Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Kodiak Ferry Terminal and Dock Improvements Project, 60636-60645 [2015-25452]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 194 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60636-60645]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25452]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE069


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Kodiak Ferry Terminal and Dock 
Improvements Project

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 regulations implementing the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given 
that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the 
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to 
incidentally harass four species of marine mammals during activities 
related to the reconstruction of the existing ferry terminal at Pier 1 
in Kodiak, AK.

DATES: This authorization is effective from September 30, 2015, through 
September 29, 2016.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    An electronic copy of DOT&PF's application and supporting 
documents, as well as a list of the references cited in this document, 
may be obtained by visiting the Internet at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/construction.htm. In case of problems accessing 
these documents, please call the contact listed above (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the 
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain 
findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking 
is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings 
are set forth. 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.''

[[Page 60637]]

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process 
by which citizens of the U.S. can apply for an authorization to 
incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment. 
Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45-day time limit for NMFS' review 
of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and comment period 
on any proposed authorizations for the incidental harassment of marine 
mammals. Within 45 days of the close of the comment period, NMFS must 
either issue or deny the authorization. Except with respect to certain 
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as ``any 
act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) 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 March 27, 2015, NMFS received an application from the DOT&PF for 
the taking of marine mammals incidental to reconstructing the existing 
ferry terminal at Pier 1 in Kodiak, Alaska, referred to as the Kodiak 
Ferry Terminal and Dock Improvements project (State Project Number 
68938). On June 18, 2015 NMFS received a revised application. NMFS 
determined that the application was adequate and complete on June 25, 
2015. DOT&PF proposed to conduct in-water work that may incidentally 
harass marine mammals (i.e., pile driving and removal). This IHA is 
valid from September 30, 2015 through September 29, 2016.
    Activities included as part of the Kodiak Ferry Terminal and Dock 
Improvements project (Pier 1 project) with potential to affect marine 
mammals include vibratory and impact pile-driving operations and use of 
a down-the-hole (DTH) drill/hammer to install piles in bedrock. The use 
of impact and vibratory pile driving as well as DTH drilling is 
expected to produce underwater sound at levels that have the potential 
to result in limited injury and behavioral harassment of marine 
mammals. Species with the expected potential to be present during the 
project timeframe include transient killer whale (Orcinus orca), 
western distinct population segment (wDPS) of Steller sea lion 
(Eumetopias jubatus jubatus), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and 
harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii).

Description of the Specified Activity

Overview

    DOT&PF requested an IHA for work that includes removal of the old 
timber dock and piles and installation of the new dock, including 
mooring and fender systems. The existing decking, piles, and other dock 
materials will be removed. Temporary steel H-piles will be installed to 
support temporary false work structures (i.e., templates). The new dock 
will be supported by steel piles, and dock fenders will include steel 
piles and timber piles.

Dates and Duration

    Pile installation and extraction associated with the Pier 1 project 
will begin no sooner than September 30, 2015 and will be completed no 
later than September 29, 2016 (1 year following IHA issuance). To 
minimize impacts to pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) fry and coho 
salmon (O. kisutch) smolt, all in-water pile extraction and 
installation is planned to be completed by April 30, 2016. If work 
cannot be completed by April 30, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game 
(ADF&G) recommended that the DOT&PF refrain from impact pile 
installation without a bubble curtain from May 1 through June 30 within 
the 12-hour period beginning daily at the start of civil dawn (Marie 
2015). ADF&G stated that this is the daily time period when the 
majority of juvenile salmon are moving through the project area, and a 
12-hour quiet period may protect migrating juvenile salmon from 
excessive noise (Frost 2015). Impact pile installation would be 
acceptable without a bubble curtain from May 1 through June 30 in the 
evenings, beginning at 12 hours past civil dawn (Marie 2015). At this 
time, DOT&PF does not propose using bubble curtains. However, it is 
possible that in-water work may extend past April 30 in compliance with 
the mitigation for salmon as recommended by ADF&G.
    The Kodiak Pier 1 Project is estimated to require 120 total days of 
in-water pile extraction and installation construction work, which 
includes vibratory driving, impact driving, and down-hole drilling. The 
total number of in-water pile extraction and installation days (120 
days) includes approximately 80 days of vibratory pile extraction and 
installation, 22 days of impact hammering, and 60 days of down-hole 
drilling. The 22 days of impact hammering are subsumed within the same 
80 days during which extraction and installation will occur. The 
construction schedule assumes that approximately 20 days of drilling 
will overlap with impact and vibratory pile driving activities. The 
project will require an estimated 60 hours of vibratory hammer time, 
440 hours of down-hole drilling time, and 2 hours of impact hammer 
time. DOT&PF has conservatively added a contingency of 25% to the total 
hours required resulting in 75 hours of vibratory hammer time, 550 
hours of down-hole drilling time, and 3 hours of impact hammer time.

Specific Geographic Region

    The Kodiak Ferry Terminal and Dock at Pier 1 is located in the City 
of Kodiak, Alaska, at 57[deg]47'12.78'' N., 152[deg]24'09.73'' W., on 
the northeastern corner of Kodiak Island, in the Gulf of Alaska. Pier 1 
is an active ferry terminal and multi-use dock located in Near Island 
Channel, which separates downtown Kodiak from Near Island.

Detailed Description of Activities

    We provided a description of the proposed action in our Federal 
Register notice announcing the proposed authorization (80 FR 51211; 
August 24, 2015). Please refer to that document; we provide only 
summary information here.
    DOT&PF plans to construct a new ferry terminal at Pier 1 in Kodiak. 
The project includes the removal of 196 timber piles and 14 steel piles 
using a vibratory hammer, crane, and/or clamshell bucket. DOT&PF would 
install and remove 88 temporary steel pipe or H-piles using a vibratory 
hammer; install 8 16-in timber and 10 18-in steel piles using a 
vibratory hammer, and install 88 24-in steel piles using a vibratory 
hammer, down-hole drill/hammer, and impact hammer. The activities are 
expected to take place over 120 days, weather permitting. DOT&PF would 
limit pile driving and removal activities to daylight hours only, 
however, drilling, would not be limited to daylight hours.

