Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seabird Monitoring and Research in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 2015, 28229-28236 [2015-11903]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 95 (Monday, May 18, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28229-28236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11903]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD815


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Seabird Monitoring and Research in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 
2015

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) 
regulations, we, NMFS, hereby give notification that the National 
Marine Fisheries Service has issued an Incidental Harassment 
Authorization (IHA) to Glacier Bay National Park (Glacier Bay NP), to 
take marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting 
seabird monitoring and research activities in Alaska, May through 
September, 2015.

[[Page 28230]]


DATES: Effective May 15, 2015, through September 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The public may obtain an electronic copy of Glacier Bay NP's 
application, supporting documentation, the authorization, and a list of 
the references cited in this document by visiting: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. In the case 
of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed 
here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    The Environmental Assessment and associated Finding of No 
Significant Impact, prepared pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, are also available at the same site.

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.
    An Authorization shall be granted for the incidental taking of 
small numbers of marine mammals if NMFS finds that the taking will have 
a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant). The Authorization must 
also set forth the permissible methods of taking; other means of 
effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock 
and its habitat; and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, 
monitoring and reporting of such taking. NMFS has defined ``negligible 
impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as ``an impact resulting from the specified 
activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably 
likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on 
annual rates of recruitment or survival.''
    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 January 15, 2015, NMFS received an application from Glacier Bay 
NP requesting that we issue an Authorization for the take of marine 
mammals, incidental to conducting monitoring and research studies on 
glaucus-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) within Glacier Bay National 
Park and Preserve in Alaska. NMFS determined the application complete 
and adequate on February 27, 2015.
    NMFS previously issued an Authorization to Glacier Bay NP for the 
same activities in 2014 (79 FR 56065, September 18, 2014). No seabird 
research activities occurred during the effective period of the 2014 
Authorization.
    Glacier Bay NP proposes to conduct ground-based and vessel-based 
surveys to collect data on the number and distribution of nesting gulls 
within five study sites in Glacier Bay, AK. Glacier Bay NP proposes to 
complete up to five visits per study site, from May through September 
2015.
    The activities are within the vicinity of pinniped haulout sites 
and the following aspects of the proposed activities are likely to 
result in the take of marine mammals: Noise generated by motorboat 
approaches and departures; noise generated by researchers while 
conducting ground surveys; and human presence during the monitoring and 
research activities. NMFS anticipates that take by Level B harassment 
only, of individuals of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) would result from 
the specified activity. Although Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) 
may be present in the action area, Glacier Bay NP has proposed to avoid 
any site used by Steller sea lions.

Description of the Specified Activity

Overview

    Glacier Bay NP proposes to identify the onset of gull nesting; 
conduct mid-season surveys of adult gulls, and locate and document gull 
nest sites within the following study areas: Boulder, Lone, and 
Flapjack Islands, and Geikie Rock. Each of these study sites contains 
harbor seal haulout sites and Glacier Bay NP proposes to visit each 
study site up to five times during the research season.
    Glacier Bay NP must conduct the gull monitoring studies to meet the 
requirements of a 2010 Record of Decision for a Legislative 
Environmental Impact Statement (NPS, 2010) which states that Glacier 
Bay NP must initiate a monitoring program for the gulls to inform 
future native egg harvests by the Hoonah Tlingit in Glacier Bay, AK. 
Glacier Bay NP actively monitors harbor seals at breeding and molting 
sites to assess population trends over time (e.g., Mathews & Pendleton, 
2006; Womble et al., 2010). Glacier Bay NP also coordinates pinniped 
monitoring programs with NMFS' National Marine Mammal Laboratory and 
the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and plans to continue these 
collaborations and sharing of monitoring data and observations in the 
future.

Dates and Duration

    The Authorization would be effective from May 15, 2015 through 
September 30, 2015. Following is a brief summary of the activities.
    Glacier Bay NP proposes to conduct a maximum of three ground-based 
surveys per each study site and a maximum of two vessel-based surveys 
per each study site. NMFS refers the reader to the notice of proposed 
Authorization (80 FR 18359, April 6, 2015) for detailed information on 
the scope of the proposed activities.

