Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air Force Conducting Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program Operational Testing Within the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, 79843-79862 [2015-32154]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices Request for Public Comments We request comment on our analysis, the draft authorization, and any other aspect of this Notice of Proposed IHA for UniSea’s dock construction activities. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our final decision on UniSea’s request for an MMPA authorization. Dated: December 17, 2015. Perry F. Gayaldo, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–32155 Filed 12–22–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE343 Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air Force Conducting Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program Operational Testing Within the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental harassment authorization; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS (hereinafter, ‘‘we’’ or ‘‘our’’) received an application from the U.S. Department of the Air Force, Headquarters 96th Air Base Wing (Air Force), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), requesting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program (Maritime WSEP) within a section of the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Eglin AFB’s activities are military readiness activities per the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2004. Per the MMPA, NMFS requests comments on its proposal to issue an Authorization to Eglin AFB to incidentally take, by Level B and Level A harassment, two species of marine mammals, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), during the specified activity. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 NMFS must receive comments and information no later than January 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: Address comments on the application to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email comments is ITP.Cody@ noaa.gov. Please include 0648–XE343 in the subject line. Comments sent via email to ITP.Cody@noaa.gov, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25megabyte file size. NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one provided in this notice. Instructions: All submitted comments are a part of the public record, and generally we will post them to https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental/military.htm without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. To obtain an electronic copy of the 2015 renewal request, the 2014 application, a list of the references used in this document, and Eglin AFB’s Environmental Assessment (EA) titled, ‘‘Maritime Weapons System Evaluation Program,’’ write to the previously mentioned address, telephone the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visit the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ pr/permits/incidental/military.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannine Cody, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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 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 for incidental takings for marine mammals shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79843 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 taking 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.’’ The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA; Public Law 108– 136) removed the ‘‘small numbers’’ and ‘‘specified geographical region’’ limitations indicated earlier and amended the definition of harassment as it applies to a ‘‘military readiness activity’’ to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): (i) Any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]. Summary of Request On February 5, 2015, we issued an Authorization to Eglin AFB to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program (Maritime WSEP) within the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) in the Gulf of Mexico from February through April 2015 (see 80 FR 17394, April 1, 2015). Eglin AFB conducted the Maritime WSEP training activities between February 9–12, and March 16–19, 2015. However, due to unavailability of some of the live munitions, Eglin AFB released only 1.05 percent of the munitions proposed for the 2015 military readiness activities. On May 28, 2015, we received a renewal request for an Authorization from Eglin AFB to complete the missions authorized in 2015. Following the initial application submission, Eglin AFB submitted a revised version of the renewal request on December 3, 2015. We considered the revised renewal request as adequate and complete on December 10, 2015. Eglin AFB proposes to conduct Maritime WESP missions within the EGTTR airspace over the Gulf of E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79844 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mexico, specifically within Warning Area 151 (W–151). The proposed Maritime WSEP training activities would occur February through April (spring) in the daytime; however, the activities could occur between February 2016 and February 2017. Eglin AFB proposes to use multiple types of live munitions (e.g., gunnery rounds, rockets, missiles, and bombs) against small boat targets in the EGTTR. These activities qualify as a military readiness activities under the MMPA and NDAA. The following aspects of the proposed Maritime WSEP training activities have the potential to take marine mammals: Exposure to impulsive noise and pressure waves generated by live ordnance detonation at or near the surface of the water. Take, by Level B harassment of individuals of common bottlenose dolphin or Atlantic spotted dolphin could potentially result from the specified activity. Additionally, although NMFS does not expect it to occur, Eglin AFB has also requested authorization for Level A Harassment of up to 38 individuals of either common bottlenose dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins. Therefore, Eglin AFB has requested authorization to take individuals of two cetacean species by Level A and Level B harassment. Eglin AFB’s Maritime WSEP training activities may potentially impact marine mammals at or near the water surface in the absence of mitigation. Marine mammals could potentially be harassed, injured, or killed by exploding and nonexploding projectiles, and falling debris. However, based on analyses provided in Eglin AFB’s 2015 Authorization renewal request; 2014 application; 2015 Environmental Assessment (EA); the 2015 monitoring report for the authorized activities conducted in February and March 2015; and for reasons discussed later in this document, we do not anticipate that Eglin AFB’s Maritime WSEP activities would result in any serious injury or mortality to marine mammals. For Eglin AFB, this would be the second such Authorization, if issued, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 following the Authorization issued effective from February through April 2015 (80 FR 17394, April 1, 2015). The monitoring report associated with the 2015 Authorization is available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental/military.htm and provides additional environmental information related to proposed issuance of this Authorization for public review and comment. Description of the Specified Activity Overview Eglin AFB proposes to conduct live ordnance testing and training in the Gulf of Mexico as part of the Maritime WSEP operational testing missions. The Maritime WSEP test objectives are to evaluate maritime deployment data, evaluate tactics, techniques and procedures, and to determine the impact of techniques and procedures on combat Air Force training. The need to conduct this type of testing has developed in response to increasing threats at sea posed by operations conducted from small boats which can carry a variety of weapons; can form in large or small numbers; and may be difficult to locate, track, and engage in the marine environment. Because of limited Air Force aircraft and munitions testing on engaging and defeating small boat threats, Eglin AFB proposes to employ live munitions against boat targets in the EGTTR in order to continue development of techniques and procedures to train Air Force strike aircraft to counter small maneuvering surface vessels. Thus, the Department of Defense considers the Maritime WSEP training activities as a high priority for national security. Dates and Duration Eglin AFB proposes to schedule the Maritime WSEP training missions over an approximate three-week period that would begin in early February 2016. The proposed missions would occur in the spring, on weekdays, during daytime hours only, with one or two missions occurring per day. Some minor deviation from Eglin AFB’s requested PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 dates is possible and the proposed Authorization, if issued, would be effective from February 4, 2016 through February 3, 2017. Specified Geographic Region The specific planned mission location is approximately 17 miles (mi) (27.3 kilometers [km]) offshore from Santa Rosa Island, Florida, in nearshore waters of the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. All activities would take place within the EGTTR, defined as the airspace over the Gulf of Mexico controlled by Eglin AFB, beginning at a point three nautical miles (nmi) (3.5 miles [mi]; 5.5 kilometers [km]) from shore. The EGTTR consists of subdivided blocks including Warning Area 151 (W–151) where the proposed activities would occur, specifically in sub-area W–151A shown (Figure 1). W–151: The inshore and offshore boundaries of W–151 are roughly parallel to the shoreline contour. The shoreward boundary is three nmi (3.5 mi; 5.5 km) from shore, while the seaward boundary extends approximately 85 to 100 nmi (97.8 mi; 157.4 km to 115 mi; 185.2 km) offshore, depending on the specific location. W– 151 covers a surface area of approximately 10,247 square nmi [nmi2] (13,570 square mi [mi2]; 35,145 square km [km2]), and includes water depths ranging from about 20 to 700 meters (m) (65.6 to 2296.6 feet [ft]). This range of depth includes continental shelf and slope waters. Approximately half of W– 151 lies over the shelf. W–151A: W–151A extends approximately 60 nmi (69.0 mi; 111.1 km) offshore and has a surface area of 2,565 nmi2 (3,396.8 mi2; 8,797 km2). Water depths range from about 30 to 350 m (98.4 to 1148.2 ft) and include continental shelf and slope zones. However, most of W–151A occurs over the continental shelf, in water depths less than 250 m (820.2 ft). Maritime WSEP training missions will occur in the shallower, northern inshore portion of the sub-area, in a water depth of about 35 meters (114.8 ft). E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices Detailed Description of Activities readiness activities, include the release of multiple types of inert and live munitions from fighter and bomber aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and The Maritime WSEP training missions, classified as military 79845 gunships against small, static, towed, and remotely-controlled boat targets. Munition types include bombs, missiles, rockets, and gunnery rounds (Table 1). TABLE 1—LIVE MUNITIONS AND AIRCRAFT Munitions Aircraft (not associated with specific munitions) GBU–10 laser-guided Mk-84 bomb .......................................................... GBU–24 laser-guided Mk-84 bomb .......................................................... GBU–12 laser-guided Mk-82 bomb .......................................................... GBU–54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM), laser-guided Mk82 bomb. CBU–105 (WCMD) (inert) ........................................................................ AGM–65 Maverick air-to-surface missile ................................................. GBU–38 Small Diameter Bomb II (Laser SDB) ....................................... AGM–114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile ................................................... AGM–176 Griffin air-to-surface missile. 2.75 Rockets. PGU–13/B high explosive incendiary 30 mm rounds. 7.62 mm/.50 Cal (inert). F–16C fighter aircraft. F–16C+ fighter aircraft. F–15E fighter aircraft. A–10 fighter aircraft. B–1B bomber aircraft. B–52H bomber aircraft. MQ–1/9 unmanned aerial vehicle. AC–130 gunship. The proposed Maritime WSEP training activities involve detonations above the water, near the water surface, and under water within the EGTTR. However, because the tests will focus on VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 weapons/target interaction, Eglin AFB will not specify a particular aircraft for a given test as long as it meets the delivery parameters. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Eglin AFB would deploy the munitions against static, towed, and remotely-controlled boat targets within the W–151A. Eglin AFB would operate the remote-controlled boats from an E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 EN23DE15.001</GPH> tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Key: AGM = air-to-ground missile; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; LJDAM = Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition; Laser SDB = Laser Small Diameter Bomb; mm = millimeters; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser. 79846 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices instrumentation barge (i.e., the Gulf Range Armament Test Vessel; GRATV) anchored on site within the test area. The GRATV would provide a platform for video cameras and weapons-tracking equipment. Eglin AFB would position the target boats approximately 182.8 m (600 ft) from the GRATV, depending on the munition type. Table 2 lists the number, height, or depth of detonation, explosive material, and net explosive weight (NEW) in pounds (lbs) of each munition proposed for use during the Maritime WSEP activities. TABLE 2—MARITIME WSEP MUNITIONS PROPOSED FOR USE IN THE W–151A TEST AREA Total number of live munitions Type of munition Detonation type Net explosive weight per munition Warhead—explosive material GBU–10 or GBU–24 .... GBU–12 or GBU–54 (LJDAM). AGM–65 (Maverick) ..... 2 6 Surface ......................... Surface ......................... MK–84—Tritonal ................................................. MK–82—Tritonal ................................................. 945 lbs. 192 lbs. 6 Surface ......................... 86 lbs. CBU–105 (WCMD) ....... 4 Airburst ......................... GBU–38 (Laser Small Diameter Bomb). AGM–114 (Hellfire) ...... 4 Surface ......................... WDU–24/B penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead. 10 BLU–108 sub-munitions each containing 4 projectiles parachute, rocket motor and altimeter. AFX–757 (Insensitive munition) .......................... 15 AGM–176 (Griffin) ........ 2.75 Rockets ................ PGU–12 HEI 30 mm .... 10 100 1,000 Subsurface (10 msec delay). Surface ......................... Surface ......................... Surface ......................... 7.62 mm/.50 cal ........... 5,000 Surface ......................... High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) tandem antiarmor metal augmented charge. Blast fragmentation ............................................. Comp B–4 HEI .................................................... 30 x 173 mm caliber with aluminized RDX explosive. Designed for GAU–8/A Gun System. N/A ...................................................................... Inert. 37 lbs. 20 lbs. 13 lbs. Up to 12 lbs. 0.1 lbs. Inert. Key: AGL = above ground level; AGM = air-to-ground missile; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; JDAM = Joint Direct Attack Munition; LJDAM = Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition; mm = millimeters; msec = millisecond; lbs = pounds; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary. At least two ordnance delivery aircraft will participate in each live weapons release training mission which lasts approximately four hours. Before delivering the ordnance, mission aircraft would make a dry run over the target area to ensure that it is clear of commercial and recreational boats. Jets will fly at a minimum air speed of 300 knots (approximately 345 miles per hour, depending on atmospheric conditions) and at a minimum altitude of 305 m (1,000 ft). Due to the limited flyover duration and potentially high speed and altitude, the pilots would not participate in visual surveys for protected species. Eglin AFB’s 2015 renewal request, 2014 application for the same activities, and 2015 EA, which is available upon request (see ADDRESSES), contain additional detailed information on the Maritime WSEP training activities. Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity in the proposed activity area during the project timeframe and summarizes key information regarding stock status and abundance. Please see NMFS’ draft 2015 and 2014 Stock Assessment Reports (SAR), available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ pr/sars and Garrison et al., 2008; Navy, 2007; Davis et al., 2000 for more detailed accounts of these stocks’ status and abundance. Table 3 lists marine mammal species with potential or confirmed occurrence TABLE 3—MARINE MAMMALS THAT COULD OCCUR IN THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY AREA Species Stock name Regulatory status 1 2 Estimated abundance Common bottlenose Dolphin ................ Choctawatchee Bay ............................ MMPA–S .............. ESA–NL MMPA–S .............. ESA–NL MMPA–S .............. ESA–NL MMPA–S .............. ESA–NL MMPA–NC ............ ESA–NL MMPA–NC ............ ESA–NL MMPA–NC ............ ESA–NL 179 ........................ CV = 0.04 3 33 .......................... CV = 0.80 4 124 ........................ CV = 0.57 4 7,185 ..................... CV = 0.21 3 51,192 ................... CV = 0.10 3 5,806 ..................... CV = 0.39 4 37,611 4 ................ CV = 0.28 Pensacola/East Bay ............................ St. Andrew Bay ................................... tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Gulf of Mexico Northern Coastal ......... Northern Gulf of Mexico Continental Shelf. Northern Gulf of Mexico Oceanic ........ Atlantic spotted dolphin ........................ Northern Gulf of Mexico ...................... 1 MMPA: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, NC = Not Classified. EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, NL = Not listed. 3 NMFS Draft 2015 SAR (Waring et al., 2015). 4 NMFS 2014 SAR (Waring et al., 2014). 2 ESA: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Relative occurrence in W–151 Uncommon. Uncommon. Uncommon. Common. Uncommon. Uncommon. Common. Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices An additional 19 cetacean species could occur within the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, mainly occurring at or beyond the shelf break (i.e., water depth of approximately 200 m (656.2 ft)) located beyond the W–151A test area. NMFS and Eglin AFB consider these 19 species to be rare or extralimital within the W–151A test location area. These species are the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima), pygmy sperm whale (K. breviceps), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella atenuarta), Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris), Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), Gervais’ beaked whale (M. europaeus), Clymene dolphin (S. clymene), spinner dolphin (S. longirostris), striped dolphin (S. coeruleoalba), killer whale (Orcinus orca), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), roughtoothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Of these species, only the sperm whale is listed as endangered under the ESA and as depleted throughout its range under the MMPA. Sperm whale occurrence within W–151A is unlikely because almost all reported sightings have occurred in water depths greater than 200 m (656.2 ft). Because these species are unlikely to occur within the W–151A area, Eglin AFB has not requested and NMFS has not proposed the issuance of take authorizations for them. Thus, NMFS does not consider these species further in this notice. We have reviewed Eglin AFB’s species descriptions, including life history information, distribution, regional distribution, diving behavior, and acoustics and hearing, for accuracy and completeness. We refer the reader to Sections 3 and 4 of Eglin AFB’s 2014 Authorization application and to Chapter 3 in Eglin AFB’s EA rather than reprinting the information here. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) rarely occurs in the area (USAF, 2014). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has jurisdiction over the manatee; therefore, we would not include a proposed Authorization to harass manatees and do not discuss this species further in this notice. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals and Their Habitat This section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that components (e.g., exposure to impulsive noise and pressure waves generated by live ordnance detonation at or near the surface of the water) of the specified activity, including mitigation may impact marine mammals and their habitat. The ‘‘Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment’’ section later in this document will include a quantitative analysis of the number of individuals that we expect Eglin AFB to take during this activity. The ‘‘Negligible Impact Analysis’’ section will include the analysis of how this specific activity would impact marine mammals. We will consider the content of the following sections: ‘‘Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment’’ and ‘‘Proposed Mitigation’’ to draw conclusions regarding the likely impacts of these activities on the reproductive success or survivorship of individuals— and from that consideration—the likely impacts of this activity on the affected marine mammal populations or stocks. In the following discussion, we provide general background information on sound and marine mammal hearing before considering potential effects to marine mammals from sound produced by underwater detonations. Brief Background on Sound and WSEP Sound Types Sound travels in waves, the basic components of which are frequency, wavelength, velocity, and amplitude. Frequency is the number of pressure waves that pass by a reference point per unit of time and is measured in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. Wavelength is the distance between two peaks of a sound wave; lower frequency sounds have longer wavelengths than higher frequency sounds and attenuate (decrease) more rapidly in shallower water. Amplitude is the height of the sound pressure wave or the ‘‘loudness’’ of a sound and is typically measured using the decibel (dB) scale. A dB is the ratio between a measured pressure (with sound) and a reference pressure (sound at a constant pressure, established by scientific standards). It is a logarithmic unit that accounts for large variations in amplitude; therefore, relatively small changes in dB ratings correspond to large changes in sound pressure. When referring to sound pressure levels (SPLs; the sound force per unit area), sound is referenced in the context of underwater sound pressure to 1 microPascal (mPa). One pascal is the pressure resulting PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79847 from a force of one newton exerted over an area of one square meter. The source level (SL) represents the sound level at a distance of 1 m from the source (referenced to 1 mPa). The received level is the sound level at the listener’s position. Note that we reference all underwater sound levels in this document to a pressure of 1 mPa. Root mean square (rms) is the quadratic mean sound pressure over the duration of an impulse. Acousticians calculate rms by squaring all of the sound amplitudes, averaging the squares, and then taking the square root of the average (Urick, 1983). Rms accounts for both positive and negative values; squaring the pressures makes all values positive so that one can account for the values in the summation of pressure levels (Hastings and Popper, 2005). Researchers often use this measurement in the context of discussing behavioral effects, in part because behavioral effects, which often result from auditory cues, may be better expressed through averaged units than by peak pressures. The sounds produced by the proposed WSEP activities fall into one of two general sound types: Impulsive (defined in the following) and non-pulsed. The distinction between these two sound types is important because they have differing potential to cause physical effects, particularly with regard to hearing (e.g., Ward, 1997 in Southall et al., 2007). Please see Southall et al., (2007) for an in-depth discussion of these concepts. Impulsive sound sources (e.g., explosions, gunshots, sonic booms, impact pile driving) produce signals that are brief (typically considered to be less than one second), broadband, atonal transients (ANSI, 1986; Harris, 1998; NIOSH, 1998; ISO, 2003; ANSI, 2005) and occur either as isolated events or repeated in some succession. These sounds have a relatively rapid rise from ambient pressure to a maximal pressure value followed by a rapid decay period that may include a period of diminishing, oscillating maximal and minimal pressures, and generally have an increased capacity to induce physical injury as compared with sounds that lack these features. Marine Mammal Hearing When considering the influence of various kinds of sound on the marine environment, it is necessary to understand that different kinds of marine life are sensitive to different frequencies of sound. Current data indicate that not all marine mammal species have equal hearing capabilities (Richardson et al., 1995; Southall et al., E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79848 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices 1997; Wartzok and Ketten, 1999; Au and Hastings, 2008). Southall et al. (2007) designated ‘‘functional hearing groups’’ for marine mammals based on available behavioral data; audiograms derived from auditory evoked potentials; anatomical modeling; and other data. Southall et al. (2007) also estimated the lower and upper frequencies of functional hearing for each group. However, animals are less sensitive to sounds at the outer edges of their functional hearing range and are more sensitive to a range of frequencies within the middle of their functional hearing range. The functional groups and the associated frequencies are: • Low frequency cetaceans (13 species of mysticetes): Functional hearing estimates occur between approximately 7 Hertz (Hz) and 25 kilohertz (kHz) (extended from 22 kHz based on data indicating that some mysticetes can hear above 22 kHz; Au et al., 2006; Lucifredi and Stein, 2007; Ketten and Mountain, 2009; Tubelli et al., 2012); • Mid-frequency cetaceans (32 species of dolphins, six species of larger toothed whales, and 19 species of beaked and bottlenose whales): Functional hearing estimates occur between approximately 150 Hz and 160 kHz; • High-frequency cetaceans (porpoises, river dolphins, and members of the genera Kogia and Cephalorhynchus; now considered to include two members of the genus Lagenorhynchus on the basis of recent echolocation data and genetic data [May-Collado and Agnarsson, 2006; Kyhn et al. 2009, 2010; Tougaard et al. 2010]): Functional hearing is estimated to occur between approximately 200 Hz and 180 kHz; and • Pinnipeds in water: Functional hearing is estimated to occur between approximately 75 Hz to 100 kHz for Phocidae (true seals) and between 100 Hz and 40 kHz for Otariidae (eared seals), with the greatest sensitivity between approximately 700 Hz and 20 kHz. The pinniped functional hearing group was modified from Southall et al. (2007) on the basis of data indicating that phocid species have consistently demonstrated an extended frequency range of hearing compared to otariids, especially in the higher frequency range (Hemila et al., 2006; Kastelein et al., 2009; Reichmuth et al., 2013). There are two marine mammal species (two cetaceans, the common bottlenose dolphin and the Atlantic spotted dolphin) with expected potential to co-occur with Eglin AFB WSEP military readiness activities. