Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seabird and Pinniped Research Activities in Central California, 2012-2013, 59377-59386 [2012-23820]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 188 (Thursday, September 27, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59377-59386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23820]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC128


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Seabird and Pinniped Research Activities in Central California, 2012-
2013

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

ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental harassment authorization; request 
for comments.

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SUMMARY: We have received an application from PRBO Conservation Science 
(PRBO), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization to take marine 
mammals, by harassment,

[[Page 59378]]

incidental to conducting proposed seabird and pinniped research 
activities on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and 
Point Reyes National Seashore in central California. PRBO is requesting 
an Authorization per the Marine Mammal Protection Act. We are 
requesting comments on our proposal to issue an Incidental Harassment 
Authorization to PRBO to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment 
only, four species of marine mammals during the specified activity from 
November 2012, through November 2013.

DATES: We must receive comments and information no later than October 
29, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Address your comments on the application 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. The mailbox address for providing email 
comments is ITP.Cody@noaa.gov. Please include 0648-XC128 in the subject 
line. We are not responsible for email comments send to addresses other 
than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all 
attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size.
    All comments received are a part of the public record and we will 
generally post them to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications without change. All Personal Identifying 
Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by 
the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential 
business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    To obtain an electronic copy of the application containing a list 
of the references used in this document, write to the previously 
mentioned address, telephone the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT) or access our Web page at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA (MMPA; 16 
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs the Secretary of Commerce to authorize, 
upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small 
numbers of marine mammals of a species or population stock, by United 
States citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if: (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 Marine Mammal Protection Act 
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 
Marine Mammal Protection Act defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of 
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; 
or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal 
stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, 
including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, 
feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    We received an application on April 29, 2012, from PRBO requesting 
the taking by harassment, of small numbers of marine mammals, 
incidental to conducting seabird and pinniped research activities on 
Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes 
National Seashore in central California. PRBO, along with partners 
Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge and Point Reyes National Seashore, plan to 
conduct the proposed activities for one year. We determined the 
application complete and adequate on June 5, 2012.
    Their proposed research activities would involve monitoring and 
censusing seabird colonies; observing seabird nesting habitat; 
restoring nesting burrows; observing breeding elephant seals, and 
resupplying a field station. The proposed activities would occur in the 
vicinity of pinniped haul out sites located on Southeast Farallon 
Island (37[deg]41'54.32'' N, 123[deg]0'8.33'' W), A[ntilde]o Nuevo 
Island (37[deg]6'29.25'' N, 122[deg]20'12.20'' W), or within Point 
Reyes National Seashore (37[deg]59'38.61'' N, 122[deg]58'24.90'' W) in 
central California.
    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: (1) Noise generated by 
motorboat approaches and departures; (2) noise generated during 
restoration activities and loading operations while resupplying the 
field station; and (3) human presence during seabird and pinniped 
research activities, may have the potential to cause California sea 
lions (Zalophus californianus), Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 
northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and Steller sea 
lions (Eumetopias jubatus) hauled out on Southeast Farallon Island, 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, or Point Reyes National Seashore to flush into 
the surrounding water or to cause a short-term behavioral disturbance 
for marine mammals in the proposed areas. These types of disturbances 
are the principal means of marine mammal taking associated with these 
activities and PRBO has requested an authorization to take 5,104 
California sea lions, 526 harbor seals, 190 northern elephant seals, 
and 20 Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) by Level B harassment 
only.
    To date, we have issued four 1-year Incidental Harassment 
Authorizations to PRBO for the conduct of the same activities from 2007 
to 2012 and the current Authorization expires on July 28, 2012 (76 FR 
46724, August 3, 2011). This is PRBO's fifth request for an 
Authorization and they will submit a monitoring report to us no later 
than 90 days after the expiration of the current Authorization.

Description of the Specified Geographic Region

    The proposed action area consists of the following three locations 
in the northeast Pacific Ocean:

South Farallon Islands

    The South Farallon Islands consist of Southeast Farallon Island 
located at 37[deg]41'54.32'' N, 123[deg]0'8.33'' W and West

[[Page 59379]]

End Island. These two islands are directly adjacent to each other and 
separated by only a 30-foot (ft) (9.1 meter (m)) channel. The South 
Farallon Islands have a land area of approximately 120 acres (0.49 
square kilometers (km)) and are part of the Farallon National Wildlife 
Refuge. The islands are located near the edge of the continental shelf 
28 miles (mi) (45.1 km) west of San Francisco, CA, and lie within the 
waters of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island

    A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island located at 37[deg]6[min]29.25[sec] N, 
122[deg]20[min]12.20[sec] W is one-quarter mile (402 m) offshore of 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Point in San Mateo County, CA. This small 25-acre (0.1 
square km) island is part of the A[ntilde]o Nuevo State Reserve, all of 
which is owned and operated by California State Parks. The Island lies 
within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the A[ntilde]o 
Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area.

Point Reyes National Seashore

    Point Reyes National Seashore is located approximately 40 miles 
(64.3 km) north of San Francisco Bay and also lies within the Gulf of 
the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The proposed research areas 
(Life Boat Station, Drakes Beach, and Point Bonita) are within the 
headland coastal areas of the National Park.