Specified Geographic Region

    The proposed study sites would occur in the vicinity of the 
following locations: Boulder (58[deg]33'18.08'' N; 136[deg]1'13.36'' 
W), Lone (58[deg]43'17.67'' N; 136[deg]17'41.32'' W), and Flapjack 
(58[deg]35'10.19'' N; 135[deg]58'50.78'' W) Islands, and Geikie Rock 
(58[deg]41'39.75'' N; 136[deg]18'39.06'' W) in Glacier Bay, Alaska. 
Glacier Bay NP will also conduct studies at Tlingit Point Islet located 
at 58[deg]45'16.86'' N; 136[deg]10'41.74'' W; however, there are no 
reported pinniped haulout sites at that location.

Detailed Description of Activities

    Glacier Bay NP proposes to conduct: (1) Ground-based surveys at a 
maximum frequency of three visits per site; and (2) vessel-based 
surveys at a maximum frequency of two visits per site from the period 
of May 15 through September 30, 2015.
    Ground-Based Surveys: These surveys involve two trained observers 
visiting the largest gull colony on each island to: (1) Obtain 
information on the numbers of nests, their location, and contents 
(i.e., eggs or chicks); (2) determine the onset of laying, 
distribution, abundance,

[[Page 28231]]

and predation of gull nests and eggs; and (3) record the proximity of 
other species relative to colony locations.
    The observers would access each island using a kayak, a 32.8 to 
39.4-foot (ft) (10 to 12 meter (m)) motorboat, or a 12 ft (4 m) 
inflatable rowing dinghy. The landing craft's transit speed would not 
exceed 4 knots (4.6 miles per hour (mph). Ground surveys generally last 
from 30 minutes to up to two hours depending on the size of the island 
and the number of nesting gulls. Glacier Bay NP will discontinue ground 
surveys after they detect the first hatchling to minimize disturbance 
to the gull colonies.
    Vessel-Based Surveys: These surveys involve two trained observers 
observing and counting the number of adult and fledgling gulls from the 
deck of a motorized vessel which would transit around each island at a 
distance of approximately 328 ft (100 m) to avoid flushing the birds 
from the colonies. Vessel-based surveys generally last from 30 minutes 
to up to two hours depending on the size of the island and the number 
of nesting gulls.

Comments and Responses

    We published a notice of receipt of Glacier Bay NP's application 
and proposed Authorization in the Federal Register (80 FR 18359, April 
6, 2015). During the 30-day comment period, we received one comment 
from the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) which recommended that 
we issue the requested Authorization, provided that Glacier Bay NP 
carries out the required monitoring and mitigation measures as 
described in the notice of the proposed authorization (80 FR 18359, 
April 6, 2015) and the application. We have included all measures 
proposed in the notice of the proposed authorization (80 FR 18359, 
April 6, 2015) in the final Authorization.
    We also received comments from one private citizen who opposed the 
authorization on the basis that NMFS should not allow any 
Authorizations for harassment. We considered the commenter's general 
opposition to Glacier Bay NP's activities and to our issuance of an 
Authorization. The Authorization, described in detail in the Federal 
Register notice of the proposed Authorization (80 FR 18359, April 6, 
2015) includes mitigation and monitoring measures to effect the least 
practicable impact to marine mammals and their habitat. It is our 
responsibility to determine whether the activities will have a 
negligible impact on the affected species or stocks; will have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses, where relevant; and to prescribe the 
means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected 
species or stocks and their habitat, as well as monitoring and 
reporting requirements.
    Regarding the commenter's opposition to authorizing harassment, the 
MMPA allows U.S. citizens (which includes Glacier Bay NP) to request 
take of marine mammals incidental to specified activities, and requires 
us to authorize such taking if we can make the necessary findings 
required by law and if we set forth the appropriate prescriptions. As 
explained throughout the Federal Register notice (80 FR 18359, April 6, 
2015), we made the necessary preliminary findings under 16 U.S.C. 
1361(a)(5)(D) to support issuance of Authorization.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    The marine mammals most likely to be harassed incidental to 
conducting seabird monitoring and research are Pacific harbor seals. We 
do not anticipate harassment of Steller sea lions due to the 
researchers avoiding any site with Steller sea lions present.
    NMFS refers the public to the Glacier Bay NP's application and the 
2014 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.

Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area

    Northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) and polar bears (Ursis 
maritimus) listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act could 
occur in the proposed area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages 
these species and we do not consider them further in this notice of 
issuance of an Authorization.

Potential Effects of the Specified Activities on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: (1) Noise generated by 
kayak, motorboat, or dinghy approaches and departures; (2) human 
presence during seabird monitoring and research activities, have the 
potential to cause Pacific harbor seals hauled out on Boulder, Lone, 
and Flapjack Islands, and Geikie Rock to flush into the surrounding 
water or to cause a short-term behavioral disturbance for marine 
mammals.
    We expect that acoustic and visual stimuli resulting from the 
proposed activities has the potential to harass marine mammals. We also 
expect that these disturbances would be temporary and result, at worst, 
in a temporary modification in behavior and/or low-level physiological 
effects (Level B harassment) of harbor seals.
    We included a summary and discussion of the ways that the types of 
stressors associated with Glacier Bay NP's specified activities (i.e., 
visual and acoustic disturbance) have the potential to impact marine 
mammals in the notice of proposed authorization (80 FR 18359, April 6, 
2015).
    Vessel Strike: The potential for striking marine mammals is a 
concern with vessel traffic. However, it is highly unlikely that the 
use of small, slow-moving kayaks or boats to access the research areas 
would result in injury, serious injury, or mortality to any marine 
mammal. Typically, the reasons for vessel strikes are fast transit 
speeds, lack of maneuverability, or not seeing the animal because the 
boat is so large. Glacier Bay NP's researchers will access areas at 
slow transit speeds in easily maneuverable kayaks or small boats 
negating any chance of an accidental strike.
    Rookeries: No monitoring or research activities would occur on 
pinniped rookeries and breeding animals are concentrated in areas where 
researchers would not visit. Therefore, we do not expect mother and pup 
separation or crushing of pups during flushing.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    We considered these impacts in detail in the notice for the 
proposed authorization (80 FR 18359, April 6, 2015). Briefly, we do not 
anticipate that the proposed research would result in any temporary or 
permanent effects on the habitats used by the marine mammals in the 
proposed area, including the food sources they use (i.e., fish and 
invertebrates). While NMFS anticipates that the specified activity may 
result in marine mammals avoiding certain areas due to motorboat 
operations or human presence, this impact to habitat is temporary and 
reversible. NMFS considered these as behavioral modification. The main 
impact associated with the proposed activity will be temporarily 
elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine 
mammals, previously discussed in this notice. Based on the preceding 
discussion, NMFS does not anticipate that the proposed activity would 
have any habitat-related effects that could cause significant or long-
term consequences for individual marine mammals or their populations.

[[Page 28232]]

