional monitoring and mitigation measures that 
could be feasibly implemented to increase the effectiveness of 
detection.
    The Foundation and Observatory are receptive to incorporating 
proven technologies and techniques to enhance the current monitoring 
and mitigation program. Until proven technological advances are made 
nighttime mitigation measures during operations include combinations of 
the use of Protected Species Visual Observers for ramp-ups, passive 
acoustic monitoring, night vision devices provided to Protected Species 
Visual Observers, and continuous shooting of a mitigation airgun. 
Should the airgun array be powered-down the operation of a single 
airgun would continue to serve as a sound deterrent to marine mammals. 
In the event of a complete shut-down of the airgun array at night for 
mitigation or repairs, the Observatory suspends the data collection 
until 30 minutes after nautical twilight-dawn (when Protected Species 
Visual Observers are able to clear the exclusion zone). The Observatory 
will not activate the airguns until the entire exclusion zone is 
visible and free of marine mammals for at least 30 minutes.
    In cooperation with us, the Observatory will be conducting efficacy 
experiments of night vision devices during a future Langseth cruise. In 
addition, in response to a recommendation from us, the Observatory is 
evaluating the use of forward-looking thermal imaging cameras to 
supplement nighttime monitoring and mitigation practices. During other 
low-power seismic and seafloor mapping surveys throughout the world, 
the Observatory successfully used these devices while conducting 
nighttime seismic operations.
    Comment 5: The Commission recommends that we consult with the 
funding agency (i.e., the Foundation) and individual applicants (i.e., 
the Observatory and U.S. Geological Survey) to develop, validate, and 
implement a monitoring program that provides a scientifically sound, 
reasonably accurate assessment of the types of marine mammal taking and 
the number of marine mammals taken.
    Response: Several studies have reported on the abundance and 
distribution of marine mammals inhabiting the Pacific Ocean, and the 
Observatory has incorporated these data into their analyses used to 
predict marine mammal take in their Incidental Harassment Authorization 
applications. We believe that the Observatory's approach for estimating 
abundance in the survey areas (prior to the survey) is the best 
available approach.
    There will be periods of transit time during the cruise, and 
Protected Species Observers will be on watch prior to and after the 
seismic portions of the surveys, in addition to during the surveys. The 
collection of this visual observational data by Protected Species 
Observers may contribute to baseline data on marine mammals (presence/
absence) and provide some generalized support for estimated take 
numbers, but it is unlikely that the information gathered from these 
cruises alone would result in any statistically robust conclusions for 
any particular species because of the small number of animals typically 
observed.
    We acknowledge the Commission's recommendations and are open to 
further coordination with the Commission, Foundation (the vessel 
owner), and the Observatory (the ship operator on behalf of the 
Foundation), to develop, validate, and implement a monitoring program 
that will provide or contribute towards a more scientifically sound and 
reasonably accurate assessment of the types of marine mammal taking and 
the number of marine mammals taken. However, the cruise's primary focus 
is marine seismic research, and the surveys may be operationally 
limited due to considerations such as location, time, fuel, services, 
and other resources.

[[Page 41760]]

    Comment 6: The Commission recommends that we require the 
Observatory to (1) Report the number of marine mammals that were 
detected acoustically and for which a power-down or shut-down of the 
airguns was initiated, (2) specify if such animals also were detected 
visually, (3) compare the results from the two monitoring methods 
(visual versus acoustic) to help identify their respective strengths 
and weaknesses, and (4) use that information to improve mitigation and 
monitoring methods.
    Response: The Incidental Harassment Authorization requires that 
Protected Species Acoustic Observers on the Langseth do and record the 
following when a marine mammal is detected by passive acoustic 
monitoring:
    (i) Notify the on-duty Protected Species Visual Observer(s) 
immediately of a vocalizing marine mammal so a power-down or shut-down 
can be initiated, if required:
    (ii) Enter the information regarding the vocalization into a 
database. The data to be entered include an acoustic encounter 
identification number, whether it was linked with a visual sighting, 
data, time when first and last heard and whenever any additional 
information was recorded, position, and water depth when first 
detected, bearing if determinable, species or species group (e.g., 
unidentified dolphin, sperm whale), types and nature of sounds heard 
(e.g., clicks, continuous, sporadic, whistles, creaks, burst pulses, 
strength of signal, etc.), and any other notable information.
    We acknowledge the Commission's request for a comparison between 
the Observatory's visual and acoustic monitoring programs, and we will 
work with the Foundation (the vessel owner) and the Observatory (the 
ship operator on behalf of the Foundation) to analyze the results of 
the two monitoring methods to help identify their respective strengths 
and weaknesses. The results of our analyses may provide information to 
improve mitigation and monitoring for future seismic surveys.
    The Observatory reports on the number of acoustic detections made 
by the passive acoustic monitoring system within the post-cruise 
monitoring reports as required by the Incidental Harassment 
Authorization. The report also includes a description of any acoustic 
detections that were concurrent with visual sightings, which allows for 
a comparison of acoustic and visual detection methods for each cruise. 
The post-cruise monitoring reports also include the following 
information: total operations effort in daylight (hours), total 
operation effort at night (hours), total number of hours of visual 
observations conducted, total number of sightings, and total number of 
hours of acoustic detections conducted.
    LGL Ltd., Environmental Research Associates (LGL), a contractor for 
the Observatory, has processed sighting and density data, and their 
publications can be viewed online at: https://www.lgl.com/index.php?option=con_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=162&lang=en. 
Post-cruise monitoring reports are currently available on our MMPA 
Incidental Take Program Web site (see ADDRESSES) and on the 
Foundation's Web site (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/oce/envcomp/index.jsp) 
should there be interest in further analysis of this data by the 
public.
    Comment 7: The Commission recommends that we work with the 
Foundation to analyze those data collected during ramp-up procedures to 
help determine the effectiveness of those procedures as a mitigation 
measure for seismic surveys.
    Response: We acknowledge the Commission's request for an analysis 
of ramp-ups and will work with the Foundation and the Observatory to 
help identify the effectiveness of the mitigation measure for seismic 
surveys. The Incidental Harassment Authorization requires that 
Protected Species Observers on the Langseth make observations for 30 
minutes prior to ramp-up, during all ramp-ups, and during all daytime 
seismic operations and record the following information when a marine 
mammal is sighted:
    (i) Species, group size, age/size/sex categories (if determinable), 
behavior when first sighted and after initial sighting, heading (if 
consistent), bearing and distance from the seismic vessel, sighting 
cue, apparent reaction of the airguns or vessel (e.g., none, avoidance, 
approach, paralleling, etc., and including responses to ramp-up), and 
behavioral pace; and
    (ii) Time, location, heading, speed, activity of the vessel 
(including number of airguns operating and whether in state of ramp-up 
or shut-down), Beaufort wind force and sea state, visibility, and sun 
glare.
    One of the primary purposes of monitoring is to result in 
``increased knowledge of the species'' and the effectiveness of 
required monitoring and mitigation measures. The effectiveness of ramp-
up as a mitigation measure and marine mammal reaction to ramp-up would 
be useful information in this regard. We require the Foundation and the 
Observatory to gather all data that could potentially provide 
information regarding the effectiveness of ramp-up as a mitigation 
measure in its monitoring report. However, considering the low numbers 
of marine mammal sightings and low number of ramp-ups, it is unlikely 
that the information will result in any statistically robust 
conclusions for this particular seismic survey. Over the long term, 
these requirements may provide information regarding the effectiveness 
of ramp-up as a mitigation measure, provided Protected Species 
Observers detect animals during ramp-up.

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

    Thirty-one marine mammal species under our jurisdiction may occur 
in the survey areas, including 19 odontocetes (toothed cetaceans), 
seven mysticetes (baleen whales), and five species of pinniped during 
June through July, 2012. Six of these species and two stocks are listed 
as endangered under the ESA, including the blue (Balaenoptera 
musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae), north Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), sei 
(Balaenoptera borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales; the 
southern resident stock of killer (Orcinus orca) whales; and the 
eastern U.S. stock of the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the northern sea otter 
(Enhydra lutis) (listed under the ESA). Because this species is not 
under our jurisdiction, we do not consider this species further in this 
notice.
    Based on available data, the Observatory does not expect to 
encounter five of the 31 species in the survey areas because of their 
rare and/or extralimital occurrence in the survey areas. They include 
the: the North Pacific right, false killer (Pseudorca crassidens), and 
short-finned pilot (Globicephala macrorhynchus) whales; the California 
sea lion (Zalophus californianus); and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops 
truncatus). Accordingly, we did not consider these species in greater 
detail, and the authorization only addresses take for 26 species: six 
mysticetes, 16 odontocetes, and four pinnipeds.
    Of these 26 species, the most common marine mammals in the survey 
area will be the: harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise 
(Phocoenoides dalli), northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), and 
northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris).
    Table 1 presents information on the abundance, distribution, and 
conservation status of the marine mammals that may occur in the

[[Page 41761]]

proposed survey area June through July, 2012.