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 Please refer to Table 3 for information on these mid-frequency hearing specialists. Common Bottlenose Dolphin Vocalization and Hearing: Bottlenose dolphins can typically hear within a broad frequency range of 0.04 to 160 kHz (Au, 1993; Turl, 1993). Electrophysiological experiments suggest that the bottlenose dolphin brain has a dual analysis system: One specialized for ultrasonic clicks and another for lower-frequency sounds, such as whistles (Ridgway, 2000). Scientists have reported a range of highest sensitivity between 25 and 70 kHz, with peaks in sensitivity at 25 and 50 kHz (Nachtigall et al., 2000). Research on the same individuals indicates that auditory thresholds obtained by electrophysiological methods correlate well with those obtained in behavior studies, except at lower (10 kHz) and higher (80 and 100 kHz) frequencies (Finneran and Houser, 2006). Sounds emitted by common bottlenose dolphins fall into two broad categories: Pulsed sounds (including clicks and burst-pulses) and narrowband continuous sounds (whistles), which usually are frequency modulated. Clicks have a dominant frequency range of 110 to 130 kHz and a source level of 218 to 228 dB re: 1 mPa (peak-to-peak) (Au, 1993) and 3.4 to 14.5 kHz at 125 to 173 dB re 1 mPa (peak-to-peak) (Ketten, 1998). Whistles are primarily associated with communication and can serve to identify specific individuals (i.e., signature whistles) (Caldwell and Caldwell, 1965; Janik et al., 2006). Cook et al. (2004) classified up to 52 percent of whistles produced by bottlenose dolphin groups with mother-calf pairs as signature whistles. Sound production is also influenced by group type (single or multiple individuals), habitat, and behavior (Nowacek, 2005). Bray calls (low-frequency vocalizations; majority of energy below 4 kHz), for example, are used when capturing fish, specifically sea trout (Salmo trutta) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), in some regions (i.e., Moray Firth, Scotland) (Janik, 2000). Additionally, whistle production has been observed to increase while ´ feeding (Acevedo-Gutierrez and Stienessen, 2004; Cook et al., 2004). Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Vocalization and Hearing: Researchers have recorded a variety of sounds including whistles, echolocation clicks, squawks, barks, growls, and chirps for the Atlantic spotted dolphin. Whistles have dominant frequencies below 20 kHz (range: 7.1 to 14.5 kHz) but multiple harmonics extend above 100 kHz, while burst pulses consist of frequencies PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 above 20 kHz (dominant frequency of approximately 40 kHz) (Lammers et al., 2003). Other sounds, such as squawks, barks, growls, and chirps, typically range in frequency from 0.1 to 8 kHz (Thomson and Richardson, 1995). Recorded echolocation clicks had two dominant frequency ranges at 40 to 50 kHz and 110 to 130 kHz, depending on source level (i.e., lower source levels typically correspond to lower frequencies and higher frequencies to higher source levels (Au and Herzing, 2003). Echolocation click source levels as high as 210 dB re 1 mPa-m peak-topeak have been recorded (Au and Herzing, 2003). Spotted dolphins in the Bahamas were frequently recorded during agonistic/aggressive interactions with bottlenose dolphins (and their own species) to produce squawks (0.2 to 12 kHz broad band burst pulses; males and females), screams (5.8 to 9.4 kHz whistles; males only), barks (0.2 to 20 kHz burst pulses; males only), and synchronized squawks (0.1–15 kHz burst pulses; males only in a coordinated group) (Herzing, 1996). The hearing ability for the Atlantic spotted dolphin is unknown. However, odontocetes are generally adapted to hear high-frequencies (Ketten, 1997). The Maritime WSEP training exercises proposed for the incidental take of marine mammals have the potential to take marine mammals by exposing them to impulsive noise and pressure waves generated by live ordnance detonation at or near the surface of the water. Exposure to energy, pressure, or direct strike by ordnance has the potential to result in non-lethal injury (Level A harassment), disturbance (Level B harassment), serious injury, and/or mortality. In addition, NMFS also considered the potential for harassment from vessel and aircraft operations. Acoustic Effects, Underwater Detonations Underwater explosive detonations send a shock wave and sound energy through the water and can release gaseous by-products, create an oscillating bubble, or cause a plume of water to shoot up from the water surface. The shock wave and accompanying noise are of most concern to marine animals. Depending on the intensity of the shock wave and size, location, and depth of the animal, an animal can be injured, killed, suffer non-lethal physical effects, experience hearing related effects with or without behavioral responses, or exhibit temporary behavioral responses or tolerance from hearing the blast sound. Generally, exposures to higher levels of E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices impulse and pressure levels would result in greater impacts to an individual animal. The effects of underwater detonations on marine mammals are dependent on several factors, including the size, type, and depth of the animal; the depth, intensity, and duration of the sound; the depth of the water column; the substrate of the habitat; the standoff distance between activities and the animal; and the sound propagation properties of the environment. Thus, we expect impacts to marine mammals from WSEP activities to result primarily from acoustic pathways. As such, the degree of the effect relates to the received level and duration of the sound exposure, as influenced by the distance between the animal and the source. The further away from the source, the less intense the exposure should be. The potential effects of underwater detonations from the proposed WSEP training activities may include one or more of the following: Temporary or permanent hearing impairment, nonauditory physical or physiological effects, behavioral disturbance, and masking (Richardson et al., 1995; Gordon et al., 2004; Nowacek et al., 2007; Southall et al., 2007). However, the effects of noise on marine mammals are highly variable, often depending on species and contextual factors (based on Richardson et al., 1995). In the absence of mitigation, impacts to marine species could result from physiological and behavioral responses to both the type and strength of the acoustic signature (Viada et al., 2008). The type and severity of behavioral impacts are more difficult to define due to limited studies addressing the behavioral effects of impulsive sounds on marine mammals. Potential effects from impulsive sound sources can range in severity from effects such as behavioral disturbance or tactile perception to physical discomfort, slight injury of the internal organs and the auditory system, or mortality (Yelverton et al., 1973). Hearing Impairment and Other Physical Effects—Marine mammals exposed to high intensity sound repeatedly or for prolonged periods can experience hearing threshold shift (TS), which is the loss of hearing sensitivity at certain frequency ranges (Kastak et al., 1999; Schlundt et al., 2000; Finneran et al., 2002, 2005). TS can be permanent (PTS), in which case the loss of hearing sensitivity is not recoverable, or temporary (TTS), in which case the animal’s hearing threshold would recover over time (Southall et al., 2007). Marine mammals depend on acoustic cues for vital biological functions, (e.g., VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 orientation, communication, finding prey, avoiding predators); thus, TTS may result in reduced fitness in survival and reproduction. However, this depends on the frequency and duration of TTS, as well as the biological context in which it occurs. TTS of limited duration, occurring in a frequency range that does not coincide with that used for recognition of important acoustic cues, would have little to no effect on an animal’s fitness. Repeated sound exposure that leads to TTS could cause PTS. PTS constitutes injury, but TTS does not (Southall et al., 2007). The following subsections provide a summary on the possibilities of TTS, PTS, and non-auditory physical effects. Temporary Threshold Shift—TTS is the mildest form of hearing impairment that can occur during exposure to a strong sound (Kryter, 1985). While experiencing TTS, the hearing threshold rises, and a sound must be stronger in order to be heard. In terrestrial mammals, TTS can last from minutes or hours to days (in cases of strong TTS). For sound exposures at or somewhat above the TTS threshold, hearing sensitivity in both terrestrial and marine mammals recovers rapidly after exposure to the sound ends. Few data on sound levels and durations necessary to elicit mild TTS have been obtained for marine mammals, and none of the published data concern TTS elicited by exposure to multiple pulses of sound. Southall et al. (2007) summarizes available data on TTS in marine mammals. Given the available data, the received level of a single pulse (with no frequency weighting) might need to be approximately 186 dB re 1 mPa2-s (i.e., 186 dB sound exposure level [SEL] or approximately 221–226 dB p-p [peak]) in order to produce brief, mild TTS. Exposure to several strong pulses that each have received levels near 190 dB rms (175–180 dB SEL) might result in cumulative exposure of approximately 186 dB SEL and thus slight TTS in a small odontocete, assuming the TTS threshold is (to a first approximation) a function of the total received pulse energy. The above TTS information for odontocetes is derived from studies on the bottlenose dolphin and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). There is no published TTS information for other species of cetaceans. However, preliminary evidence from a harbor porpoise exposed to pulsed sound suggests that its TTS threshold may have been lower (Lucke et al., 2009). As summarized earlier, data that are now available imply that TTS is unlikely to occur unless odontocetes are exposed to PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79849 pulses stronger than 180 dB re 1 mPa rms. Permanent Threshold Shift—When PTS occurs, there is physical damage to the sound receptors in the ear. In severe cases, there can be total or partial deafness, while in other cases the animal has an impaired ability to hear sounds in specific frequency ranges (Kryter, 1985). There is no specific evidence that exposure to pulses of sound can cause PTS in any marine mammal. However, given the possibility that mammals close to a sound source might incur TTS, there has been further speculation about the possibility that some individuals might incur PTS. Single or occasional occurrences of mild TTS are not indicative of permanent auditory damage, but repeated or (in some cases) single exposures to a level well above that causing TTS onset might elicit PTS. Relationships between TTS and PTS thresholds have not been studied in marine mammals, but they are assumed to be similar to those in humans and other terrestrial mammals. PTS might occur at a received sound level at least several decibels above that inducing mild TTS if the animal were exposed to strong sound pulses with rapid rise time. There is no empirical data for onset of PTS in any marine mammal for ethical reasons and researchers must extrapolate PTS-onset based on hearing loss growth rates (i.e., rate of how quickly threshold shifts grow in relation to increases in decibel level; expressed in dB of TTS/dB of noise) from limited marine mammal TTS studies and more numerous terrestrial mammal TTS/PTS experiments. Typically, the magnitude of a threshold shift increases with increasing duration or level of exposure, until it becomes asymptotic (growth rate begins to level or the upper limit of TTS; Mills et al., 1979; Clark et al., 1987; Laroche et al., 1989; Yost, 2007). Based on data from terrestrial mammals, a precautionary assumption is that the PTS threshold for impulse sounds is at least 6 dB higher than the TTS threshold on a peak-pressure basis and probably greater than 6 dB (Southall et al., 2007). On an SEL basis, Southall et al. (2007) estimated that received levels would need to exceed the TTS threshold by at least 15 dB for there to be risk of PTS. Thus, for cetaceans, Southall et al. (2007) estimate that the PTS threshold might be an M-weighted SEL (for the sequence of received pulses) of approximately 198 dB re 1 mPa2-s (approximately 15 dB higher than the TTS threshold for an impulse sound). Non-auditory Physiological Effects— Non-auditory physiological effects or injuries that theoretically might occur in E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79850 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices marine mammals exposed to strong underwater sound include stress and other types of organ or tissue damage (Cox et al., 2006; Southall et al., 2007). Adverse Stress Responses: An acoustic source is considered a potential stressor if, by its action on the animal, via auditory or non-auditory means, it may produce a stress response in the animal. Here, the stress response will refer to an increase in energetic expenditure that results from exposure to the stressor and which is predominantly characterized by either the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Reeder and Kramer, 2005). The SNS response to a stressor is immediate and acute and occurs by the release of the catecholamine neurohormones norepinephrine and epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline). These hormones produce elevations in the heart and respiration rate, increase awareness, and increase the availability of glucose and lipids for energy. The HPA response results in increases in the secretion of the glucocorticoid steroid hormones, predominantly cortisol in mammals. The presence and magnitude of a stress response in an animal depends on a number of factors. These include the animal’s life history stage (e.g., neonate, juvenile, adult), the environmental conditions, reproductive or developmental state, and experience with the stressor. Not only will these factors be subject to individual variation, but they will also vary within an individual over time. The stress response may or may not result in a behavioral change, depending on the characteristics of the exposed animal. However, provided that a stress response occurs, we assume that some contribution is made to the animal’s allostatic load. One can assume that any immediate effect of exposure that produces an injury also produce a stress response and contribute to the allostatic load. Allostasis is the ability of an animal to maintain stability through change by adjusting its physiology in response to both predictable and unpredictable events (McEwen and Wingfield, 2003). If the animal does not perceive the sound, the acoustic source would not produce tissue effects and does not produce a stress response by any other means. Thus, we expect that the exposure does not contribute to the allostatic load. Serious Injury/Mortality: Elgin AFB proposes to use several types of explosive sources during its training exercises. Proposed detonations could be either in air, at the water surface, or underwater, depending on the mission VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 and type of munition. Airburst detonations have little transfer of energy underwater, but surface and underwater detonations are of most concern regarding potential effects to marine mammals. The underwater explosions from these weapons would send a shock wave and blast noise through the water, release gaseous by-products, create an oscillating bubble, and cause a plume of water to shoot up from the water surface. The shock wave and blast noise are of most concern to marine animals. In general, potential impacts from explosive detonations can range from brief effects (such as short term behavioral disturbance), tactile perception, physical discomfort, slight injury of the internal organs, and death of the animal (Yelverton et al., 1973; O’Keeffe and Young, 1984; DoN, 2001). The effects of an underwater explosion on a marine mammal depend on many factors, including the size, type, and depth of both the animal and the explosive charge; the depth of the water column; and the standoff distance between the charge and the animal, as well as the sound propagation properties of the environment. Physical damage of tissues resulting from a shock wave (from an explosive detonation) constitutes an injury. Blast effects are greatest at the gas-liquid interface (Landsberg, 2000) and gas containing organs, particularly the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, are especially susceptible to damage (Goertner, 1982; Hill, 1978; Yelverton et al., 1973). Nasal sacs, larynx, pharynx, trachea, and lungs may be damaged by compression/ expansion caused by the oscillations of the blast gas bubble (Reidenberg and Laitman, 2003). Severe damage (from the shock wave) to the ears can include tympanic membrane rupture, fracture of the ossicles, cochlear damage, hemorrhage, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage into the middle ear. Non-lethal injury includes slight injury to internal organs and the auditory system; however, delayed lethality can be a result of individual or cumulative sublethal injuries (DoN, 2001). Immediate lethal injury would be a result of massive combined trauma to internal organs as a direct result of proximity to the point of detonation (DoN, 2001). Disturbance Reactions Disturbance includes a variety of effects, including subtle changes in behavior, more conspicuous changes in activities, and displacement. Behavioral responses to sound are highly variable and context-specific and reactions, if any, depend on species, state of maturity, experience, current activity, PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reproductive state, auditory sensitivity, time of day, and many other factors (Richardson et al., 1995; Wartzok et al., 2003; Southall et al., 2007). Tolerance: Studies on marine mammals’ tolerance to sound in the natural environment are relatively rare. Richardson et al. (1995) defined tolerance as the occurrence of marine mammals in areas where they are exposed to human activities or manmade noise. In many cases, tolerance develops by the animal habituating to the stimulus (i.e., the gradual waning of responses to a repeated or ongoing stimulus) (Richardson, et al., 1995; Wartzok et al., 2003), but because of ecological or physiological requirements, many marine animals may need to remain in areas where they are exposed to chronic stimuli (Richardson, et al., 1995). Animals are most likely to habituate to sounds that are predictable and unvarying. The opposite process is sensitization, when an unpleasant experience leads to subsequent responses, often in the form of avoidance, at a lower level of exposure. Behavioral state may affect the type of response as well. For example, animals that are resting may show greater behavioral change in response to disturbing sound levels than animals that are highly motivated to remain in an area for feeding (Richardson et al., 1995; NRC, 2003; Wartzok et al., 2003). Numerous studies have shown that underwater sounds are often readily detectable by marine mammals in the water at distances of many kilometers. However, other studies have shown that marine mammals at distances more than a few kilometers away often show no apparent response to activities of various types (Miller et al., 2005). This is often true even in cases when the sounds must be readily audible to the animals based on measured received levels and the hearing sensitivity of that mammal group. Although various baleen whales, toothed whales, and (less frequently) pinnipeds have been shown to react behaviorally to underwater sound from impulsive sources such as airguns, at other times, mammals of all three types have shown no overt reactions (e.g., Malme et al., 1986; Richardson et al., 1995; Madsen and Mohl, 2000; Croll et al., 2001; Jacobs and Terhune, 2002; Madsen et al., 2002; MacLean and Koski, 2005; Miller et al., 2005; Bain and Williams, 2006). Controlled experiments with captive marine mammals showed pronounced behavioral reactions, including avoidance of loud sound sources (Ridgway et al., 1997; Finneran et al., E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices 2003). Observed responses of wild marine mammals to loud pulsed sound sources (typically seismic guns or acoustic harassment devices) have been varied but often consist of avoidance behavior or other behavioral changes suggesting discomfort (Morton and Symonds, 2002; Thorson and Reyff, 2006; see also Gordon et al., 2004; Wartzok et al., 2003; Nowacek et al., 2007). Because the few available studies show wide variation in response to underwater sound, it is difficult to quantify exactly how sound from the Maritime WSEP operational testing would affect marine mammals. It is likely that the onset of underwater detonations could result in temporary, short term changes in an animal’s typical behavior and/or avoidance of the affected area. These behavioral changes may include (Richardson et al., 1995): Changing durations of surfacing and dives, number of blows per surfacing, or moving direction and/or speed; reduced/increased vocal activities; changing/cessation of certain behavioral activities (such as socializing or feeding); visible startle response or aggressive behavior (such as tail/fluke slapping or jaw clapping); or avoidance of areas where sound sources are located. The biological significance of any of these behavioral