Comments and Responses

    A notice of NMFS' proposal to issue an IHA was published in the 
Federal Register on August 24, 2015 (80 FR 51211). During the 30-day 
public comment period, the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) 
submitted a letter. The letter is available on the Internet at 
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/construction.htm. All comments 
specific to the DOT&PF's application that address the statutory and 
regulatory requirements or findings NMFS must make to issue an IHA are 
addressed in this section of the Federal Register notice.

[[Page 60638]]

    Comment 1: The Commission recommended that NMFS require AK DOT to 
(1) re-estimate the Level A and B harassment zones for both vibratory 
and impact pile driving of the various types of piles based on a 15 log 
R transmission loss value and/or a Level B harassment threshold of 120-
dB re 1 [micro]Pa threshold for vibratory pile driving and (2) conduct 
monitoring of those revised zones rather than the zones stipulated in 
the Federal Register notice.
    Response: While we agree generally with the Commission's points, we 
feel that the deviations from standard practice are supportable. As 
such, we elect to use transmission loss values based on 18logR for 
vibratory pile driving and 17logR for impact pile driving while noting 
that the Alaska Regional Office agreed with our ZOI calculations and 
used the same methods in their analysis pursuant to section 7 of the 
ESA. The Commission acknowledges that these issues do not affect the 
estimated number of takes authorized, and recommends simply that we 
require DOT&PF to re-estimate the ZOIs and conduct monitoring of the 
revised zones rather than those stipulated in our notice of proposed 
authorization. We partially concur with the Commission's recommendation 
and will require DOT&PF to monitor the revised ZOIs, with the exception 
of the larger ZOI associated with vibratory driving. The project site 
is located in a narrowly constrained water body, and local topography 
and existing structures make it unlikely that the actual insonified 
area would exceed that estimated in our notice of proposed 
authorization. We therefore retain that ZOI in the IHA. NMFS 
appreciates the Commissions concerns and will encourage future 
applicants to utilize NMFS' methodologies when measuring ambient sound 
levels for incorporation into future IHA applications.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    There are four marine mammal species known to occur in the vicinity 
of the project area which may be subjected to Level A and Level B 
harassment. These are the killer whale, Steller sea lion, harbor 
porpoise, and harbor seal.
    We have reviewed DOT&PF's detailed species descriptions, including 
life history information, for accuracy and completeness and refer the 
reader to Section 3 of DOT&PF's application as well as the proposed 
incidental harassment authorization published in the Federal Register 
(80 FR 51211) instead of reprinting the information here. Please also 
refer to NMFS' Web site (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals) for 
generalized species accounts which provide information regarding the 
biology and behavior of the marine resources that occur in the vicinity 
of the project area. We provided additional information for the 
potentially affected stocks, including details of stock-wide status, 
trends, and threats, in our Federal Register notice of proposed 
authorization (80 FR 51211).
    Table 1 lists marine mammal stocks that could occur in the vicinity 
of the existing ferry terminal at Pier 1that may be subject to Level A 
and B harassment and summarizes key information regarding stock status 
and abundance. Please see NMFS' Stock Assessment Reports (SAR), 
available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars, for more detailed accounts of 
these stocks' status and abundance.

                     Table 1--Marine Mammal Species Potentially Present in the Project Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Stock(s)
             Species                  abundance        ESA* status         MMPA** status         Frequency of
                                    estimate \1\                                                  occurrence
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)                 2,347  ...................  Non-depleted.......  Occasional.
 Eastern N. Pacific, Alaska
 Resident Stock.
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)......             587  ...................  Non-depleted.......  Occasional.
Eastern N. Pacific, Gulf of
 Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and
 Bering Sea Transient Stock.
Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena                  31,046  ...................  Non-depleted and     Occasional.
 phocoena) Gulf of Alaska Stock.                                         Strategic.
Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias               52,200  Endangered.........  Depleted and.......  Common.
 jubatus) wDPS Stock.                                                   Strategic..........
Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina                11,117  ...................  Non-depleted.......  Occasional.
 richardii) South Kodiak Stock.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ NOAA/NMFS 2014 marine mammal stock assessment reports at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/species.htm.
*ESA = Endangered Species Act
**MMPA = Marine Mammal Protection Act

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    The Federal Register notice of proposed authorization (80 FR 51211) 
provides a general background on sound relevant to the specified 
activity as well as a detailed description of marine mammal hearing and 
of the potential effects of these construction activities on marine 
mammals, and is not repeated here.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

    We described potential impacts to marine mammal habitat in detail 
in our Federal Register notice of proposed authorization. In summary, 
the project activities would not modify existing marine mammal habitat. 
The activities may cause some fish to leave the area of disturbance, 
thus temporarily impacting marine mammals' foraging opportunities in a 
limited portion of the foraging range. Because of the short duration of 
the activities and the relatively small area of the habitat that may be 
affected, the impacts to marine mammal habitat are not expected to 
cause significant or long-term negative consequences for individual 
marine mammals or their populations

Mitigation

    In order to issue an IHA 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 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.
    Measurements from similar pile driving events were utilized to 
estimate zones of influence (ZOI; see ``Estimated Take by Incidental 
Harassment''). ZOIs

[[Page 60639]]

are often used to establish a mitigation zone around each pile (when 
deemed practicable) to identify where Level A harassment to marine 
mammals may occur, and also provide estimates of the areas Level B 
harassment zones. ZOIs may vary between different diameter piles and 
types of installation methods. DOT&PF will employ the following 
mitigation measures:
    (a) Conduct briefings between construction supervisors and crews, 
marine mammal monitoring team, and DOT&PF's staff prior to the start of 
all pile driving activity, and when new personnel join the work, in 
order to explain responsibilities, communication procedures, marine 
mammal monitoring protocol, and operational procedures.
    (b) For in-water heavy machinery work other than pile driving 
(using, e.g., standard barges, tug boats, barge-mounted excavators, or 
clamshell equipment used to place or remove material), if a marine 
mammal comes within 10 m, operations shall cease and vessels shall 
reduce speed to the minimum level required to maintain steerage and 
safe working conditions. This type of work could include the following 
activities: (1) Movement of the barge to the pile location or (2) 
positioning of the pile on the substrate via a crane (i.e., stabbing 
the pile).
    (c) Utilize pile caps when impact driving is underway.