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization under section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the permissible methods 
of taking pursuant to such activity, and other means of effecting the 
least practicable adverse impact on such species or stock and its 
habitat, 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). 
Applications for incidental take authorizations must include the 
availability and feasibility (economic and technological) of equipment, 
methods, and manner of conducting the activity or other means of 
effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species 
or stock and their habitat 50 CFR 216.104(a)(11).
    The Glacier Bay NP has reviewed the following source documents and 
has incorporated a suite of proposed mitigation measures into their 
project description.
    (1) Recommended best practices in Womble et al. (2013); Richardson 
et al. (1995); Pierson et al. (1998); and Weir and Dolman, (2007).
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic and visual 
stimuli associated with the activities Glacier Bay NP and/or its 
designees has proposed to implement the following mitigation measures 
for marine mammals:
     Perform pre-survey monitoring before deciding to access a 
study site;
     Avoid accessing a site based on a pre-determined threshold 
number of animals present; sites used by pinnipeds for pupping; or 
sites used by Steller sea lions;
     Perform controlled and slow ingress to the study site to 
prevent a stampede and select a pathway of approach to minimize the 
number of marine mammals harassed;
     Monitor for offshore predators at study sites. Avoid 
approaching the study site if killer whales (Orcinus orca) are present. 
If Glacier Bay NP and/or its designees see predators in the area, they 
must not disturb the pinnipeds until the area is free of predators.
     Maintain a quiet research atmosphere in the visual 
presence of pinnipeds.
    Pre-Survey Monitoring: Prior to deciding to land onshore to conduct 
the study, the researchers would use high-powered image stabilizing 
binoculars from the watercraft to document the number, species, and 
location of hauled out marine mammals at each island. The vessels would 
maintain a distance of 328 to 1,640 ft (100 to 500 m) from the 
shoreline to allow the researchers to conduct pre-survey monitoring. 
During every visit, the researchers will examine each study site 
closely using high powered image stabilizing binoculars before 
approaching at distances of greater than 500 m (1,640 ft) to determine 
and document the number, species, and location of hauled out marine 
mammals.
    Site Avoidance: Researchers would decide whether or not to approach 
the island based on the species present, number of individuals, and the 
presence of pups. If there are high numbers (more than 25) harbor seals 
hauled out (with or without young pups present), any time pups are 
present, or any time that Steller sea lions are present, the 
researchers will not approach the island and will not conduct gull 
monitoring research.
    Controlled Landings: The researchers would determine whether to 
approach the island based on the number and type of animals present. If 
the island has 25 or fewer individuals without pups, the researchers 
would approach the island by motorboat at a speed of approximately 2 to 
3 knots (2.3 to 3.4 mph). This would provide enough time for any marine 
mammals present to slowly enter the water without panic or stampede. 
The researchers would also select a pathway of approach farthest from 
the hauled out harbor seals to minimize disturbance.
    Minimize Predator Interactions: If the researchers visually observe 
marine predators (i.e. killer whales) present in the vicinity of hauled 
out marine mammals, the researchers would not approach the study site.
    Noise Reduction Protocols: While onshore at study sites, the 
researchers would remain vigilant for hauled out marine mammals. If 
marine mammals are present, the researchers would move slowly and use 
quiet voices to minimize disturbance to the animals present.

Mitigation Conclusions

    NMFS has carefully evaluated Glacier Bay NP'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 NMFS 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 motorboat 
operations or visual presence 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 exposed to 
motorboat operations or visual presence that we expect to result in the 
take of 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 motorboat 
operations or visual presence 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 Glacier Bay NP's proposed measures, NMFS 
has 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.

[[Page 28233]]

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. Glacier Bay NP submitted a marine mammal 
monitoring plan in section 13 of their Authorization application. NMFS 
or the Glacier Bay NP has not modified or supplemented the plan based 
on comments or new information received from the public during the 
public comment period.
    Monitoring measures prescribed by NMFS should accomplish one or 
more of the following general goals:
    1. An increase in our understanding of the likely occurrence of 
marine mammal species in the vicinity of the action, (i.e., presence, 
abundance, distribution, and/or density of species).
    2. An increase in our understanding of the nature, scope, or 
context of the likely exposure of marine mammal species to any of the 
potential stressor(s) associated with the action (e.g., sound or visual 
stimuli), through better understanding of one or more of the following: 
The action itself and its environment (e.g., sound source 
characterization, propagation, and ambient noise levels); the affected 
species (e.g., life history or dive pattern); the likely co-occurrence 
of marine mammal species with the action (in whole or part) associated 
with specific adverse effects; and/or the likely biological or 
behavioral context of exposure to the stressor for the marine mammal 
(e.g., age class of exposed animals or known pupping, calving or 
feeding areas).
    3. An increase in our understanding of how individual marine 
mammals respond (behaviorally or physiologically) to the specific 
stressors associated with the action (in specific contexts, where 
possible, e.g., at what distance or received level).
    4. An increase in our understanding of how anticipated individual 
responses, to individual stressors or anticipated combinations of 
stressors, may impact either: The long-term fitness and survival of an 
individual; or the population, species, or stock (e.g. through effects 
on annual rates of recruitment or survival).
    5. An increase in our understanding of how the activity affects 
marine mammal habitat, such as through effects on prey sources or 
acoustic habitat (e.g., through characterization of longer-term 
contributions of multiple sound sources to rising ambient noise levels 
and assessment of the potential chronic effects on marine mammals).
    6. An increase in understanding of the impacts of the activity on 
marine mammals in combination with the impacts of other anthropogenic 
activities or natural factors occurring in the region.
    7. An increase in our understanding of the effectiveness of 
mitigation and monitoring measures.
    8. An increase in the probability of detecting marine mammals 
(through improved technology or methodology), both specifically within 
the safety zone (thus allowing for more effective implementation of the 
mitigation) and in general, to better achieve the above goals.
    As part of its Authorization application, Glacier Bay NP proposes 
to sponsor marine mammal monitoring during the project, in order to 
implement the mitigation measures that require real-time monitoring, 
and to satisfy the monitoring requirements of the MMPA.
    The Glacier Bay NP researchers will monitor the area for pinnipeds 
during all research activities. Monitoring activities will consist of 
conducting and recording observations on pinnipeds within the vicinity 
of the proposed research areas. The monitoring notes would provide 
dates and location of the researcher's activities and the number and 
type of species present. The researchers would document the behavioral 
state of animals present, and any apparent disturbance reactions or 
lack thereof.
    Glacier Bay NP can add to the knowledge of pinnipeds in the 
proposed action area by noting observations of: (1) Unusual behaviors, 
numbers, or distributions of pinnipeds, such that any potential follow-
up research can be conducted by the appropriate personnel; (2) tag-
bearing carcasses of pinnipeds, allowing transmittal of the information 
to appropriate agencies and personnel; and (3) rare or unusual species 
of marine mammals for agency follow-up.
    If at any time injury, serious injury, or mortality of the species 
for which take is authorized should occur, or if take of any kind of 
any other marine mammal occurs, and such action may be a result of the 
proposed land survey, Glacier Bay NP would suspend research and 
monitoring activities and contact NMFS immediately to determine how 
best to proceed to ensure that another injury or death does not occur 
and to ensure that the applicant remains in compliance with the MMPA.