Table 1--Habitat, Abundance, Density, and ESA Status of Marine Mammals That May Occur In or Near the Seismic Survey Areas in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
            [See text and Tables 2 and 3 in the Observatory's applications and the Foundation's Environmental Assessment for further details]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                        Density (/1,000 km\2\)
                                                                                                                                               \3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:
    North Pacific right whale    Pelagic and        31 \4\....................  EN........................  D.........................                 0
     (Eubalaena japonica).        coastal.
    Gray whale (Eschrictius      Coastal, shallow   19,126 \5\................  DL (Eastern stock)........  NC (Eastern stock)........              3.21
     robustus).                   shelf.                                        EN (Western stock)........  D (Western stock).........
    Humpback whale (Megaptera    Mainly nearshore,  20,800 \6\................  EN........................  D.........................              0.81
     novaeangliae).               banks.
    Minke whale (Balaenoptera    Pelagic and        9,000 \7\.................  NL........................  NC........................              0.46
     acutorostrata).              coastal.
    Sei whale (Balaenoptera      Primarily          12,620 \8\................  EN........................  D.........................              0.16
     borealis).                   offshore,
                                  pelagic.
    Fin whale (Balaenoptera      Continental        13,620 to 18,680 \9\......  EN........................  D.........................              1.29
     physalus).                   slope, pelagic.
    Blue whale (Balaenoptera     Pelagic, shelf,    2,597.....................  EN........................  D.........................              0.18
     musculus).                   coastal.
Odontocetes:
    Sperm whale (Physeter        Pelagic, deep sea  24,000 \10\...............  EN........................  D.........................              1.02
     macrocephalus).
    Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia     Deep waters off    NA........................  NL........................  NC........................              0.71
     breviceps).                  the shelf.
    Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia     Deep waters off    NA........................  NL........................  NC........................              0.71
     sima).                       the shelf.
    Cuvier's beaked whale        Pelagic..........  2,143.....................  NL........................  NC........................              0.43
     (Ziphius cavirostris).
    Baird's beaked whale         Pelagic..........  907.......................  NL........................  NC........................              1.18
     (Berardius bairdii).
    Blainville's beaked whale    Pelagic..........  1,024 \11\................  NL........................  NC........................              1.75
     (Mesoplodon densirostris).
    Hubb's beaked whale          Slope, offshore..  1,024 \11\................  NL........................  NC........................              1.75
     (Mesoplodon carlhubbsi).
    Stejneger's beaked whale     Slope, offshore..  1,024 \11\................  NL........................  NC........................              1.75
     (Mesoplodon stejnegeri).
    Bottlenose dolphin           Coastal, oceanic,  1,006 \12\................  NL........................  NC........................                 0
     (Tursiops truncatus).        shelf break.                                                              D--Western North Atlantic
                                                                                                             coastal.
    Striped dolphin (Stenella    Off continental    10,908....................  NL........................  NC........................              0.04
     coeruleoalba).               shelf.
    Short-beaked common dolphin  Shelf, pelagic,    411,211...................  NL........................  NC........................             10.28
     (Delphinus delphis).         seamounts.
    Pacific white-sided dolphin  Offshore, slope..  26,930....................  NL........................  NC........................             34.91
     (Lagenorhynchus
     obliquidens).
    Northern right whale         Slope, offshore    8,334.....................  NL........................  NC........................             12.88
     dolphin (Lissodelphis        waters.
     borealis).
    Risso's dolphin (Grampus     Deep water,        6,272.....................  NL........................  NC........................             11.19
     griseus).                    seamounts.
    False killer whale           Pelagic..........  NA........................  NL Proposed EN--insular     NC........................                 0
     (Pseudorca crassidens).                                                     Hawaiian.
    Killer whale (Orcinus orca)  Pelagic, shelf,    2,250 to 2,700............  NL........................  NC........................              1.66
                                  coastal.                                      EN--Southern resident \13\  D--Southern resident, AT1
                                                                                                             transient.
    Short-finned pilot whale     Pelagic, shelf     760.......................  NL........................  NC........................                 0
     (Globicephala                coastal.
     macrorhynchus).
    Harbor porpoise (Phocoena    Coastal and        55,255 \13\...............  NL........................  NC........................             632.4
     phocoena).                   inland waters.
    Dall's porpoise              Shelf, slope,      42,000....................  NL........................  NC........................             83.82
     (Phocoenoides dalli).        offshore.
Pinnipeds:
    Northern fur seal            Pelagic, offshore  653,171 \5\...............  NL........................  NC........................             83.62
     (Callorhinus ursinus).                                                                                 D--Pribilof Island,
                                                                                                             Eastern Pacific stock.
    California sea lion          Coastal, shelf...  296,750...................  NL........................  NC........................                 0
     (Zalophus californianus).

[[Page 41762]]

 
    Steller sea lion             Coastal, shelf...  58,334 to 72,223 \5\......  T--Eastern stock..........  D.........................             13.12
     (Eumetopias jubatus).                                                      EN--Western stock.........
    Pacific harbor seal (Phoca   Coastal..........  24,732 \14\...............  NL........................  NC........................             292.3
     vitulina richardsi).
    Northern elephant seal       Coastal, pelagic   124,000 \15\..............  NL........................  NC........................             45.81
     (Mirounga angustirostris).   in migration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NA = Not available or not assessed.
\1\ U.S. Endangered Species Act: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, NL = Not listed.
\2\ U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act: D = Depleted, NC = Not Classified.
\3\ Density estimate as listed in Table 3 of the applications.
\4\ Bering Sea (Wade et al., 2010).
\5\ Eastern North Pacific (Allen and Angliss, 2011).
\6\ North Pacific (Barlow et al., 2009).
\7\ North Pacific (Wada, 1976).
\8\ North Pacific (Tillman, 1977).
\9\ North Pacific (Ohsumi and Wada, 1974).
\10\ Eastern Temperate North Pacific (Whitehead, 2002a).
\11\ All Mesoplodon spp.
\12\ Offshore stock (Carretta et al., 2011a).
\13\ Eastern North Pacific Southern Resident Stock of killer whales is listed as EN under ESA.
\14\ Northern Oregon/Washington Coast and Northern California/Southern Oregon stocks.
\15\ Oregon/Washington Coastal Stock (Carretta et al., 2011a).

    Refer to sections III and IV of the Observatory's applications for 
detailed information regarding the abundance and distribution, 
population status, and life history and behavior of these species and 
their occurrence in the project area. The applications also present how 
the Observatory calculated the estimated densities for the marine 
mammals in the survey area. We have reviewed these data and determined 
them to be the best available scientific information for the purposes 
of the Incidental Harassment Authorizations.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic stimuli generated by the operation of the airguns, which 
introduce sound into the marine environment, may have the potential to 
cause Level B harassment of marine mammals in the 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 is not an injury 
(Southall et al., 2007). Although we cannot exclude the possibility 
entirely, it is unlikely that the project would result in any cases of 
temporary or permanent hearing impairment, or any significant non-
auditory physical or physiological effects. Based on the available data 
and studies described in this document, we expect some behavioral 
disturbance, but we expect the disturbance to be localized.
    The notice of the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (77 
FR 25966, May 2, 2012) included a discussion of the effects of sound 
from airguns on mysticetes, ondontocetes, and pinnipeds including 
tolerance, masking, behavioral disturbance, hearing impairment, and 
other non-auditory physical effects. We refer the reader to that 
document, as well as the Observatory's applications, and Environmental 
Assessment for additional information on the behavioral reactions (or 
lack thereof) by all types of marine mammals to seismic surveys.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat, Fish, Fisheries and 
Invertebrates

    We included a detailed discussion of the potential effects of this 
action on marine mammal habitat, including physiological and behavioral 
effects on marine fish, fisheries, and invertebrates in the notice of 
the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (77 FR 25966, May 2, 
2012). While we anticipate that the specified activity may result in 
marine mammals avoiding certain areas due to temporary ensonification, 
this impact to habitat its temporary and reversible which we considered 
in further detail in the notice of the proposed Incidental Harassment 
Authorization (77 FR 25966, May 2, 2012) as behavioral modification. 
The main impact associated with the activity will be temporarily 
elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine 
mammals.
    Recent work by Andre et al. (2011) purports to present the first 
morphological and ultrastructural evidence of massive acoustic trauma 
(i.e., permanent and substantial alterations of statocyst sensory hair 
cells) in four cephalopod species subjected to low-frequency sound. The 
cephalopods, primarily cuttlefish, were exposed to continuous 40 to 400 
Hz sinusoidal wave sweeps (100% duty cycle and 1 s sweep period) for 
two hours while captive in relatively small tanks (one 2,000 liter (L 2 
m\3\] and one 200 L [0.2 m\3\] tank). The received SPL was reported as 
175  5 dB re 1 [mu]Pa, with peak levels at 175 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa. As in the McCauley et al. (2003) paper on sensory hair cell 
damage in pink snapper as a result of exposure to seismic sound 
(described in the notice of the proposed Incidental Harassment 
Authorization), the cephalopods were subjected to higher sound levels 
than they would be under natural conditions, and they were unable to 
swim away from the sound source.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an ITA under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, we 
must set forth the permissible methods of taking pursuant to such 
activity, and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse 
impact on such species or stock and its habitat, paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds,