Monitoring and Shutdown for Pile Driving

    The following measures apply to DOT&PF's mitigation through 
shutdown and disturbance zones:
    Shutdown Zone--For all pile driving activities, the DOT&PF's will 
establish a shutdown zone. Shutdown zones are intended to contain the 
area within which shutdown of activity would occur upon sighting of a 
marine mammal (or in anticipation of an animal entering the defined 
area), thus preventing injury of marine mammals. A conservative 4-meter 
shutdown zone will be in effect for Steller sea lions and harbor seals. 
Note that pile driving operations do not need to shut down if Steller 
sea lions are observed in the Shutdown zone. Occurrences of sea lions 
in that zone will be recorded as Level A takes. The shutdown zone for 
harbor porpoises and killer whales will be 20 meters. DOT&PF, would 
also implement a minimum shutdown zone of 10 m radius for all marine 
mammals for in-water heavy machinery work other than pile driving. 
These precautionary measures are intended to further reduce the 
unlikely possibility of injury from direct physical interaction with 
construction operations.
    Disturbance Zone--The disturbance zones provide utility for 
monitoring conducted for mitigation purposes (i.e., shutdown zone 
monitoring) by establishing monitoring protocols for areas adjacent to 
the shutdown zones. Monitoring of disturbance zones enables observers 
to be aware of and communicate the presence of marine mammals in the 
project area but outside the shutdown zone and thus prepare for 
potential shutdowns of activity. However, the primary purpose of 
disturbance zone monitoring is for documenting incidents of Level B 
harassment; disturbance zone monitoring is discussed in greater detail 
later (see ``Proposed Monitoring and Reporting''). Nominal radial 
distances for disturbance zones are shown in Table 2.
    During impact driving, the disturbance zone shall extend to 350 
meters for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and 
killer whales. This 350-meter distance will serve as a shutdown zone 
for all other marine mammals for which take is not authorized (e.g. 
humpback whale, Dall's porpoise, gray whale, fin whale, or any other) 
to avoid Level B take. Level B take of humpback whales, Dall's 
porpoises, gray whales, and fin whales is not requested and will be 
avoided by shutting down before individuals of these species enter the 
Level B zone.
    During vibratory pile installation and removal, the disturbance 
zone shall extend to 1,150 meters for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, 
harbor porpoises, and killer whales. This distance will also serve as a 
shutdown zone for all other marine mammals for which take is not 
authorized to avoid Level B take.
    During DTH drilling, the disturbance zone shall extend to 300meters 
for species for which take is authorized. This distance will serve as a 
shutdown zone for all other marine mammals for which take is not 
authorized to avoid Level B take. Note that per request from the 
applicant we considered additional information for purposes of 
developing an appropriate DTH monitoring zone. Our findings are based 
on 2015 hydroacoustic monitoring conducted near Pier 3 in Kodiak 
provided recent sound source level values (PND 2015). We considered 
this the best available information for DTH proxy source levels and 
used it to derive the DTH disturbance zone radius for this project. 
This change has no effect on estimated take levels associated with DTH 
drilling.
    Thresholds for Level A and Level B harassment are shown in Table 2.

                       Table 2--Minimum Radial Distance to Shutdown and Disturbance Zones
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Level A                 Level B
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                             Method                                                                Pinnipeds and
                                                                     Pinnipeds       Cetaceans       cetaceans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vibratory hammer................................................  ..............  ..............          1150 m
Down-hole Drill (continuous)....................................  ..............  ..............           300 m
Impact hammer (all with Caps)...................................               4              20           350 m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Time Restrictions--For all in-water pile driving activities, the 
DOT&PF shall operate up to a maximum of 10 hours per day, which allows 
time for twilight operations during shortened winter days.
    In order to document observed incidents of harassment, observers 
record all marine mammal observations, regardless of location. The 
observer's location, as well as the location of the pile being driven, 
is known from a GPS. The location of the animal is estimated as a 
distance from the observer, which is then compared to the location from 
the pile and the estimated ZOIs for relevant activities (i.e., pile 
installation and removal). This information may then be used to 
extrapolate observed takes to reach an approximate understanding of 
actual total takes.
    Ramp Up or Soft Start--The use of a soft start procedure is 
believed to provide additional protection to marine mammals by warning 
or providing a chance to leave the area prior to the hammer operating 
at full capacity, and typically involves a requirement to initiate 
sound from the hammer at reduced energy followed by a waiting period. 
This procedure is repeated two additional times. It is difficult to 
specify