disturbances is difficult to predict, especially if the detected disturbances appear minor. However generally, one could expect the consequences of behavioral modification to be biologically significant if the change affects growth, survival, or reproduction. Significant behavioral modifications that could potentially lead to effects on growth, survival, or reproduction include: • Drastic changes in diving/surfacing patterns (such as those thought to cause beaked whale stranding due to exposure to military mid-frequency tactical sonar); • Habitat abandonment due to loss of desirable acoustic environment; and • Cessation of feeding or social interaction. The onset of behavioral disturbance from anthropogenic sound depends on both external factors (characteristics of sound sources and their paths) and the specific characteristics of the receiving animals (hearing, motivation, experience, demography) and is difficult to predict (Southall et al., 2007). Auditory Masking Natural and artificial sounds can disrupt behavior by masking, or interfering with, a marine mammal’s ability to hear other sounds. Masking VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 occurs when the receipt of a sound interferes with by another coincident sound at similar frequencies and at similar or higher levels (Clark et al., 2009). Chronic exposure to excessive, though not high-intensity, sound could cause masking at particular frequencies for marine mammals, which utilize sound for vital biological functions. Masking can interfere with detection of acoustic signals such as communication calls, echolocation sounds, and environmental sounds important to marine mammals for other purposes such as navigation. Therefore, under certain circumstances, marine mammals whose acoustical sensors or environment are being severely masked could also be impaired from maximizing their performance fitness in survival and reproduction. If the coincident (masking) sound were man-made, it could be potentially harassing if it disrupted hearing-related behavior. It is important to distinguish TTS and PTS, which persist after the sound exposure, from masking, which occurs during the sound exposure. Because masking (without resulting in TS) is not associated with abnormal physiological function, we do not consider it to be a physiological effect, but rather a potential behavioral effect. Introduced underwater sound may, through masking, more specifically reduce the effective communication distance of a marine mammal species if the frequency of the source is close to that used as a signal by the marine mammal, and if the anthropogenic sound is present for a significant fraction of the time (Richardson et al., 1995). Marine mammals are thought to be able to compensate for communication masking by adjusting their acoustic behavior through shifting call frequencies, increasing call volume, and increasing vocalization rates. For example in one study, blue whales increased call rates when exposed to noise from seismic surveys in the St. Lawrence Estuary (Di Iorio and Clark, 2010). Other studies reported that some North Atlantic right whales exposed to high shipping noise increased call frequency (Parks et al., 2007) and some humpback whales responded to lowfrequency active sonar playbacks by increasing song length (Miller et al., 2000). Additionally, beluga whales change their vocalizations in the presence of high background noise possibly to avoid masking calls (Au et al., 1985; Lesage et al., 1999; Scheifele et al., 2005). While it may occur temporarily, we do not expect auditory masking to result in detrimental impacts to an individual’s or population’s survival, PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79851 fitness, or reproductive success. Dolphin movement is not restricted within the W–151 test area, allowing for movement out of the area to avoid masking impacts and the sound resulting from the underwater detonations is short in duration. Also, masking is typically of greater concern for those marine mammals that utilize low frequency communications, such as baleen whales and, as such, is not likely to occur for marine mammals in the W– 151 test area. Vessel and Aircraft Presence The marine mammals most vulnerable to vessel strikes are slow-moving and/or spend extended periods of time at the surface in order to restore oxygen levels within their tissues after deep dives (e.g., North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and sperm whales). Smaller marine mammals such as common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins are agile and move more quickly through the water, making them less susceptible to ship strikes. NMFS and Eglin AFB are not aware of any vessel strikes of common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins within in W–151 during training operations and both parties do not anticipate that Eglin AFB vessels engaged in the specified activity would strike any marine mammals. Dolphins within the Gulf of Mexico are continually exposed to recreational, commercial, and military vessels. Behaviorally, marine mammals may or may not respond to the operation of vessels and associated noise. Responses to vessels vary widely among marine mammals in general, but also among different species of small cetaceans. Responses may include attraction to the vessel (Richardson et al., 1995); altering travel patterns to avoid vessels (Constantine, 2001; Nowacek et al., 2001; Lusseau, 2003, 2006); relocating to other areas (Allen and Read, 2000); cessation of feeding, resting, and social interaction (Baker et al., 1983; Bauer and Herman, 1986; Hall, 1982; Krieger and Wing, 1984; Lusseau, 2003; Constantine et al., 2004); abandoning feeding, resting, and nursing areas (Jurasz and Jurasz 1979; Dean et al., 1985; Glockner-Ferrari and Ferrari, 1985, 1990; Lusseau, 2005; Norris et al., 1985; Salden, 1988; Forest, 2001; Morton and Symonds, 2002; Courbis, 2004; Bejder, 2006); stress (Romano et al., 2004); and changes in acoustic behavior (Van Parijs and Corkeron, 2001). However, in some studies marine mammals display no reaction to vessels (Watkins, 1986; Nowacek et al., 2003) and many odontocetes show E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79852 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices considerable tolerance to vessel traffic (Richardson et al., 1995). Dolphins may actually reduce the energetic cost of traveling by riding the bow or stern waves of vessels (Williams et al., 1992; Richardson et al., 1995). Aircraft produce noise at frequencies that are well within the frequency range of cetacean hearing and also produce visual signals such as the aircraft itself and its shadow (Richardson et al., 1995, Richardson and Wursig, 1997). A major difference between aircraft noise and noise caused by other anthropogenic sources is that the sound is generated in the air, transmitted through the water surface and then propagates underwater to the receiver, diminishing the received levels significantly below what is heard above the water’s surface. Sound transmission from air to water is greatest in a sound cone 26 degrees directly under the aircraft. There are fewer reports of reactions of odontocetes to aircraft than those of pinnipeds. Responses to aircraft include diving, slapping the water with pectoral fins or tail fluke, or swimming away from the track of the aircraft (Richardson et al., 1995). The nature and degree of the response, or the lack thereof, are dependent upon the nature of the flight (e.g., type of aircraft, altitude, straight vs. circular flight pattern). Wursig et al. (1998) assessed the responses of cetaceans to aerial surveys in the north central and western Gulf of Mexico using a DeHavilland Twin Otter fixed-wing airplane. The plane flew at an altitude of 229 m (751.3 ft) at 204 km/hr (126.7 mph) and maintained a minimum of 305 m (1,000 ft) straight line distance from the cetaceans. Water depth was 100 to 1,000 m (328 to 3,281 ft). Bottlenose dolphins most commonly responded by diving (48 percent), while 14 percent responded by moving away. Other species (e.g., beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and sperm whales) show considerable variation in reactions to aircraft but diving or swimming away from the aircraft are the most common reactions to low flights (less than 500 m; 1,640 ft). tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Direct Strike by Ordnance Another potential risk to marine mammals is direct strike by ordnance, in which the ordnance physically hits an animal. While strike from an item falling through the water column is possible, the potential risk of a direct hit to an animal within the target area would be so low because objects sink slowly and most projectiles fired at targets usually hit those targets. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 Anticipated Effects on Habitat Detonations of live ordnance would result in temporary changes to the water environment. Munitions could hit the targets and not explode in the water. However, because the targets are located over the water, in water explosions could occur. An underwater explosion from these weapons could send a shock wave and blast noise through the water, release gaseous by-products, create an oscillating bubble, and cause a plume of water to shoot up from the water surface. However, these effects would be temporary and not expected to last more than a few seconds. Similarly, Eglin AFB does not expect any long-term impacts with regard to hazardous constituents to occur. Eglin AFB considered the introduction of fuel, debris, ordnance, and chemical materials into the water column within its EA and determined the potential effects of each to be insignificant. We summarize Eglin AFB’s analyses in the following paragraphs (for a complete discussion of potential effects, please refer to section 3.3 in Eglin AFB’s EA). Metals typically used to construct bombs, missiles, and gunnery rounds include copper, aluminum, steel, and lead, among others. Aluminum is also present in some explosive materials. These materials would settle to the seafloor after munitions detonate. Metal ions would slowly leach into the substrate and the water column, causing elevated concentrations in a small area around the munitions fragments. Some of the metals, such as aluminum, occur naturally in the ocean at varying concentrations and would not necessarily impact the substrate or water column. Other metals, such as lead, could cause toxicity in microbial communities in the substrate. However, such effects would be localized to a very small distance around munitions fragments and would not significantly affect the overall habitat quality of sediments in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. In addition, metal fragments would corrode, degrade, and become encrusted over time. Chemical materials include explosive byproducts and also fuel, oil, and other fluids associated with remotely controlled target boats. Explosive byproducts would be introduced into the water column through detonation of live munitions. Explosive materials would include 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and RDX, among others. Various byproducts are produced during and immediately after detonation of TNT and RDX. During the very brief time that a detonation is in progress, intermediate products may include carbon ions, PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 nitrogen ions, oxygen ions, water, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen gas, nitrous oxide, cyanic acid, and carbon dioxide (Becker, 1995). However, reactions quickly occur between the intermediates, and the final products consist mainly of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gas, although small amounts of other compounds are typically produced as well. Chemicals introduced into the water column would be quickly dispersed by waves, currents, and tidal action, and eventually become uniformly distributed. A portion of the carbon compounds such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide would likely become integrated into the carbonate system (alkalinity and pH buffering capacity of seawater). Some of the nitrogen and carbon compounds, including petroleum products, would be metabolized or assimilated by phytoplankton and bacteria. Most of the gas products that do not react with the water or become assimilated by organisms would be released into the atmosphere. Due to dilution, mixing, and transformation, none of these chemicals are expected to have significant impacts on the marine environment. Explosive material that is not consumed in a detonation could sink to the substrate and bind to sediments. However, the quantity of such materials is expected to be inconsequential. Research has shown that if munitions function properly, nearly full combustion of the explosive materials will occur, and only extremely small amounts of raw material will remain. In addition, any remaining materials would be naturally degraded. TNT decomposes when exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), and is also degraded by microbial activity (Becker, 1995). Several types of microorganisms have been shown to metabolize TNT. Similarly, RDX decomposes by hydrolysis, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and biodegradation. While we anticipate that the specified activity may result in marine mammals avoiding certain areas due to temporary ensonification, this impact to habitat and prey resources would be temporary and reversible. The main impact associated with the proposed activity would be temporarily elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine mammals, previously discussed in this notice. Marine mammals are anticipated to temporarily vacate the area of live fire events. However, these events usually do not last more than 90 to 120 minutes at a time, and animals are anticipated to E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79853 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices return to the activity area during periods of non-activity. Thus, based on the preceding discussion, we do 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. Proposed 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 the availability of such species or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses (where relevant). The NDAA of 2004 amended the MMPA as it relates to military-readiness activities and the incidental take authorization process such that ‘‘least practicable adverse impact’’ shall include consideration of personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the effectiveness of the military readiness activity. NMFS and Eglin AFB have worked to identify potential practicable and effective mitigation measures, which include a careful balancing of the likely benefit of any particular measure to the marine mammals with the likely effect of that measure on personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the ‘‘military-readiness activity.’’ We refer the reader to Section 11 of Eglin AFB’s application for more detailed information on the proposed mitigation measures which include the following: Vessel-Based Monitoring: Eglin AFB would station a large number of range clearing boats (approximately 20 to 25) around the test site to prevent nonparticipating vessels from entering the human safety zone. Based on the composite footprint, range clearing boats will be located approximately 15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point (see Figure 11–1 in Eglin AFB’s application). However, the actual distance will vary based on the size of the munition being deployed. Trained protected species observers would be aboard five of these boats and will conduct protected species surveys before and after each test. The protected species survey vessels will be dedicated solely to observing for marine species during the pre-mission surveys while the remaining safety boats clear the area of non-authorized vessels. The protected species survey vessels will begin surveying the area at sunrise. The area to be surveyed will encompass the zone of influence (ZOI), which is 5 km (3.1 mi). Animals that may enter the area after Eglin AFB has completed the pre- mission surveys and prior to detonation would not reach the predicted smaller slight lung injury and/or mortality zones. Because of human safety issues, observers will be required to leave the test area at least 30 minutes in advance of live weapon deployment and move to a position on the safety zone periphery, approximately 15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point. Observers will continue to scan for marine mammals from the periphery. Determination of the Zone of Influence Eglin AFB has created a sample day reflecting the maximum number of munitions that could be released and resulting in the greatest impact in a single mission day. However, this scenario is only a representation and may not accurately reflect how Eglin AFB may conduct actual operations. However, NMFS and Eglin AFB are considering this conservative assumption to calculate the impact range for mitigation monitoring measures. Thus, Eglin AFB has modeled, combined, and compared the sum of all energies from these detonations against thresholds with energy metric criteria to generate the accumulated energy ranges for this scenario. Table 4 lists these ranges which form the basis of the mitigation monitoring. TABLE 4—DISTANCES (m) TO HARASSMENT THRESHOLDS FOR AN EXAMPLE MISSION DAY Level A harassment Munition NEW (lbs) GBU–10 or GBU–24 ........... GBU–12 or GBU–54 ........... AGM–65 (Maverick) ............ GBU–39 (LSDB) ................. AGM–114 (Hellfire) ............. AGM–175 (Griffin) ............... 2.75 Rockets ....................... PGU–13 HEI 30 mm ........... Total number per day 945 192 86 37 20 13 12 0.1 1 1 1 1 3 2 12 125 Detonation scenario PTS 187 dB SEL Surface ............................... Surface. Surface. Surface. (10 ft depth). Surface. Surface. Surface. 5,120 Level B harassment TTS 172 dB SEL 12,384 Behavioral 167 dB SEL 15,960 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGM = air-to-ground missile; cal = caliber; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; ft = feet; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary; lbs = pounds; mm = millimeters; N/A = not applicable; NEW = net explosive weight; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; SDB = small diameter bomb; PTS = permanent threshold shift; TTS = temporary threshold shift; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser. Based on the ranges presented in Table 4 and factoring operational limitations associated with survey-based vessel support for the missions, Eglin AFB estimates that during pre-mission surveys, the proposed monitoring area would be approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from the target area, which corresponds to the Level A harassment threshold range. Eglin AFB proposes to survey the same-sized area for each VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 mission day, regardless of the planned munition expenditures. By clearing the Level A harassment threshold range of protected species, animals that may enter the area after the completed premission surveys but prior to detonation would not reach the smaller slight lung injury or mortality zones (presented in Table 6 later in this document). Because of human safety issues, Eglin AFB would require observers to leave the test PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 area at least 30 minutes in advance of live weapon deployment and move to a position on the safety zone periphery, approximately 15 km (9.5 miles) from the detonation point. Observers would continue to scan for marine mammals from the periphery, but effectiveness would be limited as the boat would remain at a designated station. Video Monitoring: In addition to vessel-based monitoring, Eglin AFB E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79854 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices would position three high-definition video cameras on the GRATV anchored on-site, as described earlier, to allow for real-time monitoring for the duration of the mission. The camera configuration and actual number of cameras used would depend on specific mission requirements. In addition to monitoring the area for mission objective issues, the camera(s) would also monitor for the presence of protected species. A trained marine species observer from Eglin Natural Resources would be located in Eglin AFB’s Central Control Facility, along with mission personnel, to view the video feed before and during test activities. The distance to which objects can be detected at the water surface by use of the cameras is considered generally comparable to that of the human eye. The GRATV will be located about 183 m (600 ft) from the target. The larger mortality threshold ranges correspond to the modified Goertner model adjusted for the weight of an Atlantic spotted dolphin calf, and extend from 0 to 237 m (0 to 778 ft) from the target, depending on the ordnance, and the Level A ranges for both common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins extend from 7 to 965 m (23 to 3,166 ft) from the target, depending on the ordnance and harassment criterion. Given these distances, observers could reasonably be expected to view a substantial portion of the mortality zone in front of the camera, although a small portion would be behind or to the side of the camera view. Based on previous monitoring reports for this activity, the pre-training surveys for delphinids and other protected species within the mission area are effective. Observers can view some portion of the Level A harassment zone, although the view window would be less than that of the mortality zone (a large percentage would be behind or to the side of the camera view). If the high-definition video cameras are not operational for any reason, Eglin AFB will not conduct Maritime WSEP missions. In addition to the two types of visual monitoring discussed earlier in this section, Eglin AFB personnel are present within the mission area (on boats and the GRATV) on each day of testing well in advance of weapon deployment, typically near sunrise. They will perform a variety of tasks including target preparation, equipment checks, etc., and will opportunistically observe for marine mammals and indicators as feasible throughout test preparation. However, we consider these observations as supplemental to the proposed mitigation monitoring and VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 would only occur as time and schedule permits. Eglin AFB personnel would relay information on these types of sightings to the Lead Biologist, as described in the following mitigation sections. Pre-Mission Monitoring The purposes of pre-mission monitoring are to: (1) Evaluate the mission site for environmental suitability, and (2) verify that the ZOI (in this case, 5 km [3.1 mi]) is free of visually detectable marine mammals, as well as potential indicators of these species. On the morning of the mission, the Test Director and Safety Officer will confirm that there are no issues that would preclude mission execution and that weather is adequate to support mitigation measures. Sunrise or Two Hours Prior to Mission Eglin AFB range clearing vessels and protected species survey vessels will be on site at least two hours prior to the mission. The Lead Biologist on board one survey vessel will assess the overall suitability of the mission site based on environmental conditions (sea state) and presence/absence of marine mammal indicators. Eglin AFB personnel will communicate this information to Tower Control and personnel will relay the information to the Safety Officer in Central Control Facility. One and One-Half Hours Prior to Mission Vessel-based surveys will begin approximately one and one-half hours prior to live weapons deployment. Surface vessel observers will survey the ZOI (in this case, 5 km [3.1 mi]) and relay all marine species and indicator sightings, including the time of sighting, GPS location, and direction of travel, if known, to the Lead Biologist. The lead biologist will document all sighting information on report forms which he/ she will submit to Eglin Natural Resources after each mission. Surveys would continue for approximately one hour. During this time, Eglin AFB personnel in the mission area will also observe for marine species as feasible. If marine mammals or indicators are observed within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]), the range will be declared ‘‘fouled,’’ a term that signifies to mission personnel that conditions are such that a live ordnance drop cannot occur (e.g., protected species or civilian vessels are in the mission area). If there are no observations of marine mammals or indicators of marine mammals, Eglin AFB would declare the range clear of protected species. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 One-Half Hour Prior to Mission At approximately 30 minutes to one hour prior to live weapon deployment, marine species observers will be instructed to leave the mission site and remain outside the safety zone, which on average will be 15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point. The actual size is determined by weapon net explosive weight and method of delivery. The survey team will continue to monitor for protected species while leaving the area. As the survey vessels leave the area, marine species monitoring of the immediate target areas will continue at the Central Control Facility through the live video feed received from the high definition cameras on the GRATV. Once the survey vessels have arrived at the perimeter of the safety zone (approximately 30 minutes after leaving the area per instructions from Eglin AFB, depending on actual travel time), Eglin AFB will declare the range as ‘‘green’’ and the mission will proceed, assuming all non-participating vessels have left the safety zone as well. Execution of Mission Immediately prior to live weapons drop, the Test Director and Safety Officer will communicate to confirm the results of marine mammal surveys and the appropriateness of proceeding with the mission. The Safety Officer will have final authority to proceed with, postpone, or cancel the mission. Eglin AFB would postpone the mission if: • Any of the high-definition video cameras are not operational for any reason; • Any marine mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement would continue until the animal(s) that caused the postponement is: (1) Confirmed to be outside of the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) on a heading away from the targets; or (2) not seen again for 30 minutes and presumed to be outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) due to the animal swimming out of the range; • Any large schools of fish or large flocks of birds feeding at the surface are within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement would continue until Eglin AFB personnel confirm that these potential indicators are outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]): • Any technical or mechanical issues related to the aircraft or target boats; or • Any non-participating vessel enters the human safety zone prior to weapon release. In the event of a postponement, protected species monitoring would continue from the Central Control Facility through the live video feed. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Post-Mission Monitoring Post-mission monitoring determines the effectiveness of pre-mission mitigation by reporting sightings of any marine mammals. Post-detonation monitoring surveys will commence once the mission has ended or, if required, as soon as personnel declare the mission area safe. Vessels will move into the survey area from outside the safety zone and monitor for at least 30 minutes, concentrating on the area down-current of the test site. This area is easily identifiable because of the floating debris in the water from impacted targets. Up to 10 Eglin AFB support vessels will be cleaning debris and collecting damaged targets from this area thus spending several hours in the area once Eglin AFB completes the mission. Observers will document and report any marine mammal species, number, location, and behavior of any animals observed to Eglin Natural Resources. Mission Delays Due to Weather Eglin AFB would delay or reschedule Maritime WSEP missions if the Beaufort sea state is greater than number 4 at the time of the testing activities. The Lead Biologist aboard one of the survey vessels will make the final determination of whether conditions are conducive for sighting protected species or not. We have carefully evaluated Eglin AFB’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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 number at biologically important time or location) exposed to stimuli expected to result in incidental take (this goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing takes by behavioral harassment only). 3. A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at biologically important time or location) individuals would be exposed to stimuli 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 training exercises that we expect to result in the take of marine mammals (this goal may contribute to 1, 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 our evaluation of Eglin AFB’s proposed measures, as well as other measures that may be relevant to the specified activity, we have preliminarily 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. while also considering personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and the impact of effectiveness of the military readiness activity. Proposed Monitoring and Reporting In order to issue an Authorization for an activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA states that we must set forth ‘‘requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.’’ The MMPA implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.104(a)(13) indicate that requests for an authorization must include the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the species and our expectations of the level of taking or impacts on PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79855 populations of marine mammals present in the proposed action area. Eglin AFB submitted a marine mammal monitoring plan in their Authorization application. We may modify or supplement the plan based on comments or new information received from the public during the public comment period. Any monitoring requirement we prescribe should improve our understanding of one or more of the following: • Occurrence of marine mammal species in action area (e.g., presence, abundance, distribution, density). • Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment (e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2) Affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) Cooccurrence of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) Biological or behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas). • Individual responses to acute stressors, or impacts of chronic exposures (behavioral or physiological). • How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1) Long-term fitness and survival of an individual; or (2) Population, species, or stock. • Effects on marine mammal habitat and resultant impacts to marine mammals. • Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness. NMFS proposes to include the following measures in the Maritime WSEP Authorization (if issued). They are: (1) Eglin AFB will track the use of the EGTTR for test firing missions and protected species observations, through the use of mission reporting forms. (2) Eglin AFB will submit a summary report of marine mammal observations and Maritime WSEP activities to the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (SERO) and the Office of Protected Resources 90 days after expiration of the current Authorization. This report must include the following information: (i) Date and time of each Maritime WSEP exercise; (ii) a complete description of the preexercise and post-exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the effects of Maritime WSEP exercises on marine mammal populations; and (iii) results of the Maritime WSEP exercise monitoring, including number of marine mammals (by species) that may have been harassed due to presence within the activity zone. (3) Eglin AFB will monitor for marine mammals in the proposed action area. If E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79856 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Eglin AFB personnel observe or detect any dead or injured marine mammals prior to testing, or detects any injured or dead marine mammal during live fire exercises, Eglin AFB must cease operations and submit a report to NMFS within 24 hours. (4) Eglin AFB must immediately report any unauthorized takes of marine mammals (i.e., serious injury or mortality) to NMFS and to the respective Southeast Region stranding network representative. Eglin AFB must cease operations and submit a report to NMFS within 24 hours. Monitoring Results From Previously Authorized Activities Eglin AFB complied with the mitigation and monitoring required under the previous Authorization for 2015 WSEP activities. Marine mammal monitoring occurred before, during, and after each Maritime WSEP mission. During the course of these activities, Eglin AFB’s monitoring did not suggest that they had exceeded the take levels authorized under Authorization. In accordance with the 2015 Authorization, Eglin AFB submitted a monitoring report (available at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental/military.htm). Under the 2015 Authorization, Eglin AFB anticipated conducting Maritime WSEP training missions over approximately two to three weeks, but actually conducted a total of eight mission days: Four days (February 9, 10, 11, and 12, 2015) associated with inert ordnance delivery and four days (March 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2015) associated with live ordnance delivery. During the February 2015 missions, Eglin AFB released two inert CBU–105s in air which resulted in no acoustic impacts to marine mammals. The CBU– 105 is a cluster bomb unit that detonates in air (airburst), contains 10 submunition cylinders with each cylinder containing four subsubmunitions (skeets) which fire inert projectiles. During the March 2015 live fire missions, Eglin AFB expended four AGM–65 Mavericks and six AGM–114 Hellfire missiles against remotelycontrolled boats approximately 27 km (17 mi) offshore Santa Rosa Island, FL. Net explosive weights of the munitions that detonated at the water surface or up to 3 m (10 ft) below the surface are 86 lbs for the AGM–65 Maverick missiles and 13 pounds for the AGM–114 Hellfire missiles. Eglin AFB conducted the required monitoring for marine mammals or indicators of marine mammals (e.g., flocks of birds, baitfish schools, or large fish schools) before, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 during, and after each mission and observed only two species of marine mammals: The common bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Total protected species observed during pre-mission surveys ranged between 149 and 156 individuals and Eglin AFB confirmed that marine mammals were outside of the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) at the conclusion of each pre-mission survey. For one mission day (March 17, 2015), Eglin AFB personnel extended the duration of the pre-mission surveys to continue to monitoring a pod of 10 bottlenose dolphins until the vessel captain could confirm that the pod remained outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) and did not change travel direction. Eglin AFB delayed weapons delivery as required by the Authorization. Eglin AFB continued with their mission activities after all animals cleared the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). After each mission, Eglin AFB reentered the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) to begin post-mission surveys for marine mammals and debris-clean-up operations. Eglin AFB personnel did not observe reactions indicative of disturbance during the pre-mission surveys and did not observe any marine mammals during the post-mission surveys. In summary, Eglin AFB reports that no observable instances of take of marine mammals occurred incidental to the Maritime WSEP training activities under the 2015 Authorization. Estimated Numbers of Marine Mammals Taken by Harassment The NDAA amended the definition of harassment as it applies to a ‘‘military readiness activity’’ to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): (i) Any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]. NMFS’ analysis identified the physiological responses, and behavioral responses that could potentially result from exposure to underwater explosive detonations. In this section, we will relate the potential effects to marine mammals from underwater detonation of explosives to the MMPA regulatory definitions of Level A and Level B harassment. This section will also quantify the effects that might occur PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 from the proposed military readiness activities in W–151. At NMFS’ recommendation, Eglin AFB updated the thresholds used for onset of temporary threshold shift (TTS; Level B Harassment) and onset of permanent threshold shift (PTS; Level A Harassment) to be consistent with the thresholds outlined in the Navy’s report titled, ‘‘Criteria and Thresholds for U.S. Navy Acoustic and Explosive Effects Analysis Technical Report,’’ which the Navy coordinated with NMFS. NMFS believes that the thresholds outlined in the Navy’s report represent the best available science. The report is available on the internet at: https://aftteis.com/ Portals/4/aftteis/Supporting%20 Technical%20Documents/Criteria_and_ Thresholds_for_US_Navy_Acoustic_ and_Explosive_Effects_Analysis-Apr_ 2012.pdf. Level B Harassment Of the potential effects described earlier in this document, the following are the types of effects that fall into the Level B harassment category: Behavioral Harassment—Behavioral disturbance that rises to the level described in the above definition, when resulting from exposures to nonimpulsive or impulsive sound, is Level B harassment. Some of the lower level physiological stress responses discussed earlier would also likely co-occur with the predicted harassments, although these responses are more difficult to detect and fewer data exist relating these responses to specific received levels of sound. When predicting Level B harassment based on estimated behavioral responses, those takes may have a stress-related physiological component. Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS)—As discussed previously, TTS can affect how an animal behaves in response to the environment, including conspecifics, predators, and prey. NMFS classifies TTS (when resulting from exposure to explosives and other impulsive sources) as Level B harassment, not Level A harassment (injury). Level A Harassment Of the potential effects that were described earlier, the following are the types of effects that fall into the Level A Harassment category: Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS)— PTS (resulting either from exposure to explosive detonations) is irreversible and NMFS considers this to be an injury. Table 5 in this document outlines the acoustic thresholds used by NMFS for E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79857 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices this Authorization when addressing noise impacts from explosives. TABLE 5—IMPULSIVE SOUND EXPLOSIVE THRESHOLDS USED BY EGLIN AFB IN ITS CURRENT ACOUSTICS IMPACTS MODELING Behavior Slight injury Group Gastrointestinal tract Behavioral PTS 167 dB SEL Mid-frequency Cetaceans. TTS 172 dB SEL or 23 psi. 187 dB SEL or 45.86 psi. Eglin AFB conservatively modeled that all explosives would detonate at a 1.2 m (3.9 ft) water depth despite the training goal of hitting the target, resulting in an above water or on land 104 psi ......... Mortality Lung 39.1 M1/3 (1+[DRm/10.081])1/2 Pa-sec. .... Where: M = mass of the animals in kg ... DRm = depth of the receiver (animal) in meters. explosion. For sources detonated at shallow depths, it is frequently the case that the explosion may breech the surface with some of the acoustic energy escaping the water column. Table 6 91.4 M1/3 (1+DRm/10.081])1/2 Pa-sec. Where: M = mass of the animals in kg DRm = depth of the receiver (animal) in meters. provides the estimated maximum range or radius, from the detonation point to the various thresholds described in Table 5. TABLE 6—DISTANCES (m) TO HARASSMENT THRESHOLDS FROM EGLIN AFB’S EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE Mortality Munition NEW (lbs) Total number Detonation scenario Level A harassment Slight lung injury Modified Goertner Model 1 Modified Goertner Model 2 Level B harassment TTS GI track injury 237 dB SPL Behavioral PTS 187 dB SEL 230 dB peak SPL 172 dB SEL 224 dB peak SPL 167 dB SEL Bottlenose Dolphin GBU–10 or GBU–24. GBU–12 or GBU–54. AGM–65 (Maverick). GBU–39 (LSDB). AGM–114 (Hellfire). AGM–175 (Griffin). 2.75 Rockets PGU–13 HEI 30 mm. 945 2 Surface ........ 199 350 340 965 698 1,582 1,280 2,549 192 6 Surface ........ 111 233 198 726 409 2,027 752 2,023 86 6 Surface ........ 82 177 150 610 312 1,414 575 1,874 37 4 Surface ........ 59 128 112 479 234 1,212 433 1,543 20 15 (10 ft depth) 110 229 95 378 193 2,070 354 3,096 13 10 Surface ........ 38 83 79 307 165 1,020 305 1,343 12 0.1 100 1,000 Surface ........ Surface ........ 36 0 81 7 77 16 281 24 161 33 1,010 247 296 60 1,339 492 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Unidentified Dolphin 1 GBU–10 or GBU–24. GBU–12 or GBU–54. AGM–65 (Maverick). GBU–39 (LSDB). AGM–114 (Hellfire). AGM–175 (Griffin). 2.75 Rockets PGU–13 HEI 30 mm. 945 2 Surface ........ 237 400 340 965 698 1,582 1,280 2,549 192 6 Surface ........ 138 274 198 726 409 2,027 752 2,023 86 6 Surface ........ 101 216 150 610 312 1,414 575 1,874 37 4 Surface ........ 73 158 112 479 234 1,212 433 1,543 20 15 (10 ft depth) 135 277 95 378 193 2,070 354 3,096 13 10 Surface ........ 47 104 79 307 165 1,020 305 1,343 12 0.1 100 1,000 Surface ........ Surface ........ 45 0 100 9 77 16 281 24 161 33 1,010 247 296 60 1,339 492 AGM = air-to-ground missile; cal = caliber; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; ft = feet; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary; lbs = pounds; mm = millimeters; N/A = not applicable; NEW = net explosive weight; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; SDB = small diameter bomb; PTS = permanent threshold shift; TTS = temporary threshold shift; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser 1 Unidentified dolphin can be either bottlenose or Atlantic spotted dolphin. Eglin AFB based the mortality and slight lung injury criteria on the mass of a newborn Atlantic spotted dolphin. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:11 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79858 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices Eglin AFB uses the distance information shown in Table 6 (Table 6.3 in Eglin AFB’s application) to calculate the radius of impact for a given threshold from a single detonation of each munition/detonation scenario, then combine the calculated impact radii with density estimates (adjusted for depth distribution) and the number of live munitions to provide an estimate of the number of marine mammals potentially exposed to the various impact thresholds. The ranges presented in Table 6 represent a radius of impact for a given threshold from a single detonation of each munition/detonation scenario. They do not consider accumulated energies from multiple detonation occurring within the same 24-hour time period. For calculating take estimates, the single detonation approach is more conservative because it multiplies the exposures from a single detonation by the number of munitions and assumes a fresh population of marine mammals is being impacted each time. Eglin AFB used this approach because of the uncertainty surrounding which munitions they would release on a given day. Multiple variables, such as weather, aircraft mechanical issues, munition malfunctions, and target availability may prevent planned munitions releases. By treating each detonation as a separate event and summing those impacts accordingly, Eglin AFB would have maximum operational flexibility to conduct the missions without limitations on either the total number of munitions allowed to be dropped in a day, or on the specific combinations of munitions that could be released. While this methodology overestimates the overall potential takes, the ranges do not accurately represent the actual area acoustically impacted for a given threshold from multiple detonations in a given mission day. The total acoustic impact area for two identical bombs detonating within a given timeframe is less than twice the impact area of a single bomb’s detonation. This has to do with the accumulated energy from multiple detonations occurring sequentially. When one weapon is detonated, a certain level of transmission loss is required to be calculated to achieve each threshold level which can then be equated to a range. By releasing a second munition in the same event (same place and close in time), even though the total energy is increased, the incremental impact area from the second detonation is slightly less than that of the first; however the impact range for the two munitions is larger than the impact range for one. Since each additional detonation adds energy to the sound exposure level (SEL) metric, all the energy from all munitions released in a day is accumulated. By factoring in the transmission loss of the first detonation added with the incremental increases from the second, third, fourth, etc., the range of the cumulative energy that is below each threshold level can be determined. Density Estimation Density estimates for bottlenose dolphin and spotted dolphin were derived from two sources (see Table 7). NMFS provided detailed information on Eglin AFB’s derivation of density estimates for the common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins in a previous Federal Register notice for a proposed Authorization to Eglin AFB for the same activities (79 FR 72631, December 8, 2014). The information presented in that notice has not changed and NMFS refers the reader to Section 3 of Eglin AFB’s application for detailed information on all equations used to calculate densities presented in Table 7. TABLE 7—MARINE MAMMAL DENSITY ESTIMATES WITHIN EGLIN AFB’S EGTTR Density (animals/km2) Species Bottlenose dolphin 1 .............. Atlantic spotted dolphin 2 ...... Unidentified bottlenose dolphin/Atlantic spotted dolphin 2 ................................. 1.194 0.265 0.009 1 Source: Garrison, 2008; adjusted for observer and availability bias by the author. 2 Source: Fulling et al., 2003; adjusted for negative bias based on information provided by Barlow (2003; 2006). Take Estimation Table 8 indicates the modeled potential for lethality, injury, and noninjurious harassment (including behavioral harassment) to marine mammals in the absence of mitigation measures. Eglin AFB and NMFS estimate that approximately 38 marine mammals could be exposed to injurious Level A harassment noise levels (187 dB SEL) and approximately 942 animals could be exposed to Level B harassment (TTS and Behavioral) noise levels in the absence of mitigation measures. TABLE 8—MODELED NUMBER OF MARINE MAMMALS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY MARITIME WSEP OPERATIONS Species Level A harassment (PTS only) Mortality Level B harassment (TTS) Level B harassment (behavioral) 0 0 0 33 5 0 373 68 4 423 69 5 Total .......................................................................................................... tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Bottlenose dolphin ........................................................................................... Atlantic spotted dolphin ................................................................................... Unidentified bottlenose dolphin/Atlantic spotted dolphin ................................. 0 38 445 497 Based on the mortality exposure estimates calculated by the acoustic model, zero marine mammals are expected to be affected by pressure levels associated with mortality or serious injury. Zero marine mammals are expected to be exposed to pressure levels associated with slight lung injury or gastrointestinal tract injury. NMFS generally considers PTS to fall under the injury category (Level A VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 Harassment). An animal would need to stay very close to the sound source for an extended amount of time to incur a serious degree of PTS, which could increase the probability of mortality. In this case, it would be highly unlikely for this scenario to unfold given the nature of any anticipated acoustic exposures that could potentially result from a mobile marine mammal that NMFS generally expects to exhibit avoidance PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 behavior to loud sounds within the EGTTR. NMFS has relied on the best available scientific information to support the issuance of Eglin AFB’s authorization. In the case of authorizing Level A harassment, NMFS has estimated that no more than 33 bottlenose dolphins and 5 Atlantic spotted dolphins could, although unlikely, experience minor permanent threshold shifts of hearing E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES sensitivity (PTS). The available data and analyses, as described more fully in a previous notice for a proposed Authorization (79 FR 72631, December 8, 2014) and this notice include extrapolation results of many studies on marine mammal noise-induced temporary threshold shifts of hearing sensitivities. An extensive review of TTS studies and experiments prompted NMFS to conclude that possibility of minor PTS in the form of slight upward shift of hearing threshold at certain frequency bands by a few individuals of marine mammals is extremely low, but not unlikely. Negligible Impact Analysis and Preliminary Determinations 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.’’ A negligible impact finding is based on the lack of likely adverse effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival (i.e., populationlevel 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, we consider 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 the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes, the number of estimated mortalities, and effects on habitat. To avoid repetition, the discussion below applies to all the species listed in Table 8 for which we propose to authorize incidental take for Eglin AFB’s activities. In making a negligible impact determination, we consider: • The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or mortalities; • The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B harassment; • The context in which the takes occur (e.g., impacts to areas of significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when taking into account successive/ contemporaneous actions when added to baseline data); • The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e., depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative to the size of the population); VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 • Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/survival; and • The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures to reduce the number or severity of incidental take. For reasons stated previously in this document and based on the following factors, Eglin AFB’s specified activities are not likely to cause long-term behavioral disturbance, serious injury, or death. The takes from Level B harassment would be due to potential behavioral disturbance and TTS. The takes from Level A harassment would be due to some form of PTS. Activities would only occur over a timeframe of two to three weeks in beginning in February, 2016, with one or two missions occurring per day. It is possible that some individuals may be taken more than once if those individuals are located in the exercise area on two different days when exercises are occurring. Noise-induced threshold shifts (TS, which includes PTS) are defined as increases in the threshold of audibility (i.e., the sound has to be louder to be detected) of the ear at a certain frequency or range of frequencies (ANSI 1995; Yost 2000). Several important factors relate to the magnitude of TS, such as level, duration, spectral content (frequency range), and temporal pattern (continuous, intermittent) of exposure (Yost 2000; Henderson et al. 2008). TS occurs in terms of frequency range (Hz or kHz), hearing threshold level (dB), or both frequency and hearing threshold level (CDC, 2004). In addition, there are different degrees of PTS: Ranging from slight/mild to moderate and from severe to profound (Clark, 1981). Profound PTS or the complete loss of the ability to hear in one or both ears is commonly referred to as deafness (CDC, 2004; WHO, 2006). High-frequency PTS, presumably as a normal process of aging that occurs in humans and other terrestrial mammals, has also been demonstrated in captive cetaceans (Ridgway and Carder, 1997; Yuen et al. 2005; Finneran et al., 2005; Houser and Finneran, 2006; Finneran et al. 2007; Schlundt et al., 2011) and in stranded individuals (Mann et al., 2010). In terms of what is analyzed for the potential PTS (Level A harassment) in marine mammals as a result of Eglin AFB’s Maritime WSEP operations, if it occurs, NMFS has determined that the levels would be slight/mild because research shows that most cetaceans show relatively high levels of avoidance. Further, it is uncommon to sight marine mammals within the target area, especially for prolonged durations. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79859 Results from monitoring programs associated other Eglin AFB activities and for Eglin AFB’s 2015 Maritime WSEP activities have shown the absence of marine mammals within the EGTTR during and after maritime operations. Avoidance varies among individuals and depends on their activities or reasons for being in the area. NMFS’ predicted estimates for Level A harassment take are likely overestimates of the likely injury that will occur. NMFS expects that successful implementation of the required vessel-based and video-based mitigation measures would avoid Level A take in some instances. Also, NMFS expects that some individuals would avoid the source at levels expected to result in injury. Nonetheless, although NMFS expects that Level A harassment is unlikely to occur at the numbers proposed to be authorized, because it is difficult to quantify the degree to which the mitigation and avoidance will reduce the number of animals that might incur PTS, we are proposing to authorize (and analyze) the modeled number of Level A takes (38), which does not take the mitigation or avoidance into consideration. However, we anticipate that any PTS incurred because of mitigation and the likely short duration of exposures, would be in the form of only a small degree of permanent threshold shift and not total deafness. While animals may be impacted in the immediate vicinity of the activity, because of the short duration of the actual individual explosions themselves (versus continual sound source operation) combined with the short duration of the Maritime WSEP operations, NMFS has preliminarily determined that there will not be a substantial impact on marine mammals or on the normal functioning of the nearshore or offshore Gulf of Mexico ecosystems. We do not expect that the proposed activity would impact rates of recruitment or survival of marine mammals since we do not expect mortality (which would remove individuals from the population) or serious injury to occur. In addition, the proposed activity would not occur in areas (and/or times) of significance for the marine mammal populations potentially affected by the exercises (e.g., feeding or resting areas, reproductive areas), and the activities would only occur in a small part of their overall range, so the impact of any potential temporary displacement would be negligible and animals would be expected to return to the area after the cessations of activities. Although the proposed activity could result in Level E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79860 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices A (PTS only, not slight lung injury or gastrointestinal tract injury) and Level B (behavioral disturbance and TTS) harassment of marine mammals, the level of harassment is not anticipated to impact rates of recruitment or survival of marine mammals because the number of exposed animals is expected to be low due to the short-term (i.e., four hours a day or less) and site-specific nature of the activity. We do not anticipate that the effects would be detrimental to rates of recruitment and survival because we do not expect serious of extended behavioral responses that would result in energetic effects at the level to impact fitness. Moreover, the mitigation and monitoring measures proposed for the Authorization (described earlier in this document) are expected to further minimize the potential for harassment. The protected species surveys would require Eglin AFB to search the area for marine mammals, and if any are found in the live fire area, then the exercise would be suspended until the animal(s) has left the area or relocated. Moreover, marine species observers located in the Eglin control tower would monitor the high-definition video feed from cameras located on the instrument barge anchored on-site for the presence of protected species. Furthermore, Maritime WSEP missions would be delayed or rescheduled if the sea state is greater than a 4 on the Beaufort Scale at the time of the test. In addition, Maritime WSEP missions would occur no earlier than two hours after sunrise and no later than two hours prior to sunset to ensure adequate daylight for pre- and post-mission monitoring. Based on the preliminary analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into consideration the implementation of the mitigation and monitoring measures, NMFS finds that Eglin AFB’s Maritime WSEP operations will result in the incidental take of marine mammals, by Level A and Level B harassment only, and that the taking from the Maritime WSEP exercises will have a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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. Therefore, NMFS has preliminarily determined that the total taking of affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 species or stocks for taking for subsistence purposes. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Eglin AFB initiated consultation with the Southeast Region, NMFS, under section 7 of the ESA regarding the effects of this action on ESA-listed species and critical habitat under the jurisdiction of NMFS. The consultation will be completed and a biological opinion issued prior to any final determinations on an issuance of an Authorization. Due to the location of the activity, no ESA-listed marine mammal species are likely to be affected; therefore, NMFS has preliminarily determined that this proposed Authorization would have no effect on ESA-listed species. However, prior to the agency’s decision on the issuance or denial of this Authorization, NMFS will make a final determination on whether additional consultation is necessary. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) In 2015, Eglin AFB provided NMFS with an EA titled, Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program (WSEP) Operational Testing in the Eglin Gulf Testing and Training Range (EGTTR), Florida. The EA analyzed the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the specified activities on marine mammals. NMFS, after review and evaluation of the Eglin AFB EA for consistency with the regulations published by the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) and NOAA Administrative Order 216–6, Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, adopted the EA. After considering the EA, the information in the 2014 IHA application, and the Federal Register notice, as well as public comments, NMFS has determined that the issuance of the 2015 Authorization was not likely to result in significant impacts on the human environment; adopted Eglin AFB’s EA under 40 CFR 1506.3; and issued a FONSI statement on issuance of an Authorization under section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA. In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216–6 (Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, May 20, 1999), NMFS will again review the information contained in Eglin AFB’s EA and determine whether the EA accurately and completely describes the preferred action alternative and the potential impacts on marine mammals. Based on this review and analysis, NMFS may reaffirm the 2015 FONSI PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 statement on issuance of an annual authorization under section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA or supplement the EA if necessary. Proposed Authorization As a result of these preliminary determinations, we propose to issue an Authorization to Eglin AFB for conducting Maritime WSEP activities, for a period of one year from the date of issuance, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. The proposed Authorization language is provided in the next section. The wording contained in this section is proposed for inclusion in the Authorization (if issued). 1. This Authorization is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. 2. This Authorization is valid only for activities associated with the Maritme WSEP operations utilizing munitions identified in the Attachment. 3. The incidental taking, by Level A and Level B harassment, is limited to: Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) as specified in Table 7 of this notice. The taking by serious injury or death of these species, the taking of these species in violation of the conditions of this Incidental Harassment Authorization, or the taking by harassment, serious injury or death of any other species of marine mammal is prohibited and may result in the modification, suspension or revocation of this Authorization. 4. Mitigation When conducting this activity, the following mitigation measures must be undertaken: • If daytime weather and/or sea conditions preclude adequate monitoring for detecting marine mammals and other marine life, maritime strike operations must be delayed until adequate sea conditions exist for monitoring to be undertaken. Daytime maritime strike exercises will be conducted only when sea surface conditions do not exceed Beaufort sea state 4 (i.e., wind speed 13–18 mph (11– 16 knots); wave height 1 m (3.3 ft)), the visibility is 5.6 km (3 nm) or greater, and the ceiling is 305 m (1,000 ft) or greater. • On the morning of the maritime strike mission, the test director and safety officer will confirm that there are no issues that would preclude mission execution and that the weather is adequate to support monitoring and mitigation measures. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices Two Hours Prior to Mission • Mission-related surface vessels will be stationed on site. • Vessel-based observers on board at least one vessel will assess the overall suitability of the test site based on environmental conditions (e.g., sea state) and presence/absence of marine mammal or marine mammal indicators (e.g., large schools of fish, jellyfish, Sargassum rafts, and large flocks of birds feeding at the surface). Observers will relay this information to the safety officer. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES One and One-Half Hours Prior to Mission • Vessel-based surveys and video camera surveillance will commence. Vessel-based observers will survey the zone of impact (ZOI) (5 km [3.1 mi]) and relay all marine mammal and indicator sightings, including the time of sighting and direction of travel (if known) to the safety officer. Surveys will continue for approximately one hour. • If marine mammals or marine mammal indicators are observed within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]), the test range will be declared ‘‘fouled,’’ which will signify to mission personnel that conditions are such that a live ordnance drop cannot occur. • If no marine mammals or marine mammal indicators are observed, the range will be declared ‘‘green,’’ which will signify to mission personnel that conditions are such that a live ordnance drop may occur. One-Half Hour Prior to Mission • Approximately 30 minutes prior to live weapon deployment, vessel-based observers will be instructed to leave the test site and remain outside the safety zone, which will be 9.5 miles from the detonation point (actual size will be determined by weapon net explosive weight (NEW) and method of delivery) during the conduct of the mission. • Monitoring for marine mammals will continue from the periphery of the safety zone while the mission is in progress. Other safety boat crews will be instructed to observe for marine mammals during this time. • After survey vessels have left the test site, marine species monitoring will continue for the Eglin control tower through the video feed received from the high definition cameras on the instrument barge. Execution of Mission • Immediately prior to live weapons drop, the test director and safety officer will communicate to confirm the results of the marine mammal survey and the appropriateness of proceeding with the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 mission. The safety officer will have final authority to proceed with, postpone, move, or cancel the mission. • The mission will be postponed or moved if: Any marine mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement will continue until the animal(s) that caused the postponement is confirmed to be outside of the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) due to swimming out of the range; or large schools of fish, jellyfish, Sargassum rafts, or large flocks of birds feeding at the surface are observed within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement will continue until these potential indicators are confirmed to be outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). • In the event of a postponement, premission monitoring will continue as long as weather and daylight hours allow. Post Mission • Post-mission surveys will commence as soon as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel declare the test area safe. These surveys will be conducted by the same vesselbased observers that conducted the premission surveys. • Survey vessels will move into the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) from outside the safety zone and monitor for at least 30 minutes, concentrating on the area down-current of the test site. Any marine mammals killed or injured as a result of the test will be documented and immediately reported to the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 877–433–8299 and the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 888–404–3922. The species, number, location, and behavior of any animals observed will be documented and reported. • If post-mission surveys determine that an injury or lethal take of a marine mammal has occurred, the next maritime strike mission will be suspended until the test procedure and the monitoring methods have been reviewed with NMFS and appropriate changes made. 5. Monitoring The holder of this Authorization is required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. The holder of this Authorization will track their use of the EGTTR for the Maritime WSEP missions and marine mammal observations, through the use of mission reporting forms. Maritime strike missions will coordinate with other activities PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79861 conducted in the EGTTR (e.g., Precision Strike Weapon and Air-to-Surface Gunnery missions) to provide supplemental post-mission observations of marine mammals in the operations area of the exercise. Any dead or injured marine mammals observed or detected prior to testing or injured or killed during live drops, must be immediately reported to the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 877–433–8299 and the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 888–404–3922. Any unauthorized impacts on marine mammals must be immediately reported to Dr. Roy E. Crabtree, the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Administrator, at 727–842– 5312, and Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources at 301–427–8401. The monitoring team will document any marine mammals that were killed or injured as a result of the test and, if practicable, coordinate with the local stranding network and NMFS to assist with recovery and examination of any dead animals, as needed. Activities related to the monitoring described in this Authorization, including the retention of marine mammals, do not require a separate scientific research permit issued under section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 6. Reporting A draft report of marine mammal observations and Maritime WSEP mission activities must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 and NMFS’s Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This draft report must include the following information: • Date and time of each maritime strike mission; • A complete description of the preexercise and post-exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the effects of maritime strike missions on marine mammal populations; • Results of the monitoring program, including numbers by species/stock of any marine mammals noted injured or killed as a result of the maritime strike mission and number of marine mammals (by species if possible) that may have been harassed due to presence within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]); and • A detailed assessment of the effectiveness of sensor based monitoring in detecting marine mammals in the area of Maritime WSEP operations. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1 79862 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Notices The draft report will be subject to review and comment by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Any recommendations made by the National Marine Fisheries Service must be addressed in the final report prior to acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The draft report will be considered the final report for this activity under this Authorization if the National Marine Fisheries Service has not provided comments and recommendations within 90 days of receipt of the draft report. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE371 North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. AGENCY: ACTION: 7. Additional Conditions • The maritime strike mission monitoring team will participate in the marine mammal species observation training. Designated crew members will be selected to receive training as protected species observers. Protected Species Observers will receive training in protected species survey and identification techniques through a National Marine Fisheries Serviceapproved training program. • The holder of this Authorization must inform the Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, (301–427–8400) or designee (301–427–8401) prior to the initiation of any changes to the monitoring plan for a specified mission activity. • A copy of this Authorization must be in the possession of the safety officer on duty each day that maritime strike missions are conducted. • Failure to abide by the Terms and Conditions contained in this Incidental Harassment Authorization may result in a modification, suspension or revocation of the Authorization. Request for Public Comments We request comment on our analysis, the draft authorization, and any other aspect of this Federal Register notice of proposed Authorization. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our final decision on Eglin AFB’s renewal request for an MMPA authorization. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Dated: December 17, 2015. Perry F. Gayaldo, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–32154 Filed 12–17–15; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Notice of public meeting. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Electronic Monitoring Workgroup (EMWG) will meet in Anchorage, AK. SUMMARY: The meeting will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. DATES: The meeting will be held in the Aspen room at the Hilton Hotel, 500 W. 3rd Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501–2252; telephone: (907) 271–2809. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Evans, Council staff; telephone: (907) 271–2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda Monday, January 11, 2016 Through Tuesday, January 12, 2016 The agenda will include a review of the 2016 pre-implementation program and other 2016 research, the EM integration analysis and progress with analytical studies, review of the budget, and other business and scheduling. The Agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at https://www.npfmc.org/ Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Shannon Gleason at (907) 271–2809 at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: December 18, 2015. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–32296 Filed 12–22–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Dec 22, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Antarctic Marine Living Resources Conservation and Management Measures National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to MiAe Kim, Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, 1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 427–8365 or mi.ae.kim@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract The 1982 Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (Convention) established the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The United States is a Contracting Party to the Convention. The Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act (AMLRCA) directs and authorizes the United States to take actions necessary to meet its treaty obligations as a Contracting Party to the Convention. The regulations implementing AMLRCA are at 50 CFR part 300, subpart G. The record keeping and reporting requirements at 50 CFR part 300 form the basis for this collection of information. This collection of information concerns research in, and the harvesting and importation of, marine living resources from waters regulated by CCAMLR related to ecosystem research, U.S. E:\FR\FM\23DEN1.SGM 23DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79843-79862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32154]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE343