Description of the Specified Activity

Seabird Research on Southeast Farallon Island

    PRBO proposes to conduct: (1) Daily observations of seabird 
colonies at a maximum frequency of three 15-minute visits per day; and 
(2) conduct daily observations of breeding common murres (Uria aalge) 
at a maximum frequency of one, 5-hour visit per day between September 
2012, and September 2013. These activities usually involve one or two 
observers conducting daily censuses of seabirds or conducting mark/
recapture studies of breeding seabirds on Southeast Farallon Island. 
The researchers plan to access the island's two landing areas, the 
North Landing and the East Landing, by 14 to 18 ft (4.3 to 5.5 m) open 
motorboats which are hoisted onto the island using a derrick system and 
then travel by foot to coastal areas of the island to view breeding 
seabirds from behind an observation blind.
    The potential for incidental take related to the mark/recapture 
studies is very low as these activities are conducted within the 
interior of the island away from the intertidal areas where the 
pinnipeds haulout. Most potential for incidental take would occur when 
the researchers approach or depart the intertidal area by motorboat or 
when the researchers walk within 50 ft (15.2 m) of the haulout areas to 
enter the observation blinds to observe shorebirds.

Field Station Resupply on Southeast Farallon Island

    PRBO proposes to resupply the field station once every two weeks at 
a maximum frequency of 26 visits. Resupply activities involve personnel 
approaching either the North Landing or East Landing by motorboat. At 
East Landing--the primary landing site--all personnel assisting with 
the landing would stay on the loading platform approximately 30 ft (9.1 
m) above the water. At North Landing, loading operations would occur at 
the water level in the intertidal areas. Most potential for incidental 
take would occur when the researchers approach the area by motorboat or 
when the researchers load or unload supplies onshore.

Seabird Research on A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island

    PRBO, in collaboration with Oikonos--Ecosystem Knowledge, proposes 
to monitor seabird burrow nesting habitat quality and to conduct 
habitat restoration at a maximum frequency of 20 visits per year. This 
activity involves two to three researchers accessing the north side of 
the island by a 12 ft (3.7 m) Zodiac boat. Once onshore, the 
researchers will check subterranean nest boxes and restore any nesting 
habitat for approximately 15 minutes.
    Most potential for incidental take would occur at the landing beach 
on the north side of the island when the researchers arrive and depart 
to check the boxes. Non-breeding pinnipeds may occasionally be present, 
including California sea lions that may be hauled out near a small 
group of subterranean seabird nest boxes on the island terrace. In both 
locations researchers are located more than 50 ft (15.2 m) away from 
any pinnipeds which may be hauled out.

Seabird Research on Point Reyes National Seashore

    The National Park Service in collaboration with PRBO monitors 
seabird breeding and roosting colonies; conducts habitat restoration; 
removes non-native plants; monitors intertidal areas; maintains coastal 
dune habitat. Seabird monitoring usually involves one or two observers 
conducting the survey by small boats (12 to 22 ft; 3.6 to 6.7 m) along 
the Point Reyes National Seashore shoreline. Researchers would visit 
the site at a maximum frequency of 20 times per year, with an emphasis 
on increasing monitoring during the nesting season. Researchers would 
conduct occasional, intermittent visits during the rest of the year.
    A majority of the research occurs in areas where marine mammals are 
not present. However, the potential for incidental harassment will 
occur at the landing beaches along Point Reyes Headland, boat ramps, or 
parking lots where northern elephant seals, harbor seals, or California 
sea lions may be hauled out in the vicinity.

Pinniped Research on West End Island

    Pinniped research activities involve surveying breeding northern 
elephant seals on West End Island between early December and late 
February. At least three researchers would visit the site at a maximum 
frequency of five times per year. To conduct the census, the 
researchers would travel by foot approximately 1,500 ft (457.2 m) above 
the site to conduct the census. Historically, a few juvenile Steller 
sea lions may haul out on a spit of rocks called Shell Beach Rocks 
below the transit path to the northern elephant seal haul out. Thus, 
the potential for incidental harassment of Steller sea lions may occur 
when the researchers transit above Shell Beach Rocks.
    We expect that acoustic and visual stimuli resulting from the 
proposed motorboat operations and human presence has the potential to 
harass marine mammals, incidental to the conduct of the proposed 
activities. We also expect that these disturbances would be temporary 
and 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.

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

    The marine mammals most likely to be harassed incidental to 
conducting seabird and pinniped research at the proposed research areas 
on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes 
National Seashore are primarily California sea lions, Northern elephant 
seals, Pacific harbor seals, and to a lesser extent the eastern 
distinct population of the Steller sea lion which is listed as 
endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
    We refer the public to Carretta et al., (2011) for general 
information on these species which are presented below this section. 
The publication is available at:

[[Page 59380]]

https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/sars/po2011.pdf.

Northern Elephant Seal

    Northern elephant seals are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the Endangered Species Act, nor are they categorized as depleted 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The estimated population of the 
San Miguel stock is approximately 2,492 animals and the current maximum 
population growth rate is 12 percent (Carretta et. al., 2011).
    Northern elephant seals range in the eastern and central North 
Pacific Ocean, from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico. 
Northern elephant seals spend much of the year, generally about nine 
months, in the ocean. They are usually underwater, diving to depths of 
about 1,000-2,500 ft (330-800 m) for 20- to 30-minute intervals with 
only short breaks at the surface. They are rarely seen out at sea for 
this reason. While on land, they prefer sandy beaches.
    Northern elephant seals breed and give birth in California (U.S.) 
and Baja California (Mexico), primarily on offshore islands (Stewart et 
al., 1994), from December to March (Stewart and Huber, 1993). Males 
feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska, and 
females feed further south, south of 45[deg] N (Stewart and Huber, 
1993; Le Boeuf et al., 1993). Adults return to land between March and 
August to molt, with males returning later than females. Adults return 
to their feeding areas again between their spring/summer molting and 
their winter breeding seasons.
    At Point Reyes, the population ranges from 1,500 and 2,000 animals 
(NPS, 2012). Adult northern elephant seals visit Point Reyes twice a 
year (NPS, 2012). They arrive in early winter from their feeding 
grounds off Alaska and the largest congregations occur in the winter, 
when the females arrive to deliver their pups and nurse them, and in 
spring when immature seals and adult females return to molt. During the 
time they are onshore they are fasting (NPS, 2012).
    The population on the Farallon Islands has declined by 3.4 percent 
per year since 1983, and in recent years numbers have fluctuated 
between 100 and 200 pups (W. Sydeman, D. Lee, unpubl. data). At 
Southeast Farallon, the population consists of approximately 500 
animals (FNMS, 2012).
    Observers first sighted elephant seals on A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island 
in 1955 and today the population ranges from 900 to 1,000 adults (M. 
Lowry, unpubl. data). Males began to haul out on the mainland in 1965. 
California State Park reports that by 1988/1989, approximately 2,000 
elephant seals came ashore to A[ntilde]o Nuevo (CSP, 2012).