[[Page 60640]]

the reduction in energy for any given hammer because of variation 
across drivers. The project will utilize soft start techniques for all 
vibratory and impact pile driving. We require the DOT&PF to initiate 
sound from vibratory hammers for fifteen seconds at reduced energy 
followed by a 1-minute waiting period, with the procedure repeated two 
additional times. For impact driving, we require an initial set of 
three strikes from the impact hammer at reduced energy, followed by a 
1-minute waiting period, then two subsequent three strike sets. Soft 
start will be required at the beginning of each day's pile driving work 
and at any time following a cessation of pile driving of 30 minutes or 
longer.
    If a marine mammal is present within the Level A harassment zone, 
ramping up will be delayed until the animal(s) leaves the Level A 
harassment zone. Activity will begin only after the Wildlife Observer 
has determined, through sighting, that the animal(s) has moved outside 
the Level A harassment zone or 15 minutes have passed for small 
odontocetes and pinnipeds and 30 minutes have passed for large and 
medium-sized whales, including killer whales, without re-detection of 
the animal.
    If a Steller sea lion, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, or killer 
whale is present in the Level B harassment zone, ramping up will begin 
and a Level B take will be documented. Ramping up will occur when these 
species are in the Level B harassment zone whether they entered the 
Level B zone from the Level A zone, or from outside the project area.
    If any marine mammal other than Steller sea lions, harbor seals, 
harbor porpoises, or killer whales is present in the Level B harassment 
zone, ramping up will be delayed until the animal(s) leaves the zone. 
Ramping up will begin only after the Wildlife Observer has determined, 
through sighting, that the animal(s) has moved outside the harassment 
zone or 15 minutes have passed for small odontocetes and pinnipeds and 
30 minutes have passed for large and medium-sized whales without re-
detection of the animal.

Monitoring

    Monitoring Protocols--Monitoring would be conducted before, during, 
and after pile driving. In addition, observers shall record all 
incidents of marine mammal occurrence, regardless of distance from 
activity, and shall document any behavioral reactions in concert with 
distance from piles being driven. Observations made outside the 
shutdown zone will not result in shutdown and that pile segment would 
be completed without cessation, unless the animal approaches or enters 
the shutdown zone, at which point all pile driving activities would be 
halted. Monitoring will take place from thirty minutes prior to 
initiation through thirty minutes post-completion of pile driving 
activities. Pile driving activities include the time to remove a single 
pile or series of piles, as long as the time elapsed between uses of 
the pile driving equipment is no more than thirty minutes.
    The following additional measures apply to visual monitoring:
    (1) Monitoring will be conducted by at least two qualified 
observers, who will be stationed to provide adequate view of the 
harassment zone mammals. One observer will be stationed on Pier 1 while 
a second observer may be located on Near Island or another site 
offering optimal viewing. Observers must be in a location that allows 
them to implement shutdown/delay procedures when applicable by calling 
for the shutdown to the hammer operator. Monitoring will take place 
from 30 minutes prior to initiation through 30 minutes post-completion 
of pile driving activities.
    Qualified observers are trained biologists, with the following 
minimum qualifications:
    (a) Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible) 
sufficient for discernment of moving targets at the water's surface 
with ability to estimate target size and distance; use of binoculars 
may be necessary to correctly identify the target;
    (b) Education, training, or suitable combination thereof in 
biological science, wildlife management, mammalogy or related fields. 
Observers should have field experience in identification and behavior 
of marine mammals and project-specific training.
    (c) Experience and ability to conduct field observations and 
collect data according to assigned protocols (this may include academic 
experience);
    (d) Experience or training in the field identification of marine 
mammals, including the identification of behaviors;
    (e) Experience or training in protocols to communicate with 
contractors and operators, including shut down procedures.
    (f) Ability to communicate orally, by radio or in person, with 
project personnel to provide real-time information on marine mammals 
observed in the area as necessary
    (g) Sufficient training, orientation, or experience with the 
construction operation to provide for personal safety during 
observations;
    (h) Writing skills sufficient to prepare a report of observations 
including but not limited to the number and species of marine mammals 
observed; dates and times when in-water construction activities were 
conducted; dates and times when in-water construction activities were 
suspended to avoid potential incidental injury from construction sound 
of marine mammals observed within a defined shutdown zone; and marine 
mammal behavior; and
    (g) Must read and understand the monitoring plan and the IHA; agree 
to enforce the conditions presented therein, be able to coordinate and 
communicate with other personnel, and identify and report incidental 
harassment of marine mammals.
    (h) Have no other project-related responsibility other than marine 
mammal monitoring, documentation, and reporting during observation 
periods.
    (2) Prior to the start of pile driving activity, the shutdown zone 
will be monitored for 30 minutes to ensure that it is clear of marine 
mammals. Pile driving will only commence once observers have declared 
the shutdown zone clear of marine mammals; animals will be allowed to 
remain in the shutdown zone (i.e., must leave of their own volition) 
and their behavior will be monitored and documented. The shutdown zone 
may only be declared clear, and pile driving started, when the entire 
shutdown zone is visible (i.e., when not obscured by dark, rain, fog, 
etc.).
    If waters exceed a sea-state which restricts the observers' ability 
to make observations within the marine mammal shutdown zone (e.g. 
excessive wind or fog), pile installation will cease. Pile driving will 
not be initiated until the entire shutdown zone is visible.
    The waters will be scanned 30 minutes prior to commencing pile 
driving at the beginning of each day, prior to commencing pile driving 
after any stoppage of 30 minutes or greater, and 30 minutes after 
driving operations have ceased for the day. If marine mammals enter or 
are observed within the designated marine mammal shutdown zone during 
or 30 minutes prior to pile driving, the monitors will notify the on-
site construction manager to not begin until the animal has moved 
outside the designated radius.
    If any marine mammal species are encountered during activities that 
are not listed in Table 1 for authorized taking and are likely to be 
exposed to sound pressure levels (SPLs) greater than or equal to 120 dB 
re 1mPa (rms), then the Holder of this Authorization

[[Page 60641]]

must stop pile driving activities and report observations to NMFS' 
Office of Protected Resources.
    If a marine mammal approaches or enters the shutdown zone during 
the course of vibratory pile driving operations, activity will be 
halted and delayed until he animal has voluntarily left and been 
visually confirmed beyond the shutdown zone. If a marine mammal is seen 
above water and then dives below, the contractor would wait 15 minutes 
for pinnipeds and 30 minutes for cetaceans. If no marine mammals are 
seen by the observer in that time it will be assumed that the animal 
has moved beyond the exclusion zone.
    Monitoring will be conducted throughout the time required to drive 
a pile. Marine mammal presence within the Level B harassment zone will 
be monitored, but vibratory driving or DTH drilling will not be stopped 
if marine mammals are found to be present. Any marine mammal documented 
within the Level B harassment zone during these activities would 
constitute a Level B take (harassment), and will be recorded and 
reported as such.