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities;
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air Force Conducting
Maritime Weapon Systems Evaluation Program Operational Testing Within
the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range

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

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

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SUMMARY: NMFS (hereinafter, ``we'' or ``our'') received an application
from the U.S. Department of the Air Force, Headquarters 96th Air Base
Wing (Air Force), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), requesting an
Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to take marine
mammals, by harassment, incidental to a Maritime Weapon Systems
Evaluation Program (Maritime WSEP) within a section of the Eglin Gulf
Test and Training Range in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Eglin AFB's activities are military readiness activities per the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2004. Per the MMPA, NMFS
requests comments on its proposal to issue an Authorization to Eglin
AFB to incidentally take, by Level B and Level A harassment, two
species of marine mammals, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops
truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), during
the specified activity.

DATES: NMFS must receive comments and information no later than January
22, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Address comments on the application to Jolie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email
comments is ITP.Cody@noaa.gov. Please include 0648-XE343 in the subject
line. Comments sent via email to ITP.Cody@noaa.gov, including all
attachments, must not exceed a 25-megabyte file size. NMFS is not
responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one
provided in this notice.
Instructions: All submitted comments are a part of the public
record, and generally we will post them to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm without change. All Personal
Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily
submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit
confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected
information.
To obtain an electronic copy of the 2015 renewal request, the 2014
application, a list of the references used in this document, and Eglin
AFB's Environmental Assessment (EA) titled, ``Maritime Weapons System
Evaluation Program,'' write to the previously mentioned address,
telephone the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT), or visit the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972, as amended (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 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 for incidental takings for marine mammals 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 taking
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.''
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA; Public Law
108-136) removed the ``small numbers'' and ``specified geographical
region'' limitations indicated earlier and amended the definition of
harassment as it applies to a ``military readiness activity'' to read
as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): (i) Any act that injures or
has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine
mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that
disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock
in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns,
including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are
abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].

Summary of Request

On February 5, 2015, we issued an Authorization to Eglin AFB to
take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a Maritime Weapon
Systems Evaluation Program (Maritime WSEP) within the Eglin Gulf Test
and Training Range (EGTTR) in the Gulf of Mexico from February through
April 2015 (see 80 FR 17394, April 1, 2015). Eglin AFB conducted the
Maritime WSEP training activities between February 9-12, and March 16-
19, 2015. However, due to unavailability of some of the live munitions,
Eglin AFB released only 1.05 percent of the munitions proposed for the
2015 military readiness activities. On May 28, 2015, we received a
renewal request for an Authorization from Eglin AFB to complete the
missions authorized in 2015. Following the initial application
submission, Eglin AFB submitted a revised version of the renewal
request on December 3, 2015. We considered the revised renewal request
as adequate and complete on December 10, 2015.
Eglin AFB proposes to conduct Maritime WESP missions within the
EGTTR airspace over the Gulf of

[[Page 79844]]

Mexico, specifically within Warning Area 151 (W-151). The proposed
Maritime WSEP training activities would occur February through April
(spring) in the daytime; however, the activities could occur between
February 2016 and February 2017.
Eglin AFB proposes to use multiple types of live munitions (e.g.,
gunnery rounds, rockets, missiles, and bombs) against small boat
targets in the EGTTR. These activities qualify as a military readiness
activities under the MMPA and NDAA.
The following aspects of the proposed Maritime WSEP training
activities have the potential to take marine mammals: Exposure to
impulsive noise and pressure waves generated by live ordnance
detonation at or near the surface of the water. Take, by Level B
harassment of individuals of common bottlenose dolphin or Atlantic
spotted dolphin could potentially result from the specified activity.
Additionally, although NMFS does not expect it to occur, Eglin AFB has
also requested authorization for Level A Harassment of up to 38
individuals of either common bottlenose dolphins or Atlantic spotted
dolphins. Therefore, Eglin AFB has requested authorization to take
individuals of two cetacean species by Level A and Level B harassment.
Eglin AFB's Maritime WSEP training activities may potentially
impact marine mammals at or near the water surface in the absence of
mitigation. Marine mammals could potentially be harassed, injured, or
killed by exploding and non-exploding projectiles, and falling debris.
However, based on analyses provided in Eglin AFB's 2015 Authorization
renewal request; 2014 application; 2015 Environmental Assessment (EA);
the 2015 monitoring report for the authorized activities conducted in
February and March 2015; and for reasons discussed later in this
document, we do not anticipate that Eglin AFB's Maritime WSEP
activities would result in any serious injury or mortality to marine
mammals.
For Eglin AFB, this would be the second such Authorization, if
issued, following the Authorization issued effective from February
through April 2015 (80 FR 17394, April 1, 2015). The monitoring report
associated with the 2015 Authorization is available at
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm and provides
additional environmental information related to proposed issuance of
this Authorization for public review and comment.

Description of the Specified Activity

Overview

Eglin AFB proposes to conduct live ordnance testing and training in
the Gulf of Mexico as part of the Maritime WSEP operational testing
missions. The Maritime WSEP test objectives are to evaluate maritime
deployment data, evaluate tactics, techniques and procedures, and to
determine the impact of techniques and procedures on combat Air Force
training. The need to conduct this type of testing has developed in
response to increasing threats at sea posed by operations conducted
from small boats which can carry a variety of weapons; can form in
large or small numbers; and may be difficult to locate, track, and
engage in the marine environment. Because of limited Air Force aircraft
and munitions testing on engaging and defeating small boat threats,
Eglin AFB proposes to employ live munitions against boat targets in the
EGTTR in order to continue development of techniques and procedures to
train Air Force strike aircraft to counter small maneuvering surface
vessels. Thus, the Department of Defense considers the Maritime WSEP
training activities as a high priority for national security.

Dates and Duration

Eglin AFB proposes to schedule the Maritime WSEP training missions
over an approximate three-week period that would begin in early
February 2016. The proposed missions would occur in the spring, on
weekdays, during daytime hours only, with one or two missions occurring
per day. Some minor deviation from Eglin AFB's requested dates is
possible and the proposed Authorization, if issued, would be effective
from February 4, 2016 through February 3, 2017.

Specified Geographic Region

The specific planned mission location is approximately 17 miles
(mi) (27.3 kilometers [km]) offshore from Santa Rosa Island, Florida,
in nearshore waters of the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. All
activities would take place within the EGTTR, defined as the airspace
over the Gulf of Mexico controlled by Eglin AFB, beginning at a point
three nautical miles (nmi) (3.5 miles [mi]; 5.5 kilometers [km]) from
shore. The EGTTR consists of subdivided blocks including Warning Area
151 (W-151) where the proposed activities would occur, specifically in
sub-area W-151A shown (Figure 1).
W-151: The inshore and offshore boundaries of W-151 are roughly
parallel to the shoreline contour. The shoreward boundary is three nmi
(3.5 mi; 5.5 km) from shore, while the seaward boundary extends
approximately 85 to 100 nmi (97.8 mi; 157.4 km to 115 mi; 185.2 km)
offshore, depending on the specific location. W-151 covers a surface
area of approximately 10,247 square nmi [nmi\2\] (13,570 square mi
[mi\2\]; 35,145 square km [km\2\]), and includes water depths ranging
from about 20 to 700 meters (m) (65.6 to 2296.6 feet [ft]). This range
of depth includes continental shelf and slope waters. Approximately
half of W-151 lies over the shelf.
W-151A: W-151A extends approximately 60 nmi (69.0 mi; 111.1 km)
offshore and has a surface area of 2,565 nmi\2\ (3,396.8 mi\2\; 8,797
km\2\). Water depths range from about 30 to 350 m (98.4 to 1148.2 ft)
and include continental shelf and slope zones. However, most of W-151A
occurs over the continental shelf, in water depths less than 250 m
(820.2 ft). Maritime WSEP training missions will occur in the
shallower, northern inshore portion of the sub-area, in a water depth
of about 35 meters (114.8 ft).

[[Page 79845]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN23DE15.001

Detailed Description of Activities

The Maritime WSEP training missions, classified as military
readiness activities, include the release of multiple types of inert
and live munitions from fighter and bomber aircraft, unmanned aerial
vehicles, and gunships against small, static, towed, and remotely-
controlled boat targets. Munition types include bombs, missiles,
rockets, and gunnery rounds (Table 1).

Table 1--Live Munitions and Aircraft
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aircraft (not associated with
Munitions specific munitions)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBU-10 laser-guided Mk-84 bomb......... F-16C fighter aircraft.
GBU-24 laser-guided Mk-84 bomb......... F-16C+ fighter aircraft.
GBU-12 laser-guided Mk-82 bomb......... F-15E fighter aircraft.
GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack A-10 fighter aircraft.
Munition (LJDAM), laser-guided Mk-82
bomb.
CBU-105 (WCMD) (inert)................. B-1B bomber aircraft.
AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile. B-52H bomber aircraft.
GBU-38 Small Diameter Bomb II (Laser MQ-1/9 unmanned aerial vehicle.
SDB).
AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile AC-130 gunship.
AGM-176 Griffin air-to-surface missile.
2.75 Rockets...........................
PGU-13/B high explosive incendiary 30
mm rounds.
7.62 mm/.50 Cal (inert)................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key: AGM = air-to-ground missile; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; GBU = Guided
Bomb Unit; LJDAM = Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition; Laser SDB =
Laser Small Diameter Bomb; mm = millimeters; PGU = Projectile Gun
Unit; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser.

The proposed Maritime WSEP training activities involve detonations
above the water, near the water surface, and under water within the
EGTTR. However, because the tests will focus on weapons/target
interaction, Eglin AFB will not specify a particular aircraft for a
given test as long as it meets the delivery parameters.
Eglin AFB would deploy the munitions against static, towed, and
remotely-controlled boat targets within the W-151A. Eglin AFB would
operate the remote-controlled boats from an

[[Page 79846]]

instrumentation barge (i.e., the Gulf Range Armament Test Vessel;
GRATV) anchored on site within the test area. The GRATV would provide a
platform for video cameras and weapons-tracking equipment. Eglin AFB
would position the target boats approximately 182.8 m (600 ft) from the
GRATV, depending on the munition type.
Table 2 lists the number, height, or depth of detonation, explosive
material, and net explosive weight (NEW) in pounds (lbs) of each
munition proposed for use during the Maritime WSEP activities.

Table 2--Maritime WSEP Munitions Proposed for Use in the W-151A Test Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total number Net explosive
Type of munition of live Detonation type Warhead--explosive weight per
munitions material munition
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBU-10 or GBU-24................ 2 Surface............ MK-84--Tritonal...... 945 lbs.
GBU-12 or GBU-54 (LJDAM)........ 6 Surface............ MK-82--Tritonal...... 192 lbs.
AGM-65 (Maverick)............... 6 Surface............ WDU-24/B penetrating 86 lbs.
blast-fragmentation
warhead.
CBU-105 (WCMD).................. 4 Airburst........... 10 BLU-108 sub- Inert.
munitions each
containing 4
projectiles
parachute, rocket
motor and altimeter.
GBU-38 (Laser Small Diameter 4 Surface............ AFX-757 (Insensitive 37 lbs.
Bomb). munition).
AGM-114 (Hellfire).............. 15 Subsurface (10 msec High Explosive Anti- 20 lbs.
delay). Tank (HEAT) tandem
anti-armor metal
augmented charge.
AGM-176 (Griffin)............... 10 Surface............ Blast fragmentation.. 13 lbs.
2.75 Rockets.................... 100 Surface............ Comp B-4 HEI......... Up to 12 lbs.
PGU-12 HEI 30 mm................ 1,000 Surface............ 30 x 173 mm caliber 0.1 lbs.
with aluminized RDX
explosive. Designed
for GAU-8/A Gun
System.
7.62 mm/.50 cal................. 5,000 Surface............ N/A.................. Inert.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key: AGL = above ground level; AGM = air-to-ground missile; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit;
JDAM = Joint Direct Attack Munition; LJDAM = Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition; mm = millimeters; msec =
millisecond; lbs = pounds; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary.

At least two ordnance delivery aircraft will participate in each
live weapons release training mission which lasts approximately four
hours. Before delivering the ordnance, mission aircraft would make a
dry run over the target area to ensure that it is clear of commercial
and recreational boats. Jets will fly at a minimum air speed of 300
knots (approximately 345 miles per hour, depending on atmospheric
conditions) and at a minimum altitude of 305 m (1,000 ft). Due to the
limited flyover duration and potentially high speed and altitude, the
pilots would not participate in visual surveys for protected species.
Eglin AFB's 2015 renewal request, 2014 application for the same
activities, and 2015 EA, which is available upon request (see
ADDRESSES), contain additional detailed information on the Maritime
WSEP training activities.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

Table 3 lists marine mammal species with potential or confirmed
occurrence in the proposed activity area during the project timeframe
and summarizes key information regarding stock status and abundance.
Please see NMFS' draft 2015 and 2014 Stock Assessment Reports (SAR),
available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars and Garrison et al., 2008; Navy,
2007; Davis et al., 2000 for more detailed accounts of these stocks'
status and abundance.

Table 3--Marine Mammals That Could Occur in the Proposed Activity Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory status Estimated Relative
Species Stock name 1 2 abundance occurrence in W-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------151-------
Common bottlenose Dolphin....... Choctawatchee Bay. MMPA-S............ 179............... Uncommon.
ESA-NL............ CV = 0.04 \3\.....
Pensacola/East Bay MMPA-S............ 33................ Uncommon.
ESA-NL............ CV = 0.80 \4\.....
St. Andrew Bay.... MMPA-S............ 124............... Uncommon.
ESA-NL............ CV = 0.57 \4\.....
Gulf of Mexico MMPA-S............ 7,185............. Common.
Northern Coastal. ESA-NL............ CV = 0.21 \3\.....
Northern Gulf of MMPA-NC........... 51,192............ Uncommon.
Mexico ESA-NL............ CV = 0.10 \3\.....
Continental Shelf.
Northern Gulf of MMPA-NC........... 5,806............. Uncommon.
Mexico Oceanic. ESA-NL............ CV = 0.39 \4\.....
Atlantic spotted dolphin........ Northern Gulf of MMPA-NC........... 37,611 \4\........ Common.
Mexico. ESA-NL............ CV = 0.28.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ MMPA: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, NC = Not Classified.
\2\ ESA: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, NL = Not listed.
\3\ NMFS Draft 2015 SAR (Waring et al., 2015).
\4\ NMFS 2014 SAR (Waring et al., 2014).

[[Page 79847]]

An additional 19 cetacean species could occur within the
northeastern Gulf of Mexico, mainly occurring at or beyond the shelf
break (i.e., water depth of approximately 200 m (656.2 ft)) located
beyond the W-151A test area. NMFS and Eglin AFB consider these 19
species to be rare or extralimital within the W-151A test location
area. These species are the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), sperm
whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima), pygmy
sperm whale (K. breviceps), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella
atenuarta), Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris),
Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), Gervais' beaked whale (M.
europaeus), Clymene dolphin (S. clymene), spinner dolphin (S.
longirostris), striped dolphin (S. coeruleoalba), killer whale (Orcinus
orca), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whale
(Feresa attenuata), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), Fraser's dolphin
(Lagenodelphis hosei), melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra),
rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), and short-finned pilot whale
(Globicephala macrorhynchus).
Of these species, only the sperm whale is listed as endangered
under the ESA and as depleted throughout its range under the MMPA.
Sperm whale occurrence within W-151A is unlikely because almost all
reported sightings have occurred in water depths greater than 200 m
(656.2 ft).
Because these species are unlikely to occur within the W-151A area,
Eglin AFB has not requested and NMFS has not proposed the issuance of
take authorizations for them. Thus, NMFS does not consider these
species further in this notice.
We have reviewed Eglin AFB's species descriptions, including life
history information, distribution, regional distribution, diving
behavior, and acoustics and hearing, for accuracy and completeness. We
refer the reader to Sections 3 and 4 of Eglin AFB's 2014 Authorization
application and to Chapter 3 in Eglin AFB's EA rather than reprinting
the information here.

Other Marine Mammals in the Proposed Action Area

The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) rarely
occurs in the area (USAF, 2014). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
jurisdiction over the manatee; therefore, we would not include a
proposed Authorization to harass manatees and do not discuss this
species further in this notice.

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals and Their
Habitat

This section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that
components (e.g., exposure to impulsive noise and pressure waves
generated by live ordnance detonation at or near the surface of the
water) of the specified activity, including mitigation may impact
marine mammals and their habitat. The ``Estimated Take by Incidental
Harassment'' section later in this document will include a quantitative
analysis of the number of individuals that we expect Eglin AFB to take
during this activity. The ``Negligible Impact Analysis'' section will
include the analysis of how this specific activity would impact marine
mammals. We will consider the content of the following sections:
``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment'' and ``Proposed Mitigation''
to draw conclusions regarding the likely impacts of these activities on
the reproductive success or survivorship of individuals--and from that
consideration--the likely impacts of this activity on the affected
marine mammal populations or stocks.
In the following discussion, we provide general background
information on sound and marine mammal hearing before considering
potential effects to marine mammals from sound produced by underwater
detonations.

