Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Offshore North Carolina, September to October, 2014, 57512-57541 [2014-22730]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 186 (Thursday, September 25, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57512-57541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22730]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD394


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Marine Geophysical Survey in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Offshore 
North Carolina, September to October, 2014

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
implementing regulations, we hereby give notice that we have issued an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to Lamont-Doherty 
Earth Observatory (Lamont-Doherty) a component of Columbia University, 
in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (Foundation), to 
take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine 
geophysical (seismic) survey in the northwest Atlantic Ocean off the 
North Carolina coast from September 15 through October 31, 2014.

DATES: Effective September 15, 2014, through October 31, 2014.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the final Authorization and application are 
available by writing to Jolie Harrison, Supervisor, Incidental Take 
Program, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910, by telephoning the contacts listed here, or by 
visiting the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental/research.htm#ldeonsfnc.
    The Foundation has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the 
regulations published by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). 
LGL, Ltd. environmental research associates prepared the EA titled, 
``Draft Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical Survey by the 
R/V Marcus G. Langseth in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras, 
September-October 2014,'' on behalf of the Foundation and Lamont-
Doherty. We have also prepared an EA titled, ``Issuance of an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory 
to Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a Marine Geophysical 
Survey in the Atlantic Ocean Offshore North Carolina, September through 
October, 2014,'' and FONSI in accordance with NEPA and NOAA 
Administrative Order 216-6. To obtain an electronic copy of the 
application containing a list of the references used in this document, 
visit the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/
research.htm#ldeonsfnc.
    NMFS also issued a Biological Opinion under section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA) to evaluate the effects of the survey and 
Authorization on marine species listed as threatened and endangered. 
The Biological Opinion is available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultations/opinions.htm.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 
as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs the Secretary of 
Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, 
taking of small numbers of marine mammals of a species or population 
stock, by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if, after 
NMFS provides a notice of a proposed authorization to the public for 
review and comment: (1) NMFS makes certain findings; and (2) the taking 
is limited to harassment.
    Through the authority delegated by the Secretary, NMFS 
(hereinafter, we) shall grant an 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 also prescribe, where applicable, the permissible methods of 
taking by harassment pursuant to the activity; other means of effecting 
the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its 
habitat, and on the availability of such species or stock for taking 
for subsistence uses (where applicable); the measures that we determine 
are necessary to ensure no unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability for the species or stock for taking for subsistence 
purposes (where applicable); and requirements pertaining to the 
mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking. 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.''
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    On February 26, 2014, we received an application from Lamont-
Doherty requesting an Authorization for the take of marine mammals, 
incidental to conducting a seismic survey offshore Cape Hatteras, NC 
September through October, 2014. We determined the application complete 
and adequate on July 15, 2014 and published a notice of proposed 
Authorization on July 31, 2014 (79 FR 44549). The notice afforded the 
public a 30-day comment period on our proposed MMPA Authorization.
    Lamont-Doherty, with research funding from the Foundation, plans to 
conduct a high-energy, 2-dimensional (2-D) seismic survey on the R/V 
Langseth in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 17 to 422 kilometers (km) 
(10 to 262 miles (mi)) off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC for 
approximately 33 days during the period of September 15 to October 31, 
2014. The proposed activity will generate increased underwater sound 
during the operation of the seismic airgun arrays. Thus, we anticipate 
that take, by Level B harassment only, of 30 species of marine mammals 
could result from the specified activity.

Description of the Specified Activity

Overview

    Lamont-Doherty plans to use one source vessel, the R/V Marcus G. 
Langseth (Langseth), seismic airgun arrays configured with 18 or 36 
airguns as the energy source, one hydrophone streamer, and 94 ocean 
bottom seismometers (OBS) to conduct the conventional seismic survey. 
In addition to the operations of the airguns, Lamont-Doherty proposes 
to

[[Page 57513]]

operate a multibeam echosounder, a sub-bottom profiler, and acoustic 
Doppler current profiler on the Langseth continuously throughout the 
proposed survey. However, they would not operate the multibeam 
echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and acoustic Doppler current profiler 
during transits to and from the survey area.
    The purpose of the research seismic survey is to collect and 
analyze data on the mid-Atlantic coast of the East North America Margin 
(ENAM). The study would cover a portion of the rifted margin of the 
eastern U.S. and the results would allow scientists to investigate how 
the continental crust stretched and separated during the opening of the 
Atlantic Ocean and magnetism's role during the continental breakup. The 
proposed seismic survey is purely scientific in nature and not related 
to oil and natural gas exploration on the outer continental shelf of 
the Atlantic Ocean.

Dates and Duration

    Lamont-Doherty proposes to conduct the seismic survey from the 
period of September 15 through October 22, 2014. The study would 
include approximately 792 hours of airgun operations (i.e., a 24-hour 
operation over 33 days). Some minor deviation from Lamont-Doherty's 
requested dates of September 15 through October 22, 2014, is possible, 
depending on logistics and weather conditions. Thus, this Authorization 
will be effective from September 15, 2014 through October 31, 2014. 
Lamont-Doherty will not conduct the survey after October 31, 2014 to 
avoid exposing North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) to 
sound at the beginning of their migration season.

Specified Geographic Region

    Lamont-Doherty proposes to conduct the seismic survey in the 
Atlantic Ocean, approximately 17 to 422 kilometers (km) (10 to 262 
miles (mi)) off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC between approximately 
32-37[deg] N and approximately 71.5-77[deg] W (see Figure 1 in this 
notice). Water depths in the survey area are approximately 20 to 5,300 
m (66 feet (ft) to 3.3 mi). They would conduct the proposed survey 
outside of North Carolina state waters, within the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone, and partly in international waters.

Detailed Description of Activities

Transit Activities
    The Langseth would depart from Norfolk, VA and transit for 
approximately one day to the survey area. Setup, deployment, and 
streamer ballasting would occur over approximately three days and 
seismic acquisition would take approximately 33 days. At the conclusion 
of the proposed survey, the Langseth would take approximately one day 
to retrieve gear. At the conclusion of the proposed survey activities, 
the Langseth would return to Norfolk, VA.
Vessel Specifications
    We outlined the vessel's specifications in the notice of proposed 
Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014). The descriptions of the 
vessel's specifications have not changed between the proposed 
Authorization and our final Authorization.
Data Acquisition Activities
    We outlined the details regarding Lamont-Doherty's data acquisition 
activities using the airguns, hydrophone streamer, ocean bottom 
seismometers, multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and acoustic 
Doppler current profiler in the notice of proposed Authorization (79 FR 
44549, July 31, 2014).
    We would like to clarify some information about the acquisition 
activities presented in the proposed notice of Authorization here. In 
summary, the survey would cover approximately 5,320 kilometers (km) 
(3,306 miles (mi)) of transect lines (approximately 1,900 km (1,180 mi) 
for the multi-channel seismic tracklines and approximately 3,420 km 
(2,125 mi) for the ocean bottom seismometer tracklines within the 
survey area. This represents a 1,030 km (640 mi) reduction in transect 
lines from Lamont-Doherty's original proposal in their application that 
totaled 6,350 km (3,946 mi).
    During the survey, the Langseth crew would deploy a four-string 
array consisting of 36 airguns with a total discharge volume of 
approximately 6,600 cubic inches (in\3\), or a two-string array 
consisting of 18 airguns with a total discharge volume of 3,300 in\3\ 
as an energy source. The Langseth would tow the four-string array at a 
depth of approximately 9 m (30 ft) and would tow the two-string array 
at a depth of 6 m (20 ft).
    Lamont-Doherty would deploy a total of 94 seismometers along five 
different tracklines that would be ensonified twice using the four-
string array consisting of 36 airguns. The first pass over the 
trackline would acquire seismometer data and the second pass would 
record source shots with the multi-channel seismic portion of the 
survey. On average, for a 400-km (248 mi) line segment, the Langseth 
traveling at 8.3 km/hour would take approximately four days to complete 
the acquisition for the seismometer trackline. In total, there are 10 
tracklines that would require repeat coverage (Figure 1, Lines 1 
through 4b).
    Last, for this survey, Lamont-Doherty has informed us that they 
would not operate the multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and 
acoustic Doppler current profiler during transits to and from the 
survey area.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25SE14.000

BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
Other than these clarifications, there has been no change to Lamont-
Doherty's data acquisition activities as described in the proposed 
Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014). For a more detailed 
description of the authorized action, including vessel and acoustic 
source specifications, metrics, characteristics of airgun pulses, 
predicted sound levels of airguns, etc., we refer the reader to the 
notice of proposed Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) and 
associated documents referenced above this section.

Comments and Responses

    We published a notice of receipt of Lamont-Doherty's application 
and proposed Authorization in the Federal Register on July 31, 2014 (79 
FR 44549). During the 30-day public comment period, we received 
comments from nine private citizens and the following organizations: 
The Marine Mammal Commission (Commission); Natural Resources Defense 
Council and Center for Biodiversity (hereafter referred to as NRDC et 
al.); the Town of Nags Head, NC; the Town of Kill Devil Hills, NC; and 
the Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee (MLSOC). We posted 
these comments online at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research.htm.
    We address any comments specific to Lamont-Doherty's application 
that address the statutory and regulatory requirements or findings that 
we must make in order to issue an Authorization. Following is a summary 
of the public comments and our responses.

 Effects Analyses

    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that we adjust density 
estimates using some measure of uncertainty when available density data 
originate from different geographical areas and temporal scales and 
that we formulate a consistent policy for how applicants should 
incorporate uncertainty into their density estimates.
    Response: The availability of representative density information 
for marine mammal species varies widely across space and time. 
Depending on survey locations and modeling efforts, it may be necessary 
to consult estimates that are from a different area or season, that are 
at a non-ideal spatial scale, or that are several years out of date. As 
the Commission notes in their letter to us, we continue to evaluate 
available density information and are continuing progress on guidance 
that would outline a consistent general approach for addressing 
uncertainty in specific situations where certain types of data are or 
are not available.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that we follow a consistent 
approach for requiring the assessment of Level B harassment takes for 
sub-bottom profilers, echosounders, sidescan sonar, and fish-finding 
sonar by applicants who propose to use them. The Commission also 
recommends that the Authorization prohibit the operation of the multi-
beam echosounder, sub-

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bottom profiler, and acoustic Doppler current profiler during transit.
    Response: We acknowledge the Commission's recommendation and note 
that we continue to work on a consistent approach for addressing 
potential impacts from active acoustic sources.
    For this survey, we assessed the potential for multi-beam 
echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and acoustic Doppler current profiler 
operations to impact marine mammals with the concurrent operation of 
the airgun array. We assume that, during simultaneous operations of the 
airgun array and the other active acoustic sources, a marine mammal 
close enough to be affected by the other active acoustic sources would 
already be affected by the airguns. Because Lamont-Doherty will not 
operate the multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and acoustic 
Doppler current profiler during transits when the airgun array is not 
active, we will not require an assessment of Level B harassment takes 
for those sources for this survey, and we have not authorized take from 
these other sound sources. The Authorization includes language 
restricting the use of these devices during transit.
    Comment 3: The Commission recommends that we require Lamont-Doherty 
to power down the airgun array when observers see concentrations of six 
or more humpback, sei, fin, blue, and/or sperm whales within the Level 
B harassment zone.
    Response: We agree with the Commission's recommendation and have 
included a new mitigation measure within the Authorization that 
requires the Langseth to power down the airgun array when protected 
species observers see concentrations of six or more humpback, sei, fin, 
blue, and/or sperm whales.
    Comment 4: The Commission described our proposed requirement for 
the Langseth to conduct the survey (especially when near land) from the 
coast (inshore) and proceed towards the sea (offshore) to the maximum 
extent possible. The Commission agrees with this requirement, but 
recommends that we remove the qualifying phrase ``. . . to the maximum 
extent practicable . . .'' within the Authorization.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty has planned the survey to comply with the 
requirement to conduct acquisition activities from the coast in a 
seaward direction to the maximum extent practicable. However, this 
requirement may not be practicable in all situations. In a few cases, 
Lamont-Doherty must acquire data (see Lines 1 and Lines 2 in Figure 1 
in this notice) transiting towards the coast to meet their research 
goals such as when switching from an OBS line to a MCS line. We have 
evaluated the commenter's recommendation and Lamont-Doherty's reasons 
for why the measure may (or may not) be practicable and have concluded 
that after taking into consideration the project's purpose, there is no 
practicable alternative for Lamont-Doherty's proposed acquisition 
activities. Thus, for this Authorization we will not remove the 
qualifying phrase to the maximum extent practicable.
    Comment 5: The Commission states that Lamont-Doherty changed its 
proposal to use 18-airgun configuration during the MCS portion of the 
survey instead of the originally proposed 36-airgun configuration for 
the same tracklines. Because Lamont-Doherty still plans to use the 36-
airgun configuration during the OBS portion of the survey, which would 
occur in water depths as shallow as 20 m, the Commission questions the 
need for the larger airgun array and OBS devices in shallow water and 
seeks justification for the use of the 36-airgun array to obtain data 
in shallow water. Further, if the researchers can obtain the same 
quality of data using the smaller 18-airgun configuration, they 
recommend we require Lamont-Doherty to use the 18-airgun configuration 
to minimize impacts on marine mammals.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty requires the larger 36-airgun array to 
first acquire wide-angle seismic data on the OBSs and to record source 
shots on the MCS streamer. Lamont-Doherty has informed us that it is 
not practicable to use the 18-airgun array configuration to obtain data 
on the OBS tracklines because the reflection and refraction surveys 
achieve different scientific goals (i.e., they reveal different 
geologic aspects and targets). We have considered this rationale and 
Lamont-Doherty's reasons for why the measure may (or may not) be 
practicable. After taking into consideration the project's purpose, we 
agree with Lamont-Doherty that there is no practicable alternative for 
Lamont-Doherty's proposed use of the 36-airgun array for OBS 
tracklines. Thus, for the reasons stated, we will not require the use 
of the 18-airgun array configuration for the OBS tracklines.
    Comment 6: The Commission expressed doubt about Lamont-Doherty's 
use of in-situ measurements from Diebold et al. (2010) to estimate the 
proposed exclusion zones for the 18-airgun array in shallow water. They 
question Lamont-Doherty's use of the hydrophone data from the Gulf of 
Mexico calibration study which they believe sampled sound propagation 
measurements at 50 meters (m) (164 feet (ft)) depth instead of the 20 m 
(66 ft) water depth proposed for the survey. They assert that Lamont-
Doherty used an invalid methodology to derive exclusion zones and does 
not support the use of the Diebold et al. (2010) method for shallow 
water.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty's application (LGL, 2014) and Appendix A 
in the Foundation's EA (NSF, 2014) describe the approach to 
establishing mitigation exclusion and buffer zones. For this survey, 
Lamont-Doherty developed the shallow-water exclusion and buffer zones 
for the 18-airgun array based on the empirically derived measurements 
from the Gulf of Mexico calibration survey (Fig. 5a in Appendix H of 
the Foundation's PEIS). Diebold et al. (2010) showed that Lamont-
Doherty's model produced appropriate mitigation radii for shallow 
water.
    Lamont-Doherty used a similar process to develop mitigation radii 
for a shallow-water seismic survey in the northeast Pacific Ocean 
offshore Washington in 2012. The Observatory conducted the shallow-
water survey using a similar airgun configuration (6,600 
in3) and recorded the received sound levels on the shelf and 
slope off Washington using the Langseth's 8-km hydrophone streamer. 
Crone et al. (2013) analyzed those received sound levels from the 2012 
survey and reported that the actual distances for the exclusion and 
buffer zones were two to three times smaller than what Lamont-Doherty's 
modeling approach predicted. While results confirm the role that 
bathymetry plays in propagation, it also confirmed that empirical 
measurements from the Gulf of Mexico survey over-estimated the size of 
the exclusion zones for the Washington survey. Lamont-Doherty presented 
these preliminary results in a poster session at the American 
Geophysical Union fall meeting in December 2013 (Crone et al., 2013; 
available at: https://berna.ldeo.columbia.edu/agu2013/agu2013.pdf). They 
anticipate publishing their results in a peer-reviewed journal in 2014. 
When available, we will review and consider the final results and how 
they reflect on the Lamont-Doherty model and will continue to work with 
Lamont-Doherty on verifying the accuracy of their model.
    Comment 7: The Commission does not support the methodology that 
Lamont-Doherty uses to obtain deep-water exclusion and buffer zones. 
Citing Figures 11, 12, and 16 in Appendix H of the Foundation's 
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for geophysical surveys, 
they note that the calibration data show that at greater