Mitigation Conclusions

    We have carefully evaluated DOT&PF's proposed mitigation measures 
and considered their effectiveness in past implementation to determine 
whether they are likely to effect 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: (1) The manner in which, 
and the degree to which, the successful implementation of the measure 
is expected to minimize adverse impacts to marine mammals, (2) the 
proven or likely efficacy of the specific measure to minimize adverse 
impacts as planned; and (3) the practicability of the measure for 
applicant implementation.
    Any mitigation measure(s) we prescribe 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 below:
    (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 number (total number or number at 
biologically important time or location) of individual marine mammals 
exposed to stimuli expected to result in incidental take (this goal may 
contribute to 1 above).
    (3) A reduction in the number (total number or number at 
biologically important time or location) of times any individual marine 
mammal would be exposed to stimuli expected to result in incidental 
take (this goal may contribute to 1 above).
    (4) A reduction in the intensity of exposure to stimuli expected to 
result in incidental take (this goal may contribute to 1 above).
    (5) Avoidance or minimization of adverse effects to marine mammal 
habitat, paying particular attention to the prey base, blockage or 
limitation of passage to or from biologically important areas, 
permanent destruction of habitat, or temporary 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 our evaluation of DOT&PF's proposed measures, including 
information from monitoring of implementation of mitigation measures 
very similar to those described here under previous IHAs from other 
marine construction projects, 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 and Reporting

    In order to issue an IHA 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 
incidental take 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 are expected to be 
present in the proposed action area.
    Any monitoring requirement we prescribe should improve our 
understanding of one or more of the following:
    (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 in general to generate more data 
to contribute to the analyses mentioned below;
    (2) An increase in our understanding of how many marine mammals are 
likely to be exposed to levels of pile driving that we associate with 
specific adverse effects, such as behavioral harassment, TTS, or PTS;
    (3) An increase in our understanding of how marine mammals respond 
to stimuli expected to result in take and how 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:
    [ssquf] Behavioral observations in the presence of stimuli compared 
to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to 
accurately predict received level, distance from source, and other 
pertinent information);
    [ssquf] Physiological measurements in the presence of stimuli 
compared to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to 
accurately predict received level, distance from source, and other 
pertinent information);
    [ssquf] 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.
    The DOT&PF consulted with NMFS to create a marine mammal monitoring 
plan as part of the IHA application for this project.

Visual Marine Mammal Observations

     At least two marine mammal observers (MMOs) meeting the 
minimum qualifications listed below will monitor the shutdown and 
disturbance zones during impact driving, vibratory pile driving and 
down-hole drilling. One observer will be stationed on Pier 1 while a 
second observer will be located on Near Island or another site offering 
optimal viewing.
     During all in-water driving and drilling activity, the 
disturbance zone will be monitored by two observers at locations listed 
above. The monitoring staff will record any presence of marine mammals 
by species, will document any behavioral responses noted, and record 
Level B takes when sightings overlap with pile installation activities.
     The individuals will scan the waters within each 
monitoring zone activity using binoculars (Vector 10x42 or equivalent), 
spotting scopes (Swarovski 20-60 zoom or equivalent), and visual 
observation.

[[Page 60642]]

     The area within which the disturbance zone thresholds 
could be exceeded will be monitored for the presence of marine mammals. 
Marine mammal presence within these zones, if any, will be monitored 
but pile driving activity will not be stopped if marine mammals were 
found to be present. Any marine mammal documented within the 
disturbance zone will constitute a Level B take, and will be recorded 
and used to document the number of take incidents.
     If waters exceed a sea-state which restricts the 
observers' ability to make observations within the marine mammal buffer 
zone (e.g. excessive wind or fog), pile installation will cease until 
conditions allow the resumption of monitoring.
     The waters will be scanned for 30 minutes before driving 
operations begin for the day and 30 minutes after any and all pile 
driving and removal activities cease for the day.
     If marine mammals enter or are observed within the 
designated marine shutdown zone during or 30 minutes prior to pile 
driving, the monitors will notify the on-site construction manager to 
not begin until the animal has moved outside the designated radius.
     If a marine mammal approaches the shutdown zone prior to 
initiation of pile driving, the DOT&PF cannot commence activities until 
the marine mammal (a) is observed to have left the Level A harassment 
zone or (b) or has not been detected for 15 minutes (small odontocetes 
and pinnipeds) or for 30 minutes (large and medium-sized whales, 
including killer whales) without re-detection of the animal.
     The waters will continue to be scanned for at least 30 
minutes after pile driving has completed each day, and after each 
stoppage of 30 minutes or greater.

Data Collection

    Observers are required to use approved data forms. Among other 
pieces of information, DOT&PF will record detailed information about 
any implementation of shutdowns, including the distance of animals to 
the pile and description of specific actions that ensued and resulting 
behavior of the animal, if any. In addition, the DOT&PF will attempt to 
distinguish between the number of individual animals taken and the 
number of incidents of take. At a minimum, the following information 
will be collected on the sighting forms:
     Date and time that monitored activity begins or ends;
     Construction activities occurring during each observation 
period;
     Weather parameters (e.g., percent cover, visibility);
     Water conditions (e.g., sea state, tide state);
     Species, numbers, and, if possible, sex and age class of 
marine mammals;
     Description of any observable marine mammal behavior 
patterns, including bearing and direction of travel and distance from 
pile driving activity;
     Distance from pile driving activities to marine mammals 
and distance from the marine mammals to the observation point;
     Locations of all marine mammal observations; and
     Other human activity in the area.