Brief Background on Sound and WSEP Sound Types

Sound travels in waves, the basic components of which are
frequency, wavelength, velocity, and amplitude. Frequency is the number
of pressure waves that pass by a reference point per unit of time and
is measured in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. Wavelength is the
distance between two peaks of a sound wave; lower frequency sounds have
longer wavelengths than higher frequency sounds and attenuate
(decrease) more rapidly in shallower water. Amplitude is the height of
the sound pressure wave or the ``loudness'' of a sound and is typically
measured using the decibel (dB) scale. A dB is the ratio between a
measured pressure (with sound) and a reference pressure (sound at a
constant pressure, established by scientific standards). It is a
logarithmic unit that accounts for large variations in amplitude;
therefore, relatively small changes in dB ratings correspond to large
changes in sound pressure. When referring to sound pressure levels
(SPLs; the sound force per unit area), sound is referenced in the
context of underwater sound pressure to 1 microPascal ([mu]Pa). One
pascal is the pressure resulting from a force of one newton exerted
over an area of one square meter. The source level (SL) represents the
sound level at a distance of 1 m from the source (referenced to 1
[mu]Pa). The received level is the sound level at the listener's
position. Note that we reference all underwater sound levels in this
document to a pressure of 1 [mu]Pa.
Root mean square (rms) is the quadratic mean sound pressure over
the duration of an impulse. Acousticians calculate rms by squaring all
of the sound amplitudes, averaging the squares, and then taking the
square root of the average (Urick, 1983). Rms accounts for both
positive and negative values; squaring the pressures makes all values
positive so that one can account for the values in the summation of
pressure levels (Hastings and Popper, 2005). Researchers often use this
measurement in the context of discussing behavioral effects, in part
because behavioral effects, which often result from auditory cues, may
be better expressed through averaged units than by peak pressures.
The sounds produced by the proposed WSEP activities fall into one
of two general sound types: Impulsive (defined in the following) and
non-pulsed. The distinction between these two sound types is important
because they have differing potential to cause physical effects,
particularly with regard to hearing (e.g., Ward, 1997 in Southall et
al., 2007). Please see Southall et al., (2007) for an in-depth
discussion of these concepts.
Impulsive sound sources (e.g., explosions, gunshots, sonic booms,
impact pile driving) produce signals that are brief (typically
considered to be less than one second), broadband, atonal transients
(ANSI, 1986; Harris, 1998; NIOSH, 1998; ISO, 2003; ANSI, 2005) and
occur either as isolated events or repeated in some succession. These
sounds have a relatively rapid rise from ambient pressure to a maximal
pressure value followed by a rapid decay period that may include a
period of diminishing, oscillating maximal and minimal pressures, and
generally have an increased capacity to induce physical injury as
compared with sounds that lack these features.

Marine Mammal Hearing

When considering the influence of various kinds of sound on the
marine environment, it is necessary to understand that different kinds
of marine life are sensitive to different frequencies of sound. Current
data indicate that not all marine mammal species have equal hearing
capabilities (Richardson et al., 1995; Southall et al.,

[[Page 79848]]

1997; Wartzok and Ketten, 1999; Au and Hastings, 2008).
Southall et al. (2007) designated ``functional hearing groups'' for
marine mammals based on available behavioral data; audiograms derived
from auditory evoked potentials; anatomical modeling; and other data.
Southall et al. (2007) also estimated the lower and upper frequencies
of functional hearing for each group. However, animals are less
sensitive to sounds at the outer edges of their functional hearing
range and are more sensitive to a range of frequencies within the
middle of their functional hearing range.
The functional groups and the associated frequencies are:
Low frequency cetaceans (13 species of mysticetes):
Functional hearing estimates occur between approximately 7 Hertz (Hz)
and 25 kilohertz (kHz) (extended from 22 kHz based on data indicating
that some mysticetes can hear above 22 kHz; Au et al., 2006; Lucifredi
and Stein, 2007; Ketten and Mountain, 2009; Tubelli et al., 2012);
Mid-frequency cetaceans (32 species of dolphins, six
species of larger toothed whales, and 19 species of beaked and
bottlenose whales): Functional hearing estimates occur between
approximately 150 Hz and 160 kHz;
High-frequency cetaceans (porpoises, river dolphins, and
members of the genera Kogia and Cephalorhynchus; now considered to
include two members of the genus Lagenorhynchus on the basis of recent
echolocation data and genetic data [May-Collado and Agnarsson, 2006;
Kyhn et al. 2009, 2010; Tougaard et al. 2010]): Functional hearing is
estimated to occur between approximately 200 Hz and 180 kHz; and
Pinnipeds in water: Functional hearing is estimated to
occur between approximately 75 Hz to 100 kHz for Phocidae (true seals)
and between 100 Hz and 40 kHz for Otariidae (eared seals), with the
greatest sensitivity between approximately 700 Hz and 20 kHz. The
pinniped functional hearing group was modified from Southall et al.
(2007) on the basis of data indicating that phocid species have
consistently demonstrated an extended frequency range of hearing
compared to otariids, especially in the higher frequency range (Hemila
et al., 2006; Kastelein et al., 2009; Reichmuth et al., 2013).
There are two marine mammal species (two cetaceans, the common
bottlenose dolphin and the Atlantic spotted dolphin) with expected
potential to co-occur with Eglin AFB WSEP military readiness
activities. Please refer to Table 3 for information on these mid-
frequency hearing specialists.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin Vocalization and Hearing: Bottlenose
dolphins can typically hear within a broad frequency range of 0.04 to
160 kHz (Au, 1993; Turl, 1993). Electrophysiological experiments
suggest that the bottlenose dolphin brain has a dual analysis system:
One specialized for ultrasonic clicks and another for lower-frequency
sounds, such as whistles (Ridgway, 2000). Scientists have reported a
range of highest sensitivity between 25 and 70 kHz, with peaks in
sensitivity at 25 and 50 kHz (Nachtigall et al., 2000). Research on the
same individuals indicates that auditory thresholds obtained by
electrophysiological methods correlate well with those obtained in
behavior studies, except at lower (10 kHz) and higher (80 and 100 kHz)
frequencies (Finneran and Houser, 2006).
Sounds emitted by common bottlenose dolphins fall into two broad
categories: Pulsed sounds (including clicks and burst-pulses) and
narrow-band continuous sounds (whistles), which usually are frequency
modulated. Clicks have a dominant frequency range of 110 to 130 kHz and
a source level of 218 to 228 dB re: 1 [mu]Pa (peak-to-peak) (Au, 1993)
and 3.4 to 14.5 kHz at 125 to 173 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (peak-to-peak)
(Ketten, 1998). Whistles are primarily associated with communication
and can serve to identify specific individuals (i.e., signature
whistles) (Caldwell and Caldwell, 1965; Janik et al., 2006). Cook et
al. (2004) classified up to 52 percent of whistles produced by
bottlenose dolphin groups with mother-calf pairs as signature whistles.
Sound production is also influenced by group type (single or multiple
individuals), habitat, and behavior (Nowacek, 2005). Bray calls (low-
frequency vocalizations; majority of energy below 4 kHz), for example,
are used when capturing fish, specifically sea trout (Salmo trutta) and
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), in some regions (i.e., Moray Firth,
Scotland) (Janik, 2000). Additionally, whistle production has been
observed to increase while feeding (Acevedo-Guti[eacute]rrez and
Stienessen, 2004; Cook et al., 2004).
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Vocalization and Hearing: Researchers have
recorded a variety of sounds including whistles, echolocation clicks,
squawks, barks, growls, and chirps for the Atlantic spotted dolphin.
Whistles have dominant frequencies below 20 kHz (range: 7.1 to 14.5
kHz) but multiple harmonics extend above 100 kHz, while burst pulses
consist of frequencies above 20 kHz (dominant frequency of
approximately 40 kHz) (Lammers et al., 2003). Other sounds, such as
squawks, barks, growls, and chirps, typically range in frequency from
0.1 to 8 kHz (Thomson and Richardson, 1995). Recorded echolocation
clicks had two dominant frequency ranges at 40 to 50 kHz and 110 to 130
kHz, depending on source level (i.e., lower source levels typically
correspond to lower frequencies and higher frequencies to higher source
levels (Au and Herzing, 2003). Echolocation click source levels as high
as 210 dB re 1 [mu]Pa-m peak-to-peak have been recorded (Au and
Herzing, 2003). Spotted dolphins in the Bahamas were frequently
recorded during agonistic/aggressive interactions with bottlenose
dolphins (and their own species) to produce squawks (0.2 to 12 kHz
broad band burst pulses; males and females), screams (5.8 to 9.4 kHz
whistles; males only), barks (0.2 to 20 kHz burst pulses; males only),
and synchronized squawks (0.1-15 kHz burst pulses; males only in a
coordinated group) (Herzing, 1996). The hearing ability for the
Atlantic spotted dolphin is unknown. However, odontocetes are generally
adapted to hear high-frequencies (Ketten, 1997).
The Maritime WSEP training exercises proposed for the incidental
take of marine mammals have the potential to take marine mammals by
exposing them to impulsive noise and pressure waves generated by live
ordnance detonation at or near the surface of the water. Exposure to
energy, pressure, or direct strike by ordnance has the potential to
result in non-lethal injury (Level A harassment), disturbance (Level B
harassment), serious injury, and/or mortality. In addition, NMFS also
considered the potential for harassment from vessel and aircraft
operations.

Acoustic Effects, Underwater Detonations

Underwater explosive detonations send a shock wave and sound energy
through the water and can release gaseous by-products, create an
oscillating bubble, or cause a plume of water to shoot up from the
water surface. The shock wave and accompanying noise are of most
concern to marine animals. Depending on the intensity of the shock wave
and size, location, and depth of the animal, an animal can be injured,
killed, suffer non-lethal physical effects, experience hearing related
effects with or without behavioral responses, or exhibit temporary
behavioral responses or tolerance from hearing the blast sound.
Generally, exposures to higher levels of

[[Page 79849]]

impulse and pressure levels would result in greater impacts to an
individual animal.
The effects of underwater detonations on marine mammals are
dependent on several factors, including the size, type, and depth of
the animal; the depth, intensity, and duration of the sound; the depth
of the water column; the substrate of the habitat; the standoff
distance between activities and the animal; and the sound propagation
properties of the environment. Thus, we expect impacts to marine
mammals from WSEP activities to result primarily from acoustic
pathways. As such, the degree of the effect relates to the received
level and duration of the sound exposure, as influenced by the distance
between the animal and the source. The further away from the source,
the less intense the exposure should be.
The potential effects of underwater detonations from the proposed
WSEP training activities may include one or more of the following:
Temporary or permanent hearing impairment, non-auditory physical or
physiological effects, behavioral disturbance, and masking (Richardson
et al., 1995; Gordon et al., 2004; Nowacek et al., 2007; Southall et
al., 2007). However, the effects of noise on marine mammals are highly
variable, often depending on species and contextual factors (based on
Richardson et al., 1995).
In the absence of mitigation, impacts to marine species could
result from physiological and behavioral responses to both the type and
strength of the acoustic signature (Viada et al., 2008). The type and
severity of behavioral impacts are more difficult to define due to
limited studies addressing the behavioral effects of impulsive sounds
on marine mammals. Potential effects from impulsive sound sources can
range in severity from effects such as behavioral disturbance or
tactile perception to physical discomfort, slight injury of the
internal organs and the auditory system, or mortality (Yelverton et
al., 1973).
Hearing Impairment and Other Physical Effects--Marine mammals
exposed to high intensity sound repeatedly or for prolonged periods can
experience hearing threshold shift (TS), which is the loss of hearing
sensitivity at certain frequency ranges (Kastak et al., 1999; Schlundt
et al., 2000; Finneran et al., 2002, 2005). TS can be permanent (PTS),
in which case the loss of hearing sensitivity is not recoverable, or
temporary (TTS), in which case the animal's hearing threshold would
recover over time (Southall et al., 2007). Marine mammals depend on
acoustic cues for vital biological functions, (e.g., orientation,
communication, finding prey, avoiding predators); thus, TTS may result
in reduced fitness in survival and reproduction. However, this depends
on the frequency and duration of TTS, as well as the biological context
in which it occurs. TTS of limited duration, occurring in a frequency
range that does not coincide with that used for recognition of
important acoustic cues, would have little to no effect on an animal's
fitness. Repeated sound exposure that leads to TTS could cause PTS. PTS
constitutes injury, but TTS does not (Southall et al., 2007). The
following subsections provide a summary on the possibilities of TTS,
PTS, and non-auditory physical effects.
Temporary Threshold Shift--TTS is the mildest form of hearing
impairment that can occur during exposure to a strong sound (Kryter,
1985). While experiencing TTS, the hearing threshold rises, and a sound
must be stronger in order to be heard. In terrestrial mammals, TTS can
last from minutes or hours to days (in cases of strong TTS). For sound
exposures at or somewhat above the TTS threshold, hearing sensitivity
in both terrestrial and marine mammals recovers rapidly after exposure
to the sound ends. Few data on sound levels and durations necessary to
elicit mild TTS have been obtained for marine mammals, and none of the
published data concern TTS elicited by exposure to multiple pulses of
sound. Southall et al. (2007) summarizes available data on TTS in
marine mammals.
Given the available data, the received level of a single pulse
(with no frequency weighting) might need to be approximately 186 dB re
1 [mu]Pa2-s (i.e., 186 dB sound exposure level [SEL] or approximately
221-226 dB p-p [peak]) in order to produce brief, mild TTS. Exposure to
several strong pulses that each have received levels near 190 dB rms
(175-180 dB SEL) might result in cumulative exposure of approximately
186 dB SEL and thus slight TTS in a small odontocete, assuming the TTS
threshold is (to a first approximation) a function of the total
received pulse energy.
The above TTS information for odontocetes is derived from studies
on the bottlenose dolphin and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas).
There is no published TTS information for other species of cetaceans.
However, preliminary evidence from a harbor porpoise exposed to pulsed
sound suggests that its TTS threshold may have been lower (Lucke et
al., 2009). As summarized earlier, data that are now available imply
that TTS is unlikely to occur unless odontocetes are exposed to pulses
stronger than 180 dB re 1 [mu]Pa rms.
Permanent Threshold Shift--When PTS occurs, there is physical
damage to the sound receptors in the ear. In severe cases, there can be
total or partial deafness, while in other cases the animal has an
impaired ability to hear sounds in specific frequency ranges (Kryter,
1985). There is no specific evidence that exposure to pulses of sound
can cause PTS in any marine mammal. However, given the possibility that
mammals close to a sound source might incur TTS, there has been further
speculation about the possibility that some individuals might incur
PTS. Single or occasional occurrences of mild TTS are not indicative of
permanent auditory damage, but repeated or (in some cases) single
exposures to a level well above that causing TTS onset might elicit
PTS.
Relationships between TTS and PTS thresholds have not been studied
in marine mammals, but they are assumed to be similar to those in
humans and other terrestrial mammals. PTS might occur at a received
sound level at least several decibels above that inducing mild TTS if
the animal were exposed to strong sound pulses with rapid rise time.
There is no empirical data for onset of PTS in any marine mammal for
ethical reasons and researchers must extrapolate PTS-onset based on
hearing loss growth rates (i.e., rate of how quickly threshold shifts
grow in relation to increases in decibel level; expressed in dB of TTS/
dB of noise) from limited marine mammal TTS studies and more numerous
terrestrial mammal TTS/PTS experiments. Typically, the magnitude of a
threshold shift increases with increasing duration or level of
exposure, until it becomes asymptotic (growth rate begins to level or
the upper limit of TTS; Mills et al., 1979; Clark et al., 1987; Laroche
et al., 1989; Yost, 2007). Based on data from terrestrial mammals, a
precautionary assumption is that the PTS threshold for impulse sounds
is at least 6 dB higher than the TTS threshold on a peak-pressure basis
and probably greater than 6 dB (Southall et al., 2007). On an SEL
basis, Southall et al. (2007) estimated that received levels would need
to exceed the TTS threshold by at least 15 dB for there to be risk of
PTS. Thus, for cetaceans, Southall et al. (2007) estimate that the PTS
threshold might be an M-weighted SEL (for the sequence of received
pulses) of approximately 198 dB re 1 [mu]Pa2-s (approximately 15 dB
higher than the TTS threshold for an impulse sound).
Non-auditory Physiological Effects--Non-auditory physiological
effects or injuries that theoretically might occur in

[[Page 79850]]

marine mammals exposed to strong underwater sound include stress and
other types of organ or tissue damage (Cox et al., 2006; Southall et
al., 2007).
Adverse Stress Responses: An acoustic source is considered a
potential stressor if, by its action on the animal, via auditory or
non-auditory means, it may produce a stress response in the animal.
Here, the stress response will refer to an increase in energetic
expenditure that results from exposure to the stressor and which is
predominantly characterized by either the stimulation of the
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis (Reeder and Kramer, 2005). The SNS response to a stressor is
immediate and acute and occurs by the release of the catecholamine
neurohormones norepinephrine and epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline). These
hormones produce elevations in the heart and respiration rate, increase
awareness, and increase the availability of glucose and lipids for
energy. The HPA response results in increases in the secretion of the
glucocorticoid steroid hormones, predominantly cortisol in mammals. The
presence and magnitude of a stress response in an animal depends on a
number of factors. These include the animal's life history stage (e.g.,
neonate, juvenile, adult), the environmental conditions, reproductive
or developmental state, and experience with the stressor. Not only will
these factors be subject to individual variation, but they will also
vary within an individual over time. The stress response may or may not
result in a behavioral change, depending on the characteristics of the
exposed animal. However, provided that a stress response occurs, we
assume that some contribution is made to the animal's allostatic load.
One can assume that any immediate effect of exposure that produces an
injury also produce a stress response and contribute to the allostatic
load. Allostasis is the ability of an animal to maintain stability
through change by adjusting its physiology in response to both
predictable and unpredictable events (McEwen and Wingfield, 2003). If
the animal does not perceive the sound, the acoustic source would not
produce tissue effects and does not produce a stress response by any
other means. Thus, we expect that the exposure does not contribute to
the allostatic load.
Serious Injury/Mortality: Elgin AFB proposes to use several types
of explosive sources during its training exercises. Proposed
detonations could be either in air, at the water surface, or
underwater, depending on the mission and type of munition. Airburst
detonations have little transfer of energy underwater, but surface and
underwater detonations are of most concern regarding potential effects
to marine mammals. The underwater explosions from these weapons would
send a shock wave and blast noise through the water, release gaseous
by-products, create an oscillating bubble, and cause a plume of water
to shoot up from the water surface. The shock wave and blast noise are
of most concern to marine animals. In general, potential impacts from
explosive detonations can range from brief effects (such as short term
behavioral disturbance), tactile perception, physical discomfort,
slight injury of the internal organs, and death of the animal
(Yelverton et al., 1973; O'Keeffe and Young, 1984; DoN, 2001). The
effects of an underwater explosion on a marine mammal depend on many
factors, including the size, type, and depth of both the animal and the
explosive charge; the depth of the water column; and the standoff
distance between the charge and the animal, as well as the sound
propagation properties of the environment. Physical damage of tissues
resulting from a shock wave (from an explosive detonation) constitutes
an injury. Blast effects are greatest at the gas-liquid interface
(Landsberg, 2000) and gas containing organs, particularly the lungs and
gastrointestinal tract, are especially susceptible to damage (Goertner,
1982; Hill, 1978; Yelverton et al., 1973). Nasal sacs, larynx, pharynx,
trachea, and lungs may be damaged by compression/expansion caused by
the oscillations of the blast gas bubble (Reidenberg and Laitman,
2003). Severe damage (from the shock wave) to the ears can include
tympanic membrane rupture, fracture of the ossicles, cochlear damage,
hemorrhage, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage into the middle ear.
Non-lethal injury includes slight injury to internal organs and the
auditory system; however, delayed lethality can be a result of
individual or cumulative sublethal injuries (DoN, 2001). Immediate
lethal injury would be a result of massive combined trauma to internal
organs as a direct result of proximity to the point of detonation (DoN,
2001).