[[Page 41763]]

and areas of similar significance, and the availability of such species 
or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses.
    The Observatory has based the mitigation measures which they will 
implement during the seismic survey, on the following:
    (1) Protocols used during previous seismic research cruises as 
approved by us;
    (2) Previous Incidental Harassment Authorization applications and 
authorizations that we have approved and authorized; and
    (3) Recommended best practices in Richardson et al. (1995), Pierson 
et al. (1998), and Weir and Dolman (2007).
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic stimuli 
associated with the activities, the Observatory and/or its designees is 
required to implement the following mitigation measures for marine 
mammals:
    (1) Exclusion zones;
    (2) Power-down procedures;
    (3) Shut-down procedures;
    (4) Ramp-up procedures; and
    (5) Additional measures for species of concern.
    Exclusion Zones--The Observatory uses safety radii to designate 
exclusion zones and to estimate take for marine mammals. Table 2 
(presented earlier in this document) shows the distances at which one 
would expect to receive three sound levels (160-, 180-, and 190-dB) 
from the 36-airgun array and a single airgun. The 180-dB and 190-dB 
level shut-down criteria are applicable to cetaceans and pinnipeds, 
respectively, as specified by NMFS (2000). The Observatory used these 
levels to establish the exclusion zones.
    If the Protected Species Visual Observer detects marine mammal(s) 
within or about to enter the appropriate exclusion zone, the Langseth 
crew will immediately power-down the airgun array, or perform a shut-
down if necessary (see Shut-down Procedures).
    Table 2 summarizes the predicted distances at which sound levels 
(160, 180, and 190 dB [rms]) are expected to be received from the 
airgun array operating in shallow, intermediate, and deep water depths.

 Table 2--Distances to Which Sound Levels >=190, 180, and 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (RMS) Could Be Received in Shallow,
  Intermediate, and Deep Water During the Three Seismic Surveys in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean, June to July
                                                      2012
                       [Distances are based on model results provided by the Observatory]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Predicted RMS radii distances \2\ (m)
   Source and volume (in\3\)     Tow depth (m)   Water depth (m) -----------------------------------------------
                                                                      160 dB          180 dB          190 dB
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single Bolt airgun (40 in\3\).        \1\ 6-15  Deep (>1,000)...             385              40              12
                                                Intermediate                 578              60              18
                                                 (100 to 1,000).           1,050             296             150
                                                Shallow (<100)..
36-Airgun Array (6,600 in\3\).               9  Deep (>1,000)...           3,850             940             400
                                                Intermediate              12,200           1,540             550
                                                 (100 to 1,000).          20,550           2,140             680
                                                Shallow (<100)..
36-Airgun Array (6,600 in\3\).              12  Deep (>1,000)...           4,400           1,100             460
                                                Intermediate              13,935           1,810             615
                                                 (100 to 1,000).          23,470           2,250             770
                                                Shallow (<100)..
36-Airgun Array (6,600 in\3\).              15  Deep (>1,000)...           4,490           1,200             520
                                                Intermediate              15,650           1,975             690
                                                 (100 to 1,000).          26,350           2,750            865
                                                Shallow (<100)..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For a single airgun, the tow depth has minimal effect on the maximum near-field output and the shape of the
  frequency spectrum for the single airgun; thus, the predicted exclusion zones are essentially the same at
  different tow depths.
\2\ The Observatory has based the radii for the array on data in Tolstoy et al. (2009) and has corrected for tow
  depth using modeled results. They have based the predicted radii for a single airgun upon their model (see
  Figure 3 in application 1).

    Power-down Procedures - A power-down involves decreasing the number 
of airguns in use such that the radius of the 180-dB (or 190-dB) zone 
is smaller to the extent that marine mammals are no longer within or 
about to enter the exclusion zone. A power-down of the airgun array can 
also occur when the vessel is moving from one seismic line to another. 
During a power-down for mitigation, the Observatory will operate one 
airgun (40 in\3\). The continued operation of one airgun is intended to 
alert marine mammals to the presence of the seismic vessel in the area. 
In contrast, a shut-down occurs when the Langseth suspends all airgun 
activity.
    If the Protected Species Observer detects a marine mammal outside 
the exclusion zone and the animal is likely to enter the zone, the crew 
will power-down the airguns to reduce the size of the 180-dB exclusion 
zone before the animal enters that zone.
    Likewise, if a mammal is already within the zone when first 
detected, the crew will power-down the airguns immediately. During a 
power-down of the airgun array, the crew will operate a single 40-in\3\ 
airgun which has a smaller exclusion zone. If the Protected Species 
Observer detects a marine mammal within or near the smaller exclusion 
zone around the airgun (Table 2), the crew will shut-down the single 
airgun (see next section).
    Shut-down Procedures--The Langseth crew will shut-down the 
operating airgun(s) if a marine mammal is seen within or approaching 
the exclusion zone for the single airgun. The crew will implement a 
shut-down:
    (1) If an animal enters the exclusion zone of the single airgun 
after the crew has initiated a power-down; or
    (2) If an animal is initially seen within the exclusion zone of the 
single airgun when more than one airgun (typically the full airgun 
array) is operating.
    Considering the conservation status for endangered North Pacific 
right whales and Southern Resident killer whales, the Langseth crew 
will shut-down the airgun(s) immediately in the unlikely event that 
these species are visually sighted and/or acoustically detected, 
regardless of the distance from the vessel. Ramp-up will only begin if 
the animals have not been visually sighted or acoustically detected for 
30 minutes.

Resuming Airgun Operations After a Power-Down

    Following a power-down, the Langseth crew will not resume full 
airgun activity until the marine mammal has cleared the 180-dB 
exclusion zone

[[Page 41764]]

(see Table 2). The Protected Species Observers will consider the animal 
to have cleared the exclusion zone if:
     The observer has visually observed the animal leave the 
exclusion zone; or
     An observer has not sighted the animal within the 
exclusion zone for 15 minutes for species with shorter dive durations 
(i.e., small odontocetes or pinnipeds), or 30 minutes for species with 
longer dive durations (i.e., mysticetes and large odontocetes, 
including sperm, pygmy sperm, dwarf sperm, and beaked whales); or
     The vessel has transited outside the original 180-dB 
exclusion zone after an 8-minute wait period. This period is based on 
the 180-dB exclusion zone for the 36-airgun array (940 m) towed at a 
depth of 9 m (29.5 ft) in relation to the average speed of the Langseth 
while operating the airguns (8.5 km/h; 5.3 mph).
    The Langseth crew will resume operating the airguns at full power 
after 15 minutes of sighting any species with short dive durations 
(i.e., small odontocetes or pinnipeds). Likewise, the crew will resume 
airgun operations at full power after 30 minutes of sighting any 
species with longer dive durations (i.e., mysticetes and large 
odontocetes, including sperm, pygmy sperm, dwarf sperm, and beaked 
whales).
    Because the vessel has transited 1.13 km (0.61 nmi) away from the 
vicinity of the original sighting during the 8-minute period, 
implementing ramp-up procedures for the full array after an extended 
power-down (i.e., transiting for an additional 35 minutes from the 
location of initial sighting) would not meaningfully increase the 
effectiveness of observing marine mammals approaching or entering the 
exclusion zone for the full source level and would not further minimize 
the potential for take. The Langseth's Protected Species Observers are 
continually monitoring the exclusion zone for the full source level 
while the mitigation airgun is firing. On average, Protected Species 
Observers can observe to the horizon (10 km or 5.4 nmi) from the height 
of the Langseth's observation deck and should be able to state with a 
reasonable degree of confidence whether a marine mammal would be 
encountered within this distance before resuming airgun operations at 
full power.

Resuming Airgun Operations After a Shut-Down

    Following a shut-down, the Langseth crew will initiate a ramp-up 
with the smallest airgun in the array (40-in\3\). The crew will turn on 
additional airguns in a sequence such that the source level of the 
array will increase in steps not exceeding 6 dB per five-minute period 
over a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. During ramp-up, the 
Protected Species Observers will monitor the exclusion zone, and if he/
she sights a marine mammal, the Langseth crew will implement a power-
down or shut-down as though the full airgun array were operational.
    During periods of active seismic operations, there are occasions 
when the Langseth crew will need to temporarily shut down the airguns 
due to equipment failure or for maintenance. In this case, if the 
airguns are inactive longer than eight minutes, the crew will follow 
ramp-up procedures for a shut-down described earlier and the Protected 
Species Observers will monitor the full exclusion zone and will 
implement a power-down or shut-down if necessary.
    If the full exclusion zone is not visible to the Protected Species 
Observer for at least 30 minutes prior to the start of operations in 
either daylight or nighttime, the Langseth crew will not commence ramp-
up unless at least one airgun (40-in\3\ or similar) has been operating 
during the interruption of seismic survey operations. Given these 
provisions, it is likely that the vessel's crew will not ramp-up the 
airgun array from a complete shut-down at night or in thick fog, 
because the outer part of the zone for that array will not be visible 
during those conditions.
    If one airgun has operated during a power-down period, ramp-up to 
full power will be permissible at night or in poor visibility, on the 
assumption that marine mammals will be alerted to the approaching 
seismic vessel by the sounds from the single airgun and could move 
away. The vessel's crew will not initiate a ramp-up of the airguns if a 
marine mammal is sighted within or near the applicable exclusion zones 
during the day or close to the vessel at night.