California Sea Lion

    California sea lions are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the Endangered Species Act, nor are they categorized as depleted 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The California sea lion is now 
a full species, separated from the Galapagos sea lion (Z. wollebaeki) 
and the extinct Japanese sea lion (Z. japonicus) (Brunner 2003, Wolf et 
al., 2007, Schramm et al., 2009). The estimated population of the U.S. 
stock of California sea lion is approximately 296,750 animals and the 
current maximum population growth rate is 12 percent (Carretta et al., 
2011).
    California sea lion breeding areas are on islands located in 
southern California, in western Baja California, Mexico, and the Gulf 
of California. During the breeding season, most California sea lions 
inhabit southern California and Mexico. Rookery sites in southern 
California are limited to the San Miguel Islands and the southerly 
Channel Islands of San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and San Clemente 
(Carretta et al., 2011). Males establish breeding territories during 
May through July on both land and in the water. Females come ashore in 
mid-May and June where they give birth to a single pup approximately 
four to five days after arrival and will nurse pups for about a week 
before going on their first feeding trip. Females will alternate 
feeding trips with nursing bouts until the pup is weaned between four 
and 10 months of age (NMML, 2010).
    Adult and juvenile males will migrate as far north as British 
Columbia, Canada while females and pups remain in southern California 
waters in the non-breeding season. In warm water (El Ni[ntilde]o) 
years, some females are found as far north as Washington and Oregon, 
presumably following prey.
    The U.S. stock of California sea lion is the only stock present in 
the proposed research area and in recent years, California sea lions 
have begun to breed annually in small numbers at Southeast Farallon and 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Islands.
    On the Farallon Islands, California sea lions haul out in many 
intertidal areas year round, fluctuating from several hundred to 
several thousand animals. California sea lions at Point Reyes National 
Seashore haul out at only a few locations, but will occur on human 
structures such as boat ramps. The annual population averages around 
300 to 500 during the fall through spring months, although on occasion, 
several thousand sea lions can arrive depending upon local prey 
resources (S. Allen, unpublished data). On A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, 
California sea lions may haulout at one of eight beach areas on the 
perimeter of the island (see Figure 2 in the Application). The island's 
average population ranges from 4,000 to 9,500 animals (M. Lowry, 
unpublished data).

Pacific Harbor Seal

    Pacific harbor seals are not listed as threatened or endangered 
under the Endangered Species Act, nor are they categorized as depleted 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The estimated population of the 
California stock of Pacific harbor seals is approximately 30,196 
animals (Carretta et al., 2011).
    The animals inhabit near-shore coastal and estuarine areas from 
Baja California, Mexico, to the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. Pacific 
harbor seals are divided into two subspecies: P. v. stejnegeri in the 
western North Pacific, near Japan, and P. v. richardsi in the northeast 
Pacific Ocean. The latter subspecies, recognized as three separate 
stocks, inhabits the west coast of the continental United States, 
including: the outer coastal waters of Oregon and Washington states; 
Washington state inland waters; and Alaska coastal and inland waters.
    In California, over 500 harbor seal haulout sites are widely 
distributed along the mainland and offshore islands, and include rocky 
shores, beaches and intertidal sandbars (Lowry et al., 2005). Harbor 
seals mate at sea and females give birth during the spring and summer, 
although, the pupping season varies with latitude. Pups are nursed for 
an average of 24 days and are ready to swim minutes after being born. 
Harbor seal pupping takes place at many locations and rookery size 
varies from a few pups to many hundreds of pups.
    In California, over 500 harbor seal haulout sites are widely 
distributed along the mainland and offshore islands, and include rocky 
shores, beaches and intertidal sandbars (Lowry et al., 2005). On the 
Farallon Islands, approximately 40 to 120 Pacific harbor seals haul out 
in the intertidal areas (PRBO unpublished data). Harbor seals at Point 
Reyes National Seashore haul out at nine locations with an annual 
population of up to 4,000 animals (M. Lowry, unpublished data). On 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, harbor seals may haulout at one of eight beach 
areas on the perimeter of the island (see Figure 2 in PRBO's 
Application) and the island's average population ranges from 100 to

[[Page 59381]]

150 animals (M. Lowry, unpublished data).