Encouraging and Coordinating Research

    Glacier Bay NP actively monitors harbor seals at breeding and 
molting haul out locations to assess trends over time. This monitoring 
program involves collaborations with biologists from the Alaska 
Department of Fish and Game, and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory. 
Glacier Bay NP will continue these collaborations and encourage 
continued or renewed monitoring of marine mammal species. Additionally, 
they would report vessel-based counts of marine mammals, branded, or 
injured animals, and all observed disturbances to the appropriate state 
and federal agencies.

Reporting

    Glacier Bay NP will submit a draft monitoring report to us no later 
than 90 days after the expiration of the Incidental Harassment 
Authorization, if we issue it. The report will describe the operations 
conducted and sightings of marine mammals near the proposed project. 
The report will provide full documentation of methods, results, and 
interpretation pertaining to all monitoring. The report will provide:
    1. A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all 
research activities.
    2. Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals 
observed throughout all monitoring activities. Report the numbers of 
disturbances, by species and age, according to a three-point scale of 
intensity including: (1) Head orientation in response to disturbance, 
which may include turning head towards the disturbance, craning head 
and neck while holding the body rigid in a u-shaped position, or 
changing from a lying to a sitting position and/or slight movement of 
less than 1 meter; ``alert''; (2) Movements in response to or away from 
disturbance, typically over short distances (1-3 meters) and including 
dramatic changes in direction or speed of locomotion for animals 
already in motion; ``movement''; and (3) All flushes to the water as 
well as lengthier retreats (>3 meters); ``flight''.
    3. An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals exposed 
to acoustic or visual stimuli associated with the research activities.
    4. A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the

[[Page 28234]]