Reporting

    DOT&PF will notify NMFS prior to the initiation of the pile driving 
activities and will provide NMFS with a draft monitoring report within 
90 days of the conclusion of the proposed construction work. This 
report will detail the monitoring protocol, summarize the data recorded 
during monitoring, and estimate the number of marine mammals that may 
have been harassed. If no comments are received from NMFS within 30 
days, the draft final report will constitute the final report. If 
comments are received, a final report must be submitted within 30 days 
after receipt of comments.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, 
section 3(18) of 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].''
    Anticipated takes would be both Level A, for Steller sea lions 
only, and Level B harassment resulting from vibratory pile driving/
removal and drilling. Note that lethal takes are not expected. 
Furthermore, mitigation measures are expected to minimize the number of 
Level A injurious takes.
    Given the many uncertainties in predicting the quantity and types 
of impacts of sound in every given situation on marine mammals, it is 
common practice to estimate how many animals are likely to be present 
within a particular distance of a given activity, or exposed to a 
particular level of sound, based on the available science.
    This practice potentially overestimates the numbers of marine 
mammals taken for stationary activities, as it is likely that some 
smaller number of individuals may accrue a number of incidences of 
harassment per individual than for each incidence to accrue to a new 
individual, especially if those individuals display some degree of 
residency or site fidelity and the impetus to use the site (e.g., 
because of foraging opportunities) is stronger than the deterrence 
presented by the harassing activity.
    The method used for calculating potential exposures to impact and 
vibratory pile driving noise for each threshold was estimated using 
local marine mammal data sets, the Biological Opinion, best 
professional judgment from state and federal agencies, and data from 
IHA estimates on similar projects with similar actions. Our take 
estimation methodology was described in detail in our Federal Register 
notice announcing the proposed authorization (80 FR 51211; August 24, 
2015) and is not repeated here. Brief descriptions are provided below 
and results are in Table 4.

Steller Sea Lions

    Incidental take was estimated for Steller sea lions by assuming 
that, within any given day, about 40 unique individual Steller sea 
lions may be present at some time during that day within the Level B 
harassment zone during active pile extraction or installation. This 
estimate was derived from the following information, previously 
described in the proposed authorization Federal Register notice (80 FR 
51211; August 24, 2015).
    Pinniped population estimates are typically made when the animals 
are hauled out and available to be counted. Steller sea lions hauled 
out on the Dog Bay float are believed to represent the Kodiak Harbor 
population. Aerial surveys from 2004 through 2006 indicated peak winter 
(October-April) counts at the Dog Bay float ranging from 27 to 33 
animals (Wynn et al. 2011). Counts in February 2015 during a site visit 
by HDR biologists ranged from approximately 28 to 45 Steller sea lions. 
More than 100 Steller sea lions were counted on the Dog Bay float at 
times in spring 2015, although the mean number was much smaller (Wynne 
2015b). Together, this information may indicate a maximum population of 
about 120 Steller sea lions that uses the Kodiak harbor area.
    Steller sea lions found in more ``natural'' settings do not usually 
eat

[[Page 60643]]

every day, but tend to forage every 1-2 days and return to haulouts to 
rest between foraging trips (Merrick and Loughlin 1997; Rehburg et al. 
2009). This means that on any given day a maximum of about 60 Steller 
sea lions from the local population may be foraging. Note that there 
are at least four other seafood processing facilities in Kodiak that 
operate concurrently with the one located next to Pier 1, and all are 
visited by local Steller sea lions looking for food (Wynne 2015a). The 
seafood processing facility adjacent to the Pier 1 project site is not 
the only source of food for local Steller sea lions that inhabit the 
harbor area. The foraging habits of Steller sea lions using the Dog Bay 
float and Kodiak harbor area are not documented, but it is reasonable 
to assume that, given the abundance of readily available food, not 
every Steller sea lion in the area visits the seafood processing plant 
adjacent to Pier 1 every day. If about half of the foraging Steller sea 
lions visit the seafood processing plant adjacent to Pier 1, it is 
estimated that about 30 unique individual Steller sea lions likely pass 
through the Pier 1 project area each day and could be exposed to Level 
B harassment. To be conservative, exposure is estimated at 40 unique 
individual Steller sea lions per day.
    It is assumed that Steller sea lions may be present every day, and 
also that take will include multiple harassments of the same 
individual(s) both within and among days, which means that these 
estimates are likely an overestimate of the number of individuals.
    Expected durations of pile extraction and driving were estimated in 
Section 1.4 of the application. For each pile extraction or 
installation activity, the calculation for Steller sea lion exposures 
to underwater noise is therefore estimated as:

Exposure estimate = (number of animals exposed> sound thresholds)/
day * number of days of activity

    An estimated total of 3,200 Steller sea lions (40 sea lions/day * 
80 days of pile installation or extraction) could be exposed to noise 
at the Level B harassment level during vibratory and impact pile 
driving (Table 3). Potential exposure at the Level B harassment level 
for down-hole drilling is estimated at 60 Steller sea lions, roughly 
one every one to two days.

 Table 3--Numbers of Potential Exposures of Steller Sea Lions to Level A and Level B Harassment Noise From Pile
              Driving Based on Predicted Underwater Noise Levels Resulting From Project Activities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Vibratory and     Down-hole     Impact hammer
                                                                      impact           drill     ---------------
                                                                 --------------------------------
                                                                      Level B         Level B         Level A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Days..................................................         80 days         60 days         22 days
Number of Steller Sea Lion Exposures............................           3,200              60              30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The attraction of sea lions to the seafood processing plant 
increases the possibility of individual Steller sea lions occasionally 
entering the shutdown zone before they are observed and before pile 
driving can be shut down. Even with marine mammal observers present at 
all times during pile installation, it is possible that sea lions could 
approach quickly and enter the shutdown zone, even as pile driving 
activity is being shut down. This likelihood is increased by the high 
level of sea lion activity in the area, with Steller sea lions 
following vessels and swimming around vessels at the neighboring dock. 
It is possible that a single sea lion could be taken each day that 
impact pile driving occurs. As such, NMFS allowed an additional 22 
Level A takes plus a roughly 30 percent contingency of 8 additional 
takes, for a total of 30 takes for Level A harassment. Potential for 
Level A harassment of Steller sea lions is estimated to only occur 
during impact hammering due to the very small Level A harassment zones 
for all other construction activities.