Additional Mitigation Measures for Species of Concern

    The Observatory will communicate with NMFS Northwest Fisheries 
Science Center (Brad.Hanson@noaa.gov, 206-300-0282), NMFS Northwest 
Regional Office (Lynne.Barre@noaa.gov, 206-718-3807 or 
Brent.Norberg@noaa.gov, 206-526-6550), The Whale Museum 
(hotline@whalemuseum.org, 1-800-562-8832), Orca Network 
(info@orcanetwork.org, 1-866-672-2638), and/or other sources for near 
real-time reporting of the whereabouts of Southern Resident killer 
whales.
    For the Cascadia Thrust Zone Northern Area Survey and the Cascadia 
Subduction Zone Survey:
     The Observatory will conduct a pre-survey beginning on 
July 11 (2 days before seismic operations commence) using the support 
vessel M/V Northern Light (Northern Light) or equivalent with three 
Protected Species Observers onboard for purposes of monitoring for the 
presence of marine mammals (particularly focusing attention to Southern 
Resident killer whales). The pre-survey will begin upon leaving port 
and during transit to the Northern Trehu line. The support vessel will 
then begin a zig-zag transect of the 160 dB buffer zone around the 
Trehu North line to either side of the Trehu North line from inshore to 
offshore remaining on the shelf looking for marine mammals. When the 
Langseth is ready to begin the seismic survey, the support vessel 
Northern Light will monitor north of the Langseth approximately 5 km 
away in the same zig-zag fashion as the pre-survey to monitor the 160 
dB exclusion zone around the Langseth when the ship begins the survey 
on the continental shelf.
     To the maximum extent practicable, utilize a portable 
hydrophone from the support vessel Northern Light to listen for and 
determine the presence of vocalizing marine mammals and assist with 
visual detections.
     Conduct seismic operations according to relevant sightings 
of marine mammals from the Langseth and the support vessel Northern 
Light. For example, if high densities of marine mammals, including 
Southern Resident killer whales, are sighted in the northern region of 
the seismic survey area then seismic operations will begin in the 
southern region of the study area.
    We have carefully evaluated the applicant's mitigation measures and 
have considered a range of other measures in the context of ensuring 
that we have prescribed the means of effecting the least practicable 
impact on the affected marine mammal species or 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, we expect that 
the successful implementation of the measure would 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 Observatory's measures, as well as 
other measures considered by us or recommended by the public, we have 
determined that the mitigation measures

[[Page 41765]]

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 Incidental Take Authorization for an activity, 
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA states that we must set forth 
``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such 
taking.'' The Marine Mammal Protection Act's implementing regulations 
at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for an authorization 
must include the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary 
monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the 
species and the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine 
mammals expected to be present in the action area.

Monitoring

    The Observatory will sponsor marine mammal monitoring during the 
present project, in order to implement the mitigation measures that 
require real-time monitoring, and to satisfy the monitoring 
requirements of the Incidental Harassment Authorizations. We describe 
the Observatory's Monitoring Plan below this section. The Observatory 
has planned the monitoring work as a self-contained project independent 
of any other related monitoring projects that may occur in the same 
regions at the same time. Further, the Observatory would discuss 
coordination of its monitoring program with any other related work by 
other groups working in the same area, if practical.

Vessel-Based Visual Monitoring

    The Observatory will position Protected Species Visual Observers 
aboard the seismic source vessel to watch for marine mammals near the 
vessel during daytime airgun operations and during any start-ups at 
night. Protected Species Visual Observers will also watch for marine 
mammals near the seismic vessel for at least 30 minutes prior to the 
start of airgun operations after an extended shut-down (i.e., greater 
than approximately eight minutes for this cruise). When feasible, the 
Protected Species Visual Observers will conduct observations during 
daytime periods when the seismic system is not operating for comparison 
of sighting rates and behavior with and without airgun operations and 
between acquisition periods. Based on the observations, the Langseth 
will power-down or shut-down the airguns when marine mammals are 
observed within or about to enter a designated exclusion zone which is 
a region in which a possibility exists of adverse effects on animal 
hearing or other physical effects.
    During seismic operations, at least four Protected Species 
Observers (Protected Species Visual Observer and/or Protected Species 
Acoustic Observer) will be aboard the Langseth. The Observatory will 
appoint the Protected Species Observers with our concurrence. They will 
conduct observations during ongoing daytime operations and nighttime 
ramp-ups of the airgun array. During the majority of seismic 
operations, two Protected Species Observers will be on duty from the 
observation tower to monitor marine mammals near the seismic vessel. 
Using two Protected Species Observers will increase the effectiveness 
of detecting animals near the source vessel. However, during mealtimes 
and bathroom breaks, it is sometimes difficult to have two Protected 
Species Observers on effort, but at least one observer will be on watch 
during bathroom breaks and mealtimes. Protected Species Observers will 
be on duty in shifts of no longer than four hours in duration.
    Two Protected Species Observers will also be on visual watch during 
all nighttime ramp-ups of the seismic airguns. A third Protected 
Species Acoustic Observer will monitor the passive acoustic monitoring 
equipment 24 hours a day to detect vocalizing marine mammals present in 
the action area. In summary, a typical daytime cruise would have 
scheduled two Protected Species Observers (visual) on duty from the 
observation tower, and a Protected Species Observer (acoustic) on the 
passive acoustic monitoring system. Before the start of the seismic 
survey, the Observatory will instruct the vessel's crew to assist in 
detecting marine mammals and implementing mitigation requirements.
    The Langseth is a suitable platform for marine mammal observations. 
When stationed on the observation platform, the eye level will be 
approximately 21.5 m (70.5 ft) above sea level, and the Protected 
Species Visual Observer will have a good view around the entire vessel. 
During daytime, the observers will scan the area around the vessel 
systematically with reticle binoculars (e.g., 7 x 50 Fujinon), Big-eye 
binoculars (25 x 150), and with the naked eye. Laser range-finding 
binoculars (Leica LRF 1200 laser rangefinder or equivalent) will be 
available to assist with distance estimation. Those are useful in 
training observers to estimate distances visually, but are generally 
not useful in measuring distances to animals directly; that is done 
primarily with the reticles in the binoculars.
    When the Protected Species Observers see marine mammals within or 
about to enter the designated exclusion zone, the Langseth will 
immediately power-down or shut-down the airguns if necessary. The 
Protected Species Visual Observer(s) will continue to maintain watch to 
determine when the animal(s) are outside the exclusion zone by visual 
confirmation. Airgun operations will not resume until the Protected 
Species Observer has confirmed that the animal has left the zone, or if 
not observed after 15 minutes for species with shorter dive durations 
(small odontocetes and pinnipeds) or 30 minutes for species with longer 
dive durations (mysticetes and large odontocetes, including sperm, 
pygmy sperm, dwarf sperm, killer, and beaked whales).

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

    Passive acoustic monitoring will complement the visual monitoring 
program, when practicable. Visual monitoring typically is not effective 
during periods of poor visibility or at night, and even with good 
visibility, is unable to detect marine mammals when they are below the 
surface or beyond visual range. Acoustical monitoring can be used in 
conjunction with visual observations to improve detection, 
identification, and localization of cetaceans. The acoustic monitoring 
will serve to alert visual observers (if on duty) when vocalizing 
cetaceans are detected. It is only useful when marine mammals call, but 
it can be effective either by day or by night, and does not depend on 
good visibility. The Protected Species Acoustic Observer will monitor 
the system in real time so that he/she can advise the visual observers 
if they acoustically detect cetaceans. When the Protected Species 
Acoustic Observer determines the bearing (primary and mirror-image) to 
calling cetacean(s), he/she will alert the Protected Species Visual 
Observer to help him/her sight the calling animal(s).
    The passive acoustic monitoring system consists of hardware (i.e., 
hydrophones) and software. The ``wet end'' of the system consists of a 
towed hydrophone array that is connected to the vessel by a tow cable. 
The tow cable is 250 m (820.2 ft) long, and the hydrophones are fitted 
in the last 10 m (32.8 ft) of cable. A depth gauge is attached to the 
free end of the cable, and the cable is typically towed at depths less 
than 20 m (65.6 ft). The Langseth crew will deploy the array from a 
winch located on the back deck. A deck cable