monitoring and mitigation measures of the Authorization and full 
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all 
monitoring.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the 
authorization, such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, 
or mortality (e.g., vessel-strike, stampede, etc.), Glacier Bay NP 
shall immediately cease the specified activities and immediately report 
the incident to the Division Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and the Alaska 
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (907) 586-7248. The report must 
include the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Description and location of the incident (including water 
depth, if applicable);
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    Glacier Bay NP shall not resume its activities until NMFS is able 
to review the circumstances of the prohibited take. We will work with 
Glacier Bay to determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood 
of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. Glacier Bay NP 
may not resume their activities until notified by us via letter, email, 
or telephone.
    In the event that Glacier Bay NP discovers an injured or dead 
marine mammal, and the lead researcher determines that the cause of the 
injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in 
less than a moderate state of decomposition as we describe in the next 
paragraph), Glacier Bay NP will immediately report the incident to the 
Division Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-8401 and the Alaska Regional Stranding 
Coordinator at (907) 586-7248. The report must include the same 
information identified in the paragraph above this section. Activities 
may continue while we review the circumstances of the incident. We will 
work with Glacier Bay NP to determine whether modifications in the 
activities are appropriate.
    In the event that Glacier Bay NP 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), Glacier Bay will report the 
incident to the incident to the Division Chief, Permits and 
Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at 301-427-
8401 and the Alaska Regional Stranding Coordinator at (907) 586-7248 
within 24 hours of the discovery. Glacier Bay NP researchers will 
provide photographs or video footage (if available) or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to us. Glacier Bay NP can 
continue their research activities.

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].
    All anticipated takes would be by Level B harassment, involving 
temporary changes in behavior. NMFS expects that the proposed 
mitigation and monitoring measures would minimize the possibility of 
injurious or lethal takes. NMFS considers the potential for take by 
injury, serious injury, or mortality as remote. NMFS expects that the 
presence of Glacier Bay NP personnel could disturb animals hauled out 
and that the animals may alter their behavior or attempt to move away 
from the researchers.
    As discussed earlier, NMFS considers an animal to have been 
harassed if it moved greater than 1 m (3.3 ft) in response to the 
surveyors' presence or if the animal was already moving and changed 
direction and/or speed, or if the animal flushed into the water. NMFS 
does not consider animals that became alert without such movements as 
harassed.
    Based on pinniped survey counts conducted by Glacier Bay NP (e.g., 
Mathews & Pendleton, 2006; Womble et al., 2010), NMFS estimates that 
the research activities could potentially affect by Level B behavioral 
harassment 500 harbor seals over the course of the Authorization. This 
estimate represents 9.9 percent of the Glacier Bay/Icy Strait stock of 
harbor seals and accounts for a maximum disturbance of 25 harbor seals 
each per visit at Boulder, Lone, and Flapjack Islands, and Geikie Rock, 
Alaska over a maximum level of five visits.
    Harbor seals tend to haul out in small numbers (on average, less 
than 50 animals) at most sites with the exception of Flapjack Island 
(Womble, Pers. Comm.). Animals on Flapjack Boulder Islands generally 
haul out on the south side of the Islands and are not located near the 
research sites located on the northern side of the Islands. Aerial 
survey maximum counts show that harbor seals sometimes haul out in 
large numbers at all four locations (see Table 2 in Glacier Bays NP's 
application), and sometimes individuals and mother/pup pairs occupy 
different terrestrial locations than the main haulout (J. Womble, 
personal observation).
    Considering the conservation status for the Western stock of the 
Steller sea lion, the Glacier Bay NP researchers would not conduct 
ground-based or vessel-based surveys if they observe Steller sea lions 
before accessing Boulder, Lone, and Flapjack Islands, and Geikie Rock. 
Thus, NMFS expects no takes to occur for this species during the 
proposed activities.
    NMFS does not propose to authorize any injury, serious injury, or 
mortality. NMFS expect all potential takes to fall under the category 
of Level B harassment only.

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. 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, NMFS considers other 
factors, such as the likely nature of any responses (e.g., intensity, 
duration), the context of any responses (e.g., critical reproductive 
time or location, migration), as well as