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distances (4 to 5 km) the actual sound levels reflected and refracted 
from the seafloor and sub-seafloor rise very close to the mitigation 
model curve. The Commission states that Lamont-Doherty should use site-
specific modeling to account for reflective or refractive arrivals 
which would address their concerns with their model.
    The Commission further recommends that we require Lamont-Doherty to 
re-estimate the proposed zones and take estimates using site-specific 
parameters (including at least sound speed profiles, bathymetry, and 
sediment characteristics) for the proposed Authorization. They also 
recommend that we require the same for all future incidental harassment 
authorization requests from Lamont-Doherty.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty acquired field measurements for several 
array configurations at shallow- and deep-water depths during acoustic 
verification studies conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico in 2003 
(Tolstoy et al., 2004) and in 2007 and 2008 (Tolstoy et al., 2009). 
Based on the empirical data from those studies, Lamont-Doherty 
developed a sound propagation modeling approach that conservatively 
predicts received sound levels as a function of distance from a 
particular airgun array configuration in deep water.
    In 2010, L-DEO assessed their accuracy of their modeling approach 
by comparing the sound levels of the field measurements in the Gulf of 
Mexico study to their model predictions (Diebold et al., 2010). They 
reported that the observed sound levels from the field measurements 
fell almost entirely below the predicted mitigation radii curve for 
deep water (Diebold et al., 2010). Based on this information, their 
current modeling approach reliably estimates mitigation radii in deep 
water and represents the best available information to reach our 
determinations for the Authorization. We considered reflected and 
refracted arrivals in reviewing their model's results and note that the 
comparisons of Lamont-Doherty's model results and the field data 
collected in the Gulf of Mexico and Washington illustrate a degree of 
conservativeness built into their model for deep water. Given that 
Lamont-Doherty has demonstrated that the model is conservative in deep 
water, we conclude that the model is an effective means to aid in 
determining potential impacts to marine mammals from the planned 
seismic survey and estimating take numbers, as well as establishing 
buffer and exclusion zones for mitigation.
    We acknowledge the Commission's concerns about Lamont-Doherty's 
current modeling approach for estimating exclusion and buffer zones and 
also acknowledge that Lamont-Doherty did not incorporate site-specific 
sound speed profiles, bathymetry, and sediment characteristics of the 
research area within the current approach to estimate those zones for 
this Authorization. However, as described earlier (and in Comment 6), 
empirical data collected at two different sites and compared against 
model predictions indicate that other facets of the model (besides the 
site-specific factors cited above) do result in a conservative estimate 
of exposures in the cases tested. At present, Lamont-Doherty cannot 
adjust their modeling methodology to add the environmental and site-
specific parameters as requested by the Commission. We are working with 
Lamont-Doherty and the Foundation to explore ways to better consider 
site-specific information to inform the take estimates and development 
of mitigation measures in coastal areas for future seismic surveys with 
Lamont-Doherty. Also, the Foundation is exploring different approaches 
in collaboration with Lamont-Doherty and other academic institutions 
with whom they collaborate. When available, we will review and consider 
the final results from Lamont-Doherty's expected publications (See our 
response to Comment 6).
    Lamont-Doherty has conveyed to us that additional modeling efforts 
to refine the process and conduct comparative analysis may be possible 
with the availability of research fund and other resources. Obtaining 
research funds is typically through a competitive process, including 
those submitted to Federal agencies. The use of models for calculating 
buffer and exclusion zone radii and developing take estimates are not a 
requirement of the MMPA incidental take authorization process. 
Furthermore, our agency does not provide specific guidance on model 
parameters nor prescribes a specific model for applicants as part of 
the MMPA incidental take authorization process. There is a level of 
variability not only with parameters in the models, but the uncertainty 
associated with data used in models and therefore the quality of the 
model results submitted by applicants. We, however, take all of this 
variability into consideration when evaluating applications. Applicants 
use models as a tool to evaluate potential impacts, estimate the number 
of takes of marine mammals, and for mitigation purposes. We take into 
consideration the model used and its results in determining the 
potential impacts to marine mammals; however, it is just one component 
of our analysis during the MMPA consultation process as we also take 
into consideration other factors associated with the proposed action, 
such as geographic location, duration of activities, context, 
intensity, etc. We consider takes generated by modeling as estimates, 
not absolutes, and we factor these into our analysis accordingly.
    Comment 8: The Commission states that Lamont-Doherty applied 
scaling factors to empirical shallow-water zones based on modeled deep-
water zones to account for tow depth differences. However, they are 
unsure why Lamont-Doherty would assume that the ratio of modeled zones 
in deep water would equate to empirical zones in shallow water, as 
those two quantities are not comparable.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty's approach compares the sound exposure 
level (SEL) outputs between two different types of airgun 
configurations in deep water. This approach allows them to derive 
scaling relationships between the arrays and extrapolate empirical 
measurements or model outputs to different array sizes and tow depths. 
For example, if an Airgun Source A produces sound energy that is three 
times greater than Airgun Source B in deep water, it is reasonable to 
infer that the shallow-water mitigation zones for Airgun Source A would 
be three times larger than the shallow-water mitigation zones for 
Airgun Source B. Lamont-Doherty believes that this approach of deriving 
scaling factors is a more rigorous approach to extrapolate existing 
empirical measurements for shallow water. Thus, this is the best 
available information to extrapolate the in situ shallow water 
measurements to array tow depths without field verification studies 
(Crone et al., 2013; Crone et. al., in press; Barton and Diebold, 
2006).
    Comment 9: The Commission seeks clarification on why Lamont-
Doherty's estimated exclusion zone for the proposed survey (36-airgun 
array towed at 9 m in depth) is smaller than those previously 
authorized and the proposed buffer zone is larger than previously 
authorized (75 FR 44770; 76 FR 75525, 49737; 77 FR 25693, 41755). They 
also question why the estimated shallow-water exclusion zone for the 
mitigation airgun is smaller than previously authorized or proposed to 
be authorized (e.g., 77 FR 41755).
    Response: We recognize the Commission's statement that the 
estimated exclusion zones are smaller

[[Page 57517]]

and buffer zones are larger than under previous Authorizations and 
provide a detailed clarification of Lamont-Doherty's previous and 
current approaches in acoustic modeling in the notice of issuance of an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization to the USGS (79 FR 52121, September 
2, 2014).
    In summary, Lamont-Doherty's previous authorization applications 
and EAs for different airgun array configurations based their 
mitigation radii on the empirical results of Tolstoy et al. (2009) and 
adjusted for tow depth. For the deep-water site in the study, the 
hydrophone was at a depth of 350 to 500 m (1,148.3 to 1,640.4 ft) and 
only sampled received levels at a constant depth of 500 m (1,640.4 ft). 
Thus, the hydrophone did not sample the maximum received levels in the 
water column down to 2,000 m (6,561.7 ft). Due to this cutoff, one 
cannot use those predicted distances to the 160-, 180-, and 190-dB 
threshold contours as buffer and exclusion zones.
    The previous documents use 160 dB root mean square (rms) from 
Tolstoy et al. (2009) and adjust for tow depth, and the current 
documents use the 150 dB sound exposure level (SEL) contour from the 
Diebold et al. (2010) model, which accounts for the large difference in 
the 160-dB buffer zone (3,850 vs 5,780 m).
    For the 190-dB exclusion zone, the differences between the previous 
rms versus the current SEL metrics are a significant factor. In Figures 
7 and 8 of Tolstoy et al. (2009), there is not an exact 10-dB 
difference between SEL and 90% rms in the empirical data at short 
distances (200 to 500 m). In recent documents, Lamont-Doherty uses the 
Diebold et al., (2010) modeling approach. Here, they calculate the 
modeling results as SEL and then convert them to rms values using a 
fixed 10-dB difference. Using this approach, the distance to 190 dB rms 
(approximately 180 dB SEL) is less than what they previously obtained 
using rms values of the empirical measurements. However, the current 
approach does not underestimate the distance with respect to the trend 
of the SEL values of the empirical measurements obtained at the closest 
ranges shown in Figure 8 of Tolstoy et al. (2009) and also demonstrated 
in Figure 10 of Diebold et al. (2010).
    The main reason for the significant fluctuations in modeling (dB 
discount with SEL value) is based on converting the values calculated 
as 90 percent rms and values obtained as SEL plus 10 dB. Table 1 
compares Lamont-Doherty's previous (Tolstoy et al., 2009) and current 
(Tolstoy et al., 2009; Diebold et al., 2010) approach to acoustic 
propagation.

Table 1--Comparison of Lamont-Doherty's Previous and Current Approach to
                          Acoustic Propagation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Current approach to
                              Previous approach to  acoustic propagation
         Categories           acoustic propagation    (Tolstoy et al.,
                                (Tolstoy et al.,     2009 and Diebold et
                                      2009)              al., 2010)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Approach..............  Ray trace of direct   Ray trace of direct
                               arrivals and source   arrivals and source
                               ghosts (reflection    ghosts (reflection
                               at the air-water      at the air-water
                               interface at the      interface at the
                               array) from the       array) from the
                               array to the          array to the
                               receivers.            receivers.
Model Assumptions...........  Constant velocity,    Constant velocity,
                               infinite homogenous   infinite homogenous
                               ocean layer,          ocean layer,
                               seafloor unbounded.   seafloor unbounded.
                               Cross-line model      Cross-line model
                               more conservative     more conservative
                               than in-line model.   than in-line model.
Propagation Measurements      36 airguns (6,600     36 airguns (6,600
 Analyzed.                     in\3\), 6 m tow       in\3\), 6 m tow
                               depth, 1,600 m        depth, 50 m
                               (deep)                (shallow).
                              36 airguns (6,600
                               in\3\), 6 m tow
                               depth, 600 to 1,100
                               m (intermediate).
                              36 airguns (6,600
                               in\3\), 6 m tow
                               depth, 50 m
                               (shallow).
Receiver Specs..............  Calibration           Calibration
                               hydrophone buoy       hydrophone buoy and
                              Shallow--spar buoy     multi-channel
                               anchored on the       seismic hydrophone
                               seafloor,             array, both in
                               hydrophone at 18 m    shallow water.
                               Intermediate--spar
                               buoy not anchored,
                               hydrophone at 18 m
                               and 500 m.
                              Deep--spar buoy not
                               anchored,
                               hydrophone at 18 m
                               and 350 to 500 m.
Data Validation.............  Curve based on best   NA.
                               fit line, 95% of
                               received levels
                               fall below curve.
Empirical Radii Appropriate   36 airguns            36 airguns
 for Sampling Maximum          (shallow)--Yes,       (shallow)--Yes,
 Received Level.               appropriate for       appropriate for
                               mitigation modeling   mitigation radii.
                              36 airguns
                               (intermediate)--No,
                               does not sample
                               maximum received
                               levels > 500 m.
                              36 airguns (deep)--
                               No does not sample
                               maximum received
                               levels > 500 m.
Received Level Metric         90% of cumulative     SEL contours (150,
 Presented.                    energy rms levels     170, and 180)
                               and SEL Tolstoy et    Diebold et al.
                               al. (2009)            (2010) modeled data
                               empirical data from   from Figure 2.
                               Table 1.
RMS vs. SEL Offsets.........  36 airguns in deep    NA.
                               water--~14 dB
                               offset, rms > SEL.
                              36 airguns in
                               shallow water--8 dB
                               offset, rms > SEL.
Differences between the       Because the deep-     The current
 Previous and Current          water calibration     propagation model
 Approaches.                   buoy only sampled     uses the maximum
                               received levels at    SPL values shown in
                               a constant depth of   Figure 2 in Diebold
                               500 m, it is not      et al. (2010).
                               appropriate to use    These values along
                               the empirical deep-   the diagonal
                               water data from       maximum SPL line
                               Tolstoy et al.        connect the points
                               (2009) to derive      where the isopleths
                               mitigation radii.     attain their
                               This is due to the    maximum width
                               buoy not capturing    (providing the
                               the intersect of      maximum distance
                               all the SPL           associated with
                               isopleths at their    each sound level).
                               wildest point from    These distances
                               the sea surface       will differ from
                               down to ~2,000 m.     values obtained
                               However, the          along the Tolstoy
                               received levels       et al. (2009) data
                               (i.e., direct         shown in Table 1
                               arrivals and          which derives radii
                               reflected and         from the 500 m
                               refracted arrivals)   constant depth
                               are in agreement      line.
                               with the current
                               propagation model.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 10: The Commission notes that Lamont-Doherty (in 
cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company) previously modeled 
sound propagation using site-specific parameters under various 
environmental conditions for a

[[Page 57518]]

2012 incidental harassment authorization application and associated 
environmental assessment for a geophysical survey of Diablo Canyon in 
California (77 FR 58256, September 19, 2012). The Commission agrees 
that we should not instruct applicants to use specific contractors or 
modeling packages, but that we should hold applicants to the same 
standard as other applicants where they incorporate site and operation-
specific environmental parameters into their models.
    Response: See our response to Comment 7. On a broader note, we are 
currently pursuing methods that include site-specific components to 
allow us to better cross-check isopleth and propagation predictions 
submitted by applicants. Using this information, we could potentially 
recommend modifications to take estimates and/or mitigation zones, as 
appropriate.
    Comment 11: The Commission notes that we increased the exclusion 
zone in shallow water by 3 dB for the proposed survey off North 
Carolina and for a recent survey recent survey off New Jersey (79 FR 
38499). They question our use of the precautionary buffer if, we 
determined that Lamont-Doherty's model uses the best available science. 
They questioned why we did not extend the 160-dB buffer zone and re-
estimate the number of take of marine mammals as well.
    Response: For this survey, Lamont-Doherty developed the exclusion 
and buffer zones based on the conservative deep-water calibration 
results and empirically-derived shallow water exclusion zones from 
Diebold et al. (2010). Their current modeling approach represents the 
best available information to reach our determinations for the 
Authorization. As described earlier, the comparisons of Lamont-
Doherty's model results and the field data collected in the Gulf of 
Mexico and Washington illustrate a degree of conservativeness built 
into their model for deep water, which we would expect to offset some 
of the limited ability of the model to capture the variability 
resulting from site-specific factors, especially in shallow water. 
However, in the interest of additional protection, we have required 
more conservative and precautionary mitigation and monitoring measures 
within this Authorization. We will require Lamont-Doherty to enlarge 
the 180-dB and 190-dB exclusion zones for all airgun array 
configurations in shallow water to further conservatively account for 
environmental variation within the survey area. The precautionary 
exclusion zone with the additional buffer would increase the radius of 
the exclusion zones in shallow water by a factor of approximately 41 
percent for the single airgun, approximately 48 percent for the 18-
airgun array, and approximately 38 percent for the 36-airgun array. In 
light of those limitations and in consideration of the practicability 
of implementation, in this particular case, we recommended a more 
conservative approach to mitigation specifically tailored to the North 
Carolina seismic survey that required Lamont-Doherty to enlarge the 
exclusion zones. As noted previously, though there are limitations with 
the Lamont-Doherty model, we believe that Lamont-Doherty is able to 
adequately estimate take for this seismic survey. We have no reason to 
believe that potential variation in site-specific parameters would 
result in differences that would change our analysis of the general 
level or severity of effects or our necessary findings. However, in 
consideration of the practicability of doing so, we were able to add a 
precautionary buffer to the mitigation zone. For this Authorization, we 
will not require Lamont-Doherty to extend the 160-dB buffer zone or re-
estimate the number of take of marine mammals for the reasons stated 
earlier.
    Comment 12: The Commission notes that the Strategic Environmental 
Research and Development Program's (SERDP) spatial decision support 
system (SDSS) Marine Animal Model Mapper tool based on the U.S. Navy's 
OPAREA Density Estimates (NODE) model did not provide density estimates 
for spinner dolphins, Fraser's dolphins, melon-headed whales, pygmy 
killer whales, false killer whales, and killer whales. Because the 
potential for taking exists for these species, the Commission 
recommends that we authorize the taking of on at least the average 
group size to be consistent with the recent Authorization to the USGS 
for a seismic survey in the same general geographic area.
    The Commission also recommended that we increase the proposed take 
authorized for the Northern North Carolina Estuarine stock and Southern 
North Carolina Estuarine stocks of bottlenose dolphins to account for 
average group size as well.
    Response: We agree with the Commission's recommendations and 
determined that it is appropriate to include coverage for potential 
takes for those species based on group size. Table 4 in this notice 
includes the additional authorized take for those species.
    For spinner dolphins, Fraser's dolphins, melon-headed whales, pygmy 
killer whales, false killer whales, and killer whales, we determined 
the mean group size based on data reported from the Cetacean and Turtle 
Assessment Program (CeTAP) surveys (CeTAP, 1982) and the Atlantic 
Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) surveys in 
2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 (NEFSC and SEFSC, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014). 
For the Northern North Carolina Estuarine stock and Southern North 
Carolina Estuarine stocks of bottlenose dolphins, we determined the 
mean group size based on Read et al. (2003). Table 4 in this notice 
includes the additional authorized take for those species.
    Comment 13: The Commission discusses a potential seasonal haul-out 
site for harbor seals at Oregon Inlet, North Carolina and recommends 
that we determine the number of harbor seals that could potentially 
experience harassment incidental to the proposed survey and authorize 
that number in the final Authorization.
    Response: The NMFS 2013 Stock Assessment Report notes that in 
recent years, small numbers of harbor seals (less than 50) have 
established winter haulout sites near Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. 
Other anecdotal sources have identified the haulout site as Green 
Island Slough on the south side of Oregon Inlet (Star News Online, 
2012) and counted as many as 30 harbor seals hauled out at this 
location which is within Pamlico Sound and not within the proposed 
survey area.
    We agree with the Commission's recommendation and determined that 
it is appropriate to include coverage for potential takes for harbor 
seals based upon group size data reported in the AMAPPS 2013 survey 
(NEFSC and SEFSC, 2014). Table 4 in this notice includes the additional 
authorized take for harbor seals that could potentially experience 
harassment incidental to the proposed survey.
    Comment 14: The Commission understands the Lamont-Doherty would 
survey the OBS tracklines twice, once for acquiring OBS data and once 
for recording source shots with the MCS. Because Lamont-Doherty did not 
estimate the ensonified area based on repeating the OBS tracklines, the 
Commission recommends that we require Lamont-Doherty to re-estimate the 
total numbers of takes based on surveying the OBS portion two times and 
base our ``small numbers'' and ``negligible impact'' determinations on 
those revised take estimates.
    Response: Lamont-Doherty modeled the number of individuals that 
could be exposed to airgun sounds with received levels greater than or 
equal to 160 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa on one or more occasions by multiplying 
the total marine area that would be within the 160-dB radius

[[Page 57519]]

around the operating seismic source on at least one occasion (40,968 
km\2\) along with the expected density of animals in the area. However, 
as the Commission noted, this approach does not account for Lamont-
Doherty acquiring data for the ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) portion 
of the survey tracklines which includes two instances of ensonification 
(i.e., one pass for acquiring OBS data and a second pass for recording 
source shots with the multi-channel seismic (MCS). On average, for a 
400-km line segment, the Langseth traveling at 8.3 km/hour would take 
approximately 4 days to complete the acquisition. In total, there are 
10 tracklines that would require repeat coverage (see Figure 1 in this 
notice, Lines 1 through 4b).
    Lamont-Doherty estimated the ratio of the ensonified area including 
overlap (63,367 km\2\) and the ensonified area excluding overlap 
(40,968 km\2\) to be 1.54. Using this ratio, we can obtain an 
approximation of the number of possible exposures (including repeated 
exposures of the same individuals).
    In considering the likelihood of re-exposure of certain individuals 
during the survey, the Authorization would include additional coverage 
for those potential takes of individuals where Lamont-Doherty would 
repeat those tracklines. However, we expect that most individuals would 
experience at most a single exposure to the 160 dB re: 1 
[micro]Parms level or higher due to required mitigation and 
monitoring measures and it is unlikely that a particular animal would 
remain in the area during the entire survey (Bain and Williams, 2006; 
MacLeod et al., 2006; McCauley et al., 2000; McDonald et al., 1995).
    Because the area including overlap is 1.54 times greater than the 
area excluding overlap, we estimated instances of exposures when the 
tracklines overlapped by multiplying the original take estimate by 
0.54, which provides the number of instances of exposures above 160 dB. 
We then multiplied the number of exposure instances by a generalized 
turnover estimate of 25 percent (Wood et al., 2012) to account for take 
of additional individuals that could experience Level B harassment 
within those areas where the tracklines overlap.
    We recognize that turnover within the project area would not 
approach 100 percent per day and that a method that assumes 100% 
turnover would far overestimate the number of individual marine mammals 
exposed above the 160 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa threshold. We expect that use 
of a generalized factor of 25 percent would provide a more reasonable 
estimate of the number of new animals exposed when the Langseth repeats 
tracklines, and then we are assuming that the rest of the instances of 
take in the repeated tracklines are repeat exposures to previously 
exposed animals. The explanation for our small numbers and negligible 
impact determinations based on these revised take estimates for 
individuals is in the Analysis and Determinations section.
    Comment 15: NRDC et al. states that Lamont-Doherty provides no 
justification for the particular trackline configuration (see Addendum) 
and why that design elected to remove the 25 percent contingency that 
it typically adds to its tracklines, as opposed to other potential 
designs represents the least practical adverse impact on marine 
mammals. They further state that we should limit Lamont-Doherty to both 
the specified tracklines and the specified number of line-kilometers, 
and require cessation of the activity when they reach the latter.
    Response: See our response to Comment 14. For this survey, Lamont-
Doherty assumes that the Langseth will not need to repeat some 
tracklines, accommodate the turning of the vessel, address equipment 
malfunctions, or conduct equipment testing to complete the survey. 
Lamont-Doherty added a 25 percent contingency allowance in their 
application and draft EA to their ensonified area calculations for 
additional seismic operations in the survey area associated with infill 
of missing data, and/or repeat coverage of any areas where initial data 
quality was sub-standard; however, they have eliminated the contingency 
from their final calculations. Whereas Lamont-Doherty added this 25 
percent contingency to some past seismic surveys, for this particular 
survey design, the additional contingency was not necessary and removed 
from the final calculations for the proposed activities. Thus, total 
tracklines for the proposed survey would not exceed 5,320 km.
    We have revised the take estimates to account for the 10 tracklines 
that would require repeat coverage. The Authorization accounts for the 
modified number of tracklines (including repeated tracklines) shown in 
Figure 1 in this notice. We note that unlike previous seismic surveys 
aboard the Langseth, Lamont-Doherty would conduct the 2-D survey as 
almost one continuous line. Therefore, the ensonified area for the 
seismic survey does not include a contingency factor (typically 
increased by 25 percent to accommodate turns and equipment testing, 
etc.) in line-kilometers. Also, any marine mammal sightings within or 
near the designated exclusion zones will result in a power-down and/or 
shut-down of seismic operations as a mitigation measure effecting the 
least practicable adverse impact on marine mammals.
    Comment 16: NRDC et al. state that NMFS made erroneous small 
numbers and negligible impact determinations.
    Response: We are required to authorize the take of ``small 
numbers'' of a species or stock if the taking by harassment will have a 
negligible impact on the affected species or stocks and will not have 
an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or 
stock for taking for subsistence purposes. See 16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(D). 
In determining whether to authorize ``small numbers'' of a species or 
stock, NMFS determines whether the taking will be small relative to the 
estimated population size and relevant to the behavior, physiology, and 
life history of the species or stock.
    With the exception of sei whales and pantropical spotted dolphins, 
less than 12 percent of each species stock or population would be taken 
by harassment. With respect to the type of take, we are authorizing 
only Level B behavioral harassment and do not anticipate any injury or 
mortality. Although modeling results indicate that up to 27% of the sei 
whale population and 24% of the pantropical spotted dolphin population 
could potentially be exposed to received sound levels >=160 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa, we determined that takes resulting from Lamont-Doherty's 
activities will constitute only a ``small number,'' especially 
considering that the modeling results do not take into account the 
implementation of mitigation measures, which would likely further lower 
the number of animals taken even further.
    We discuss our rationale for our negligible impact finding in the 
Analysis and Determinations section.
    Comment 17: Dr. Pabst stated that within the study area, beaked 
whales have a non-random distribution that is exclusively along the 
deep continental shelf edge and beyond the shelf. She suggests that 
beaked whales may not be able to move away from the sound source due to 
their geographically-specific distribution patterns.
    Response: We recognize the acoustic sensitivity of beaked whales to 
anthropogenic sounds; however, studies on long-term or large-scale 
displacement of disturbed cetaceans are limited (McSweeney et al., 
2007; Schorr et al., 2014).
    The Schorr et al. (2014) paper discusses site fidelity of Cuvier's 
beaked whales within the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare 
Range (SOAR).