[[Page 41766]]

will connect the tow cable to the electronics unit in the main computer 
lab where the acoustic station, signal conditioning, and processing 
system will be located. The acoustic signals received by the 
hydrophones are amplified, digitized, and then processed by the 
Pamguard software. The system can detect marine mammal vocalizations at 
frequencies up to 250 kHz.
    As described earlier in this document, one Protected Species 
Acoustic Observer, an expert bioacoustician with primary responsibility 
for the passive acoustic monitoring system will be aboard the Langseth 
in addition to the four Protected Species Visual Observers. The 
Protected Species Acoustic Observer will monitor the towed hydrophones 
24 hours per day during airgun operations and during most periods when 
the Langseth is underway while the airguns are not operating. However, 
passive acoustic monitoring may not be possible if damage occurs to 
both the primary and back-up hydrophone arrays during operations. The 
primary passive acoustic monitoring streamer on the Langseth is a 
digital hydrophone streamer. Should the digital streamer fail, back-up 
systems should include an analog spare streamer and a hull-mounted 
hydrophone.
    One Protected Species Acoustic Observer will monitor the acoustic 
detection system by listening to the signals from two channels via 
headphones and/or speakers and watching the real-time spectrographic 
display for frequency ranges produced by cetaceans. The Protected 
Species Acoustic Observer monitoring the acoustical data will be on 
shift for one to six hours at a time. The other Protected Species 
Observers will rotate as a Protected Species Acoustic Observer, 
although the expert acoustician will be on passive acoustic monitoring 
duty more frequently.
    When the Protected Species Acoustic Observer detects a vocalization 
while visual observations are in progress, the Protected Species 
Acoustic Observer on duty will contact the Protected Species Visual 
Observer immediately, to alert him/her to the presence of cetaceans (if 
they have not already been seen), so that the vessel's crew can 
initiate a power-down or shut-down, if required. The Protected Species 
Acoustic Observer will enter the information regarding the call into a 
database. Data entry will include an acoustic encounter identification 
number, whether it was linked with a visual sighting, date, time when 
first and last heard and whenever any additional information was 
recorded, position and water depth when first detected, bearing if 
determinable, species or species group (e.g., unidentified dolphin, 
sperm whale), types and nature of sounds heard (e.g., clicks, 
continuous, sporadic, whistles, creaks, burst pulses, strength of 
signal, etc.), and any other notable information. The acoustic 
detection can also be recorded for further analysis.

Protected Species Observer Data and Documentation

    Observers 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. They will use the data 
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 near the exclusion zone. Observations will also be made 
during daytime periods when the Langseth is underway without seismic 
operations (i.e., transits to, from, and through the study area) to 
collect baseline biological data.
    When a Protected Species Observer makes a sighting, they will 
record the following information:
    1. Species, group size, age/size/sex categories (if determinable), 
behavior when first sighted and after initial sighting, heading (if 
consistent), bearing and distance from seismic vessel, sighting cue, 
apparent reaction to the airguns or vessel (e.g., none, avoidance, 
approach, paralleling, etc.), and behavioral pace.
    2. Time, location, heading, speed, activity of the vessel, sea 
state, visibility, and sun glare.
    The Protected Species Observer will record the data listed under 
(2) at the start and end of each observation watch, and during a watch 
whenever there is a change in one or more of the variables.
    Protected Species Observers will record all observations and power-
downs or shut-downs in a standardized format and will enter data into 
an electronic database. The Protected Species Observers will verify the 
accuracy of the data entry by computerized data validity checks as the 
data are entered and by subsequent manual checking of the database. 
These procedures will allow the preparation of initial summaries of 
data during and shortly after the field program, and will facilitate 
transfer of the data to statistical, graphical, and other programs for 
further processing and archiving.
    Results from the vessel-based observations will provide the 
following information:
    1. The basis for real-time mitigation (airgun power-down or shut-
down).
    2. Information needed to estimate the number of marine mammals 
potentially taken by harassment, which the Observatory must report to 
the Office of Protected Resources.
    3. Data on the occurrence, distribution, and activities of marine 
mammals and turtles in the area where the Observatory will conduct the 
seismic study.
    4. Information to compare the distance and distribution of marine 
mammals and turtles relative to the source vessel at times with and 
without seismic activity.
    5. Data on the behavior and movement patterns of marine mammals 
detected during non-active and active seismic operations.

Reporting

    The Observatory will submit a report to us and to the Foundation 
within 90 days after the end of the cruise. The report will describe 
the operations that were 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 by harassment or in other ways. After the 
report is considered final, it will be publicly available on our and 
the Foundation's Web sites.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the 
Incidental Harassment Authorization, such as an injury (Level A 
harassment), serious injury, or mortality (e.g., ship-strike, gear 
interaction, and/or entanglement), the Observatory shall immediately 
cease the specified activities and immediately report the incident to 
the Incidental Take Program Supervisor, Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and/or 
by email to Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov, Jeannine.Cody@noaa.gov, and 
Howard.Goldstein@noaa.govmailto: and to the Northwest Regional 
Stranding Coordinator at 206-526-6550 (Brent.Norberg@noaa.gov). The 
report must include the following information:

[[Page 41767]]

     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 hours 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 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    The Observatory shall not resume its activities until we are able 
to review the circumstances of the prohibited take. We shall work with 
the Observatory to determine what is necessary to minimize the 
likelihood of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The 
Observatory may not resume their activities until notified by us via 
letter, email, or telephone.
    In the event that the Observatory discovers an injured or dead 
marine mammal, and the lead Protected Species Visual Observer 
determines that the cause of the injury or death is unknown and the 
death is relatively recent (i.e., in less than a moderate state of 
decomposition as we describe in the next paragraph), the Observatory 
will immediately report the incident to the Incidental Take Program 
Supervisor, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, at 301-427-8401 and/or by email to Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov, 
Jeannine.Cody@noaa.gov, and Howard.Goldstein@noaa.gov and to the 
Northwest Regional Stranding Coordinator at 206-526-6550 
(Brent.Norberg@noaa.gov). The report must include the same information 
identified in the paragraph above this section. Activities may continue 
while we review the circumstances of the incident. We will work with 
the Observatory to determine whether modifications in the activities 
are appropriate.
    In the event that the Observatory discovers an injured or dead 
marine mammal, and the lead Protected Species Observer determines that 
the injury or death is not associated with or related to the authorized 
activities (e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to 
advanced decomposition, or scavenger damage), the Observatory will 
report the incident to the Incidental Take Program Supervisor, Permits 
and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, at 301-427-
8401 and/or by email to Jolie.Harrison@noaa.gov, Jeannine.Cody@noaa.gov 
and Howard.Goldstein@noaa.gov and the Northwest Regional Stranding 
Coordinator at 206-526-6550 (Brent.Norberg@noaa.gov), within 24 hours 
of the discovery. The Observatory will provide photographs or video 
footage (if available) or other documentation of the stranded animal 
sighting to us.

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].
    We anticipate and authorize take by Level B harassment only for the 
marine seismic surveys in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Acoustic 
stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated during the 
operation of the seismic 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 Observatory's planned activities could result 
in injury, serious injury or mortality within the specified geographic 
area for which we have issued the requested authorization. Take by 
injury, serious injury, or mortality is thus neither anticipated nor 
authorized. We have determined that the required mitigation and 
monitoring measures will minimize any potential risk for injury, 
serious injury, or mortality.
    The following sections describe the Observatory's methods to 
estimate take by incidental harassment and present their estimates of 
the numbers of marine mammals that could be affected during the seismic 
program. The Observatory's estimates assume that marine mammals exposed 
to airgun sounds greater than or equal to 160 dB might change their 
behavior sufficiently for us to consider them as taken by harassment. 
They have based their estimates on the number of marine mammals that 
could be disturbed appreciably by operations with the 36-airgun array 
during approximately 4,991 km (2,694.2 nmi) of transect lines in the 
northeastern Pacific Ocean.
    We assume that during simultaneous operations of the airgun array 
and the other sources, any marine mammals close enough to be affected 
by the multibeam echosounder and sub-bottom profiler would already be 
affected by the airguns. However, whether or not the airguns are 
operating simultaneously with the other sources, we expect that the 
marine mammals would exhibit no more than short-term and 
inconsequential responses to the multibeam echosounder and profiler 
given their characteristics (e.g., narrow downward-directed beam) and 
other considerations described previously. Based on the best available 
information, we do not consider that these reactions constitute a 
``take'' (NMFS, 2001). Therefore, the Observatory did not provide any 
additional allowance for animals that could be affected by sound 
sources other than the airguns.
    Ensonified Area Calculations--Because the Observatory assumes that 
the Langseth may need to repeat some tracklines, accommodate the 
turning of the vessel, address equipment malfunctions, or conduct 
equipment testing to complete the survey; they have increased the 
number of line-kilometers for the seismic operations by 25 percent 
(i.e., contingency lines).
    The Observatory calculated the expected ensonified area by entering 
the planned survey lines (including the 25 percent contingency lines) 
into a Map-Info Geographic Information System (system). The Observatory 
used the system to draw a 160-dB radius (see Table 2) around the 
operating airgun array (i.e., the ensonified area) around each seismic 
line. This first calculation is the area excluding overlap.
    Depending on the spacing of the transect lines within the 
ensonified area, the Observatory may also calculate areas of transit 
overlap. For example, if the ratio of transit overlap is 1.5 times the 
area excluding overlap, then a marine mammal that stayed within the 
area during the entire survey could be exposed to acoustic stimuli 
approximately two times. However, it is unlikely that a particular 
animal would stay in the area during the entire survey. For the Juan de 
Fuca survey, the transit lines are closely spaced together and the 
ratio of transect overlap is 1.7 greater than the area excluding 
overlapping transect lines. For the Cascadia Thrust Zone survey the 
ratio is 2.8, and for the Cascadia Subduction Margin survey the ratio 
is 2.0 times the area excluding overlap. Table 3 presents the area 
calculations for each survey. Refer to the

[[Page 41768]]

Incidental Harassment Authorization application and Environmental 
Assessment for additional information.