Steller Sea Lion

    Steller sea lions consist of two distinct population segments: the 
western and eastern distinct population segments divided at 144[deg] 
West longitude (Cape Suckling, Alaska). The eastern distinct population 
segment of the Steller sea lion is threatened; however NMFS is 
proposing to remove the eastern distinct population segment of Steller 
sea lions from the list of endangered wildlife, after a status review 
by its biologists found the species is recovering. The western distinct 
population segment is endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Both 
segments are depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
    Steller sea lions range along the North Pacific Rim from northern 
Japan to California (Loughlin et al., 1984), with centers of abundance 
and distribution in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, 
respectively. The species is not known to migrate, but individuals 
disperse widely outside of the breeding season (late May through early 
July), thus potentially intermixing with animals from other areas.
    The western segment of Steller sea lions inhabit central and 
western Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, as well as coastal waters and 
breed in Asia (e.g., Japan and Russia). The eastern segment includes 
sea lions living in southeast Alaska, British Columbia, California, and 
Oregon.
    In 2011, the estimated population of the eastern distinct 
population segment ranged from a minimum of 52,847 up to 72,223 animals 
and the maximum population growth rate is 12.1 percent (Angliss and 
Allen, 2011).
    The eastern distinct population segment of Steller sea lions breeds 
on rookeries located in southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and 
California. There are no rookeries located in Washington state. Steller 
sea lions give birth in May through July and breeding commences a 
couple of weeks after birth. Pups are weaned during the winter and 
spring of the following year.
    Despite the wide-ranging movements of juveniles and adult males in 
particular, exchange between rookeries by breeding adult females and 
males (other than between adjoining rookeries) appears low, although 
males have a higher tendency to disperse than females (NMFS 1995, 
Trujillo et al., 2004, Hoffman et al., 2006). A northward shift in the 
overall breeding distribution has occurred, with a contraction of the 
range in southern California and new rookeries established in 
southeastern Alaska (Pitcher et al., 2007).
    The current population of eastern Steller sea lions in the proposed 
research area is estimated to number between 50 and 750 animals. 
Overall, counts of non-pups at trend sites in California and Oregon 
have been relatively stable or increasing slowly since the 1980s 
(Angliss and Allen, 2011).
    PRBO estimates that between 50 and 150 Steller sea lions live on 
the Farallon Islands. On Southeast Farallon Island, the abundance of 
females declined an average of 3.6 percent per year from 1974 to 1997 
(Sydeman and Allen, 1999).
    The National Marine Fisheries Service's Southwest Fisheries Science 
Center estimates between 400 and 600 live on A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island 
(PRBO unpublished data, 2008; Southwest Fisheries Science Center 
unpublished data, 2008). At A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island off central 
California, a steady decline in ground counts started around 1970, and 
there was an 85 percent reduction in the breeding population by 1987 
(LeBoeuf et al., 1991)
    Pup counts at A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island declined five percent 
annually through the 1990s (NOAA Stock Assessment, 2003) and have 
apparently stabilized between 2001 and 2005 (M. Lowry, SWFSC 
unpublished data). In 2000, the combined pup estimate for both islands 
was 349. In 2005, the pup estimate was 204 on ANI. Pup counts on the 
Farallon Islands have generally varied from five to 15 (Hastings and 
Sydeman, 2002; PRBO unpublished data). Pups have not been born at Point 
Reyes Headland since the 1970s, and Steller sea lions are seen in very 
low numbers there currently (S. Allen, unpubl. data).

Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area

    California (southern) sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act and categorized as depleted 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, usually range in coastal waters 
within two km of shore. PRBO has not encountered California sea otters 
on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, or Point Reyes 
National Seashore during the course of seabird or pinniped research 
activities over the past five years. This species is managed by the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is not considered further in this 
notice.

Potential Effects on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: (1) Motorboat operations; 
and (2) the appearance of researchers may have the potential to cause 
Level B harassment of any pinnipeds hauled out on Southeast Farallon 
Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, or Point Reyes National Seashore. The 
effects of sounds from motorboat operations and the appearance of 
researchers might include hearing impairment or behavioral disturbance 
(Southall, et al., 2007).

Hearing Impairment

    Marine mammals produce sounds in various important contexts--social 
interactions, foraging, navigating, and to responding to predators. The 
best available science suggests that pinnipeds have a functional aerial 
hearing sensitivity between 75 hertz (Hz) and 75 kilohertz (kHz) and 
can produce a diversity of sounds, though generally from 100 Hz to 
several tens of kHz (Southall, et al., 2007).
    Exposure to high intensity sound for a sufficient duration may 
result in auditory effects such as a noise-induced threshold shift--an 
increase in the auditory threshold after exposure to noise (Finneran, 
Carder, Schlundt, and Ridgway, 2005). Factors that influence the amount 
of threshold shift include the amplitude, duration, frequency content, 
temporal pattern, and energy distribution of noise exposure. The 
magnitude of hearing threshold shift normally decreases over time 
following cessation of the noise exposure. The amount of threshold 
shift just after exposure is called the initial threshold shift. If the 
threshold shift eventually returns to zero (i.e., the threshold returns 
to the pre-exposure value), it is called temporary threshold shift 
(Southall et al., 2007).
    Pinnipeds have the potential to be disturbed by airborne and 
underwater noise generated by the small boats equipped with outboard 
engines (Richardson, Greene, Malme, and Thomson, 1995). However, there 
is a dearth of information on acoustic effects of motorboats on 
pinniped hearing and communication and to our knowledge there has been 
no specific documentation of hearing impairment in free-ranging 
pinnipeds exposed to small motorboats during realistic field 
conditions.