[[Page 57520]]

They note that despite the high level of acoustic disturbance from 
naval exercises present within the area, displacement of the population 
of Cuvier's beaked whales appeared temporary (Schorr et al., 2014). 
They also discuss that the prolonged and recurrent use of the area by 
that particular population of whales suggests that Ziphius in this 
region have likely adapted to life with a certain amount of acoustic 
disturbance and that local advantages (i.e., foraging) may outweigh the 
costs it imposes.
    Our discussion of avoidance behaviors in the notice of proposed 
authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) supports our expectations 
that individuals will avoid exposure at higher levels. Also, it is 
unlikely that animals would encounter repeated exposures at very close 
distances to the sound source because Lamont-Doherty would implement 
the required shutdown and power down mitigation measures to ensure that 
marine mammals do not approach the applicable exclusion zones for Level 
A harassment. We anticipate only behavioral disturbance to occur 
primarily in the form of avoidance behavior to the sound source during 
the conduct of the survey activities.
    Comment 18: Dr. Pabst stated that she was uncertain as to how we 
determined the stock abundances for beaked whales in Table 1 of the 
notice of proposed Authorization because the stock abundance estimate 
of 7,092 for Mesoplodon spp. does not represent the true abundance of 
any one species. She also noted that the best estimate for Cuvier's 
beaked whale (Z. cavirostris) is 6,532 individuals not 7,092.
    Response: We obtained stock abundances for Mesoplodon spp. from the 
U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Report 
(SAR)--2013. The SAR includes a description of the stock, including its 
geographic range and a minimum population estimate. In the case of the 
three Mesoplodon species identified in the proposed notice of 
Authorization (Blainville's, Gervais', and True's), the 2013 SAR notes 
that the abundance estimate for each species includes an aggregate of 
abundance estimates for Gervais' beaked whales and Blainville's beaked 
whales in the Gulf of Mexico and all species of Mesoplodon in the 
Atlantic. We acknowledge that the estimate of 7,092 does not represent 
the true abundance of any one species of Mesoplodon; however this 
represents the best available information for each species to make our 
determinations under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA. Regarding the 
best estimate for Cuvier's beaked whale, we have corrected the estimate 
in this notice to 6,532 individuals.

Mitigation

    Comment 19: The Commission states that for some deep-diving 
cetaceans, the proposed 30-minute clearance time may be inadequate 
(e.g., Schorr et al., 2014). Because beaked and sperm whales, in 
particular, can remain submerged for periods far exceeding 30 minutes, 
they recommend that we require a 60-minute clearance time for deep-
diving species, after either a power down or shutdown of the airgun 
array, if an observer does not see an animal depart the exclusion zone.
    Response: For this survey, the Foundation has informed us that they 
would increase the clearance time after a shutdown or power-down for 
deep-diving species such as beaked whales and sperm whales from 30 
minutes to 60 minutes.
    For a shutdown in this particular survey, the Authorization 
requires the Langseth to turn off the airgun(s) if a visual observer 
detects a marine mammal within, approaching, or entering the relevant 
exclusion zone for Level A harassment. For this Authorization, if that 
particular species is either a beaked whale or sperm whale, the 
observer must visually confirm that the animal has departed the 
relevant exclusion zone before restarting the airgun array. If the 
observer does not see the beaked whale or sperm whale depart the 
exclusion zone, the Langseth cannot ramp-up the airguns until 60 
minutes has passed from the last sighting of the beaked whale or sperm 
whale.
    For a power down in this particular survey, the Authorization 
requires the Langseth to decrease the number of airguns in use such 
that the radius of the exclusion zone is smaller to the extent that 
marine mammals are no longer within or about to enter the exclusion 
zone. For this Authorization, if that particular species is either a 
beaked whale or sperm whale, the observer must visually confirm that 
the animal has departed the relevant exclusion zone before restarting 
the airgun array. If the observer does not see the beaked whale or 
sperm whale depart the exclusion zone, the Langseth cannot resume 
operations at full power until 60 minutes has passed from the last 
sighting of the beaked whale or sperm whale.
    We also considered the Schorr et al. (2014) study which used 
satellite-linked tags to record the diving behavior and locations of 
eight Cuvier's beaked whales within Southern California Anti-submarine 
Warfare Range (SOAR) from 2010 to 2012 for periods up to three months. 
The authors collected over 3,000 hours of dive data with associated 
regional movements within the study area. In total, tagged whales 
performed 1,142 deep dives to a group mean depth of 1,401 m (4,596 ft); 
group mean dive duration of 67.4 minutes; and group mean surfacing 
bouts that separated back-to-back deep dives of 35.7 minutes. The 
authors note that the SOAR represents important habitat for the whales 
despite the high level of acoustic disturbance present within the area. 
However, they note that given the acoustic sensitivity of beaked whales 
and other odontocetes, it is likely that sonar use occasionally 
displaces the whales, but that the level of displacement in this 
population appeared to be temporary (Schorr et al., 2014). These data 
better characterize the true behavioral range of this species; however, 
the authors suggest exercising caution when drawing conclusions about 
behavior using these short-term tagging records (Schorr et al., 2014).
    Comment 20: Dr. Pabst and Mr. McLellan also expressed concern about 
the proposed seismic survey's effect on beaked whales within the study 
area. Both noted that the survey lines would occur in areas of high 
beaked whale abundance due to high numbers of beaked whale sightings 
and suggest that 30 minutes may not be sufficient for protected species 
observers to monitor beaked whales within the exclusion zone after a 
shutdown because of the species' extended diving capability and 
prolonged breath hold.
    Response: See our response to Comment 19.
    Comment 21: NRDC et al. states that time and area restrictions 
designed to protect high-value habitat are one of the most effective 
means to reduce the potential impacts of noise and disturbance. 
Commenters state that the proposed Authorization does not consider any 
areas for seasonal planning, trackline avoidance, or closure for any 
species other than North Atlantic right whales. They also discuss the 
Cape Hatteras Special Research Area (CHSRA) as crucial habitat for 
short- and long-finned pilot whales and Risso's dolphins.
    Response: We disagree with NRDC et al.'s assessment. Regarding 
seasonal planning, we note that the Foundation's EA considered 
potential times to carry out the survey taking into consideration key 
factors such as environmental conditions and species presence. The 
Authorization's required mitigation measures already require shut-downs 
and/or power-downs for species of

[[Page 57521]]

special concern. Considering the rarity and conservation status for the 
North Atlantic right whale, Lamont-Doherty will shut down the airguns 
immediately in the unlikely event that observers see this species, 
regardless of the distance from the Langseth. The airgun array shall 
not resume firing (with ramp-up) until 30 minutes after the last 
documented North Atlantic right whale visual sighting. Also, we expect 
that the North Atlantic right whale would be farther north at the time 
of the survey, so the current timing of the survey represents the least 
practical adverse impact for this species. Additionally, the mitigation 
measures state that concentrations of humpback, sei, fin, blue, and/or 
sperm whales will be avoided if possible (i.e., exposing concentrations 
of animals to 160 dB), and that Lamont-Doherty will power-down the 
array if necessary. For purposes of this planned survey, a 
concentration or group of whales will consist of six or more 
individuals visually sighted that do not appear to be traveling (e.g., 
feeding, socializing, etc.).
    Concerning the avoidance of marine mammals through the modification 
of tracklines, the Authorization states that the Langseth should alter 
speed or course during seismic operation if a marine mammal, based on 
its position and relative motion, appears likely to enter the relevant 
exclusion zone. If speed or course alteration is not safe or 
practicable, or if after alteration the marine mammal still appears 
likely to enter the exclusion zone, further mitigation measures, such 
as a power-down or shut-down, shall be taken.
    The CHSRA is a special research area offshore of Cape Hatteras, 
North Carolina designated by NMFS under the Pelagic Longline Take 
Reduction Plan. The research conducted within the CHSRS results in a 
better understanding the nature of marine mammal interactions 
incidental to the commercial pelagic longline fishery. The goal is to 
reduce serious injuries and mortalities of pilot whales and Risso's 
dolphins resulting from interactions with pelagic longline gear. The 
CHSRA designation relates specifically to commercial longline fishing 
and regulatory and non-regulatory measures to reduce marine mammal and 
other species bycatch from that fishery. It does not, however, include 
restrictions on other activities including navigation through the area 
and, therefore, would not warrant a year-round area closure for other 
activities including seismic survey research activities. Thus, the 
research requirements for the CHSRA do not apply to Lamont-Doherty's 
planned survey because we categorize their activity as a non-commercial 
fishing activity under the MMPA.
    The seismic survey's planned tracklines--designed for the specific 
objectives of this survey, combined with the transiting vessel and 
airgun array, make avoiding this particular area impractical and likely 
would not provide significant reduction in potential impacts from 
underwater sound or sufficient conservation benefits for this specific 
project. However, the Foundation's EA considers that slight track 
adjustments are possible to avoid fisheries conflicts: ``. . . 
conflicts would be avoided through communication with the fishing 
community during the survey and publication of a Notice to Mariners 
about operations in the area. A chase boat would also be employed to 
assist the Langseth . . .''
    Comment 22: NRDC et al. state that we should conduct a habitat 
mapping analysis to determine a time-area restrictions within the study 
area. Researchers have developed at least two predictive models to 
characterize densities of marine mammals in the area of interest: The 
NODE model produced by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command 
Atlantic and the Duke Marine Lab model produced under contract with the 
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program. Until Duke 
has produced its new cetacean density model, pursuant to NOAA's CetMap 
program, NRDC et al. state that we should use these sources, which 
represent best available science to identify important marine mammal 
habitat and ensure the least practicable impact for species of concern.
    Response: NMFS used the Navy's NODE model for determining the 
density data of marine mammal species (where it was available) and 
calculating estimated take numbers. We were not able to identify any 
other important habitat areas of specific importance to marine mammals 
from this dataset that are appropriate for avoidance or time-area 
restrictions. As stated earlier, the seismic survey's planned 
tracklines, designed for the specific objectives of this survey, 
combined with the transiting vessel and airgun array, make time-area 
restrictions and avoiding specific habitat areas impractical and likely 
would not provide significant reduction in potential impacts from 
underwater sound or sufficient conservation benefits for this specific 
project.
    Comment 23: NRDC et al. state that we should require that the 
airgun survey vessel use the lowest practicable source level, minimize 
horizontal propagation of the sound signal, and minimize the density of 
tracklines consistent with the purposes of the survey. NRDC et al. 
state that while Lamont-Doherty gives cursory consideration for the 
source level, there is little explanation of the conclusion that 
Lamont-Doherty requires a 36-airgun array. NRDC et al. would note that 
for a 2013 study off Spain, Lamont-Doherty used two 18-airgun arrays 
operating in ping-pong mode rather than a single, high-source-level, 
36-gun array.
    Response: We encourage all seismic surveys using airguns as a sound 
source to use the lowest practicable source level to achieve the 
purposes of the action. In order to fulfill the purpose of the seismic 
survey, however, Lamont-Doherty's seismic survey requires the use of 
both the 18-airgun and 36-airgun array configurations. The Principal 
Investigators (PIs) have proposed to use the full array (6,600 in\3\) 
on the five marine seismic lines where ocean-bottom seismometers would 
exist (Figure 1 of IHA application) because the geological targets 
beneath these profiles are deep (up to 40 km beneath the seafloor) 
structures in the crust and upper mantle will provide essential 
information on the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. The PIs determined 
that, based on their experience, using the full array on these lines is 
necessary to ensure the quality of data collection at the target depths 
for the OBS and MCS tracklines and thus to meet the primary goal of 
this research program. The remaining MCS-only lines are primarily 
targeting sediments and rocks in the upper/middle part of the crust, so 
a smaller array (3,300 in\3\) is adequate for these profiles. As stated 
previously, we have considered this rationale and Lamont-Doherty's 
reasons for why the measure may (or may not) be practicable. After 
taking into consideration the project's purpose, we agree with Lamont-
Doherty that there is no practicable alternative for Lamont-Doherty's 
proposed use of the 36-airgun array for OBS tracklines.
    Regarding the comment about minimizing horizontal propagation of 
the sound signal, the configuration of the airgun array, causes the 
signals to constructively interfere in the vertical direction and 
destructively interfere in horizontal direction. This is evident in the 
elliptical shape of the modeled received signals presented in the 
Foundation's EA.
    Comment 24: NRDC et al. states that we should require Lamont-
Doherty to use an alternative to the multi-beam echosounder to the one 
presently proposed.

[[Page 57522]]

    Response: We disagree with NRDC et al.'s recommendation as we do 
not have the authority to require the incidental take authorization 
applicant or action proponent to choose a different multi-beam 
echosounder system for the planned seismic survey. The multi-beam 
echosounder system currently installed on the Langseth is capable of 
mapping the seafloor in deep water and the characteristics of the 
system are well suited for meeting the research goals at the action 
area. It would not be practicable for the Lamont-Doherty and the 
Foundation to install a different multi-beam echosounder for the 
planned seismic survey. NRDC et al. did not recommend a specific multi-
beam echosounder to use as an alternative to the one currently 
installed on the vessel and planned for operation during the seismic 
survey. The multi-beam echosounder that is currently installed on the 
Langseth was evaluated in the NSF/USGS PEIS and in the Foundation's EA, 
and has been used on over 25 research seismic surveys since 2008 
without association to any marine mammal strandings.
    Regarding the 2002 stranding in the Gulf of California, the multi-
beam echosounder system was on a different vessel, the R/V Maurice 
Ewing (Ewing), which Lamont-Doherty no longer operates. Although NRDC 
et al. suggests that the multi-beam echosounder system or other 
acoustic sources on the Ewing may have been associated with the 2002 
stranding of two beaked whales, as noted in Cox et al. (2006), 
``whether or not this survey caused the beaked whales to strand has 
been a matter of debate because of the small number of animals involved 
and a lack of knowledge regarding the temporal and spatial correlation 
between the animals and the sound source.'' As noted by Yoder (2002), 
there was no scientific linkage to the event with the Ewing's 
activities and the acoustic sources used. Furthermore, Hildebrand 
(2006) has noted that ``the settings for these stranding are strikingly 
consistent: An island or archipelago with deep water nearby, 
appropriate for beaked whale foraging habitat. The conditions for mass 
stranding may be optimized when the sound source transits a deep 
channel between two islands, such as in the Bahamas, and apparently in 
the Madeira incident.'' The activities planned for the seismic survey 
do not relate to the environmental scenarios noted by Hildebrand 
(2006).
    Regarding the 2008 stranding event in Madagascar and the Final 
Report of the Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) cited to by 
NRDC et al., we considered this report in the notice of proposed 
Authorization. The multi-beam in use on this seismic survey is not 
operating in the same way as it was in Madagascar. The Authorization 
requires Lamont-Doherty to plan to conduct the seismic surveys 
(especially when near land) from the coast (inshore) and proceed 
towards the sea (offshore) in order to avoid the potential herding 
``herding of sensitive species'' into canyons and other similar areas. 
Given these conditions, NMFS does not anticipate mass strandings from 
use of the planned multi-beam echosounder.
    Comment 25: NRDC et al. states that the proposed Authorization does 
not adequately consider, or fails to consider at all, sound source 
validation. NRDC et al. states that we should require Lamont-Doherty 
and the Foundation to validate the assumptions about propagation 
distances used to establish exclusion and buffer zones and calculate 
take (i.e., at minimum, the 160 dB and 180 dB isopleths). Sound source 
validation has been required of Arctic operators for several years, as 
part of their incidental take authorization compliance requirements, 
and has proven useful for establishing more accurate, in situ 
measurements of exclusion zones and for acquiring information on noise 
propagation.
    Response: NMFS disagrees with NRDC et al.'s assessment that we did 
not adequately consider or require a sound source validation. Regarding 
concerns about validating the assumptions about propagation distances 
used to establish buffer and exclusion zones and calculated take, 
measuring sound source isopleths requires specialized sensors that are 
either self-contained buoys (such as those used by Tolstoy et al., 
2009), at the seafloor (such as those used by Thode et al., 2010), or 
deployed from a second ship, such as those used by Mosher et al., 
2009). Experiments with these instruments are non-trivial experiments 
in deep water and generally take several days of ship time (or two 
vessels) in order to establish shooting patterns, appropriate gain 
settings, and deployment/recovery of the instruments. Lamont-Doherty 
has demonstrated that in deep water, the propagation paths are simple 
and that the sound propagation models are conservative, i.e., they 
overestimate the distances to the Level A and B harassment isopleths 
(as demonstrated in Figures 11, 12 and 16 in the NSF/USGS PEIS Appendix 
H). Consequently, using the model parameters is a precautionary 
approach that saves considerable time and expense in conducting the 
seismic survey.
    For shallow-water surveys see our response to Comment 6. We are 
currently pursuing methods that include site-specific components to 
allow us to better cross-check isopleth and propagation predictions 
submitted by applicants. Using this information, we could potentially 
recommend modifications to mitigation zones, as appropriate.
    Comment 26: NRDC et al. state that we should reconsider the size 
(distance) of the safety zone. The proposed Authorization proposes 
establishing a safety zone of 180 dB re 1 [micro]Pa (with a 500 m 
minimum around the airgun array). Gedamke et al. (2011) has put 
traditional means of estimating safety zones in doubt. NRDC et al. 
state that we should consider establishing an exclusion zone for shut-
downs for certain target species. Although time/area closures are a 
more effective means of reducing cumulative exposures of wildlife to 
disruptive and harmful sound, expanded exclusion zones have value 
minimizing disruptions, and potentially in reducing the risk of hearing 
loss and injury, outside the seasonal closure areas. Visual sighting of 
any individual North Atlantic right whale at any distance should 
trigger a shut-down; for other species, shut-downs should occur if 
aggregations are observed within the 160 dB isopleth around the sound 
source.
    Response: We disagree with NRDC et al.'s recommendation that we 
should reconsider the size (distance) of the exclusion zone. We note 
that the statement that the proposed Authorization proposes 
establishing a safety zone of 180 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa (with a 500 m 
minimum around the airgun array) is incorrect. NRDC et al. may be 
referring to BOEM/BSEE Joint NTL No. 2012-G02 (available online at: 
https://www.boem.gov/Regulations/Notices-To-Lessees/2012/2012-JOINT-G02-pdf.aspx), which requires an immediate shut-down of the airgun 
operations ``within an estimated 500 m of the sound source array.'' The 
180-dB exclusion zones for Lamont-Doherty's planned survey are:
     18-Airguns: 1,628 m in shallow water; 675 m in 
intermediate depths; and 450 m in deep water.
     36-Airguns: 2,838 in shallow water; 1,391 in in 
intermediate depths; and 927 m in deep water.
    As discussed earlier in Comment 20, the Authorization includes 
mitigation measures that require shut-downs and/or power-downs for 
species of special concern including North Atlantic right whales and 
concentrations of humpback, sei, fin, blue, and/or sperm whales.