                Table 3--Ensonified Area Calculations for Three Seismic Surveys in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, During June to July, 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Area with
                    Survey                        Area excluding     contingency lines              Transect line spacing                Overlap ratio
                                                 overlap  (km\2\)         (km\2\)                                                           (km\2\)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juan de Fuca Plate............................              18,471              23,089  Closely spaced..............................                 1.7
Cascadia Thrust Zone..........................              11,448              14,310  Closely spaced..............................                 2.8
Cascadia Subduction Margin....................              11,387              14,234  Closely spaced..............................                 2.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Density Information--The Observatory calculated the density data 
for 26 species reported off the Oregon and Washington coasts in the 
northeastern Pacific Ocean using the following data sources:
     Pooled results of the 1991 to 2008 NMFS Southwest Fishery 
Science Center ship surveys as synthesized by Barlow and Forney (2007) 
and Barlow (2010) for all species except the gray whale and harbor 
porpoise.
     Abundance estimates for gray whales that remain between 
Oregon and British Columbia in summer and the within area out to 43 km 
(23.2 mi) from shore in the U.S. Navy's Keyport Range Complex Extension 
Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement 
(DoN, 2010); and
     The population estimate for the Northern Oregon/Washington 
Coast stock of harbor porpoises from the Pacific Marine Mammal Stock 
Assessments 2010 Report (Carretta et al., 2010).
    For the pooled results of the 1991 to 2008 NMFS Southwest Fishery 
Science Center ship surveys, the Observatory has corrected the 
densities for trackline detectability probability bias and availability 
bias. Trackline detectability probability bias is associated with 
diminishing sightability with increasing lateral distance from the 
track line [f(0)]. Availability bias refers to the fact that there is 
less than a 100 percent probability of sighting an animal that is 
present along the survey track line, and it is measured by g(0).
    Exposure Calculations--The Observatory calculated the number of 
different individuals that could be exposed to airgun sounds with 
received levels greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa by 
multiplying the expected density of the marine mammals by the 
ensonified area excluding areas of overlap. This area includes the 25 
percent contingency lines.
    Any marine mammal sightings within or near the designated exclusion 
zone will result in the shut-down of seismic operations as a mitigation 
measure. Thus, the following estimates of the numbers of marine mammals 
potentially exposed to 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa sounds are precautionary, 
and probably overestimate the actual numbers of marine mammals that 
might be involved. These estimates assume that there will be no 
weather, equipment, or mitigation delays, which is highly unlikely.
    Because this approach does not allow for turnover in the marine 
mammal populations in the study area during the course of the survey, 
the actual number of individuals exposed could be underestimated. 
However, the approach assumes that no cetaceans will move away from or 
toward the trackline as the Langseth approaches in response to 
increasing sound levels prior to the time the levels reach 160 dB re: 1 
[mu]Pa, which will result in overestimates for those species known to 
avoid seismic vessels.

Juan de Fuca Plate Survey Exposure Estimates

    The total estimate of the number of individual cetaceans that could 
be exposed to seismic sounds with received levels greater than or equal 
to 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa during this survey is 10,208 (see Table 4). The 
total includes 78 baleen whales, 56 of which are endangered: four blue 
whales (0.17 percent of the regional population), 30 fin whales (0.18 
percent of the regional population), 19 humpback whales (0.09 percent 
of the regional population), and four sei whales (0.03 percent of the 
population). In addition, 24 sperm whales (0.10 percent of the regional 
population) and 303 Steller sea lions (0.46 percent of the population) 
(both listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act) could be 
exposed during the survey.
    Of the cetaceans potentially exposed, 57 percent are delphinids and 
42 percent are pinnipeds. The most common species in the area 
potentially exposed to sound levels greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 
1 [mu]Pa during the proposed survey would be harbor porpoises (2,153 or 
4.12 percent), Dall's porpoises (1,935 or 4.61 percent), northern fur 
seals (1,931 or 0.30 percent), and northern elephant seals (1,058 or 
0.85 percent). While potential exposures were modeled for killer 
whales, no incidental takes were authorized for killer whales due to 
the difficulty for Protected Species Observers to visually and 
acoustically distinguish endangered Southern Resident killer whales 
from other types and stocks of killer whales (e.g.., transient, 
resident, and offshore). We believe the additional required monitoring 
and mitigation measures and modifications in the survey design will 
reduce the take to zero.

  Table 4--Estimates of the Possible Numbers of Marine Mammals Exposed to Sound Levels Greater Than or Equal to
 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa During the Proposed Juan de Fuca Plate Seismic Survey in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, June
                                                  to July, 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Estimated number
                                                        of individuals                            Approximate
                       Species                         exposed to sound     Incidental take       percent of
                                                       levels >= 160 dB       authorized           regional
                                                        re: 1 [mu]Pa\1\                          population\2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:

[[Page 41769]]

 
    Gray whale......................................                  10                  10                0.05
    Humpback whale..................................                  19                  19                0.09
    Minke whale.....................................                  11                  11                0.12
    Sei whale.......................................                   4                   4                0.03
    Fin whale.......................................                  30                  30                0.18
    Blue whale......................................                   4                   4                0.17
Odontocetes:
    Sperm whale.....................................                  24                  24                0.10
    Pygmy/Dwarf sperm whale.........................                  16                  16                 N/A
    Cuvier's beaked whale...........................                  10                  10                0.46
    Baird's beaked whale............................                  27                  27                 3.0
    Mesoplodon spp.\3\..............................                  40                  40                3.95
    Striped dolphin.................................                   1               2 \4\                0.01
    Short-beaked common dolphin.....................                 237             238 \4\                0.06
    Pacific white-sided dolphin.....................                 806                 806                 299
    Northern right whale dolphin....................                 297                 297                3.57
    Risso's dolphin.................................                 258                 258                4.12
    Killer whale....................................                  38                   0                   0
    Harbor porpoise \5\.............................               2,153               2,153                4.12
    Dall's porpoise.................................               1,935               1,935                4.61
Pinnipeds:
    Northern fur seal...............................               1,931               1,931                0.30
    Steller sea lion................................                 303                 303                0.46
    Harbor seal \5\.................................                 995                 995                4.02
    Northern elephant seal..........................               1,058               1,058                0.85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N/A = Not Available.
\1\ Estimates are based on densities in Table 1 and an ensonified area (including 25% contingency of 23,089
  km\2\).
\2\ Regional population size estimates are from Table 1 (page 48 in Application 1).
\3\ Includes Blainville's, Stejneger's, and Hubb's beaked whales.
\4\ Requested take authorization increased to mean group size (see Application 1).
\5\ Estimates based on densities from Table 1 (page 48 in Application 1) and an ensonified area in
  water depths less than 100 m (328 ft) (including 25 percent contingency) of 3,404 km\2\.

Cascadia Thrust Zone Survey Exposure Estimates

    The total estimate of the number of individual cetaceans that could 
be exposed to seismic sounds with received levels greater than or equal 
to 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa during this survey is 15,100 (see Table 5). The 
total includes 79 baleen whales, 35 of which are endangered: three blue 
whales (0.10 percent of the regional population), 18 fin whales (0.11 
percent of the regional population), 12 humpback whales (0.06 percent 
of the regional population), and two sei whales (0.02 percent of the 
population). In addition, 15 sperm whales (0.06 percent of the regional 
population) and 188 Steller sea lions (0.29 percent of the population) 
(both listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act) could be 
exposed during the survey.
    Of the cetaceans potentially exposed, 63 percent are delphinids and 
36 percent are pinnipeds. The most common species in the area 
potentially exposed to sound levels greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 
1 [mu]Pa during the proposed survey would be, Dall's porpoises (1,199 
or 2.86 percent), harbor porpoises (7,314 or 14 percent of the regional 
population or 9.2 percent of the overall population), and harbor seals 
(3,380 or 13.67 percent of the regional population or 4.6% of the 
overall population) and northern fur seals (1,197 or 0.18 percent) 
(Allen and Angliss, 2011). The percentages for harbor porpoises and 
harbor seals are the upper boundaries of the regional populations that 
could be affected by the proposed survey. However, these take estimates 
are small relative to the overall population sizes for each species in 
the northeast Pacific. Thus, these take estimates are likely an 
overestimate of the actual number of animals that may be taken by Level 
B harassment, and we expect that the actual number of individual 
animals that may be taken by Level B harassment to be less than the 
request. While potential exposures were modeled for killer whales, no 
incidental takes were authorized for killer whales due to the 
difficulty for Protected Species Observers to visually and acoustically 
distinguish endangered Southern Resident killer whales from other types 
and stocks of killer whales (e.g.., transient, resident, and offshore). 
We believe the additional required monitoring and mitigation measures 
and modifications in the survey design will reduce the take to zero.