Behavioral Disturbance

    Disturbances resulting from human activity can impact short- and 
long-term pinniped haul out behavior (Renouf et al., 1981; Schneider 
and Payne, 1983; Terhune and Almon, 1983; Allen et al., 1984; Stewart, 
1984; Suryan and Harvey, 1999; Mortenson et al., 2000; and Kucey and 
Trites, 2006). Disturbance includes a variety of effects,

[[Page 59382]]

including subtle to conspicuous changes in behavior, movement, and 
displacement. Reactions to sound, if any, depend on species, state of 
maturity, experience, current activity, reproductive state, time of 
day, and many other factors (Richardson et al., 1995; Wartzok et al., 
2004; Southall et al., 2007; Weilgart, 2007). However, if a sound 
source displaces marine mammals from an important feeding or breeding 
area for a prolonged period, impacts on individuals and populations 
could be significant (e.g., Lusseau and Bejder, 2007; Weilgart, 2007).
    Numerous studies have shown that human activity can flush harbor 
seals off haulout sites (Allen et al., 1984; Calambokidis et al., 1991; 
Suryan and Harvey, 1999; and Mortenson et al., 2000). The Hawaiian monk 
seal (Monachus schauinslandi) has been shown to avoid beaches that have 
been disturbed often by humans (Kenyon, 1972). And in one case, human 
disturbance appeared to cause Steller sea lions to desert a breeding 
area at Northeast Point on St. Paul Island, Alaska (Kenyon, 1962).
    In 1997, Henry and Hammil (2001) conducted a study to measure the 
impacts of small boats (i.e., kayaks, canoes, motorboats and sailboats) 
on harbor seal haulout behavior in M[eacute]tis Bay, Quebec, Canada. 
During that study, the authors noted that the most frequent 
disturbances (n=73) were caused by lower speed, lingering kayaks and 
canoes (33.3 percent) as opposed to motorboats (27.8 percent) 
conducting high speed passes. The seal's flight reactions could be 
linked to a surprise factor by kayaks-canoes which approach slowly, 
quietly and low on water making them look like predators. However, the 
authors note that once the animals were disturbed, there did not appear 
to be any significant lingering effect on the recovery of numbers to 
their pre-disturbance levels. In conclusion, the study showed that boat 
traffic at current levels has only a temporary effect on the haulout 
behavior of harbor seals in the M[eacute]tis Bay area.
    In 2004, Johnson and Acevedo-Gutierrez (2007) evaluated the 
efficacy of buffer zones for watercraft around harbor seal haulout 
sites on Yellow Island, Washington state. The authors estimated the 
minimum distance between the vessels and the haul-out sites; 
categorized the vessel types; and evaluated seal responses to the 
disturbances. During the course of the seven-weekend study, the authors 
recorded 14 human-related disturbances which were associated with 
stopped powerboats and kayaks. During these events, hauled out seals 
became noticeably active and moved into the water. The flushing 
occurred when stopped kayaks and powerboats were at distances as far as 
453 and 1,217 ft (138 and 371 m) respectively. The authors note that 
the seals were unaffected by passing powerboats, even those approaching 
as close as 128 ft (39 m), possibly indicating that the animals had 
become tolerant of the brief presence of the vessels and ignored them. 
The authors reported that on average, the seals quickly recovered from 
the disturbances and returned to the haulout site in less than or equal 
to 60 minutes. Seal numbers did not return to pre-disturbance levels 
within 180 minutes of the disturbance less than one quarter of the time 
observed. The study concluded that the return of seal numbers to pre-
disturbance levels and the relatively regular seasonal cycle in 
abundance throughout the area counter the idea that disturbances from 
powerboats may result in site abandonment (Johnson and Acevedo-
Gutierrez, 2007).
    As a general statement from the available information, pinnipeds 
exposed to intense (approximately 110 to 120 decibels re: 20 [mu]Pa) 
non-pulse sounds often leave haulout areas and seek refuge temporarily 
(minutes to a few hours) in the water (Southall et al., 2007). Based on 
the available data, previous monitoring reports from PRBO, and studies 
described here, any pinnipeds found in the vicinity of the proposed 
project are only anticipated to have short-term behavioral reactions to 
the noise attributed to PRBO's motorboat operations and human presence 
related to the seabird and pinniped research. We would expect the 
pinnipeds to return to a haulout site within 60 minutes of the 
disturbance (Allen et al., 1985). The effects to pinnipeds appear at 
the most, to displace the animals temporarily from their haul out sites 
and we do not expect that the pinnipeds would permanently abandon a 
haul-out site during the conduct of the proposed research. The maximum 
disturbance to Steller sea lions would result in the animals slowly 
flushing into the water in response to presence of the researchers.
    Finally, no research activities would occur on pinniped rookeries 
and breeding animals are concentrated in areas where researchers would 
not visit. Therefore, we do not expect mother and pup separation or 
crushing of pups during animals hauling out to the water to occur.
    The potential effects to marine mammals described in this section 
of the document do not take into consideration the proposed monitoring 
and mitigation measures described later in this document (see the 
``Proposed Mitigation'' and ``Proposed Monitoring and Reporting'' 
sections) which, as noted, are designed to effect the least practicable 
adverse impact on affected marine mammal species and stocks.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

    We do not anticipate that the proposed operations would result in 
any temporary or permanent effects on the habitats used by the marine 
mammals in the proposed area, including the food sources they use 
(i.e., fish and invertebrates). While it is anticipated that the 
specified activity may result in marine mammals avoiding certain areas 
due to temporary ensonification, this impact to habitat is temporary 
and reversible and was considered in further detail earlier in this 
document, as behavioral modification. The main impact associated with 
the proposed activity will be temporarily elevated noise levels and the 
associated direct effects on marine mammals, previously discussed in 
this notice.