[[Page 57523]]

    Comment 27: NRDC et al. state that real-time monitoring effort in 
the proposed Authorization is inadequate. NRDC et al. states that 
supplemental methods used on certain other projects include hydrophone 
buoys and other platforms for acoustic monitoring, aerial surveys, 
shore-based monitoring, and the use of additional small vessels.
    Response: We have not included hydrophone buoys for acoustic 
monitoring, aerial surveys, shore-based monitoring, or the use of 
additional small/support vessels in the Authorization as they are not 
practicable for Lamont-Doherty's seismic survey. In certain situations, 
we have recommended the use of additional support vessels to enhance 
protected species observer monitoring effort during seismic surveys. 
For this seismic survey, however, we have not deemed it necessary to 
employ additional support vessels to monitor the buffer and exclusion 
zones due to the relatively small distances of the exclusion zones. 
Finally, the Langseth has limited maneuverability during airgun 
operations and cannot deploy or recover small vessels for activities 
such as hydrophone acoustic monitoring.
    Comment 28: NRDC et al. states that the requirements with respect 
to protected species observers are inconsistent with survey conventions 
and with prior studies of observer effectiveness. NRDC et al. state 
four hour work cycles are not appropriate and comment that we offer no 
details about the training requirements of its vessel-based observers.
    Response: The general duties of protected species observers 
required for seismic surveys are to visually observe the immediate 
environment for protected species whose detection (relative to a sound 
source) triggers the implementation of mitigation requirements, 
monitoring compliance with mitigation requirements, collecting data by 
defined protocols, preparing daily reports, and submitting reports to 
us. During seismic operations, at least five observers (four visual 
observers and one acoustic observer are based aboard the Langseth. 
Lamont-Doherty will appoint the observers with our concurrence. The 
observers aboard the Langseth are professional and experienced 
observers provided to Lamont-Doherty under contract to RPS and have 
been in place during seismic surveys since 2008. The protected species 
observers and PAM operators complete in-house training. These 
candidates must pass a protected species identification test and a 
mitigation and monitoring practices exam with a minimum grade of 80%. 
The RPS training program includes, but is not limited to: background on 
protected species laws in the U.S. and worldwide, an introduction to 
seismic surveys (purpose, types, and equipment), potential impacts of 
underwater sound on protected species, protected species in the Gulf of 
Mexico and other regions, visual monitoring methods, acoustic 
monitoring methods, protected species detection in the field, 
implementation of mitigation measures (exclusion and buffer zones, 
ramp-ups, power-downs, shut-downs, delays, etc.), and data collection 
and report preparation. In November 2013, NMFS prepared and published, 
with input from BOEM and BSEE, a technical memorandum (tech memo) 
titled ``National Standards for a Protected Species Observer and Data 
Management Program: A Model Using Geological and Geophysical Surveys'' 
(Baker et al., 2013) that makes recommendations on establishing a 
training program, PSO eligibility and qualifications, as well as PSO 
evaluation during permit/authorization approval. The tech memo is 
available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/publications/techmemo/
observersnmfsopr49.pdf. Our current practice is to deem 
protected species observer candidates as NMFS-approved or qualified on 
a case-by-case or project-by-project basis after review of their resume 
and/or curriculum vitae. Lamont-Doherty's protected species observers 
have the necessary education and/or experience requirements and their 
training generally follows the standard components recommended in 
NMFS's tech memo.
    Observations will take place during ongoing daytime operations and 
nighttime ramp-ups of the airguns. During the majority of seismic 
operations, two visual observers will be on duty from the observation 
tower (i.e., the best available vantage point on the source vessel) to 
monitor marine mammals near the seismic vessel. Use of two simultaneous 
visual observers will increase the effectiveness of detecting animals 
near the source vessel. However, during meal times and bathroom breaks, 
it is sometimes difficult to have two observers on effort, but at least 
one observer will be on duty. Regarding the comment about four-hour 
work shifts, the Authorization states that protected species observer 
shifts shall not exceed four hours, allowing shifts to be shorter. The 
observers will rotate through visual watch and the PAM station (see 
next response) with breaks in between to avoid fatigue and increase the 
detection of marine mammals present in the area.
    The NSF/USGS PEIS identifies PAM as an important tool to augment 
visual observations (section 2.4.2). As described in the Foundation's 
EA, the observer would monitor PAM continuously during seismic 
operations. The Authorization requires that an expert bioacoustician 
design and set up the PAM system, oversee the PAM, and assist the other 
observers when technical issues occur during the survey. He/she will 
monitor the PAM system at all times, in shifts no longer than six 
hours, with the observers sharing the workload. Hence, observers will 
rotate through visual watch and the PAM station with breaks in between 
to avoid fatigue and increase the detection of marine mammals present 
in the area.
    Comment 29: NRDC et al. state that the proposed Authorization makes 
no consideration of limiting activities in low-visibility conditions or 
at night.
    Response: We disagree with the commenters' assessment. The 
Authorization does consider and address airgun operations during low-
visibility and nighttime conditions. No initiation of airgun array 
operations is permitted from a shut-down position at night or during 
low-light hours (such as in dense fog or heavy rain) when the entire 
relevant exclusion zone cannot be effectively monitored by the visual 
observers on duty. However, survey operations may continue into night 
and low-light hours if the segment(s) of the survey begins when the 
entire relevant exclusion zones are visible and the observers can 
effectively monitor them. Limiting or suspending the seismic survey in 
low visibility conditions or at night would significantly extend the 
duration of the seismic survey.
    Comment 30: NRDC et al. states that we should consider technology-
based mitigation.
    Response: While we encourage the development of new or alternative 
technologies to reduce potential impacts to marine mammals from 
underwater sound, we did not include a requirement in the Authorization 
to use or test the use of new technologies during Lamont-Doherty's 
seismic survey as none are currently available or proposed for use by 
Lamont-Doherty. The NSF/USGS PEIS (Section 2.6), considered alternative 
technologies to airguns but eliminated those options from further 
analysis as those technologies were not commercially viable. Lamont-
Doherty and the Foundation continue to closely monitor the development 
and progress of these types of systems; however, at this point and 
time, these systems are still not commercially available.

[[Page 57524]]

    Geo-Kinetics, mentioned by NRDC et al. as a potentially viable 
option for marine vibroseis does not have a viable towable array and 
its current testing is limited to transition zone settings. Other 
possible vibroseis developments lack even prototypes to test. 
Similarly, industry is currently developing engineering enhancements to 
airguns to reduce high frequencies, however, at present; these airguns 
are still not commercially available. Lamont-Doherty has maintained 
contact and is in communication with a number of developers and 
companies to express a willingness to serve as a test-bed for any such 
new technologies. As noted in the NSF/USGS PEIS, should new 
technologies to conduct marine seismic surveys become available, USGS 
and NSF would consider whether they would be effective tools to meet 
research goals (and assess any potential environmental impacts).
    Of the various technologies cited in the 2009 Okeanos workshop 
report, few if any have reached operational viability. While the marine 
vibrator technology has been long discussed and evaluated, the 
technology is still unrealized commercially. According to Pramik 
(2013), the leading development effort by the Joint Industry Programme 
``has the goal of developing three competing designs within the next 
few years.'' Geo-Kinetics has recently announced a commercial product 
called AquaVib, but that product produces relatively low-power, and is 
intended for use in very shallow water depths in sensitive environments 
and the vicinity of pipelines or other infrastructure. The instrument 
is entirely unsuited to deep-water, long-offset reflection profiling. 
The BP North America staggered burst technique would need development 
well beyond the patent stage to be remotely practicable and would 
require extensive modification and testing of the Langseth sound source 
and recording systems. None of the other technologies considered (i.e., 
gravity, electromagnetic, Deep Towed Acoustics/Geophysics System 
developed by the U.S. Navy [DTAGS], etc.) can produce the resolution or 
sub-seafloor penetration required to resolve sediment thickness and 
geologic structure at the requisite scales. Improving the streamer 
signal to noise through improved telemetry (e.g., fiber optic cable) 
while desirable, would involve replacing the Langseth streamers and 
acquisition units, requiring a major capital expenditure.

Acoustic Thresholds

    Comment 31: NRDC et al. state that the current 160-dB threshold for 
Level B harassment does not reflect the best available science and is 
not sufficiently conservative. NRDC et al. state that our use of a 
single, non-conservative, bright-line threshold for all species is 
contrary to recent science and is untenable. They add the 160 dB 
threshold is non-conservative, since the scientific literature 
establishes that behavioral disruption can occur at substantially lower 
received levels for some species. Finally, they state that we should 
employ a combination of specific thresholds for which sufficient 
species-specific data are available and generalized thresholds for all 
other species.
    Response: Our practice has been to apply the 160 dB received level 
threshold for underwater impulse sound levels to determine whether take 
by Level B harassment occurs. Specifically, we derived the 160 dB 
threshold data from mother-calf pairs of migrating gray whales (Malme 
et al., 1983, 1984) and bowhead whales (Richardson et al., 1985, 1986) 
responding to airgun operations. We acknowledge that there is more 
recent information bearing on behavioral reactions to seismic airguns, 
but those data only illustrate how complex and context-dependent the 
relationship is between the two, and do not, as a whole, invalidate the 
current threshold. Accordingly, it is not a matter of merely replacing 
the existing threshold with a new one. We discussed the science on this 
issue qualitatively in our analysis of potential effects to marine 
mammals in the Federal Register notice for the proposed Authorization 
(79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) and we are currently developing revised 
acoustic guidelines for assessing the effects of anthropogenic sound on 
marine mammals. Until we finalize these guidelines (a process that 
includes internal agency review, public notice and comment, and peer 
review), we will continue to rely on the existing criteria for Level A 
and Level B harassment shutdown of the notice for the proposed 
Authorization (79 FR page 44572, July 31, 2014).
    As mentioned in the Federal Register notice for the proposed IHA 
(79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014), we expect that the onset for behavioral 
harassment is largely context dependent (e.g., behavioral state of the 
animals, distance from the sound source, etc.) when evaluating 
behavioral responses of marine mammals to acoustic sources. Although 
using a uniform sound pressure level of 160 dB for the onset of 
behavioral harassment for impulse noises may not capture all of the 
nuances of different marine mammal reactions to sound, it is an 
appropriate way to manage and regulate anthropogenic noise impacts on 
marine mammals until we finalize the acoustic guidelines.
    Comment 32: NRDC et al. states that we failed to analyze masking 
effects or set thresholds for masking.
    Response: Exposure to seismic sources has been shown to have 
impacts on marine mammal vocalizations with sometimes animals 
vocalizing more (e.g., Di Iorio and Clark, 2009) in the presence of 
these sources and sometimes less (e.g., Blackwell et al., 2013). 
Additionally, many species have short-term and long-term means of 
dealing with masking. However, the energetic consequences of these 
adaptations are unknown. Recent published models have allowed the 
ability to better quantify the effects of masking on baleen whales for 
certain underwater sound sources, like shipping (e.g., change in 
communication space; Clark et al., 2009; Hatch et al., 2012). However, 
models for other sources have not been published. The notice of the 
proposed IHA (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) described the potential 
effects of the seismic survey on marine mammals, including masking. In 
general, we expect the masking effects of airgun pulses to be minor, 
given the normally intermittent nature of the pulses and the fact that 
the acoustic footprint of the survey is only expected to overlay a low 
number of low-frequency hearing specialists and is not in any 
specifically identified biologically important areas.
    Comment 33: NRDC et al. assert that our preliminary determinations 
for Level A take and the likelihood of temporary and or permanent 
threshold shift do not consider the best available science. NRDC cites 
several papers, including Lucke et al. (2009); Thompson et al. (1998); 
Kastak et al. (2008); Kujawa and Lieberman (2009); Wood et al. (2012); 
and Cox et al. (2006) for our consideration.
    Response: We have, in making our determinations, considered the 
best available science. As explained in the notice of the proposed IHA 
(79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014), we will require Lamont-Doherty to 
establish exclusion zones for marine mammals before operating the 
airgun array. We expect that the required vessel-based visual 
monitoring of the exclusion zones is appropriate to implement 
mitigation measures to prevent Level A harassment. First, if the 
protected species observers see marine mammals approaching the 
exclusion zone, Lamont-Doherty must shut-down or power-down seismic 
operations to ensure that the marine mammal does

[[Page 57525]]

not approach the applicable exclusion radius. Second, if Lamont-Doherty 
detects a marine mammal outside the exclusion zone, and the animal, 
based on its position and the relative motion, is likely to enter the 
exclusion zone, Lamont-Doherty may alter the vessel's speed and/or 
course, when practical and safe, in combination with powering-down or 
shutting-down the airguns, to minimize the effects of the seismic 
survey. The avoidance behaviors discussed in the notice of the proposed 
IHA (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) support our expectations that 
individuals will avoid exposure at higher levels. Also, it is unlikely 
that animals would encounter repeated exposures at very close distances 
to the sound source because Lamont-Doherty would implement the required 
shut-down and power-down mitigation measures to ensure that marine 
mammals do not approach the applicable exclusion zones for Level A 
harassment.
    Our current Level A thresholds, which identify levels above which 
PTS could be incurred, were designed to be precautionary in that they 
were based on levels were animals had incurred TTS. We are currently 
working on finalizing Acoustic Guidance that will identify revised TTS 
and PTS thresholds that references the studies identified by NRDC et 
al. In order to ensure the best possible product, the process for 
developing the revised thresholds includes both peer and public review 
(both of which have already occurred) and NMFS will begin applying the 
new thresholds once the peer and public input have been addressed and 
the Acoustic Guidance is finalized.
    Regarding the Lucke et al. (2009) study, the authors found a 
threshold shift (TS) of a harbor porpoise after exposing it to airgun 
noise (single pulse) with a received sound pressure level (SPL) at 
200.2 dB (peak-to-peak) re 1 [mu]Pa, which corresponds to a sound 
exposure level of 164.5 dB re 1 [mu]Pa2 s after integrating exposure. 
We currently use the root-mean-square (rms) of received SPL at 180 dB 
and 190 dB re 1 [mu]Pa as the threshold above which permanent threshold 
shift (PTS) could occur for cetaceans and pinnipeds, respectively. 
Because the airgun noise is a broadband impulse, one cannot directly 
extrapolate the equivalent of rms SPL from the reported peak-to-peak 
SPLs reported in Lucke et al. (2009). However, applying a conservative 
conversion factor of 16 dB for broadband signals from seismic surveys 
(Harris et al., 2001; McCauley et al., 2000) to correct for the 
difference between peak-to-peak levels reported in Lucke et al. (2009) 
and rms SPLs; the rms SPL for TTS would be approximately 184 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa, and the received levels associated with PTS (Level A 
harassment) would be higher. This is still above the current 180 dB rms 
re 1 [mu]Pa threshold for injury. Yet, NMFS recognizes that the 
temporary threshold shift (TTS) of harbor porpoise is lower than other 
cetacean species empirically tested (Finneran et al., 2002; Finneran 
and Schlundt, 2010; Kastelein et al., 2012). We considered this 
information in the notice of the proposed Authorization (79 FR 44549, 
July 31, 2014).
    The Thompson et al. (1998) telemetry study on harbor (Phoca 
vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) suggested that avoidance 
and other behavioral reactions by individual seals to small airgun 
sources may at times be strong, but short-lived. The researchers 
conducted 1-hour controlled exposure experiments exposing individual 
seals fitted with telemetry devices to small airguns with a reported 
source level of 215-224 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (peak-to-peak) (Thompson et al., 
1998; Gordon et al., 2003). The researchers measured dive behavior, 
swim speed heart rate and stomach temperature (indicator for feeding), 
but they did not measure hearing threshold shift in the animals. The 
researchers observed startle responses, decreases in heart rate, and 
temporary cessation of feeding. In six out of eight trials, harbor 
seals exhibited strong avoidance behaviors, and swam rapidly away from 
the source (Thompson et al., 1998; Gordon et al., 2003). One seal 
showed no detectable response to the airguns, approaching within 300 m 
(984 ft) of the source (Gordon et al., 2003). However, they note that 
the behavioral responses were short-lived and the seals' behavior 
returned to normal after the trials (Thompson et al., 1998; Gordon et 
al., 2003). The study does not discuss temporary threshold shift or 
permanent threshold shift in harbor seals and the estimated rms SPL for 
this survey is approximately 200 dB re 1 [mu]Pa, well above NMFS's 
current 180 dB rms re: 1 [mu]Pa threshold for injury for cetaceans and 
our current 190 dB rms re 1 [mu]Pa threshold for injury for pinnipeds 
(accounting for the fact that the rms sound pressure level (in dB) is 
typically 16 dB less than the peak-to-peak level).
    In a study on the effect of non-impulsive sound sources on marine 
mammal hearing, Kastak et al. (2008) exposed one harbor seal to an 
underwater 4.1 kHz pure tone fatiguing stimulus with a maximum received 
sound pressure of 184 dB re 1 [mu]Pa for 60 seconds (Kastak et al., 
2008; Finneran and Branstetter, 2013). A second 60-second exposure 
resulted in an estimated threshold shift of greater than 50 dB at a 
test frequency of 5.8 kHz (Kastak et al., 2008). The seal recovered at 
a rate of [hyphen]10 dB per log (min). However, 2 months post-exposure, 
the researchers observed incomplete recovery from the initial threshold 
shift resulting in an apparent permanent threshold shift of 7 to 10 dB 
in the seal (Kastak et al., 2008). We note that seismic sound is an 
impulsive source, and the context of the study is related to the effect 
of non-impulsive sounds on marine mammals.
    We also considered two other Kastak et al. (1999, 2005) studies. 
Kastak et al. (1999) reported TTS of approximately 4-5 dB in three 
species of pinnipeds (harbor seal, California sea lion, and northern 
elephant seal) after underwater exposure for approximately 20 minutes 
to sound with frequencies ranging from 100 to 2,000 Hz at received 
levels 60 to 75 dB above hearing threshold. This approach allowed 
similar effective exposure conditions to each of the subjects, but 
resulted in variable absolute exposure values depending on subject and 
test frequency. The authors reported recovery to near baseline levels 
within 24 hours of sound exposure. Kastak et al. (2005) followed up on 
their previous work, exposing the same test subjects to higher levels 
of sound for longer durations. They exposed the animals to octave-band 
sound for up to 50 minutes of net exposure. The study reported that the 
harbor seal experienced TTS of 6 dB after a 25-minute exposure to 2.5 
kHz of octave-band sound at 152 dB (183 dB SEL). The California sea 
lion demonstrated onset of TTS after exposure to 174 dB (206 dB SEL).
    We acknowledge that PTS could occur if an animal experiences 
repeated exposures to TTS levels. However, an animal would need to stay 
very close to the sound source for an extended amount of time to incur 
a serious degree of PTS, which in this case, it would be highly 
unlikely due to the required mitigation measures in place to avoid 
Level A harassment and the expectation that a mobile marine mammal 
would generally avoid an area where received sound pulse levels exceed 
160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) (review in Richardson et al., 1995; Southall 
et al., 2007).
    We also considered recent studies by Kujawa and Liberman (2009) and 
Lin et al. (2011). These studies found that despite completely 
reversible threshold shifts that leave cochlear sensory cells intact, 
large threshold shifts (40 to 50 dB) could cause synaptic level changes