Harbor Seals

    Harbor seals are expected to be encountered in low numbers, if at 
all, within the project area. However, based on the known range of the 
South Kodiak stock, and occasional sightings during monitoring of 
projects at other locations on Kodiak Island, NMFS has authorized 40 
Level B takes (1 take every other day) of harbor seals by exposure to 
underwater noise over the duration of construction activities.

Harbor Porpoises

    Harbor porpoises are expected to be encountered in low numbers, if 
at all, within the project area. However, based on the known range of 
the Gulf of Alaska stock and occasional sightings during monitoring of 
projects at other locations on Kodiak Island, NMFS has authorized 40 
Level B takes (1 take every other day) of harbor porpoises by exposure 
to underwater noise over the duration of construction activities.

Killer Whales

    Resident killer whales are rarely sighted in the project area and, 
therefore, NMFS is not proposing the take of any resident killer 
whales. Transient killer whales are expected to be encountered in the 
project area occasionally, although no data exist to quantify killer 
whale attendance. Killer whales are expected to be in the Kodiak harbor 
area sporadically from January through April and to enter the project 
area in low numbers. Based on the known range and behavior of the 
Alaska Resident stock and the Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and 
Bering Sea Transient stocks, it is reasonable to estimate that 6 
individual whales may enter the project area twice a month from 
February through May. NMFS, therefore, has authorized 48 Level B takes 
(6 killer whales/visit * 2 visits/month * 4 months) of killer whales by 
exposure to

Analyses and Determinations

Negligible Impact Analysis

    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). A 
negligible impact finding is based on the lack of likely adverse 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival (i.e., population-
level effects). 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 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,

[[Page 60644]]

migration, etc.), as well as the number and nature of estimated Level A 
harassment takes, the number of estimated mortalities, effects on 
habitat, and the status of the species.
    To avoid repetition, the discussion of our analyses applies to all 
the species listed in Table 4, with the exception of Steller sea lions, 
given that the anticipated effects of this pile driving project on 
marine mammals are expected to be relatively similar in nature. There 
is no information about the size, status, or structure of any species 
or stock that would lead to a different analysis for this activity, 
else species-specific factors would be identified and analyzed. A 
separate analysis is included for Steller sea lions.
    Pile extraction, pile driving, and down-hole drilling activities 
associated with the reconstruction of the Pier 1 Kodiak Ferry Terminal 
and Dock, as outlined previously, have the potential to disturb or 
displace marine mammals. Specifically, the specified activities may 
result in take, in the form of Level A (injury) of Steller sea lions 
and Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance) for all species 
authorized for take, from underwater sounds generated from pile driving 
and drilling. Potential takes could occur if individuals of these 
species are present in the insonified zone when pile driving or 
drilling is under way.
    The takes from Level B harassment will be due to potential 
behavioral disturbance and TTS. Serious injury or death is unlikely for 
all authorized species and injury is unlikely for these species, with 
the exception of Steller sea lions, as DOT&PF will enact several 
required mitigation measures. Soft start techniques will be employed 
during pile driving operations to allow marine mammals to vacate the 
area prior to commencement of full power driving. Pile cushions will be 
used for all impact driving. DOT&PF will establish and monitor shutdown 
zones for authorized species with the exception of Steller sea lions. 
These measures will prevent injury to these species, except for Steller 
sea lions. DOT&PF will also record all occurrences of marine mammals 
and any behavior or behavioral reactions observed, any observed 
incidents of behavioral harassment, and any required shutdowns, and 
will submit a report upon completion of the project. We have determined 
that the required mitigation measures are sufficient to reduce the 
effects of the specified activities to the level of least practicable 
impact, as required by the MMPA.
    The DOT&PF's proposed activities are localized and of short 
duration. The entire project area is limited to the Pier 1 area and its 
immediate surroundings. Specifically, the use of impact driving will be 
limited to an estimated maximum of 3 hours over the course of 80 days 
of construction, and will likely require less time. Each 24-inch pile 
will require about five blows of an impact hammer to confirm that piles 
are set into bedrock for a maximum time expected of 1 minute of impact 
hammering per pile (88 piles x 1 minute/per pile = 88 minutes). 
Vibratory driving will be necessary for an estimated maximum of 75 
hours and down-hole drilling will require a maximum of 550 hours. 
Vibratory driving and down-hole drilling do not have significant 
potential to cause injury to marine mammals due to the relatively low 
source levels produced and the lack of potentially injurious source 
characteristics.
    The Level A takes for Steller sea lions are likely to be in the 
form of PTS. The possibility of take by serious injury or death is 
considered very unlikely as only acoustic injury is anticipated to 
occur. However, the number of Steller sea lions potentially exposed to 
Level A harassment is a small portion of entire population. 
Furthermore, sea lions resident to the project area are likely to have 
experienced frequent deterrence by fisherman protecting their gear or 
catch as was described in the Federal Register notice of proposed 
authorization. Such deterrence, typically involving ``seal bombs'', 
produces sound above that believed to potential cause permanent hearing 
impairment in pinnipeds. Therefore, it is likely that Steller sea lions 
occurring within the shutdown zone--for which Level A harassment is 
authorized--would not in fact experience additional hearing impairment. 
In the unlikely event that injury, in the form of acoustic impairment, 
did occur to this small number of sea lions it would be unlikely to 
have an adverse effect on the continued existence of the stock.
    The project also is not expected to have significant adverse 
effects on affected marine mammals' habitat, including Steller sea lion 
critical habitat. The project activities would not modify existing 
marine mammal habitat. The activities may cause some fish to leave the 
area of disturbance, thus temporarily impacting marine mammals' 
foraging opportunities in a limited portion of the foraging range; but, 
because of the short duration of the activities and the relatively 
small area of the habitat that may be affected, the impacts to marine 
mammal habitat are not expected to cause significant or long-term 
negative consequences.
    Effects on individuals that are taken by Level B harassment, on the 
basis of reports in the literature as well as monitoring from other 
similar activities, will likely be limited to reactions such as 
increased swimming speeds, increased surfacing time, or decreased 
foraging (if such activity were occurring) (e.g., Thorson and Reyff, 
2006; Lerma, 2014). Most likely, individuals will simply move away from 
the sound source and be temporarily displaced from the areas of pile 
driving, although even this reaction has been observed primarily only 
in association with impact pile driving. In response to vibratory 
driving, pinnipeds (which may become somewhat habituated to human 
activity in industrial or urban waterways) have been observed to orient 
towards and sometimes move towards the sound. The pile extraction and 
driving activities analyzed here are similar to, or less impactful 
than, numerous construction activities conducted in other similar 
locations, which have taken place with no reported serious injuries or 
mortality to marine mammals, and no known long-term adverse 
consequences from behavioral harassment. Repeated exposures of 
individuals to levels of sound that may cause Level B harassment are 
unlikely to result in hearing impairment or to significantly disrupt 
foraging behavior. Thus, even repeated Level B harassment of some small 
subset of the overall stock is unlikely to result in any significant 
realized decrease in fitness for the affected individuals, and thus 
would not result in any adverse impact to the stock as a whole.
    In summary, this negligible impact analysis is founded on the 
following factors: (1) The possibility of serious injury or mortality 
to authorized species and additional auditory injury to hearing 
impaired Steller sea lions may reasonably be considered discountable; 
(2) the anticipated incidents of Level B harassment consist of, at 
worst, temporary modifications in behavior and; (3) the presumed 
efficacy of the planned mitigation measures in reducing the effects of 
the specified activity to the level of least practicable impact. In 
combination, we believe that these factors, as well as the available 
body of evidence from other similar activities, demonstrate that the 
potential effects of the specified activity will have only short-term 
effects on individuals. The specified activity is not expected to 
impact rates of recruitment or survival and will therefore not result 
in population-level impacts.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the