Proposed Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization under section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 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, and areas of similar significance, and the availability 
of such species or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses.
    PRBO has based the mitigation measures which they will implement 
during the proposed seismic survey, on the following: (1) Protocols 
used during previous PRBO seabird and pinniped research activities as 
required by us; (2) recommended best practices in Richardson et al. 
(1995); (3) the Terms and Conditions of Scientific Research Permit 373-
1868-00; and (4) the Terms and Conditions listed in the Incidental Take 
Statement for the 2008 Biological Opinion for these activities.
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic and visual 
stimuli associated with the activities PRBO and/or its designees has 
proposed to implement the following mitigation measures for marine 
mammals:
    (1) Abide by all of the Terms and Conditions listed in the 
Incidental Take Statement for the 2008 Biological Opinion, including: 
Monitoring for offshore predators and reporting on

[[Page 59383]]

observed behaviors of Steller sea lions in relation to the disturbance.
    (2) Abide by the Terms and Conditions of Scientific Research Permit 
373-1868-00.
    (3) Postpone beach landings on A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island until 
pinnipeds that may be present on the beach have slowly entered the 
water.
    (4) Select a pathway of approach to research sites that minimizes 
the number of marine mammals harassed, with the first priority being 
avoiding the disturbance of Steller sea lions at haul-outs.
    (5) Avoid visits to sites used by pinnipeds for pupping.
    (6) Monitor for offshore predators and not approach hauled out 
Steller sea lions or other pinnipeds if great white sharks (Carcharodon 
carcharias) or killer whales (Orcinas orca) are seen in the area. If 
predators are seen, eastern U.S. stock Steller sea lions or any other 
pinniped must not be disturbed until the area is free of predators.
    (7) Keep voices hushed and bodies low to the ground in the visual 
presence of pinnipeds.
    (8) Conduct seabird observations at North Landing on Southeast 
Farallon Island in an observation blind, shielded from the view of 
hauled out pinnipeds.
    (9) Crawl slowly to access seabird nest boxes on A[ntilde]o Nuevo 
Island if pinnipeds are within view.
    (10) Coordinate research visits to intertidal areas of Southeast 
Farallon Island (to reduce potential take) and coordinate research 
goals for A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island to minimize the number of trips to 
the island.
    (11) Coordinate monitoring schedules on A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, so 
that areas near any pinnipeds would be accessed only once per visit.
    (12) Have the lead biologist serve as an observer to evaluate 
incidental take.
    We have carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed 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 adverse impact on the affected marine mammal species and 
stocks and their habitat. Our evaluation of potential measures included 
consideration of the following factors in relation to one another:
    (1) The manner in which, and the degree to which, 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 PRBO's proposed measures, as well as 
other measures considered by us or recommended by the public, we have 
preliminarily determined that the mitigation measures provide the means 
of effecting the least practicable adverse impacts on marine mammals 
species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to 
rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance.

Proposed Monitoring

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization for an activity, 
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act states that we 
must set forth ``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and 
reporting of such taking.'' The 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 our expectations of the level of taking or impacts on populations 
of marine mammals present in the action area.
    As part of its 2012 application, PRBO proposes to 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 authorization.
    The PRBO researchers will monitor the area for pinnipeds during all 
research activities. Monitoring activities will consist of conducting 
and recording observations on pinnipeds within the vicinity of the 
proposed research areas. The monitoring notes would provide dates, 
location, species, the researcher's activity, behavioral state, numbers 
of animals that were alert or moved greater than one meter, and numbers 
of pinnipeds that flushed into the water.
    PRBO has complied with the monitoring requirements under the 
previous authorizations for the 2007 through 2011 seasons. The results 
from previous PRBO monitoring reports support our original findings 
that the mitigation measures set forth in the 2007-2011 Authorizations 
effected the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock.
    PRBO will submit an annual monitoring report for the 2011-2012 
Authorization (effective dates, July 29, 2011 through July 28, 2012) by 
November, 2012. Upon receipt, we will post this annual report on our 
Web site at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.

Proposed Reporting

    PRBO will submit a final monitoring report to us no later than 90 
days after the expiration of the Incidental Harassment Authorization, 
if we issue it. The final report will describe the operations conducted 
and sightings of marine mammals near the proposed project. The report 
will provide full documentation of methods, results, and interpretation 
pertaining to all monitoring. The final report will provide:
    (i) A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all 
seabird and pinniped research activities.
    (ii) Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals 
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
    (iii) An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that 
are known to have been exposed to acoustic or visual stimuli associated 
with the seabird and pinniped research activities.
    (iv) A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the 
monitoring and mitigation measures of the Authorization and full 
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all 
monitoring.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the 
authorization (if issued), such as an injury (Level A harassment), 
serious injury, or mortality (e.g., vessel-strike, stampede, etc.), 
PRBO 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 and 
ITP.Cody@noaa.gov and the Southwest Regional Stranding Coordinator at 
(562) 980-3230 (Sarah.Wilkin@noaa.gov). The report must include the 
following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Description and location of the incident (including water 
depth, if applicable);
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and

[[Page 59384]]