[[Page 57526]]

and delayed cochlear nerve degeneration in mice and guinea pigs, 
respectively. We note that the high level of TTS that led to the 
synaptic changes shown in these studies is in the range of the high 
degree of TTS that Southall et al. (2007) used to calculate PTS levels. 
It is not known whether smaller levels of TTS would lead to similar 
changes. We, however, acknowledge the complexity of noise exposure on 
the nervous system, and will re-examine this issue as more data become 
available.
    In contrast, a recent study on bottlenose dolphins (Schlundt, et 
al., 2013) measured hearing thresholds at multiple frequencies to 
determine the amount of TTS induced before and after exposure to a 
sequence of impulses produced by a seismic airgun. The airgun volume 
and operating pressure varied from 40 to 150 in3 and 1,000 to 2,000 
psi, respectively. After three years and 180 sessions, the authors 
observed no significant TTS at any test frequency, for any combinations 
of airgun volume, pressure, or proximity to the dolphin during 
behavioral tests (Schlundt, et al., 2013). Schlundt et al. (2013) 
suggest that the potential for airguns to cause hearing loss in 
dolphins is lower than previously predicted, perhaps as a result of the 
low-frequency content of airgun impulses compared to the high-frequency 
hearing ability of dolphins.
    Comment 34: NRDC et al. states that the potential impacts on marine 
species from sound-producing sources other than airguns were not 
meaningfully evaluated. The commenters state that an independent 
scientific review panel implicated a 12 kHz multi-beam echosounder 
operated by an ExxonMobil survey vessel off the coast of Madagascar in 
the mass stranding of melon-headed whales in 2008. NRDC states that 
based on the correlation between these previous stranding events and 
the use of multi-beam echosounder technology, it is imperative that we 
fully assess the potential for this source to impact marine mammals 
both on its own and with the operation of the airgun array.
    Response: NMFS disagrees with the commenter's assessment that we 
did not meaningfully evaluate the potential impacts on marine species 
from sound-producing sources other than airguns. We assessed the 
potential for the operation of the multi-beam echosounder, sub-bottom 
profiler, and acoustic Doppler current profiler to impact marine 
mammals, both on their own and simultaneously with the operation of the 
airgun array. We assume that, during simultaneous operations of the 
airgun array and the other sources, any marine mammals close enough to 
be affected by the active sound sources would already be affected by 
the airguns. However, whether or not the airguns are operating 
simultaneously with the other sources, we expect marine mammals to 
exhibit no more than short-term and inconsequential responses to the 
multi-beam echosounder and sub-bottom profiler given their 
characteristics (e.g., narrow, downward-directed beam) and other 
considerations described previously in the notice of the proposed IHA 
(79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014). Such reactions are not considered to 
constitute ``taking'' (NMFS, 2001). Therefore, Lamont-Doherty provided 
no additional allowance for animals that could be affected by sound 
sources other than airguns and we has not authorized take from these 
other sound sources. Moreover, the Authorization prohibits the use of 
the sound sources during transits at the beginning and end of the 
planned seismic survey; therefore, we do not expect any potential 
impacts from these sound sources in shallow water or coastal areas.
    Comment 35: NRDC et al. state that the Foundation fails to 
adequately assess cumulative impacts of the activity. NRDC et al. state 
that NMFS and the Foundation must analyze both auditory and behavioral 
impacts of repeated exposure to noise pollution on a population that 
may alter behavior. NRDC et al. also state that the cumulative impact 
analysis must include a full evaluation of the cumulative impacts of 
oil and gas seismic surveys planned for and anticipated in the 
Atlantic; the Lamont-Doherty seismic survey off New Jersey and other 
Foundation or USGS planned seismic surveys; and military and testing 
sonar activities.
    Response: We disagree with commenters' assessment. The Foundation's 
EA, our EA, and the documents they incorporate analyze the effects of 
the seismic survey in light of other human activities in the study 
area, including the activities the commenters reference. The NSF/USGS 
PEIS, which the Foundation's EA tiers to, also analyzes the cumulative 
impacts of NSF-funded and USGS-conducted seismic surveys. Both the 
Foundation's EA and our EA, conclude that the impacts of Lamont-
Doherty's proposed seismic survey in the Atlantic Ocean would be more 
than minor and short-term with no potential to contribute to 
cumulatively significant impacts. As explained in our FONSI, we expect 
the following combination of activities to result in no more than minor 
and short-term impacts to marine mammals in the survey area in terms of 
overall disturbance effects: (1) Our issuance of an Authorization with 
prescribed mitigation and monitoring measures for the seismic survey; 
(2) past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future research in the 
northwest Atlantic Ocean; (3) military activities; and (4) oil and gas 
activities. We also note that section 4.1.2.3 of the NSF/USGS PEIS 
specifically addresses the cumulative impacts of repeated exposure to 
noise, including potential exposure to multiple Foundation-sponsored or 
USGS seismic surveys and potential exposure to their seismic surveys 
and other activities that produce underwater noise. It states that ``no 
impacts are anticipated at the regional population level. The few, 
relatively short, localized Foundation or USGS seismic surveys in the 
context of the ocean-region basis would not have more than a negligible 
cumulative effect on marine mammals at the individual or population 
level. Possible exceptions are local non-migratory populations or 
populations highly concentrated in one area at one of year (e.g., for 
breeding). However, the latter scenario would be mitigated by timing 
and locating proposed seismic surveys to avoid sensitive seasons and/or 
locations important to marine mammals, especially those that are ESA-
listed.'' It further states that ``there is no evidence that [short-
term behavioral changes], whether considered alone or in succession, 
result in long-term adverse impacts to individuals or populations 
assuming important habitats or activities are not disturbed. 
Furthermore, long-migrating marine mammals in particular have 
undoubtedly been exposed to many anthropogenic underwater sound 
activities for decades in all ocean basins. Many of these populations 
continue to grow despite a preponderance of anthropogenic marine 
activities that may have been documented to disturb some individuals 
behaviorally (e.g., Hildebrand, 2004).''

Monitoring and Reporting

    Comment 36: The Commission believes that we misinterpreted our 
implementing regulations, which require that applicants include ``the 
suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting 
that will result in increased knowledge of the species, the level of 
taking or impacts on populations of marine mammals that are expected to 
be present while conducting activities, and suggested means of 
minimizing burdens by coordinating such reporting requirements with 
other schemes already applicable to persons

[[Page 57527]]

conducting such activity.'' The Commission believes that monitoring and 
reporting requirements need to be sufficient to provide accurate 
information on the numbers of marine mammals being taken and the manner 
in which they are taken, not merely better information on the 
qualitative nature of the impacts. The Commission continues to believe 
that appropriate g(0) and f(0) values are essential for making accurate 
estimates of the numbers of marine mammals taken during surveys. The 
Commission recommends that we consult with the funding agency (e.g., 
the Foundation) and individual applicants (e.g., Lamont-Doherty and 
other related entities) to develop, validate, and implement a 
monitoring program that provides a scientifically sound, reasonably 
accurate assessment of the types of marine mammal takes and the actual 
numbers of marine mammals taken, accounting for applicable g(0) and 
f(0) values.
    Response: We do not believe that we misinterpreted the MMPA 
implementing regulations in our previous response that the Commission 
references. In the sentence quoted by the Commission, if we assume that 
the phrase ``increased knowledge of'' does not modify ``the level of 
taking,'' that the phrase it would read: ``the suggested means of 
accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result 
in . . . the level of taking or impacts on populations,'' which does 
not make sense. However, even putting the unclear grammatical issue 
aside, we do not believe that an appropriate interpretation of the 
regulations suggests that the monitoring of an authorized entity must 
be able to quantify the exact number of takes that occurred during the 
action, but rather that the monitoring increase understanding of the 
level and effects of the action. In fact, the Commission's comment 
supports this interpretation. As noted by the Commission, section 
101(a)(5)(D)(iv) requires that NMFS ``modify, suspend, or revoke an 
authorization'' if it finds, among other things, that the authorized 
taking is having more than a negligible impact or that more than small 
numbers of marine mammals are being taken. Both of these findings, 
negligible impact and small numbers, may be made using qualitative, or 
relative (to the stock abundance) information, and the sorts of 
qualitative, or more relative, information collected during the wide 
variety of monitoring that is conducted pursuant to MMPA authorizations 
can either be used to provide broad support for the findings underlying 
the issuance of an Authorization or can highlight red flags that might 
necessitate either a reconsideration of an issued Authorization or a 
change in analyses in future authorizations. Our previous response is 
included here for reference.
    Our implementing regulations require that applicants include 
monitoring that will result in ``an increased knowledge of the species, 
the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine mammals that 
are expected to be present while conducting activities . . .'' This 
increased knowledge of the level of taking could be qualitative or 
relative in nature, or it could be more directly quantitative. 
Scientists use g(0) and f(0) values in systematic marine mammal surveys 
to account for the undetected animals indicated above, however, these 
values are not simply established and the g(0) value varies across 
every observer based on their sighting acumen. While we want to be 
clear that we do not generally believe that post-activity take 
estimates using f(0) and g(0) are required to meet the monitoring 
requirement of the MMPA, in the context of the Foundation and Lamont-
Doherty's monitoring plan, we agree that developing and incorporating a 
way to better interpret the results of their monitoring (perhaps a 
simplified or generalized version of g(0) and f(0)) is a good idea. We 
are continuing to examine this issue with Lamont-Doherty and NSF to 
develop ways to improve their post-survey take estimates. We will 
consult with the Commission and NMFS scientists prior to finalizing 
these recommendations.
    We note that current monitoring measures for past and current 
Authorizations for research seismic surveys require the collection of 
visual observation data by protected species observers prior to, 
during, and after airgun operations. This data collection may 
contribute to baseline data on marine mammals (presence/absence) and 
provide some generalized support for estimated take numbers (as well as 
providing data regarding behavioral responses to seismic operation that 
are observable at the surface). However, it is unlikely that the 
information gathered from these cruises along would result in any 
statistically robust conclusions for any particular species because of 
the small number of animals typically observed.
    Comment 37: Dr. Pabst expresses uncertainty as to whether the tow 
depth of the passive acoustic monitoring system (approximately 20 m (60 
ft)) is sufficient to detect beaked whale vocalizations, which usually 
occur only beyond the 400 m (1,312 ft) depth. She requests more 
information on the effectiveness of monitoring for beaked whales.
    Response: The PAM system can detect beaked whales at depth. 
Selecting a tow depth of 20-m enhances its detection capability because 
the device would be below swells and surface noise. The Langseth's PAM 
system consists of wide-band hydrophones with a frequency range up to 
200 kHz (-3 dB points). An electronics unit provides power and 
connection for the hydrophone array cable (via the ITT connector) and 
transfers the sound signal into high and low frequency ranges through 
internal circuitry to allow for further processing. The system feeds 
high frequency (analog) sound from each of the hydrophones in the array 
through an internal National Instruments USB-6251 sampling card capable 
of sampling audio at 500 kHz. Pamguard, the primary detection and 
software, operates with a variety of displays configured with 
detectors, mapping tools, and sound processing modules. A typical 
Pamguard configuration will consist of spectrograms, low and high 
frequency click detectors, whistle and moan detectors, and a map 
module. An acoustician can configure the high frequency click detector 
to receive raw data directly from the sound card and sample at up to 
500 kHz. The operator can classify individual clicks from the click 
detector using the ``Classifier with frequency sweep,'' which uses 
parameters suitable for the detection of beaked whales.

Other Environmental Statutes

    Comment 38: NRDC et al. states that we failed to analyze impacts on 
fish and other species of concern. NRDC et al. state that the proposed 
Authorization assumes without support that effects on both fish and 
fisheries would be localized and minor. NRDC et al. urges improvement 
in our analysis.
    Response: We disagree with NRDC et al.'s assessment. The 
Foundation's EA, which describes marine fish in section 3, EFH in 
section 3.2, and considers the impacts of the survey on fish, EFH and 
fisheries in section 4. The Foundation's EA tiers to the NSF/USGS PEIS, 
which also analyzes the impacts of seismic surveys on fish. All of the 
studies cited by NRDC et al. regarding fish are cited in the NSF/USGS 
PEIS (Appendix D) together with numerous additional studies that 
document the limited and sometimes conflicting knowledge about the 
acoustic capabilities of fish and the effects of airgun sound on fish. 
The EA's conclusion that ``the direct effects of the seismic survey and 
its noise may have minor effects on marine fisheries that

[[Page 57528]]

are generally reversible, of limited duration, magnitude, and 
geographic extent when considering individual fish, and not measurable 
at the population level'' is well supported. NMFS also evaluated the 
impacts of the seismic survey on fish and invertebrates in the notice 
of the proposed Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014). We included 
a detailed discussion of the potential effects of this action on marine 
mammal habitat, including physiological and behavioral effects on 
marine fish and invertebrates.
    Comment 39: NRDC et al. states that the Foundation did not provide 
any meaningful analysis of the proposed action's impacts on essential 
fish habitat (EFH). NRDC et al. states that we have a statutory 
obligation to consult on the impact of federal activities on EFH under 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). 
NRDC et al. states that the EFH consultation for the action is 
inadequate.
    Response: We disagree with the commenters' assessment. As discussed 
in the response to Comment 38, the NSF/USGS PEIS, the Foundation's EA, 
and other environmental assessments identify EFH within the project 
area and evaluate the impacts of the seismic survey on EFH. The 
Foundation's EA (see section 3) and the NSF/USGS PEIS (see section 
3.3.2.1) discuss the seismic survey's impacts on EFH.
    The Foundation requested a determination from the NMFS, Habitat 
Conservation Divisions of the Southeast Regional and Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Offices, whether the seismic survey required a 
formal consultation. In a letter dated August 7, 2014, NMFS stated that 
in accordance with the MSA, EFH has been identified and described in 
the EEZ portions of the study area by the Mid-Atlantic and South 
Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and NMFS. The letter acknowledged 
that Lamont-Doherty and the Foundation, as the federal action agency 
for this action, determined the proposed seismic survey may result in 
minor adverse impacts to water column habitats identified and described 
as EFH. NMFS stated that the Habitat Conservation Divisions in the 
Southeast Regional Office reviewed that analysis and the proposed 
mitigation measures contained in the NSF/USGS PEIS and the EA prepared 
for this action. Upon considering the design and nature of the seismic 
survey, NMFS had no EFH conservation recommendations to provide 
pursuant to section 305(b)(2) of the MSA. NMFS stated additional 
research and monitoring would help to gain a better understanding of 
the potential effects these activities may have on EFH, federally 
managed species, their prey and other NOAA trust resources, and 
recommended that this type of research should be a component of future 
NSF-funded seismic surveys. The Foundation agreed that this is an area 
of needed research. Consistent with other proposals for seismic 
activities directly affecting areas of the seafloor within a hard-
bottom EFH-HAPC, NMFS recommended that Lamont-Doherty maintain a 500-
meter buffer from coral/hard bottom habitats before placement of any 
anchors or anchoring systems.
    The issuance of an IHA and the mitigation and monitoring measures 
required by the Authorization would not affect ocean and coastal 
habitat or EFH. Therefore, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, Permits 
and Conservation Division has determined that an EFH consultation is 
not required.
    Comment 40: NRDC et al. states that we must fully comply with the 
ESA and develop a robust Biological Opinion based on the best available 
science. They further urge us to establish more stringent mitigation 
measures to protect ESA-listed species than are currently proposed by 
the Authorization.
    Response: Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA requires that each federal 
agency insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by 
such agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any 
endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. Of the 
species of marine mammals that may occur in the action area, several 
are listed as endangered under the ESA, including the North Atlantic 
right, humpback, sei, fin, blue, and sperm whales. Under section 7 of 
the ESA, the Foundation initiated formal consultation with the NMFS, 
Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species Act Interagency 
Cooperation Division, on this seismic survey. NMFS's Office of 
Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division, also initiated 
and engaged in formal consultation under section 7 of the ESA with 
NMFS's Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species Act 
Interagency Cooperation Division, on the issuance of an IHA 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 effects of the proposed actions on threatened 
and endangered species as well as designated critical habitat. The 
Biological Opinion concluded that both actions (i.e., Lamont-Doherty's 
seismic survey and our issuance of an Authorization) are not likely to 
jeopardize the existence of cetaceans and sea turtles and would have no 
effect on critical habitat. NMFS's Office of Protected Resources, 
Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division relied on the 
best scientific and commercial data available in conducting its 
analysis.
    Although critical habitat is designated for the North Atlantic 
right whale, no critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales occurs 
in the action area. The North Atlantic right whale critical habitat in 
the northeast Atlantic Ocean can be found online at: https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/criticalhabitat/
nrightwhalene.pdf. The North Atlantic right whale 
critical habitat in the southeast Atlantic Ocean can be found online 
at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/criticalhabitat/
nrightwhalese.pdf. The trackline that has the closest 
approach to the southeast Atlantic Ocean designated critical habitat is 
approximately 470 km (292 mi) from the area. The Biological Opinion 
considers the distribution, migration and movement, general habitat, 
and designated critical habitat of the North Atlantic right whale in 
its analysis.
    NMFS's Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation 
Division also considered the conservation status and habitat of ESA-
listed marine mammals. Included in the Authorization are special 
procedures for situations or species of concern (see ``Mitigation'' 
section below). If observers see a North Atlantic right whale during 
the survey, the airgun array must be shut-down regardless of the 
distance of the animal(s) to the sound source. The array will not 
resume firing until 30 minutes after the last documented whale visual 
sighting. Concentrations of humpback, sei, fin, blue, and/or sperm 
whales will be avoided if possible (i.e., exposing concentrations of 
animals to 160 dB), and the array will be powered-down if necessary. 
For purposes of the survey, a concentration or group of whales will 
consist of six or more individuals visually sighted that do not appear 
to be traveling (e.g., feeding, socializing, etc.). NMFS's Office of 
Protected Resources, Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation 
Division issued an Incidental Take Statement (ITS) incorporating the 
requirements of the Authorization as Terms and Conditions of the ITS. 
Compliance with the ITS is likewise a mandatory requirement of the 
Authorization. NMFS's Office of Protected Resources, Permits and 
Conservation Division has determined that the mitigation measures 
required by the Authorization provide the means of