[[Page 60645]]

specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the planned monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS finds that the total marine mammal take from 
the DOT&PF's reconstruction of the Pier 1 Kodiak Ferry Terminal and 
Dock will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal 
species or stocks.

       Table 4--Estimated Numbers and Percentage of Stock That May Be Exposed to Level A and B Harassment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Proposed        Stock(s)
                             Species                                authorized       abundance     Percentage of
                                                                       takes         estimate       total stock
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Eastern N. Pacific, Gulf of Alaska,               48             587             8.1
 Aleutian Islands, and Bering Seat Transient Stock..............
Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Gulf of Alaska Stock........              40          31,046           <0.01
Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) wDPS Stock................         * 3,290          52,200             6.3
Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) South Kodiak Stock.......              40          11,117           <0.01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* (Includes 3,260 Level B and 30 Level A takes)

Small Numbers Analysis

    Table 4 demonstrates the number of animals that could be exposed to 
received noise levels that could cause Level A and Level B behavioral 
harassment for the proposed work at the Pier 1 project site. The 
analyses provided above represents between <0.01%-8.1% of the 
populations of these stocks that could be affected by harassment. The 
numbers of animals authorized to be taken for all species would be 
considered small relative to the relevant stocks or populations even if 
each estimated taking occurred to a new individual--an extremely 
unlikely scenario. For pinnipeds, especially Steller sea lions, 
occurring in the vicinity of Pier 1 there will almost certainly be some 
overlap in individuals present day-to-day, and these takes are likely 
to occur only within some small portion of the overall regional stock.
    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, which are expected to reduce the number of marine mammals 
potentially affected by the proposed action, NMFS finds that small 
numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the populations of 
the affected species or stocks.

Impact on Availability of Affected Species for Taking for Subsistence 
Uses

    Alaska Natives have traditionally harvested subsistence resources 
in the Kodiak area for many hundreds of years, particularly Steller sea 
lions and harbor seals. No traditional subsistence hunting areas are 
within the project vicinity. The nearest haulouts for Steller sea lions 
and harbor seals are the Long Island and Cape Chiniak haul-outs and the 
Marmot Island rookery, many miles away. These locations are 
respectively 4, 12 and 30 nautical miles distant from the project area. 
Since all project activities will take place within the immediate 
vicinity of the Pier 1 site, the project will not have an adverse 
impact on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence use at 
locations farther away. No disturbance or displacement of sea lions or 
harbor seals from traditional hunting areas by activities associated 
with the Pier 1 project is expected. No changes to availability of 
subsistence resources will result from Pier 1 project activities. 
Therefore, we have determined that the total taking of affected species 
or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of such species or stocks for taking for subsistence 
purposes.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    The Steller sea lion is the only marine mammal species listed as 
endangered under the ESA with confirmed occurrence in the study area. 
On July 31, 2015 NMFS issued the Kodiak Ferry Terminal Improvements 
Project Biological Opinion finding that the proposed action is not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of wDPS Steller sea lions.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    NMFS drafted a document titled Environmental Assessment for 
Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to the Alaska 
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for the Take of 
Marine Mammals Incidental to a Kodiak Ferry Terminal and Dock 
Improvements Project and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The 
FONSI was signed on September 30, 2015.

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, we have issued an IHA to 
DOT&PF for conducting the described activities related to the 
reconstruction of the ferry terminal at Pier 1 in Kodiak, AK from 
September 30, 2015 through September 29, 2016 provided the previously 
described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are 
incorporated.

    Dated: October 1, 2015.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-25452 Filed 10-6-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P