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the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes, the number 
of estimated mortalities, and effects on habitat.
    Although Glacier Bay NP's survey activities may disturb harbor 
seals hauled out at the survey sites, NMFS expects those impacts to 
occur to a small, localized group of animals for a limited duration 
(e.g., 30 minutes to two hours each visit). Pinnipeds would likely 
become alert or, at most, flush into the water in reaction to the 
presence of Glacier Bay NP personnel during the proposed activities. 
Disturbance will be limited to a short duration, allowing the animals 
to reoccupy the island within a short amount of time. Thus, the 
proposed action is unlikely to result in long-term impacts such as 
permanent abandonment of the haul-out.
    For reasons stated previously in this document and based on the 
following factors, Glacier Bay NP's specified activities are not likely 
to cause long-term behavioral disturbance, injury, serious injury, or 
death. These reasons include:
    1. The effects of the research activities would be limited to 
short-term responses and temporary behavioral changes due to the short 
and sporadic duration of the research activities. Minor and brief 
responses are not likely to constitute disruption of behavioral 
patterns, such as migration, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
    2. The availability of alternate areas for pinnipeds to avoid the 
resultant disturbances from the research operations. Anecdotal reports 
from previous Glacier Bay NP activities have shown that the pinnipeds 
returned to the various sites and did not permanently abandon haul-out 
sites after Glacier Bay NP conducted their research activities.
    3. There is no potential for large-scale movements leading to 
injury, serious injury, or mortality because the researchers would 
delay ingress into the landing areas only after the pinnipeds have 
slowly entered the water.
    4. Glacier Bay NP will limit access to Boulder, Lone, and Flapjack 
Islands, and Geikie Rock when there are high numbers (more than 25) 
harbor seals hauled out (with or without young pups present), any time 
pups are present, or any time that Steller sea lions are present, the 
researchers will not approach the island and will not conduct gull 
monitoring research.
    NMFS does not anticipate that any injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities would occur as a result of Glacier Bay NP's proposed 
activities with the mitigation and related monitoring, and NMFS does 
not propose to authorize injury, serious injury, or mortality at this 
time. In addition, the research activities would not take place in 
areas of significance for marine mammal feeding, resting, breeding, or 
calving and would not adversely impact marine mammal habitat.
    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 annual rates of recruitment or survival for any affected species 
or stock.
    In summary, NMFS anticipates that impacts to hauled-out harbor 
seals during Glacier Bay NP's research activities would be behavioral 
harassment of limited duration (i.e., up to two hours per visit) and 
limited intensity (i.e., temporary flushing at most). NMFS does not 
expect stampeding, and therefore injury or mortality, to occur (see 
``Mitigation'' for more details). 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 proposed monitoring and mitigation measures, NMFS 
finds that the total marine mammal take from Glacier Bay's proposed 
research activities will have a negligible impact on the affected 
marine mammal species or stocks.

Small Numbers

    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that Glacier Bay NP's 
activities could potentially affect, by Level B harassment only, one 
species of marine mammal under our jurisdiction. For harbor seals, this 
estimate is small (9.9 percent) relative to the population size and we 
have provided the percentage of the harbor seal's regional population 
estimate that the activities may take by Level B harassment in this 
notice.
    Based on the analysis contained in this notice 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 Glacier Bay NP's proposed 
activities 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. Glacier Bay National Park prohibits subsistence harvest 
of harbor seals within the Park (Catton, 1995).

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    NMFS does not expect that Glacier Bay NP's proposed research 
activities (which includes mitigation measures to avoid harassment of 
Steller sea lions) would affect any species listed under the ESA. 
Therefore, NMFS has determined that a section 7 consultation under the 
ESA is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    In 2014, NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing 
the potential effects to the human environment from NMFS' issuance of a 
Authorization to Glacier Bay NP for their seabird research activities.
    In September 2014, NMFS issued a Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI) on the issuance of an Authorization for Glacier Bay NP's 
research activities in accordance with section 6.01 of the NOAA 
Administrative Order 216-6 (Environmental Review Procedures for 
Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, May 20, 1999). 
Glacier Bay NP's proposed activities and impacts for 2015 are within 
the scope of the 2014 EA and FONSI. NMFS provided relevant 
environmental information to the public through a previous notice for 
the proposed Authorization (80 FR 18359, April 6, 2015) and considered 
public comments received in response prior to finalizing the 2014 EA 
and deciding whether or not to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI).
    NMFS has reviewed the 2014 EA and determined that there are no new 
direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to the human and natural 
environment associated with the Authorization requiring evaluation in a 
supplemental EA and NMFS, therefore, reaffirms the 2014 FONSI. NMFS' EA 
and FONSI for this activity are available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, we have issued an Incidental 
Harassment Authorization to Glacier Bay National Park for conducting 
seabird research May 15, 2015 through September 30, 2015, provided they 
incorporate the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting requirements.


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    Dated: May 12, 2015.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-11903 Filed 5-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P