[[Page 57529]]

effecting the least practicable impact on species or stocks and their 
habitat, including ESA-listed species.
    Comment 41: NRDC et al. states that the Coastal Zone Management Act 
(CZMA) requires that applicants for federal permits to conduct an 
activity affecting a natural resource of the coastal zone of a state 
``shall provide in the application to the licensing or permitting 
agency a certification that the proposed activity complies with the 
enforceable policies of the state's approved program and that such 
activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with the program.'' 
NRDC et al. states that the marine mammals and fish that will be 
affected by the seismic survey are all ``natural resources'' protected 
by the coastal states' coastal management program, and that states 
should be given the opportunity to review the Authorization for 
consistency with their coastal management programs.
    Response: As the lead federal agency for the planned seismic 
survey, the Foundation considered whether the action would have effects 
on the coastal resources of North Carolina and Virginia and consulted 
with both states. The state of North Carolina evaluated the proposed 
project for consistency with their coastal management program and 
submitted their consistency concurrence to the Foundation on September 
8, 2014. The determination requests the Foundation to abide by 
mitigation measures for marine mammals, including; conducting 60 
minutes of visible monitoring for marine mammals prior to starting the 
airguns; using a passive acoustic monitoring system; and having at 
least two protected species visual observers on watch during daylight 
hours. The Foundation has agreed to follow, to the maximum extent 
practicable, that state's mitigation measures. Therefore, the 
Foundation has met all of the responsibilities under the CZMA. The 
Foundation also discussed the proposed seismic survey with NOAA's 
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to confirm their 
responsibilities under CZMA for the planned unlisted activity.
    Comment 42: Several private citizens and the Towns of Nags Head and 
Kill Devil Hills, NC opposed the issuance of an Authorization by us and 
the conduct of the seismic survey in the Atlantic Ocean offshore North 
Carolina.
    Response: As described in detail in the notice for the proposed 
Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014), as well as in this 
document, we do not believe that Lamont-Doherty's seismic survey would 
cause injury, serious injury, or mortality to marine mammals, and no 
take by injury, serious injury, or mortality is authorized. The 
required monitoring and mitigation measures that Lamont-Doherty will 
implement during the seismic survey will further reduce the potential 
impacts on marine mammals to the lowest levels practicable. We 
anticipate only behavioral disturbance to occur during the conduct of 
the seismic survey.
    Finally, the NSF/USGS PEIS, the Foundation's EA for this survey, 
and our EA analyzed the cumulative impacts of NSF-funded seismic 
surveys. These documents supported our analyses that the impacts of 
Lamont-Doherty's proposed seismic survey in the Atlantic Ocean would be 
more than minor and short-term with no potential to contribute to 
cumulatively significant impacts.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    We provided information on the occurrence of marine mammals with 
possible or confirmed occurrence in the survey area in the notice of 
proposed Authorization on July 31, 2014 (79 FR 44549). The marine 
mammals most likely to be harassed in the action include 6 mysticetes, 
23 odontocetes, and 1 pinniped species under our jurisdiction. Table 2 
in this notice provides information on those species' regulatory status 
under the MMPA and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.); abundance; occurrence and seasonality in the activity area.

                                Table 2--Marine Mammals Most Likely To Be Harassed Incidental to Lamont-Doherty's Survey
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Stock/species
              Species                      Stock name         Regulatory  status1 2     abundance \3\             Range            Seasonal occurrence
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale.........  Western Atlantic......  MMPA--D................                455  Coastal/shelf.........  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Humpback whale.....................  Gulf of Maine.........  MMPA--D................                823  Pelagic...............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Minke whale........................  Canadian East Coast...  MMPA--D................             20,741  Coastal/shelf.........  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Sei whale..........................  Nova Scotia...........  MMPA--D................                357  Offshore..............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Fin whale..........................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--D................              3,522  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Blue whale.........................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--D................            \4\ 440  Coastal/pelagic.......  Rare.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Bryde's whale......................  NA....................  MMPA--D................         \5\ 11,523  Shelf/pelagic.........  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Sperm whale........................  Nova Scotia...........  MMPA--D................              2,288  Pelagic...............  Common.
                                                             ESA--EN................
Dwarf sperm whale..................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              3,785  Off Shelf.............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Pygmy sperm whale..................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              3,785  Off Shelf.............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Blainville's beaked whale..........  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              7,092  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Cuvier's beaked whale..............  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              6,532  Pelagic...............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Gervais' beaked whale..............  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              7,092  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
True's beaked whale................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              7,092  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................

[[Page 57530]]

 
Rough-toothed dolphin..............  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............                271  Pelagic...............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Bottlenose dolphin.................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             77,532  Pelagic...............  Common.
                                      Offshore.              ESA--NL................
                                     Western North Atlantic  MMPA--D, S.............              9,173  Coastal...............  Common.
                                      Southern Migratory     ESA--NL................
                                      Coastal.
                                     WNA Southern NC         MMPA--D, S.............                188  Coastal...............  Common.
                                      Estuarine System.      ESA--NL................
                                     WNA Northern NC         MMPA--D, S.............                950  Coastal...............  Common.
                                      Estuarine System.      ESA--NL................
Pantropical spotted dolphin........  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............              3,333  Pelagic...............  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Atlantic spotted dolphin...........  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             44,715  Shelf/slope pelagic...  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Spinner dolphin....................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............         \6\ 11,441  Coastal/pelagic.......  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Striped dolphin....................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             54,807  Off shelf.............  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Clymene dolphin....................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............          \7\ 6,086  Slope.................  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Short-beaked common dolphin........  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............            173,486  Shelf/pelagic.........  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Atlantic white-sided-dolphin.......  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             48,819  Shelf/slope...........  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Fraser's dolphin...................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............            \8\ 726  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Risso's dolphin....................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             18,250  Shelf/slope...........  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Melon-headed whale.................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............          \9\ 2,283  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
False killer whale.................  Northern Gulf of        MMPA--NC...............           \10\ 177  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                      Mexico.                ESA--NL................
Pygmy killer whale.................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............         \11\ 1,108  Pelagic...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Killer whale.......................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............            \12\ 28  Coastal...............  Rare.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Long-finned pilot whale............  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             26,535  Pelagic...............  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Short-finned pilot whale...........  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             21,515  Pelagic...............  Common.
                                                             ESA--NL................
Harbor porpoise....................  Gulf of Maine/........  MMPA--NC...............             79,883  Coastal...............  Rare.
                                     Bay of Fundy..........  ESA--NL................
Harbor seal........................  Western North Atlantic  MMPA--NC...............             70,142  Coastal...............  Uncommon.
                                                             ESA--NL................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ MMPA: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, NC = Not Classified.
\2\ ESA: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, NL = Not listed.
\3\ 2013 NMFS Stock Assessment Report (Waring et al., 2014) unless otherwise noted. NA = Not Available.
\4\ Minimum population estimate based on photo identification studies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Waring et al., 2010).
\5\ There is no stock designation for this species in the Atlantic. Abundance estimate derived from the ETP stock = 11,163 (Wade and Gerodette, 1993);
  Hawaii stock = 327 (Barlow, 2006); and Northern Gulf of Mexico stock = 33 (Waring et al., 2013).
\6\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. Abundance estimate derived from the Northern Gulf of Mexico Stock = 11,441
  (Waring et al., 2014).
\7\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. The best available estimate of abundance was 6,086 (CV = 0.93) (Mullin and
  Fulling, 2003).
\8\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. The best available estimate of abundance was 726 (CV = 0.70) for the Gulf of
  Mexico stock (Mullin and Fulling, 2004).
\9\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. The best available estimate of abundance was 2,283 (CV = 0.76) for the Gulf of
  Mexico stock (Mullin, 2007).
\10\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. The best available estimate of abundance was 177 (CV = 0.56) for the Gulf of
  Mexico stock (Mullin, 2007).
\11\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. Abundance estimate derived from the Northern Gulf of Mexico stock = 152
  (Mullin, 2007) and the Hawaii stock = 956 (Barlow, 2006).
\12\ There is no abundance information for this species in the Atlantic. Abundance estimate derived from the Northern Gulf of Mexico stock = 28 (Waring
  et al., 2014).

    Lamont-Doherty presented species information in Table 2 of their 
application but excluded information on pinnipeds because they 
anticipated that these species would have a more northerly distribution 
during the summer and thus have a low likelihood of occurring in the 
survey area. Based on the best available information, we expect that 
harbor seals, however, have the potential to occur within the survey 
area and we have therefore included

[[Page 57531]]

additional information for these species. For the Authorization, we are 
authorizing take for pinnipeds based upon the best available 
information (Read et al., 2003).
    We refer the public to Lamont-Doherty's application, the 
Foundation's EA (see ADDRESSES), our EA, and the 2013 NMFS Marine 
Mammal Stock Assessment Report available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/species.htm for further information on the 
biology and local distribution of these species.

Potential Effects of the Specified Activities on Marine Mammals

    We provided a summary and discussion of the ways that the types of 
stressors associated with the specified activity (e.g., seismic airgun 
operations, vessel movement, and entanglement) impact marine mammals 
(via observations or scientific studies) in the notice of proposed 
Authorization on July 31, 2014 (79 FR 44549).
    The ``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment'' section later in 
this document will include a quantitative discussion of the number of 
marine mammals that we anticipate may be taken by this activity. The 
``Negligible Impact Analysis'' section will include a discussion of how 
this specific activity will impact marine mammals. The Negligible 
Impact analysis considers the anticipated level of take and the 
effectiveness of mitigation measures to draw conclusions regarding the 
likely impacts of this activity on the reproductive success or 
survivorship of individuals and from that on the affected marine mammal 
populations or stocks.
    Operating active acoustic sources, such as airgun arrays, has the 
potential for adverse effects on marine mammals. The majority of 
anticipated impacts would be from the use of acoustic sources. The 
effects of sounds from airgun pulses might include one or more of the 
following: tolerance, masking of natural sounds, behavioral 
disturbance, and temporary or permanent hearing impairment or non-
auditory effects (Richardson et al., 1995). However, for reasons 
discussed in the proposed Authorization, it is very unlikely that there 
would be any cases of temporary or permanent hearing impairment 
resulting from Lamont-Doherty's activities. As outlined in previous 
NMFS documents, the effects of noise on marine mammals are highly 
variable, often depending on species and contextual factors (based on 
Richardson et al., 1995).
    In the ``Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine 
Mammals'' section of the notice of proposed Authorization on July 31, 
2014 (79 FR 44549), we included a qualitative discussion of the 
different ways that Lamont-Doherty's seismic survey may potentially 
affect marine mammals. Marine mammals may behaviorally react to sound 
when exposed to anthropogenic noise. These behavioral reactions are 
often shown as: changing durations of surfacing and dives, number of 
blows per surfacing, or moving direction and/or speed; reduced/
increased vocal activities; changing/cessation of certain behavioral 
activities (such as socializing or feeding); visible startle response 
or aggressive behavior (such as tail/fluke slapping or jaw clapping); 
avoidance of areas where noise sources are located; and/or flight 
responses (e.g., pinnipeds flushing into water from haulouts or 
rookeries).
    Masking is the obscuring of sounds of interest by other sounds, 
often at similar frequencies. Marine mammals use acoustic signals for a 
variety of purposes, which differ among species, but include 
communication between individuals, navigation, foraging, reproduction, 
avoiding predators, and learning about their environment (Erbe and 
Farmer, 2000; Tyack, 2000). Masking, or auditory interference, 
generally occurs when sounds in the environment are louder than, and of 
a similar frequency as, auditory signals an animal is trying to 
receive. Masking is a phenomenon that affects animals that are trying 
to receive acoustic information about their environment, including 
sounds from other members of their species, predators, prey, and sounds 
that allow them to orient in their environment. Masking these acoustic 
signals can disturb the behavior of individual animals, groups of 
animals, or entire populations. For the airgun sound generated from 
Lamont-Doherty's seismic survey, sound will consist of low frequency 
(under 500 Hz) pulses with extremely short durations (less than one 
second). Masking from airguns is more likely in low-frequency marine 
mammals like mysticetes. There is little concern that masking would 
occur near the sound source due to the brief duration of these pulses 
and relative silence between air gun shots (approximately 22 during the 
MCS portion of the survey and approximately 65 seconds during the OBS 
portion). Masking is less likely for mid- to high-frequency cetaceans 
and pinnipeds.
    Hearing impairment (either temporary or permanent) is also 
unlikely. Given the higher level of sound necessary to cause permanent 
threshold shift as compared with temporary threshold shift, it is 
considerably less likely that permanent threshold shift would occur 
during the seismic survey. Cetaceans generally avoid the immediate area 
around operating seismic vessels, as do some other marine mammals. Some 
pinnipeds show avoidance reactions to airguns.
    The Langseth will operate at a relatively slow speed (typically 4.6 
knots (8.5 km/h; 5.3 mph)) when conducting the survey. Protected 
species observers would implement mitigation measures to ensure the 
least practicable adverse effect to marine mammals. Therefore, we 
neither anticipate nor will we authorize takes of marine mammals from 
ship strikes.
    We refer the reader to Lamont-Doherty's application, our EA, and 
the Foundation's EA for additional information on the behavioral 
reactions (or lack thereof) by all types of marine mammals to seismic 
vessels. We have reviewed these data along with new information 
submitted during the public comment period and determined them to be 
the best available information for the purposes of the Authorization.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    We included a detailed discussion of the potential effects of this 
action on marine mammal habitat, including physiological and behavioral 
effects on marine mammal prey items (e.g., fish and invertebrates) in 
the notice of proposed Authorization on July 31, 2014 (79 FR 44549) and 
in our EA. While we anticipate that the specified activity may result 
in marine mammals avoiding certain areas due to temporary 
ensonification, the impact to habitat is temporary and reversible. 
Further, we also considered these impacts to marine mammals in detail 
in the notice of proposed Authorization as behavioral modification. The 
main impact associated with the activity would be temporarily elevated 
noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine mammals.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization under section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, we must prescribe, where applicable, the 
permissible methods of taking pursuant to such activity, and other 
means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on such species 
or stocks and their habitat (i.e., mitigation), paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance, and on the availability of such species or stock for 
taking for certain subsistence uses (where relevant). Our duty under 
this

[[Page 57532]]

least practicable adverse impact standard is to prescribe mitigation 
reasonably designed to minimize, to the extent practicable, any adverse 
population level impacts, as well as habitat impacts. While one can 
minimize population-level impacts only by reducing impacts on 
individual marine mammals, not all take translates to population-level 
impacts. Thus, our objective under the least practicable adverse impact 
standard is to design mitigation targeting those impacts on individual 
marine mammals that would most likely to lead to adverse population-
level effects (78 FR at 78113 and 78135).
    Lamont-Doherty has reviewed the following source documents and has 
incorporated a suite of proposed mitigation measures into their project 
description.
    (1) Protocols used during previous Foundation and Lamont-Doherty-
funded seismic research cruises as approved by us and detailed in the 
Foundation's 2011 PEIS and 2014 EA;
    (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, Lamont-Doherty, and/or its designees 
have proposed to implement the following mitigation measures for marine 
mammals:
    (1) Vessel-based visual mitigation monitoring;
    (2) Proposed exclusion zones and expanded exclusion zones in 
shallow water;
    (3) Power-down procedures;
    (4) Shutdown procedures;
    (5) Ramp-up procedures;
    (6) Special procedures for situations or species of concern; and
    (7) Speed and course alterations.

Vessel-Based Visual Mitigation Monitoring

    Lamont-Doherty would position 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. Observers would 
also watch for marine mammals near the seismic vessel for at least 30 
minutes prior to the start of airgun operations after an extended 
shutdown (i.e., greater than approximately eight minutes for this 
proposed cruise). When feasible, the observers would 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 would power down or shutdown the airguns 
when marine mammals are observed within or about to enter a designated 
180-dB with buffer or 190-dB with buffer exclusion zone in shallow 
water depths or the designated 180--dB or 190-dB exclusion zone in 
intermediate or deep water depths.
    During seismic operations, at least four protected species 
observers would be aboard the Langseth. Lamont-Doherty would appoint 
the observers with our concurrence and they would conduct observations 
during ongoing daytime operations and nighttime ramp-ups of the airgun 
array. During the majority of seismic operations, two observers would 
be on duty from the observation tower to monitor marine mammals near 
the seismic vessel. Using two observers would increase the 
effectiveness of detecting animals near the source vessel. However, 
during mealtimes and bathroom breaks, it is sometimes difficult to have 
two observers on effort, but at least one observer would be on watch 
during bathroom breaks and mealtimes. Observers would be on duty in 
shifts of no longer than four hours in duration.
    Two observers on the Langseth would also be on visual watch during 
all nighttime ramp-ups of the seismic airguns. A third observer would 
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 observers 
(visual) on duty from the observation tower, and an observer (acoustic) 
on the passive acoustic monitoring system. Before the start of the 
seismic survey, Lamont-Doherty would 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 would be 
approximately 21.5 m (70.5 ft) above sea level, and the observer would 
have a good view around the entire vessel. During daytime, the 
observers would scan the area around the vessel systematically with 
reticle binoculars (e.g., 7x50 Fujinon), Big-eye binoculars (25x150), 
and with the naked eye. During darkness, night vision devices would be 
available (ITT F500 Series Generation 3 binocular-image intensifier or 
equivalent), when required. Laser range-finding binoculars (Leica LRF 
1200 laser rangefinder or equivalent) would be available to assist with 
distance estimation. They are useful in training observers to estimate 
distances visually, but are generally not useful in measuring distances 
to animals directly. The user measures distances to animals with the 
reticles in the binoculars.
    When the observers see marine mammals within or about to enter the 
designated exclusion zone the Langseth would immediately power down or 
shutdown the airguns. The observer(s) would continue to maintain watch 
to determine when the animal(s) are outside the exclusion zone by 
visual confirmation. Airgun operations would not resume until the 
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); 30 minutes for mysticetes and large 
odontocetes; and 60 minutes for sperm and beaked whales.
    Exclusion Zones: Lamont-Doherty would use safety radii to designate 
exclusion zones and to estimate take for marine mammals. Table 3 shows 
the distances at which a marine mammal could potentially receive sound 
from the 18-airgun array, 36-airgun array, and a single airgun.