[[Page 41770]]



  Table 5--Estimates of the Possible Numbers of Marine Mammals Exposed to Sound Levels Greater Than or Equal to
  160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa During the Cascadia Thrust Zone Seismic Survey in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, July 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Estimated number
                                                        of individuals                            Approximate
                       Species                         exposed to  sound    Incidental take       percent of
                                                       levels  >=160 dB       authorized           regional
                                                       re: 1 [mu]Pa \1\                         population \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:
    Gray whale......................................                  35                  35                0.18
    Humpback whale..................................                  12                  12                0.06
    Minke whale.....................................                   7                   7                0.07
    Sei whale.......................................                   2                   2                0.02
    Fin whale.......................................                  18                  18                0.11
    Blue whale......................................                   3                   3                0.10
Odontocetes:
    Sperm whale.....................................                  15                  15                0.06
    Pygmy/Dwarf sperm whale.........................                  10                  10                  NA
    Cuvier's beaked whale...........................                   6                   6                0.28
    Baird's beaked whale............................                  17                  17                1.86
    Mesoplodon spp. \3\.............................                  25                  25                2.45
    Striped dolphin.................................                   1               \4\ 2               <0.01
    Short-beaked common dolphin.....................                 147             \4\ 238                0.04
    Pacific white-sided dolphin.....................                 500                 500                1.86
    Northern right whale dolphin....................                 184                 184                2.21
    Risso's dolphin.................................                 160                 160                2.55
    Killer whale....................................                  24                   0                   0
    Harbor porpoise \5\.............................               7,314               7,314               14.00
    Dall's porpoise.................................               1,199               1,199                2.86
Pinnipeds:
    Northern fur seal...............................               1,197               1,197                0.18
    Steller sea lion................................                 188                 188                0.29
    Harbor seal \5\.................................               3,380               3,380               13.67
    Northern elephant seal..........................                 656                 656                0.53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NA = Not Available.
\1\ Estimates are based on densities in Table 1 and an ensonified area (including 25% contingency of 14,310
  km\2\).
\2\ Regional population size estimates are from Table 1 (page 47 in Application 2).
\3\ Includes Blainville's, Stejneger's, and Hubb's beaked whales.
\4\ Requested take authorization increased to mean group size (see Application 2).
\5\ Estimates based on densities from Table 1 (page 47 in Application 2) and an ensonified area in
  water depths less than 100 m (328 ft) (including 25 percent contingency) of 11.565 km\2\.

Cascadia Subduction Margin Survey Exposure Estimates

    The total estimate of the number of individual cetaceans that could 
be exposed to seismic sounds with received levels greater than or equal 
to 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa during this survey is 8,132 (see Table 6). The 
total includes 54 baleen whales, 35 of which are endangered: three blue 
whales (0.10 percent of the regional population), 18 fin whales (0.11 
percent of the regional population), 11 humpback whales (0.06 percent 
of the regional population), and two sei whales (0.02 percent of the 
population). In addition, 15 sperm whales (0.06 percent of the regional 
population) and 187 Steller sea lions (0.29 percent of the population) 
(both listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act) could be 
exposed during the survey.
    Of the cetaceans potentially exposed, 59 percent are delphinids and 
40 percent are pinnipeds. The most common species in the area 
potentially exposed to sound levels greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 
1 [mu]Pa during the proposed survey would be harbor porpoises (2,580 or 
4.94 percent), Dall's porpoises (1,193 or 2.84 percent), northern fur 
seals (1,190 or 0.18 percent), and harbor seals (1,192 or 4.82 
percent). While potential exposures were modeled for killer whales, no 
incidental takes were authorized for killer whales due to the 
difficulty for Protected Species Observers to visually and acoustically 
distinguish endangered Southern Resident killer whales from other types 
and stocks of killer whales (e.g., transient, resident, and offshore). 
We believe the additional required monitoring and mitigation measures 
and modifications in the survey design will reduce the take to zero.

  Table 6--Estimates of the Possible Numbers of Marine Mammals Exposed to Sound Levels Greater Than or Equal to
  160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa During the Cascadia Subduction Margin Seismic Survey in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, July
                                                      2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Estimated number
                                                        of individuals                            Approximate
                       Species                         exposed to  sound    Incidental take       percent of
                                                        levels >=160 dB       authorized           regional
                                                        re: 1 [mu]Pa\1\                         population \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysticetes:
    Gray whale......................................                  12                  12                0.06

[[Page 41771]]

 
    Humpback whale..................................                  11                  11                0.06
    Minke whale.....................................                   6                   6                0.07
    Sei whale.......................................                   2                   2                0.02
    Fin whale.......................................                  18                  18                0.11
    Blue whale......................................                   3                   3                0.10
Odontocetes:
    Sperm whale.....................................                  15                  15                0.06
    Pygmy/Dwarf sperm whale.........................                  10                  10                  NA
    Cuvier's beaked whale...........................                   6                   6                0.28
    Baird's beaked whale............................                  17                  17                1.85
    Mesoplodon spp.\3\..............................                  25                  25                2.44
    Striped dolphin.................................                   1                \4\2              < 0.01
    Short-beaked common dolphin.....................                 146              \4\238                0.04
    Pacific white-sided dolphin.....................                 497                 497                1.85
    Northern right whale dolphin....................                 183                 183                2.20
    Risso's dolphin.................................                 159                 159                2.54
    Killer whale....................................                  24                   0                   0
    Harbor porpoise \5\.............................               2,580               2,580                4.94
    Dall's porpoise.................................               1,193               1,193                2.84
Pinnipeds:
    Northern fur seal...............................               1,190               1,190                0.18
    Steller sea lion................................                 187                 187                0.29
    Harbor seal \5\.................................               1,192               1,192                4.82
    Northern elephant seal..........................                 652                 652                0.53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NA = Not Available.
\1\ Estimates are based on densities in Table 1 and an ensonified area (including 25% contingency of 14,234
  km\2\).
\2\ Regional population size estimates are from Table 1 (page 47 in Application 3).
\3\ Includes Blainville's, Stejneger's, and Hubb's beaked whales.
\4\ Requested take authorization increased to mean group size (see Application 3).
\5\ Estimates based on densities from Table 1 (page 47 in Application 3) and an ensonified area in
  water depths less than 100 m (328 ft) (including 25 percent contingency) of 4,080 km\2\.

Encouraging and Coordinating Research

    The Observatory and the Foundation will coordinate the planned 
marine mammal monitoring program associated with each seismic survey in 
the northeastern Pacific Ocean with other parties that may have 
interest in the area and/or may be conducting marine mammal studies in 
the same region during the seismic surveys.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis and Determination

    We have 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, 
we consider:
    (1) The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities;
    (2) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment (all relatively limited);
    (3) The context in which the takes occur (i.e., impacts to areas of 
significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when 
taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions when added to 
baseline data);
    (4) The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e., 
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative 
to the size of the population);
    (5) Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/survival; and
    (6) The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures (i.e., 
the manner and degree in which the measure is likely to reduce adverse 
impacts to marine mammals, the likely effectiveness of the measures, 
and the practicability of implementation).
    For reasons stated previously in this document, and in the notice 
of the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (77 FR 25966, May 
2, 2012), the specified activities associated with the marine seismic 
surveys are not likely to cause permanent threshold shift, or other 
non-auditory injury, serious injury, or death because:
    (1) The likelihood that, given sufficient notice through relatively 
slow ship speed, we expect marine mammals to move away from a noise 
source that is annoying prior to its becoming potentially injurious;
    (2) The potential for temporary or permanent hearing impairment is 
relatively low and that we would likely avoid this impact through the 
incorporation of the required monitoring and mitigation measures 
(described previously in this document);
    (3) The fact that cetaceans would have to be closer than 940 m 
(3,084 ft) in deep water, 1,540 m (5,052 ft) in intermediate depths, 
and 2,140 m (7,020 ft) in shallow depths, when the 36-airgun array is 
in use at 9 m (29.5 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to 
levels of sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent 
threshold shift;
    (4) The fact that cetaceans would have to be closer than 1,100 m 
(3,609 ft) in deep water, 1,810 m (5,938 ft) in intermediate depths, 
and 2,520 m (8,268