     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    PRBO shall not resume its activities until we are able to review 
the circumstances of the prohibited take. We shall work with PRBO to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure Marine Mammal Protection Act compliance. 
PRBO may not resume their activities until notified by us via letter, 
email, or telephone.
    In the event that PRBO discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead 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), PRBO 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 and ITP.Cody@noaa.gov and the Southwest 
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3230 
(Sarah.Wilkin@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 
PRBO to determine whether modifications in the activities are 
appropriate.
    In the event that PRBO discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead visual observer determines that the injury or death is not 
associated with or related to the authorized activities (e.g., 
previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), PRBO 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 and ITP.Cody@noaa.gov and the 
Southwest Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3230 
(Sarah.Wilkin@noaa.gov), within 24 hours of the discovery. PRBO staff 
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 
Marine Mammal Protection Act 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 propose to authorize take by Level B harassment only for the 
proposed pinniped and seabird research activities on Southeast Farallon 
Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore. 
Acoustic (i.e., increased sound) and visual stimuli generated during 
these proposed activities may have the potential to cause marine 
mammals in the harbor area to experience temporary, short-term changes 
in behavior.
    Based on PRBO's previous research experiences, with the same 
activities conducted in the proposed research area, and on marine 
mammal research activities in these areas, we estimate that 
approximately 5,104 California sea lions, 526 harbor seals, 190 
northern elephant seals, and 20 Steller sea lions could be potentially 
affected by Level B behavioral harassment over the course of the 
effective period of the proposed Authorization.
    We base these estimates by multiplying three components: (1) The 
maximum number of animals that could be present; (2) the maximum number 
of disturbances; and (3) the estimated number of days that an animal 
could be present in the proposed area. We derived these estimates from 
the results of the 2007-2010 monitoring reports and anecdotal 
information from PRBO scientists.

Table 1--Estimates of the Possible Numbers of Marine Mammals Exposed to Acoustic and Visual Stimuli During PRBO's Proposed Seabird and Pinniped Research
                                                          During November, 2012-November, 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Maximum
                                              Maximum        estimated     Estimated  number of days with animal
                Activity                     estimated       number of                   presence                  Requested  number of incidental takes
                                          number present   disturbances
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      California sea lions: Requested take = 5,104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEFI Daily Observations.................              27               3  E. Landing--15........................  E. Landing--1,215.
                                                                          N. Landing--22........................  N. Landing--1,782.
                                                                          Other Areas--4........................  Other Areas--324.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEFI Murre Research.....................              26               1  Other Areas--17.......................  Other Areas--442.
SEFI Field Station Resupply.............              31               1  E. Landing--13........................  E. Landing--403.
ANI Seabird Monitoring..................              68               1  Other Areas--12.......................  Other Areas--816.
ANI Intermittent Activities.............             110               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--110.
PRNS Seabird Monitoring.................               3               1  Other Areas--4........................  Other Areas--12.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Harbor seals: Requested Take = 526
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEFI Daily Observations.................               5               3  E. Landing--4.........................  E. Landing--60.
                                                                          N. Landing--7.........................  N. Landing--105.
                                                                          Other Areas--18.......................  Other Areas--270.
SEFI Murre Research.....................               2               1  N. Landing--9.........................  N. Landing--18.
SEFI Field Station Resupply.............              12               1  E. Landing--2.........................  E. Landing--24.
                                                                          N. Landing--2.........................  N. Landing--24.
ANI Seabird Monitoring..................               2               1  Other Areas--5........................  Other Areas--10.
PRNS Seabird Monitoring.................              15               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--15.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 59385]]

 
                                                      Northern elephant seals: Requested Take = 190
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEFI Daily Observations.................               2               3  E. Landing--4.........................  E. Landing--24.
                                                                          N. Landing--7.........................  N. Landing--42.
SEFI Murre Research.....................               4               1  N. Landing--5.........................  N. Landing--20.
SEFI Field Station Resupply.............               2               1  E. Landing--1.........................  E. Landing--2.
ANI Seabird Monitoring..................              10               1  Other Areas--10.......................  Other Areas--100.
PRNS Seabird Monitoring.................               2               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Steller sea lions: Requested Take = 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEFI Daily Observations.................               2               3  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--6.
SEFI Murre Research.....................               9               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--9.
SEFI Field Station Resupply.............               1               1  E. Landing--1.........................  E. Landing--1.
ANI Seabird Monitoring..................               1               1  Other Areas--2........................  Other Areas--2.
ANI Intermittent Activities.............               1               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--1.
PRNS Seabird Monitoring.................               1               1  Other Areas--1........................  Other Areas--1.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Areas: Elephant Seal Colony (SEFI), Sea Lion Cove (SEFI), Landing Cove (ANI), and Drakes Beach (PRNS).

    Estimates of the numbers of marine mammals that might be affected 
are based on consideration of the maximum number of marine mammals that 
could be disturbed by approximately 1,908 visits to Southeast Farallon 
Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore 
during the course of the proposed activity.
    There is no evidence that PRBO's planned activities could result in 
injury, serious injury or mortality within the harbor area for the 
requested Authorization. The required mitigation and monitoring 
measures will minimize any potential risk for injury, serious injury, 
or mortality. Thus, we do not propose to authorize any injury, serious 
injury or mortality. We expect all potential takes to fall under the 
category of Level B harassment only.

Encouraging and Coordinating Research

    PRBO will continue to coordinate monitoring of pinnipeds during the 
research activities occurring on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o 
Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore. PRBO conducts bone 
fide research on marine mammals, the results of which may contribute to 
the basic knowledge of marine mammal biology or ecology, or are likely 
to identify, evaluate, or resolve conservation problems.