   Table 3--Distances to Which Sound Levels Greater Than or Equal to 160, 180, and 190 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa Could Be Received During the Proposed Survey
                                         Offshore North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, September-October, 2014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Predicted RMS distances \1\  (m)
                                                            Water depth  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Source and volume  (in\3\)         Tow depth  (m)           (m)        190 dB  with                    180 dB  with
                                                                              Buffer          190 dB          Buffer          180 dB          160 dB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single Bolt airgun (40 in\3\).....  6 or 9..............            <100          \3\ 37          \3\ 27         \3\ 121          \3\ 86         \3\ 938

[[Page 57533]]

 
                                                             1000-1,0000  ..............  ..............             100             100         \2\ 582
                                                                   >1000  ..............  ..............            >100             100         \1\ 388
18-Airgun array (3,300 in\3\).....  6...................            <100         \4\ 436         \4\ 294       \4\ 1,628       \4\ 1,097      \4\ 15,280
                                                                100-1000  ..............  ..............  ..............         \2\ 675       \2\ 5,640
                                                                   >1000  ..............  ..............  ..............         \1\ 450       \1\ 3,760
36-Airgun array (6,600 in \3\)....  9...................            <100         \3\ 877         \3\ 645       \3\ 2,838       \3\ 2,060      \3\ 22,600
                                                                100-1000  ..............  ..............  ..............       \2\ 1,391       \2\ 8,670
                                                                   >1000  ..............  ..............  ..............         \1\ 927       \1\ 5,780
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Based on Lamont-Doherty modeling results.
\2\ Predicted distances based on model results with a 1.5 correction factor between deep and intermediate water depths.
\3\ Predicted distances based on empirically-derived measurements in the Gulf of Mexico with scaling factor applied to account for differences in tow
  depth.
\4\ Predicted distances based on empirically-derived measurements in the Gulf of Mexico.

    The 180- or 190-dB level shutdown criteria are applicable to 
cetaceans and pinnipeds as specified by NMFS (2000). To be 
conservative, we are requiring Lamont-Doherty to also establish 
exclusion zones for the shallow water (less than 100 m) portion of the 
survey based upon the 190-dB with buffer and 180-dB with buffer 
isopleths which are approximately 3-dB lower than NMFS' existing 
shutdown criteria.
    If the protected species visual observer detects marine mammal(s) 
within or about to enter the appropriate exclusion zone, the Langseth 
crew would immediately power down the airgun array, or perform a 
shutdown if necessary (see Shut-down Procedures).
    Power Down Procedures--A power down involves decreasing the number 
of airguns in use such that the radius of the 180-dB with buffer or 
190-dB with buffer exclusion zone in shallow water depths or the 
designated 180-dB or 190-dB exclusion zone in intermediate or deep 
water 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 Langseth would operate 
one airgun (40 in\3\). The continued operation of one airgun would 
alert marine mammals to the presence of the seismic vessel in the area. 
A shutdown occurs when the Langseth suspends all airgun activity.
    If the observer detects a marine mammal outside the exclusion zone 
and the animal is likely to enter the zone, the crew would power down 
the airguns to reduce the size of the of the 180-dB with buffer or 190-
dB with buffer exclusion zone in shallow water depths or the designated 
180-dB or 190-dB exclusion zone in intermediate or deep water before 
the animal enters that zone. Likewise, if a mammal is already within 
the zone after detection, the crew would power-down the airguns 
immediately. During a power down of the airgun array, the crew would 
operate a single 40-in\3\ airgun which has a smaller exclusion zone. If 
the observer detects a marine mammal within or near the smaller 
exclusion zone around the airgun (Table 2), the crew would shut down 
the single airgun (see next section).
    Resuming Airgun Operations After a Power Down--Following a power-
down, the Langseth crew would not resume full airgun activity until the 
marine mammal has cleared the 180-dB with buffer or 190-dB with buffer 
exclusion zone in shallow water depths or the designated 180-dB or 190-
dB exclusion zone (see Table 2). The observers would 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 mysticetes 
and large odontocetes; or 60 minutes for sperm and beaked whales.
    The Langseth crew would resume operating the airguns at full power 
after 15 minutes for species with shorter dive durations (small 
odontocetes and pinnipeds); 30 minutes for mysticetes and large 
odontocetes; and 60 minutes for sperm and beaked whales.
    We estimate that the Langseth would transit outside the original 
the 180-dB with buffer or 190-dB with buffer exclusion zone in shallow 
water depths or the designated 180-dB or 190-dB exclusion zone after an 
8-minute wait period. This period is the average speed of the Langseth 
while operating the airguns (8.5 km/h; 5.3 mph). Because the vessel has 
transited 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 observers are 
continually monitoring the exclusion zone for the full source level 
while the mitigation airgun is firing. On average, observers can 
observe to the horizon (10 km; 6.2 mi) from the height of the 
Langseth's observation deck and should be able to say with a reasonable 
degree of confidence whether a marine mammal would be encountered 
within this distance before resuming airgun operations at full power.
    Shutdown Procedures--The Langseth crew would shut down the 
operating airgun(s) if they see a marine mammal within or approaching 
the exclusion zone for the single airgun. The crew would implement a 
shutdown:
    (1) If an animal enters the exclusion zone of the single airgun 
after the crew has initiated a power down; or
    (2) If an observer sees the animal is initially within the 
exclusion zone of

[[Page 57534]]

the single airgun when more than one airgun (typically the full airgun 
array) is operating.
    Considering the conservation status for North Atlantic right 
whales, the Langseth crew would shut down the airgun(s) immediately in 
the unlikely event that observers detect this species, regardless of 
the distance from the vessel. The Langseth would only begin ramp-up if 
observers have not seen the North Atlantic right whale for 30 minutes.
    Resuming Airgun Operations After a Shutdown--Following a shutdown 
in excess of eight minutes, the Langseth crew would initiate a ramp-up 
with the smallest airgun in the array (40-in\3\). The crew would turn 
on additional airguns in a sequence such that the source level of the 
array would increase in steps not exceeding 6 dB per five-minute period 
over a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. During ramp-up, the 
observers would monitor the exclusion zone, and if he/she sees a marine 
mammal, the Langseth crew would implement a power down or shutdown as 
though the full airgun array were operational.
    During periods of active seismic operations, there are occasions 
when the Langseth crew would 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 would follow 
ramp-up procedures for a shutdown described earlier and the observers 
would monitor the full exclusion zone and would implement a power down 
or shutdown if necessary.
    If the full exclusion zone is not visible to the observer for at 
least 30 minutes prior to the start of operations in either daylight or 
nighttime, the Langseth crew would 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 would not ramp up the airgun array 
from a complete shutdown at night or in thick fog, because the outer 
part of the zone for that array would not be visible during those 
conditions.
    If one airgun has operated during a power down period, ramp-up to 
full power would be permissible at night or in poor visibility, on the 
assumption that marine mammals, alerted to the approaching seismic 
vessel by the sounds from the single airgun, could move away from the 
vessel. The vessel's crew would not initiate a ramp-up of the airguns 
if an observer sees the marine mammal within or near the applicable 
exclusion zones during the day or close to the vessel at night.
    Ramp-up Procedures--Ramp-up of an airgun array provides a gradual 
increase in sound levels, and involves a step-wise increase in the 
number and total volume of airguns firing until the full volume of the 
airgun array is achieved. The purpose of a ramp-up is to ``warn'' 
marine mammals in the vicinity of the airguns, and to provide the time 
for them to leave the area and thus avoid any potential injury or 
impairment of their hearing abilities. Lamont-Doherty would follow a 
ramp-up procedure when the airgun array begins operating after an 8-
minute period without airgun operations or when shut down has exceeded 
that period. Lamont-Doherty has used similar waiting periods 
(approximately eight to 10 minutes) during previous seismic surveys.
    Ramp-up would begin with the smallest airgun in the array (40 
in\3\). The crew would add airguns in a sequence such that the source 
level of the array would increase in steps not exceeding 6 dB per five 
minute period over a total duration of approximately 30 to 35 minutes. 
During ramp-up, the observers would monitor the exclusion zone, and if 
marine mammals are sighted, Lamont-Doherty would implement a power-down 
or shut-down as though the full airgun array were operational.
    If the complete exclusion zone has not been visible for at least 30 
minutes prior to the start of operations in either daylight or 
nighttime, Lamont-Doherty would not commence the 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 crew would not ramp up the airgun array from a 
complete shut-down at night or in thick fog, because the outer part of 
the exclusion zone for that array would not be visible during those 
conditions. If one airgun has operated during a power-down period, 
ramp-up to full power would be permissible at night or in poor 
visibility, on the assumption that marine mammals, alerted to the 
approaching seismic vessel by the sounds from the single airgun, could 
move away from the vessel. Lamont-Doherty would not initiate a ramp-up 
of the airguns if an observer sights a marine mammal within or near the 
applicable exclusion zones.
    Special Procedures for Situations or Species of Concern--Lamont-
Doherty will avoid concentrations of humpback, sei, fin, blue, and/or 
sperm whales if possible (i.e., exposing concentrations of animals to 
160 dB), and will power down the array, if necessary. For purposes of 
this planned survey, a concentration or group of whales will consist of 
six or more individuals visually sighted that do not appear to be 
traveling (e.g., feeding, socializing, etc.).
    Speed and Course Alterations--If during seismic data collection, 
Lamont-Doherty detects marine mammals outside the exclusion zone and, 
based on the animal's position and direction of travel, is likely to 
enter the exclusion zone, the Langseth would change speed and/or 
direction if this does not compromise operational safety. Due to the 
limited maneuverability of the primary survey vessel, altering speed 
and/or course can result in an extended period of time to realign the 
vessel. However, if the animal(s) appear likely to enter the exclusion 
zone, the Langseth would undertake further mitigation actions, 
including a power down or shut down of the airguns.

Mitigation Conclusions

    We have carefully evaluated Lamont-Doherty's proposed mitigation 
measures in the context of ensuring that we prescribe the means of 
effecting the least practicable impact on the affected marine mammal 
species and stocks and their habitat. Our evaluation of potential 
measures included consideration of the following factors in relation to 
one another:
     The manner in which, and the degree to which, the 
successful implementation of the measure is expected to minimize 
adverse impacts to marine mammals;
     The proven or likely efficacy of the specific measure to 
minimize adverse impacts as planned; and
     The practicability of the measure for applicant 
implementation.
    Any mitigation measure(s) prescribed by us should be able to 
accomplish, have a reasonable likelihood of accomplishing (based on 
current science), or contribute to the accomplishment of one or more of 
the general goals listed here:
    1. Avoidance or minimization of injury or death of marine mammals 
wherever possible (goals 2, 3, and 4 may contribute to this goal).
    2. A reduction in the numbers of marine mammals (total number or 
number at biologically important time or location) exposed to airgun 
operations that we expect to result in the take of marine mammals (this 
goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing harassment takes only).
    3. A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at 
biologically important time or location) individuals would be exposed 
to airgun operations that we expect to result in the take of

[[Page 57535]]

marine mammals (this goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing 
harassment takes only).
    4. A reduction in the intensity of exposures (either total number 
or number at biologically important time or location) to airgun 
operations that we expect to result in the take of marine mammals (this 
goal may contribute to a, above, or to reducing the severity of 
harassment takes only).
    5. Avoidance or minimization of adverse effects to marine mammal 
habitat, paying special attention to the food base, activities that 
block or limit passage to or from biologically important areas, 
permanent destruction of habitat, or temporary destruction/disturbance 
of habitat during a biologically important time.
    6. For monitoring directly related to mitigation--an increase in 
the probability of detecting marine mammals, thus allowing for more 
effective implementation of the mitigation.
    Based on the evaluation of Lamont-Doherty's proposed measures, as 
well as other measures considered, we have determined that the proposed 
mitigation measures provide the means of effecting the least 
practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their 
habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and 
areas of similar significance.

Monitoring

    In order to issue an ITA for an activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth ``requirements pertaining to 
the monitoring and reporting of such taking''. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for 
Authorizations must include the suggested means of accomplishing the 
necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased 
knowledge of the species and of the level of taking or impacts on 
populations of marine mammals that we expect to be present in the 
proposed action area.
    Lamont-Doherty submitted a marine mammal monitoring plan in section 
XIII of the Authorization application. We not repeat the description 
here as we have not changed the monitoring plan between the notice of 
proposed Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) and our final 
Authorization.
    Monitoring measures prescribed by NMFS should accomplish one or 
more of the following general goals:
    1. An increase in the probability of detecting marine mammals, both 
within the mitigation zone (thus allowing for more effective 
implementation of the mitigation) and during other times and locations, 
in order to generate more data to contribute to the analyses mentioned 
later;
    2. An increase in our understanding of how many marine mammals 
would be affected by seismic airguns and other active acoustic sources 
and the likelihood of associating those exposures with specific adverse 
effects, such as behavioral harassment, temporary or permanent 
threshold shift;
    3. An increase in our understanding of how marine mammals respond 
to stimuli that we expect to result in take and how those anticipated 
adverse effects on individuals (in different ways and to varying 
degrees) may impact the population, species, or stock (specifically 
through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival) through any 
of the following methods:
    a. Behavioral observations in the presence of stimuli compared to 
observations in the absence of stimuli (i.e., we need to be able to 
accurately predict received level, distance from source, and other 
pertinent information);
    b. Physiological measurements in the presence of stimuli compared 
to observations in the absence of stimuli (i.e., we need to be able to 
accurately predict received level, distance from source, and other 
pertinent information);
    c. Distribution and/or abundance comparisons in times or areas with 
concentrated stimuli versus times or areas without stimuli;
    4. An increased knowledge of the affected species; and
    5. An increase in our understanding of the effectiveness of certain 
mitigation and monitoring measures.

Monitoring Measures

    Lamont-Doherty proposes to sponsor marine mammal monitoring during 
the present project to supplement the mitigation measures that require 
real-time monitoring, and to satisfy the monitoring requirements of the 
Authorization. We have not changed the monitoring plan between the 
proposed Authorization and our final Authorization. Lamont-Doherty 
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, Lamont-Doherty is prepared to 
discuss coordination of its monitoring program with any other related 
work that might be conducted by other groups working insofar as it is 
practical for them.

Vessel-Based Passive Acoustic Monitoring

    Passive acoustic monitoring would complement the visual mitigation 
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. Passive acoustical monitoring 
can improve detection, identification, and localization of cetaceans 
when used in conjunction with visual observations. The passive acoustic 
monitoring would 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 acoustic observer would monitor 
the system in real time so that he/she can advise the visual observers 
if they acoustic detect cetaceans.
    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 connected to the vessel by a tow cable. The tow 
cable is 250 m (820.2 ft) long and the hydrophones fit within in the 
last 10 m (32.8 ft) of cable. A depth gauge, attached to the free end 
of the cable, is typically towed at depths less than 20 m (65.6 ft). 
The Langseth crew would deploy the array from a winch located on the 
back deck. A deck cable would connect the tow cable to the electronics 
unit in the main computer lab where the acoustic station, signal 
conditioning, and processing system would be located. The Pamguard 
software amplifies, digitizes, and then processes the acoustic signals 
received by the hydrophones. The system can detect marine mammal 
vocalizations at frequencies up to 250 kHz.
    One acoustic observer, an expert bioacoustician with primary 
responsibility for the passive acoustic monitoring system would be 
aboard the Langseth in addition to the four visual observers. The 
acoustic observer would 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

[[Page 57536]]

fail, back-up systems should include an analog spare streamer and a 
hull-mounted hydrophone.
    One acoustic observer would 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 observer monitoring the 
acoustical data would be on shift for one to six hours at a time. The 
other observers would rotate as an acoustic observer, although the 
expert acoustician would be on passive acoustic monitoring duty more 
frequently.
    When the acoustic observer detects a vocalization while visual 
observations are in progress, the acoustic observer on duty would 
contact the 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 shutdown, if required. 
During non-daylight hours, when the acoustic monitoring system detects 
a cetacean which may be close to the source vessel, the acoustic 
observer would notify the Langseth crew immediately so that the proper 
mitigation measure may be implemented. The observer would enter the 
information regarding the call into a database. Data entry would 
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. Acousticians record the acoustic detection for further 
analysis.

Observer Data and Documentation

    Observers would 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 would 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.
    When an 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 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.
    Observers will record all observations and power downs or shutdowns 
in a standardized format and will enter data into an electronic 
database. The observers will verify the accuracy of the data entry by 
computerized data validity checks during data entry 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:
    1. The basis for real-time mitigation (airgun power down or 
shutdown).
    2. Information needed to estimate the number of marine mammals 
potentially taken by harassment, which Lamont-Doherty 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 Lamont-Doherty would 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

    Lamont-Doherty would submit a report to us and to the Foundation 
within 90 days after the end of the cruise. The report would describe 
the operations conducted and sightings of marine mammals and turtles 
near the operations. The report would provide full documentation of 
methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all monitoring. The 
90-day report would summarize the dates and locations of seismic 
operations, and all marine mammal sightings (dates, times, locations, 
activities, associated seismic survey activities). The report would 
also include estimates of the number and nature of exposures that could 
result in ``takes'' of marine mammals by harassment or in other ways.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner not permitted by the 
authorization (if issued), such as an injury, serious injury, or 
mortality (e.g., ship-strike, gear interaction, and/or entanglement), 
Lamont-Doherty shall immediately cease the specified activities and 
immediately report the take 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. Lamont-Doherty must also contact the NMFS Greater 
Atlantic Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-755-6622 
(Mendy.Garron@noaa.gov), and the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal 
Stranding Network at 877-433-8299 (Blair.Mase@noaa.gov and 
Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov). The report must include the following 
information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Name and type of vessel involved;
     Vessel's speed during and leading up to the incident;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all sound source use in the 24 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).
    Lamont-Doherty shall not resume its activities until we are able to 
review the circumstances of the prohibited take. We shall work with 
Lamont-Doherty to determine what is necessary to minimize the 
likelihood of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. 
Lamont-Doherty may not resume their activities until notified by us via 
letter, email, or telephone.
    In the event that Lamont-Doherty 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

[[Page 57537]]

describe in the next paragraph), Lamont-Doherty will 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. 
Lamont-Doherty must also contact the NMFS Greater Atlantic Region 
Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-755-6622 
(Mendy.Garron@noaa.gov), and the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal 
Stranding Network at 877-433-8299 (Blair.Mase@noaa.gov and 
Erin.Fougeres@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 would work with 
Lamont-Doherty to determine whether modifications in the activities are 
appropriate.
    In the event that Lamont-Doherty 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), Lamont-Doherty would 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 
within 24 hours of the discovery . Lamont-Doherty must also contact the 
NMFS Greater Atlantic Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-
755-6622 (Mendy.Garron@noaa.gov) and the NMFS Southeast Region Marine 
Mammal Stranding Network at 877-433-8299 (Blair.Mase@noaa.gov and 
Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov) within 24 hours of the discovery. Activities 
may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident. The 
Observatory would provide photographs or video footage (if available) 
or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].
    Acoustic stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated 
during the operation of the airgun sub-arrays have the potential to 
result in the behavioral disturbance of some marine mammals. Thus, we 
propose to authorize take by Level B harassment resulting from the 
operation of the sound sources for the proposed seismic survey based 
upon the current acoustic exposure criteria shown in Table 4. Our 
practice has been to apply the 160 dB re: 1 [micro]Pa 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]).