[[Page 41772]]

ft) in shallow depths, when the 36-airgun array is in use at 12 m (39.4 
ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of sound believed 
to have a minimal chance of causing permanent threshold shift;
    (5) The fact that cetaceans would have to be closer than 1,200 m 
(3,937 ft) in deep water, 1,975 m (6,480 ft) in intermediate depths, 
and 2,750 m (9,022 ft) in shallow depths, when the 36-airgun array is 
in use at 15 m (49.2 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to 
levels of sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent 
threshold shift;
    (6) The fact that cetaceans would have to be closer than 40 m (131 
ft) in deep water, 60 m (197 ft) in intermediate depths, and 296 m (971 
ft) in shallow depths, when the single airgun is in use at six to 15 m 
(20 to 49.2 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of 
sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent threshold 
shift;
    (7) The fact that pinnipeds would have to be closer than 400 m 
(1,312 ft) in deep water, 550 m (1,804 ft) in intermediate depths, and 
680 m (2,231 ft) in shallow depths, when the 36-airgun array is in use 
at 9 m (29.5 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of 
sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent threshold 
shift;
    (8) The fact that pinnipeds would have to be closer than 460 m 
(1,509 ft) in deep water, 615 m (2,018 ft) in intermediate depths, and 
770 m (2,526 ft) in shallow depths, when the single airgun is in use at 
12 m (39.4 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of 
sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent threshold 
shift;
    (9) The fact that pinnipeds would have to be closer than 520 m 
(1,706 ft) in deep water, 690 m (2,264 ft) in intermediate depths, and 
865 m (2,838 ft) in shallow depths, when the single airgun is in use at 
15 m (49.2 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of 
sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent threshold 
shift;
    (10) The fact that pinnipeds would have to be closer than 12 m 
(39.4 ft) in deep water, 18 m (59 ft) in intermediate depths, and 150 m 
(492 ft) in shallow depths, when the single airgun is in use at six to 
15 m (20 to 49.2 ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels 
of sound believed to have a minimal chance of causing permanent 
threshold shift; and
    (11) The likelihood that marine mammal detection ability by trained 
Protected Species Visual Observers is high at close proximity to the 
vessel.
    We do not anticipate that any injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities would occur as a result of the Observatory's planned marine 
seismic surveys, and we are not authorizing injury, serious injury or 
mortality for these surveys. We anticipate only short-term behavioral 
disturbance to occur during the conduct of the survey activities. 
Tables 5, 6, and 7 of this document outline the number of Level B 
harassment takes that we anticipate as a result of these activities. 
Due to the nature, degree, and context of Level B (behavioral) 
harassment anticipated and described (see ``Potential Effects on Marine 
Mammals'' section in this notice), we do not expect the activity to 
impact rates of recruitment or survival for any affected species or 
stock. Further, the seismic surveys would not take place in areas of 
significance for marine mammal feeding, resting, breeding, or calving 
and would not adversely impact marine mammal habitat.
    Many animals perform vital functions, such as feeding, resting, 
traveling, and socializing, on a diel cycle (i.e., 24 hour cycle). 
Behavioral reactions to noise exposure (such as disruption of critical 
life functions, displacement, or avoidance of important habitat) are 
more likely to be significant if they last more than one diel cycle or 
recur on subsequent days (Southall et al., 2007). While we anticipate 
that the seismic operations would occur on consecutive days, the 
estimated duration of the Juan de Fuca Plate survey would last no more 
than 17 days, the Cascadia Thrust Zone survey would last approximately 
3 days, and the Cascadia Subduction Margin survey would occur over 10 
days.
    Because the Langseth will move continuously along planned 
tracklines, each of the three seismic surveys would increase sound 
levels in the marine environment surrounding the vessel for 21 days 
during the first and second study and for 10 days during the last 
study. There will be an estimated 4-day period of non-seismic activity 
between the second and third survey.
    Of the 31 marine mammal species under our jurisdiction that are 
known to occur or likely to occur in the study area, six of these 
species and two stocks are listed as endangered under the ESA: the 
blue, fin, humpback, North Pacific right, sei, and sperm whales; the 
Southern Resident stock of killer whales; and the eastern U.S. stock of 
the Steller sea lion. These species are also categorized as depleted 
under the MMPA. With the exception of North Pacific right whales and 
Southern Resident killer whales, the Observatory has requested take for 
these listed species. To protect these animals (and other marine 
mammals in the study area), the Observatory must cease or reduce airgun 
operations if animals enter designated zones. No injury, serious 
injury, or mortality is expected to occur and due to the nature, 
degree, and context of the Level B harassment anticipated, the activity 
is not expected to impact rates of recruitment or survival.
    Based on available data, we do not expect the Observatory to 
encounter five of the 31 species under our jurisdiction in the proposed 
survey areas. They include the following: the North Pacific right, 
false killer, and short-finned pilot whales; the California sea lion; 
and the bottlenose dolphin because of the species' rare and/or 
extralimital occurrence in the survey areas. As mentioned previously, 
we estimate that 26 species of marine mammals under our jurisdiction 
could be potentially affected by Level B harassment over the course of 
the Incidental Take Authorization. For each species, these numbers are 
small, relative to the regional or overall population size and we have 
provided the regional population estimates for the marine mammal 
species that may be taken by Level B harassment in Tables 4, 5, and 6 
in this document.
    Our practice has been to apply the 160 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa (rms) 
received level threshold for underwater impulse sound levels to 
determine whether take by Level B harassment occurs. Southall et al. 
(2007) provides a severity scale for ranking observed behavioral 
responses of both free-ranging marine mammals and laboratory subjects 
to various types of anthropogenic sound (see Table 4 in Southall et al. 
[2007]).
    We have determined, provided that the aforementioned mitigation and 
monitoring measures are implemented, that the impact of conducting 
three marine seismic surveys off Oregon and Washington in the 
northeastern Pacific Ocean, June through July 2012, 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. See Tables 4, 5, and 6 for the requested 
authorized take numbers of cetaceans and pinnipeds.
    While these species may make behavioral modifications, including 
temporarily vacating the area during the operation of the airgun(s) to 
avoid the resultant acoustic disturbance, the availability of alternate 
areas within these areas and the short duration of the research 
activities, have led us to

[[Page 41773]]

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, we find that the Observatory's planned research activities 
will result in the incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals, 
by Level B harassment only, and that the required measures mitigate 
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

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act also 
requires us to determine that the authorization will not have an 
unmitigable adverse effect on the availability of marine mammal species 
or stocks for subsistence use. There are no relevant subsistence uses 
of marine mammals in the study area (northeastern Pacific Ocean) that 
implicate section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA.

Endangered Species Act

    Of the species of marine mammals that may occur in the survey area, 
several are listed as endangered under the ESA, including the blue, 
fin, humpback, North Pacific right, sei, sperm, and Southern Resident 
killer whales. The Observatory did not request take of endangered North 
Pacific right whales because of the low likelihood of encountering 
these species during the cruise. No incidental takes of Southern 
Resident killer whales has been authorized.
    Under section 7 of the ESA, the Foundation initiated formal 
consultation with the Service's Office of Protected Resources, 
Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division, on these 
seismic surveys. We (i.e., NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, Permits 
and Conservation Division), also initiated and engaged in formal 
consultation under section 7 of the ESA with the Endangered Species Act 
Interagency Cooperation Division to obtain a Biological Opinion 
evaluating the effects of issuing the Incidental Harassment 
Authorization under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for this activity. 
These two consultations were consolidated and addressed in a single 
Biological Opinion addressing the direct and indirect effects of these 
interdependent actions. On June 8 and 11, 2012, new information was 
received and consultation was reinitiated on the three proposed seismic 
surveys and the associated issuance of the Incidental Harassment 
Authorizations. The designs of the seismic surveys were modified and 
enhanced monitoring and mitigation measures were added to address 
concerns regarding endangered Southern Resident killer whales. In June 
and July 2012, we issued three Biological Opinions and concluded that 
the action and issuance of the Incidental Harassment Authorizations are 
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or 
threatened cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sea turtles and included an 
Incidental Take Statement incorporating the requirements of the 
Incidental Harassment Authorizations as Terms and Conditions. 
Compliance with those Relevant Terms and Conditions of the Incidental 
Take Statement is likewise a mandatory requirement of the Incidental 
Harassment Authorizations. The Biological Opinion also concluded that 
designated critical habitat would not be destroyed or adversely 
modified by the surveys.

National Environmental Policy Act

    With its complete application, the Foundation and the Observatory 
provided an ``Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant 
Impact Determination Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, 
(NEPA: 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and Executive Order 12114 for a Marine 
Seismic Survey in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, 2012,'' which 
incorporates an ``Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical 
Survey by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean, 
June-July 2012,'' prepared by LGL Limited, Environmental Research 
Associates.
    The Environmental Assessment analyzes the direct, indirect, and 
cumulative environmental impacts of the specified activities on marine 
mammals including those listed as threatened or endangered under the 
ESA. We have conducted an independent review and evaluation of the 
document for sufficiency and compliance with the Council of 
Environmental Quality and NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 Sec.  
5.09(d), Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National 
Environmental Policy Act, and have determined that issuance of the 
Incidental Harassment Authorizations is not likely to result in 
significant impacts on the human environment. Also, we have provided 
relevant environmental information to the public through the notice of 
the proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (77 FR 25966, May 2, 
2012) and have considered public comments received in response prior to 
adopting the Foundation's Environmental Assessment. We have concluded 
that the issuance of the Incidental Harassment Authorizations would not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment and have 
issued a separate Finding of No Significant Impact. Because we have 
made this finding, it is not necessary to prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement for the issuance of the Incidental Harassment 
Authorizations to the Observatory for this activity.

Authorization

    We have issued three Incidental Harassment Authorizations to the 
Observatory for the take of marine mammals incidental to conducting 
three marine seismic surveys in the northeast Pacific Ocean, June to 
July 2012, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, 
and reporting requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: July 10, 2012.
Helen M. Golde,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17258 Filed 7-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P