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 in scope); and
    (3) The context in which the takes occur (e.g., impacts to areas of 
significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when 
taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions when added to 
baseline data);
    (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.
    As mentioned previously, we estimate that four species of marine 
mammals could be potentially affected by Level B harassment over the 
course of the proposed Authorization. For each species, these numbers 
are small (each, less than or equal to two percent) relative to the 
population size. These incidental harassment numbers represent 
approximately two percent of the U.S. stock of California sea lion, 1.5 
percent of the California stock of Pacific harbor seal, 0.15 percent of 
the California breeding stock of northern elephant seal, and 0.04 
percent of the eastern distinct population segment of Steller sea lion.
    For reasons stated previously in this document and based on the 
following factors, PRBO's specified activities are not likely to cause 
long-term behavioral disturbance, abandonment of the haulout area, 
injury, serious injury, or mortality because:
    (1) The effects of the pinniped and seabird research activities 
would be limited to short-term startle responses and localized 
behavioral changes due to the short and sporadic duration of the 
research activities. Minor and brief responses, such as short-duration 
startle or alert reactions, are not likely to constitute disruption of 
behavioral patterns, such as migration, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering.
    (2) The availability of alternate areas for pinnipeds to avoid the 
resultant acoustic and visual disturbances from the research 
operations. Results from previous monitoring reports support our 
conclusions that the pinnipeds returned to the various sites do not 
permanently abandon a haul-out site during the conduct of the pinniped 
and research activities.
    (3) There is no potential for large-scale movements leading to 
injury, serious injury, or mortality because the researchers must delay 
ingress into the landing areas until pinnipeds present have slowly 
entered the water.
    (4) The limited access of PRBO researchers to Southeast Farallon 
Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore 
during the pupping season.

[[Page 59386]]

    We do not anticipate that any injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities would occur as a result of PRBO's proposed activities, and 
we do not propose to authorize injury, serious injury or mortality. 
These species may exhibit behavioral modifications, including 
temporarily vacating the area during the proposed seabird and pinniped 
research activities to avoid the resultant acoustic and visual 
disturbances. Due to the nature, degree, and context of the behavioral 
harassment anticipated, the activities are not expected to impact rates 
of recruitment or survival. Further, these proposed activities would 
not take place in areas of significance for marine mammal feeding, 
resting, breeding, or calving and would not adversely impact marine 
mammal habitat.
    We have preliminarily determined, provided that PRBO carries out 
the previously described mitigation and monitoring measures, that the 
impact of conducting the proposed seabird and pinniped research 
activities on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and 
Point Reyes National Seashore in central California, November, 2012 
through November, 2013, 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.
    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 have preliminarily determined that the total taking from 
the proposed activities will have a negligible impact on the affected 
species or stocks; and that impacts to affected species or stocks of 
marine mammals would be mitigated 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 Act.

Endangered Species Act

    The Steller sea lion, eastern U.S. stock is listed as threatened 
under the Act and occurs in the research area. NMFS' Office of 
Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division conducted a 
formal section 7 consultation under this Act. On November 18, 2008, 
NMFS issued a Biological Opinion (2008 BiOp) and concluded that the 
issuance of an Incidental Authorization is likely to affect, but not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Steller sea lions. NMFS 
has also issued an incidental take statement (ITS) for Steller sea 
lions pursuant to section 7 of the Act. The ITS contains reasonable and 
prudent measures for implementing terms and conditions to minimize the 
effects of this take. We have reviewed the 2008 BiOp and determined 
that there is no new information regarding effects to Steller sea 
lions; the action has not been modified in a manner which would cause 
adverse effects not previously evaluated; there has been no new listing 
of species or no new designation of critical habitat that could be 
affected by the action; and the action will not exceed the extent or 
amount of incidental take authorized in the 2008 BiOp. Therefore, the 
proposed Authorization does not require the reinitiation of section 7 
consultation under the Act.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    To meet our NEPA requirements for the issuance of an Authorization 
to PRBO, we prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2007 that was 
specific to seabird research activities on Southeast Farallon Island, 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore and 
evaluated the impacts on the human environment of our authorization of 
Level B harassment resulting from seabird research in Central 
California. At that time, we determined that conducting the seabird 
research would not have a significant impact on the quality of the 
human environment and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 
and, therefore, it was not necessary to prepare an environmental impact 
statement for the issuance of an Authorization to PRBO for this 
activity. In 2008, we prepared a supplemental EA (SEA) titled 
``Supplemental Environmental Assessment For The Issuance Of An 
Incidental Harassment Authorization To Take Marine Mammals By 
Harassment Incidental To Conducting Seabird And Pinniped Research in 
Central California And Environmental Assessment For The Continuation Of 
Scientific Research On Pinnipeds In California Under Scientific 
Research Permit 373-1868-00,'' to address new available information 
regarding the effects of PRBO's seabird and pinniped research 
activities that may have cumulative impacts to the physical and 
biological environment. At that time, we concluded that issuance of an 
Authorization would not significantly affect the quality of the human 
environment and issued a FONSI for the 2008 SEA regarding PRBO's 
activities. In conjunction with this year's application, we have again 
reviewed the 2007 EA and the 2008 SEA and determined that there are no 
new direct, indirect or cumulative impacts to the human and natural 
environment associated with the Authorization requiring evaluation in a 
supplemental EA and we, therefore, preliminarily reaffirm the 2008 
FONSI. A copy of the EA, SEA, and the NMFS FONSI for this activity is 
available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Proposed Authorization

    As a result of these preliminary determinations, we propose to 
authorize the take of marine mammals incidental to PRBO's proposed 
seabird and pinniped research activities in the northeast Pacific 
Ocean, provided they incorporate the previously mentioned mitigation, 
monitoring, and reporting requirements. The duration of the Incidental 
harassment Authorization would not exceed one year from the date of its 
issuance.

Information Solicited

    We request interested persons to submit comments and information 
concerning this proposed project and our preliminary determination of 
issuing a take authorization (see ADDRESSES). Concurrent with the 
publication of this notice in the Federal Register, we will forward 
copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its 
Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: September 19, 2012.
Matthew J. Brookhart,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23820 Filed 9-26-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P