            Table 4--NMFS' Current Acoustic Exposure Criteria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Criterion           Criterion definition        Threshold
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level A Harassment (Injury).  Permanent Threshold   180 dB re 1 microPa-
                               Shift (PTS) (Any      m (cetaceans)/190
                               level above that      dB re 1 microPa-m
                               which is known to     (pinnipeds) root
                               cause TTS).           mean square (rms).
Level B Harassment..........  Behavioral            160 dB re 1 microPa-
                               Disruption (for       m (rms).
                               impulse noises).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The probability of vessel and marine mammal interactions (i.e., 
ship strike) occurring during the proposed survey is unlikely due to 
the Langseth's slow operational speed, which is typically 4.6 kts (8.5 
km/h; 5.3 mph). Outside of seismic operations, the Langseth's cruising 
speed would be approximately 11.5 mph (18.5 km/h; 10 kts) which is 
generally below the speed at which studies have noted reported 
increases of marine mammal injury or death (Laist et al., 2001). In 
addition, the Langseth has a number of other advantages for avoiding 
ship strikes as compared to most commercial merchant vessels, including 
the following: the Langseth's bridge offers good visibility to visually 
monitor for marine mammal presence; observers posted during operations 
scan the ocean for marine mammals and must report visual alerts of 
marine mammal presence to crew; and the observers receive extensive 
training that covers the fundamentals of visual observing for marine 
mammals and information about marine mammals and their identification 
at sea. Thus, we do not anticipate that take, in the form of vessel 
strike, would result from the movement of the vessel.
    Lamont-Doherty did not estimate any additional take allowance for 
animals that could be affected by sound sources other than the airguns 
and they will not operate the multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom 
profiler, and acoustic Doppler current profiler during transits to and 
from the survey area. We do not expect that the sound levels produced 
by the multi-beam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and the acoustic 
Doppler current profiler would exceed the sound levels produced by the 
airguns for the majority of the time. Because of the beam pattern and 
directionality of these sources, combined with their lower source 
levels, it is not likely that these sources would take marine mammals 
independently from the takes that Lamont-Doherty has estimated to 
result from airgun operations. Therefore, we do not believe it is 
necessary to authorize additional takes for these sources for the 
action at this time. We are currently evaluating the broader use of 
these types of sources to determine under what specific circumstances 
coverage for incidental take would or would not be advisable. We are 
working on guidance that would outline a consistent recommended 
approach for applicants to address the potential impacts of these types 
of sources.
    NMFS considers the probability for entanglement of marine mammals 
to be low because of the vessel speed and the monitoring efforts 
onboard the survey vessel. Therefore, NMFS does not believe it is 
necessary to authorize additional takes for entanglement at this time.
    There is no evidence that planned activities could result in 
serious injury or mortality within the specified geographic area for 
the requested Authorization. The required mitigation and monitoring 
measures would minimize any potential risk for serious injury or 
mortality.

[[Page 57538]]

    The following sections describe Lamont-Doherty's methods to 
estimate take by incidental harassment. Lamont-Doherty based their 
estimates on the number of marine mammals that could be harassed by 
seismic operations with the airgun array during approximately 5,320 km 
(3,305 mi) of transect lines in the Atlantic Ocean.
    Ensonified Area Calculations: In order to estimate the potential 
number of marine mammals exposed to airgun sounds, Lamont-Doherty 
considers the total marine area within the 160-dB radius around the 
operating airguns. This ensonified area includes areas of overlapping 
transect lines. They determine the ensonified area by entering the 
planned survey lines into a MapInfo GIS, using the software to identify 
the relevant areas by ``drawing'' the applicable 160-dB buffer (see 
Table 2) around each seismic line, and then calculating the total area 
within the buffers. The revised total ensonified area without overlap 
is approximately 40,968 km\2\ (25,456 mi).
    For this survey, Lamont-Doherty assumes that the Langseth will not 
need to repeat some tracklines, accommodate the turning of the vessel, 
address equipment malfunctions, or conduct equipment testing to 
complete the survey. Lamont-Doherty added a 25 percent contingency 
allowance in their application and draft EA to their ensonified area 
calculations for additional seismic operations in the survey area 
associated with infill of missing data, and/or repeat coverage of any 
areas where initial data quality was sub-standard; however, they have 
eliminated the contingency from their final calculations. Whereas 
Lamont-Doherty added this 25 percent contingency to some past seismic 
surveys, for this particular survey design, the additional contingency 
was not necessary and removed from the final calculations for the 
proposed activities. Thus, total tracklines for the proposed survey 
would not exceed 5,320 km.
    Exposure Estimates: Lamont-Doherty calculates the numbers of 
different individuals potentially exposed to approximately 160 dB re: 1 
[micro]Pa by multiplying the expected species density estimates 
(number/km\2\) for that area in the absence of a seismic program times 
the estimated area of ensonification (i.e., 40,968 km\2\; 25,456 mi).
    Table 3 of their application presents their original estimates of 
the number of different individual marine mammals that could 
potentially experience exposures greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 1 
[mu]Pa during the seismic survey if no animals moved away from the 
survey vessel. Lamont-Doherty used the Strategic Environmental Research 
and Development Program's (SERDP) spatial decision support system 
(SDSS) Marine Animal Model Mapper tool (Read et al. 2009) to calculate 
cetacean densities within the survey area based on the U.S. Navy's 
``OPAREA Density Estimates'' (NODE) model (DoN, 2007). The NODE model 
derives density estimates using density surface modeling of the 
existing line-transect data, which uses sea surface temperature, 
chlorophyll a, depth, longitude, and latitude to allow extrapolation to 
areas/seasons where marine mammal survey data collection did not occur. 
Lamont-Doherty used the SERDP SDSS tool to obtain mean densities within 
three polygons for each depth strata within seismic survey area for the 
cetacean species during the fall (September through November).
    For the Authorization, we reviewed Lamont-Doherty's take estimates 
presented in their application and addendum and revised the take 
calculations for several species based upon the best available 
information from additional sources including the Cetacean and Turtle 
Assessment Program (CeTAP) surveys (CeTAP, 1982); the Atlantic Marine 
Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) surveys in 2010, 
2011, 2012, and 2013; the Navy's Marine Species Density Database 
(NMSDD); Read et al., 2003; and communications with regional experts. 
These include takes for blue, fin, minke, North Atlantic right, and sei 
whales; spinner dolphins, Fraser's dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, 
melon-headed whales, pygmy killer whales, false killer whales, and 
killer whales; and harbor seals (see Table 4 for information sources).
    Table 5 presents the revised 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 seismic survey.

Table 5--Proposed Level B Harassment Take Levels, Species or Stock Abundance, and Percentage of Population Proposed for Take During the Proposed Seismic
                                              Survey in the Atlantic Ocean, September Through October, 2014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Modeled number of
                                                                     individuals
               Species                    Density estimate \1\     exposed to sound    Proposed take     Percent of species or    Population trend \5\
                                        (/1000 km \2\)     levels >= 160    authorization \3\         stock \4\
                                                                        dB\2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale...........      \6\ 0.13, 0.01, 0.001                  5                  5  1.25..................  Increasing.
Humpback whale.......................           0.73, 0.56, 1.06                 38                 44  5.24..................  Increasing.
Minke whale..........................           0.03, 0.02, 0.04                  2                  2  0.01..................  No data.
Sei whale............................     \6,7\ 1.69, 2.24, 2.19                 86                 98  27.34.................  No data.
Fin whale............................      \6,7\ 0.98, 0.48,0.14                 16                 19  0.52..................  No data.
Blue whale...........................    \6,7\ 0.003, 0.02, 0.03                  2                  3  0.52..................  No data.
Bryde's whale........................    \6\ 0.429, 0.429, 0.429                 18                 20  No data...............  No data.
Sperm whale..........................           0.03, 0.68, 3.23                 91                104  6.48..................  No data.
Dwarf sperm whale....................           0.64, 0.49, 0.93                 34                 39  1.01..................  No data.
Pygmy sperm whale....................           0.64, 0.49, 0.93                 34                 39  1.01..................  No data.
Cuvier's beaked whale................           0.01, 0.14, 0.58                 17                 19  0.29..................  No data.
Blainville's beaked whale............           0.01, 0.14, 0.58                 17                 19  0.26..................  No data.
Gervais' beaked whale................           0.01, 0.14, 0.58                 17                 19  0.26..................  No data.
True's beaked whale..................           0.01, 0.14, 0.58                 17                 19  0.26..................  No data.
Rough-toothed dolphin................           0.30, 0.23, 0.44                 16                 18  6.62..................  No data.
Bottlenose dolphin (Offshore)........            70.4, 331, 49.4              3,374              3,829  4.94..................  No data.
Bottlenose dolphin (SMC).............                 70.4, 0, 0                686                778  8.01..................  No data.
Bottlenose dolphin (SNCES)...........                 70.4, 0, 0              \7\ 1             \8\ 23  12.07.................  No data.
Bottlenose dolphin (NNCES)...........                 70.4, 0, 0              \7\ 1              \8\ 7  0.72..................  No data.
Pantropical spotted dolphin..........             14, 10.7, 20.4                732                830  24.9..................  No data.

[[Page 57539]]

 
Atlantic spotted dolphin.............          216.5, 99.7, 77.4              4,616              5,239  11.72.................  No data.
Spinner dolphin......................                    0, 0, 0             \8\ 65                 74  No data...............  No data.
Striped dolphin......................               0, 0.4, 3.53                 98                112  0.20..................  No data.
Clymene dolphin......................            6.7, 5.12, 9.73                351                398  No data...............  No data.
Short-beaked comm. dolphin...........           5.8, 138.7, 26.4              1,338              1,519  0.88..................  No data.
Atlantic white-sided dolphin.........                    0, 0, 0                  0                  0  0.....................  No data.
Fraser's dolphin.....................                    0, 0, 0            \8\ 100                114  No data...............  No data.
Risso's dolphin......................           1.18, 4.28, 2.15                 88                100  0.54..................  No data.
Melon-headed whale...................                    0, 0, 0            \8\ 100                100  No data...............  No data.
False killer whale...................                    0, 0, 0             \8\ 15                 18  No data...............  No data.
Pygmy killer whale...................                    0, 0, 0             \8\ 25                 29  No data...............  No data.
Killer whale.........................                    0, 0, 0              \8\ 6                  7  No data...............  No data.
Long-finned pilot whale..............           3.74, 58.9, 19.1                795                903  3.4...................  No data.
Short-finned pilot whale.............           3.74, 58.9, 19.1                795                903  4.19..................  No data.
Harbor porpoise......................                    0, 0, 0                  0                  0  0.....................  No data.
Harbor seal..........................                    0, 0, 0              \8\ 4                  5  0.01..................  No data.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Except where noted, densities are the mean values for the shallow (<100 m), intermediate (100-1,000m), and deep (>1,000m) water stratum in the
  survey area calculated from the SERDP SDSS NODES fall model (Read et al., 2009) as presented in Table 3 of Lamont-Doherty's application.
\2\ Modeled take in this table corresponds to the total modeled take over all depth ranges within a total ensonified area of 40,968 km \2\. See Table 3
  of Lamont-Doherty's application for their original take estimates by shallow, intermediate, and deep strata. See Table 9 in Lamont-Doherty's EA for
  revised take estimates based on modifications to the tracklines to reduce the total ensonified area (40,968 km \2\).
\3\ The Authorization includes additional coverage for those potential takes of individuals where Lamont-Doherty would repeat tracklines. This estimate
  accounts for overlap and turnover within the area to account for take of additional individuals that could experience Level B harassment within those
  areas where the tracklines overlap.
\4\ Stock/species abundance estimates from Table 1 in this notice used in calculating the percentage of species/stock.
\5\ Population trend information is from Waring et al., 2014. No data = Insufficient data to determine population trend.
\6\ Density data derived from the Navy's NMSDD.
\7\ Density estimates revised from proposed density estimate (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014).
\6\ Density estimates revised from proposed density based on information from ESA section 7 consultation.
\7\ Modeled estimate includes the area that is less than 3 km from shore ensonified to greater than or equal to 160 dB (10 km \2\ total).
\8\ Species presence offshore NC based on pers. com. with Dr. Caroline Good (2014) and Mr. McLellan (2014); group size estimates based on CETAP (1982)
  and AMAPPS surveys (NMFS, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) for odontocetes and pinnipeds; and Read et al., 2003 for bottlenose dolphins.

Encouraging and Coordinating Research

    Lamont-Doherty would coordinate the planned marine mammal 
monitoring program associated with the seismic survey in the Atlantic 
Ocean with applicable U.S. agencies.

Analysis and Determinations

Negligible Impact

    `Negligible impact' is ``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'' (50 CFR 216.103). The lack of 
likely adverse effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival 
(i.e., population level effects) forms the basis of a negligible impact 
finding. Thus, an estimate of the number of Level B harassment takes, 
alone, is not enough information on which to base an impact 
determination. In addition to considering estimates of the number of 
marine mammals that might be ``taken'' through behavioral harassment, 
we must consider other factors, such as the likely nature of any 
responses (their intensity, duration, etc.), the context of any 
responses (critical reproductive time or location, migration, etc.), as 
well as the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes, 
and the number of estimated mortalities, effects on habitat, and the 
status of the species.
    In making a negligible impact determination, we consider:
     The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities;
     The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment; and
     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);
     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);
     Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/
survival; and
     The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures to 
reduce the number or severity of incidental take.
    For reasons stated previously in this document and based on the 
following factors, Lamont-Doherty's specified activities are not likely 
to cause long-term behavioral disturbance, permanent threshold shift, 
or other non-auditory injury, serious injury, or death. They include:
     The anticipated impacts of Lamont-Doherty's survey 
activities on marine mammals are temporary behavioral changes due to 
avoidance of the area.
     The likelihood that marine mammals approaching the survey 
area will likely travel through the area or opportunistically foraging 
within the vicinity. Marine mammals transiting within the vicinity of 
survey operations will be transient as no breeding, calving, pupping, 
or nursing areas, or haul-outs, overlap with the survey area.
     The low likelihood that North Atlantic right whales would 
be exposed

[[Page 57540]]

to sound levels greater than or equal to 160 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa due to the 
requirement that the Langseth crew must shutdown the airgun(s) 
immediately if observers detect this species, at any distance from the 
vessel.
     The anticipated impacts of Lamont-Doherty's survey 
activities on marine mammals are temporary behavioral changes due to 
avoidance of the area.
     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;
     The availability of alternate areas of similar habitat 
value for marine mammals to temporarily vacate the survey area during 
the operation of the airgun(s) to avoid acoustic harassment;
     The expectation that the seismic survey would have no more 
than a temporary and minimal adverse effect on any fish or invertebrate 
species that serve as prey species for marine mammals, and therefore 
consider the potential impacts to marine mammal habitat minimal;
     The relatively low potential for temporary or permanent 
hearing impairment and the likelihood that Lamont-Doherty would avoid 
this impact through the incorporation of the required monitoring and 
mitigation measures (including the incorporation of larger exclusion 
zones for Level A Harassment in shallow water, power-downs, and 
shutdowns); and
     The high likelihood that trained visual protected species 
observers would detect marine mammals at close proximity to the vessel.
    NMFS does not anticipate that any injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities would occur as a result of Lamont-Doherty's proposed 
activities, and NMFS does not propose to authorize injury, serious 
injury, or mortality at this time.
    We anticipate only behavioral disturbance to occur primarily in the 
form of avoidance behavior to the sound source during the conduct of 
the survey activities. Further, the increased size of the Level A 
harassment exclusion zones in shallow water would effect the least 
practicable impact marine mammals.
    Table 5 in this document outlines the number of requested Level B 
harassment takes that we anticipate as a result of these activities. 
NMFS anticipates that 30 marine mammal species (6 mysticetes, 23 
odontocetes, and 1 pinniped) under our jurisdiction would likely occur 
in the proposed action area. Of the marine mammal species under our 
jurisdiction that are known to occur or likely to occur in the study 
area, six of these species are listed as endangered under the ESA and 
depleted under the MMPA, including: the blue, fin, humpback, north 
Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales.
    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. In addition, 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 survey would last no more than 33 days. 
Specifically, the airgun array moves continuously over 10s of 
kilometers daily, as do the animals, making it unlikely that the 
activity would continuously expose the same animals over multiple 
consecutive days. Additionally, the seismic survey would increase sound 
levels in the marine environment in a relatively small area surrounding 
the vessel (compared to the range of the animals), which is constantly 
travelling over distances, and some animals may only be exposed to and 
harassed by sound for less than a day.
    In summary, we expect marine mammals to avoid the survey area, 
thereby reducing the risk of exposure and impacts. We do not anticipate 
disruption to reproductive behavior and there is no anticipated effect 
on annual rates of recruitment or survival of affected marine mammals.
    Based on our analysis of the likely effects of the specified 
activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS finds that the take resulting from Lamont-
Doherty's proposed seismic survey would have a negligible impact on the 
affected marine mammal species or stocks.

Small Numbers

    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that Lamont-Doherty's 
activities could potentially affect, by Level B harassment only, 30 
species of marine mammals under our jurisdiction. For each species, 
these estimates constitute small numbers relative to the population 
size and we have provided the regional population estimates for the 
marine mammal species that may be taken by Level B harassment in Table 
5 in this notice.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the mitigation and monitoring 
measures, NMFS finds that Lamont-Doherty's proposed activity would take 
small numbers of marine mammals relative to the populations of the 
affected species or stocks.

Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for 
Subsistence Uses

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated 
by this action.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    There are six marine mammal species that may occur in the proposed 
survey area, several are listed as endangered under the Endangered 
Species Act, including the blue, fin, humpback, north Atlantic right, 
sei, and sperm whales. Under section 7 of the ESA, the Foundation has 
initiated formal consultation with NMFS on the proposed seismic survey. 
NMFS (i.e., National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected 
Resources, Permits and Conservation Division) also consulted with NMFS 
on the proposed issuance of an Authorization under section 101(a)(5)(D) 
of the MMPA. NMFS consolidated those consultations in a single 
Biological Opinion.
    On September 12, 2014 the Endangered Species Act Interagency 
Cooperation Division issued an Opinion to us and the Foundation which 
concluded that the issuance of the Authorization and the conduct of the 
seismic survey were not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 
blue, fin, humpback, North Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales. The 
Opinion also concluded that the issuance of the Authorization and the 
conduct of the seismic survey would not affect designated critical 
habitat for these species.

[[Page 57541]]

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    The Foundation has prepared an EA titled, ``Environmental 
Assessment of a Marine Geophysical Survey by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth 
in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras, September--October, 2014,'' 
prepared by LGL, Ltd. environmental research associates, on behalf of 
the Foundation and the Observatory. We have also prepared an EA titled, 
``Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to Lamont- Doherty 
Earth Observatory to Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a 
Marine Geophysical Survey in the Atlantic Ocean Offshore North 
Carolina, September through October, 2014,'' and FONSI in accordance 
with NEPA and NOAA Administrative Order 216-6. We provided relevant 
environmental information to the public through our notice of proposed 
Authorization (79 FR 44549, July 31, 2014) and considered public 
comments received prior to finalizing our EA and deciding whether or 
not to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). We concluded 
that issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization would not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment and have 
issued a FONSI. Because of this finding, it is not necessary to prepare 
an environmental impact statement for the issuance of an Authorization 
to the Observatory for this activity. Our EA and FONSI for this 
activity are available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Authorization

    We have issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization to Lamont-
Doherty for the take of marine mammals, incidental to conducting a 
marine seismic survey in the Atlantic Ocean, September 15, 2014 to 
October 31, 2014.

    Dated: September 19, 2014.
Perry F. Gayaldo,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-22730 Filed 9-24-14; 8:45 am]
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