Disturbance Reactions

Disturbance includes a variety of effects, including subtle changes
in behavior, more conspicuous changes in activities, and displacement.
Behavioral responses to sound are highly variable and context-specific
and reactions, if any, depend on species, state of maturity,
experience, current activity, reproductive state, auditory sensitivity,
time of day, and many other factors (Richardson et al., 1995; Wartzok
et al., 2003; Southall et al., 2007).
Tolerance: Studies on marine mammals' tolerance to sound in the
natural environment are relatively rare. Richardson et al. (1995)
defined tolerance as the occurrence of marine mammals in areas where
they are exposed to human activities or manmade noise. In many cases,
tolerance develops by the animal habituating to the stimulus (i.e., the
gradual waning of responses to a repeated or ongoing stimulus)
(Richardson, et al., 1995; Wartzok et al., 2003), but because of
ecological or physiological requirements, many marine animals may need
to remain in areas where they are exposed to chronic stimuli
(Richardson, et al., 1995). Animals are most likely to habituate to
sounds that are predictable and unvarying.
The opposite process is sensitization, when an unpleasant
experience leads to subsequent responses, often in the form of
avoidance, at a lower level of exposure. Behavioral state may affect
the type of response as well. For example, animals that are resting may
show greater behavioral change in response to disturbing sound levels
than animals that are highly motivated to remain in an area for feeding
(Richardson et al., 1995; NRC, 2003; Wartzok et al., 2003).
Numerous studies have shown that underwater sounds are often
readily detectable by marine mammals in the water at distances of many
kilometers. However, other studies have shown that marine mammals at
distances more than a few kilometers away often show no apparent
response to activities of various types (Miller et al., 2005). This is
often true even in cases when the sounds must be readily audible to the
animals based on measured received levels and the hearing sensitivity
of that mammal group. Although various baleen whales, toothed whales,
and (less frequently) pinnipeds have been shown to react behaviorally
to underwater sound from impulsive sources such as airguns, at other
times, mammals of all three types have shown no overt reactions (e.g.,
Malme et al., 1986; Richardson et al., 1995; Madsen and Mohl, 2000;
Croll et al., 2001; Jacobs and Terhune, 2002; Madsen et al., 2002;
MacLean and Koski, 2005; Miller et al., 2005; Bain and Williams, 2006).
Controlled experiments with captive marine mammals showed
pronounced behavioral reactions, including avoidance of loud sound
sources (Ridgway et al., 1997; Finneran et al.,

[[Page 79851]]

2003). Observed responses of wild marine mammals to loud pulsed sound
sources (typically seismic guns or acoustic harassment devices) have
been varied but often consist of avoidance behavior or other behavioral
changes suggesting discomfort (Morton and Symonds, 2002; Thorson and
Reyff, 2006; see also Gordon et al., 2004; Wartzok et al., 2003;
Nowacek et al., 2007).
Because the few available studies show wide variation in response
to underwater sound, it is difficult to quantify exactly how sound from
the Maritime WSEP operational testing would affect marine mammals. It
is likely that the onset of underwater detonations could result in
temporary, short term changes in an animal's typical behavior and/or
avoidance of the affected area. These behavioral changes may include
(Richardson et al., 1995): Changing durations of surfacing and dives,
number of blows per surfacing, or moving direction and/or speed;
reduced/increased vocal activities; changing/cessation of certain
behavioral activities (such as socializing or feeding); visible startle
response or aggressive behavior (such as tail/fluke slapping or jaw
clapping); or avoidance of areas where sound sources are located.
The biological significance of any of these behavioral disturbances
is difficult to predict, especially if the detected disturbances appear
minor. However generally, one could expect the consequences of
behavioral modification to be biologically significant if the change
affects growth, survival, or reproduction. Significant behavioral
modifications that could potentially lead to effects on growth,
survival, or reproduction include:
Drastic changes in diving/surfacing patterns (such as
those thought to cause beaked whale stranding due to exposure to
military mid-frequency tactical sonar);
Habitat abandonment due to loss of desirable acoustic
environment; and
Cessation of feeding or social interaction.
The onset of behavioral disturbance from anthropogenic sound
depends on both external factors (characteristics of sound sources and
their paths) and the specific characteristics of the receiving animals
(hearing, motivation, experience, demography) and is difficult to
predict (Southall et al., 2007).

Auditory Masking

Natural and artificial sounds can disrupt behavior by masking, or
interfering with, a marine mammal's ability to hear other sounds.
Masking occurs when the receipt of a sound interferes with by another
coincident sound at similar frequencies and at similar or higher levels
(Clark et al., 2009). Chronic exposure to excessive, though not high-
intensity, sound could cause masking at particular frequencies for
marine mammals, which utilize sound for vital biological functions.
Masking can interfere with detection of acoustic signals such as
communication calls, echolocation sounds, and environmental sounds
important to marine mammals for other purposes such as navigation.
Therefore, under certain circumstances, marine mammals whose acoustical
sensors or environment are being severely masked could also be impaired
from maximizing their performance fitness in survival and reproduction.
If the coincident (masking) sound were man-made, it could be
potentially harassing if it disrupted hearing-related behavior. It is
important to distinguish TTS and PTS, which persist after the sound
exposure, from masking, which occurs during the sound exposure. Because
masking (without resulting in TS) is not associated with abnormal
physiological function, we do not consider it to be a physiological
effect, but rather a potential behavioral effect.
Introduced underwater sound may, through masking, more specifically
reduce the effective communication distance of a marine mammal species
if the frequency of the source is close to that used as a signal by the
marine mammal, and if the anthropogenic sound is present for a
significant fraction of the time (Richardson et al., 1995). Marine
mammals are thought to be able to compensate for communication masking
by adjusting their acoustic behavior through shifting call frequencies,
increasing call volume, and increasing vocalization rates. For example
in one study, blue whales increased call rates when exposed to noise
from seismic surveys in the St. Lawrence Estuary (Di Iorio and Clark,
2010). Other studies reported that some North Atlantic right whales
exposed to high shipping noise increased call frequency (Parks et al.,
2007) and some humpback whales responded to low-frequency active sonar
playbacks by increasing song length (Miller et al., 2000).
Additionally, beluga whales change their vocalizations in the presence
of high background noise possibly to avoid masking calls (Au et al.,
1985; Lesage et al., 1999; Scheifele et al., 2005).
While it may occur temporarily, we do not expect auditory masking
to result in detrimental impacts to an individual's or population's
survival, fitness, or reproductive success. Dolphin movement is not
restricted within the W-151 test area, allowing for movement out of the
area to avoid masking impacts and the sound resulting from the
underwater detonations is short in duration. Also, masking is typically
of greater concern for those marine mammals that utilize low frequency
communications, such as baleen whales and, as such, is not likely to
occur for marine mammals in the W-151 test area.

Vessel and Aircraft Presence

The marine mammals most vulnerable to vessel strikes are slow-
moving and/or spend extended periods of time at the surface in order to
restore oxygen levels within their tissues after deep dives (e.g.,
North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), fin whales
(Balaenoptera physalus), and sperm whales). Smaller marine mammals such
as common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins are agile and move
more quickly through the water, making them less susceptible to ship
strikes. NMFS and Eglin AFB are not aware of any vessel strikes of
common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins within in W-151 during
training operations and both parties do not anticipate that Eglin AFB
vessels engaged in the specified activity would strike any marine
mammals.
Dolphins within the Gulf of Mexico are continually exposed to
recreational, commercial, and military vessels. Behaviorally, marine
mammals may or may not respond to the operation of vessels and
associated noise. Responses to vessels vary widely among marine mammals
in general, but also among different species of small cetaceans.
Responses may include attraction to the vessel (Richardson et al.,
1995); altering travel patterns to avoid vessels (Constantine, 2001;
Nowacek et al., 2001; Lusseau, 2003, 2006); relocating to other areas
(Allen and Read, 2000); cessation of feeding, resting, and social
interaction (Baker et al., 1983; Bauer and Herman, 1986; Hall, 1982;
Krieger and Wing, 1984; Lusseau, 2003; Constantine et al., 2004);
abandoning feeding, resting, and nursing areas (Jurasz and Jurasz 1979;
Dean et al., 1985; Glockner-Ferrari and Ferrari, 1985, 1990; Lusseau,
2005; Norris et al., 1985; Salden, 1988; Forest, 2001; Morton and
Symonds, 2002; Courbis, 2004; Bejder, 2006); stress (Romano et al.,
2004); and changes in acoustic behavior (Van Parijs and Corkeron,
2001). However, in some studies marine mammals display no reaction to
vessels (Watkins, 1986; Nowacek et al., 2003) and many odontocetes show

[[Page 79852]]

considerable tolerance to vessel traffic (Richardson et al., 1995).
Dolphins may actually reduce the energetic cost of traveling by riding
the bow or stern waves of vessels (Williams et al., 1992; Richardson et
al., 1995).
Aircraft produce noise at frequencies that are well within the
frequency range of cetacean hearing and also produce visual signals
such as the aircraft itself and its shadow (Richardson et al., 1995,
Richardson and Wursig, 1997). A major difference between aircraft noise
and noise caused by other anthropogenic sources is that the sound is
generated in the air, transmitted through the water surface and then
propagates underwater to the receiver, diminishing the received levels
significantly below what is heard above the water's surface. Sound
transmission from air to water is greatest in a sound cone 26 degrees
directly under the aircraft.
There are fewer reports of reactions of odontocetes to aircraft
than those of pinnipeds. Responses to aircraft include diving, slapping
the water with pectoral fins or tail fluke, or swimming away from the
track of the aircraft (Richardson et al., 1995). The nature and degree
of the response, or the lack thereof, are dependent upon the nature of
the flight (e.g., type of aircraft, altitude, straight vs. circular
flight pattern). Wursig et al. (1998) assessed the responses of
cetaceans to aerial surveys in the north central and western Gulf of
Mexico using a DeHavilland Twin Otter fixed-wing airplane. The plane
flew at an altitude of 229 m (751.3 ft) at 204 km/hr (126.7 mph) and
maintained a minimum of 305 m (1,000 ft) straight line distance from
the cetaceans. Water depth was 100 to 1,000 m (328 to 3,281 ft).
Bottlenose dolphins most commonly responded by diving (48 percent),
while 14 percent responded by moving away. Other species (e.g., beluga
(Delphinapterus leucas) and sperm whales) show considerable variation
in reactions to aircraft but diving or swimming away from the aircraft
are the most common reactions to low flights (less than 500 m; 1,640
ft).

Direct Strike by Ordnance

Another potential risk to marine mammals is direct strike by
ordnance, in which the ordnance physically hits an animal. While strike
from an item falling through the water column is possible, the
potential risk of a direct hit to an animal within the target area
would be so low because objects sink slowly and most projectiles fired
at targets usually hit those targets.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

Detonations of live ordnance would result in temporary changes to
the water environment. Munitions could hit the targets and not explode
in the water. However, because the targets are located over the water,
in water explosions could occur. An underwater explosion from these
weapons could send a shock wave and blast noise through the water,
release gaseous by-products, create an oscillating bubble, and cause a
plume of water to shoot up from the water surface. However, these
effects would be temporary and not expected to last more than a few
seconds.
Similarly, Eglin AFB does not expect any long-term impacts with
regard to hazardous constituents to occur. Eglin AFB considered the
introduction of fuel, debris, ordnance, and chemical materials into the
water column within its EA and determined the potential effects of each
to be insignificant. We summarize Eglin AFB's analyses in the following
paragraphs (for a complete discussion of potential effects, please
refer to section 3.3 in Eglin AFB's EA).
Metals typically used to construct bombs, missiles, and gunnery
rounds include copper, aluminum, steel, and lead, among others.
Aluminum is also present in some explosive materials. These materials
would settle to the seafloor after munitions detonate. Metal ions would
slowly leach into the substrate and the water column, causing elevated
concentrations in a small area around the munitions fragments. Some of
the metals, such as aluminum, occur naturally in the ocean at varying
concentrations and would not necessarily impact the substrate or water
column. Other metals, such as lead, could cause toxicity in microbial
communities in the substrate. However, such effects would be localized
to a very small distance around munitions fragments and would not
significantly affect the overall habitat quality of sediments in the
northeastern Gulf of Mexico. In addition, metal fragments would
corrode, degrade, and become encrusted over time.
Chemical materials include explosive byproducts and also fuel, oil,
and other fluids associated with remotely controlled target boats.
Explosive byproducts would be introduced into the water column through
detonation of live munitions. Explosive materials would include 2,4,6-
trinitrotoluene (TNT) and RDX, among others. Various byproducts are
produced during and immediately after detonation of TNT and RDX. During
the very brief time that a detonation is in progress, intermediate
products may include carbon ions, nitrogen ions, oxygen ions, water,
hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen gas, nitrous oxide, cyanic
acid, and carbon dioxide (Becker, 1995). However, reactions quickly
occur between the intermediates, and the final products consist mainly
of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gas, although
small amounts of other compounds are typically produced as well.
Chemicals introduced into the water column would be quickly
dispersed by waves, currents, and tidal action, and eventually become
uniformly distributed. A portion of the carbon compounds such as carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide would likely become integrated into the
carbonate system (alkalinity and pH buffering capacity of seawater).
Some of the nitrogen and carbon compounds, including petroleum
products, would be metabolized or assimilated by phytoplankton and
bacteria. Most of the gas products that do not react with the water or
become assimilated by organisms would be released into the atmosphere.
Due to dilution, mixing, and transformation, none of these chemicals
are expected to have significant impacts on the marine environment.
Explosive material that is not consumed in a detonation could sink
to the substrate and bind to sediments. However, the quantity of such
materials is expected to be inconsequential. Research has shown that if
munitions function properly, nearly full combustion of the explosive
materials will occur, and only extremely small amounts of raw material
will remain. In addition, any remaining materials would be naturally
degraded. TNT decomposes when exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet
radiation), and is also degraded by microbial activity (Becker, 1995).
Several types of microorganisms have been shown to metabolize TNT.
Similarly, RDX decomposes by hydrolysis, ultraviolet radiation
exposure, and biodegradation.
While we anticipate that the specified activity may result in
marine mammals avoiding certain areas due to temporary ensonification,
this impact to habitat and prey resources would be temporary and
reversible. The main impact associated with the proposed activity would
be temporarily elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects
on marine mammals, previously discussed in this notice. Marine mammals
are anticipated to temporarily vacate the area of live fire events.
However, these events usually do not last more than 90 to 120 minutes
at a time, and animals are anticipated to

[[Page 79853]]

return to the activity area during periods of non-activity. Thus, based
on the preceding discussion, we do 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.

Proposed 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 the availability of such species or
stock for taking for certain subsistence uses (where relevant).
The NDAA of 2004 amended the MMPA as it relates to military-
readiness activities and the incidental take authorization process such
that ``least practicable adverse impact'' shall include consideration
of personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the
effectiveness of the military readiness activity.
NMFS and Eglin AFB have worked to identify potential practicable
and effective mitigation measures, which include a careful balancing of
the likely benefit of any particular measure to the marine mammals with
the likely effect of that measure on personnel safety, practicality of
implementation, and impact on the ``military-readiness activity.'' We
refer the reader to Section 11 of Eglin AFB's application for more
detailed information on the proposed mitigation measures which include
the following:
Vessel-Based Monitoring: Eglin AFB would station a large number of
range clearing boats (approximately 20 to 25) around the test site to
prevent non-participating vessels from entering the human safety zone.
Based on the composite footprint, range clearing boats will be located
approximately 15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point (see Figure
11-1 in Eglin AFB's application). However, the actual distance will
vary based on the size of the munition being deployed.
Trained protected species observers would be aboard five of these
boats and will conduct protected species surveys before and after each
test. The protected species survey vessels will be dedicated solely to
observing for marine species during the pre-mission surveys while the
remaining safety boats clear the area of non-authorized vessels. The
protected species survey vessels will begin surveying the area at
sunrise. The area to be surveyed will encompass the zone of influence
(ZOI), which is 5 km (3.1 mi). Animals that may enter the area after
Eglin AFB has completed the pre-mission surveys and prior to detonation
would not reach the predicted smaller slight lung injury and/or
mortality zones.
Because of human safety issues, observers will be required to leave
the test area at least 30 minutes in advance of live weapon deployment
and move to a position on the safety zone periphery, approximately
15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point. Observers will continue to
scan for marine mammals from the periphery.

Determination of the Zone of Influence

Eglin AFB has created a sample day reflecting the maximum number of
munitions that could be released and resulting in the greatest impact
in a single mission day. However, this scenario is only a
representation and may not accurately reflect how Eglin AFB may conduct
actual operations. However, NMFS and Eglin AFB are considering this
conservative assumption to calculate the impact range for mitigation
monitoring measures. Thus, Eglin AFB has modeled, combined, and
compared the sum of all energies from these detonations against
thresholds with energy metric criteria to generate the accumulated
energy ranges for this scenario. Table 4 lists these ranges which form
the basis of the mitigation monitoring.

Table 4--Distances (m) to Harassment Thresholds for an Example Mission Day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level A Level B harassment
Total number harassment -------------------------------
Munition NEW (lbs) per day Detonation scenario ---------------- Behavioral 167
PTS 187 dB SEL TTS 172 dB SEL dB SEL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBU-10 or GBU-24.......................... 945 1 Surface..................... 5,120 12,384 15,960
GBU-12 or GBU-54.......................... 192 1 Surface.....................
AGM-65 (Maverick)......................... 86 1 Surface.....................
GBU-39 (LSDB)............................. 37 1 Surface.....................
AGM-114 (Hellfire)........................ 20 3 (10 ft depth)...............
AGM-175 (Griffin)......................... 13 2 Surface.....................
2.75 Rockets.............................. 12 12 Surface.....................
PGU-13 HEI 30 mm.......................... 0.1 125 Surface.....................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGM = air-to-ground missile; cal = caliber; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; ft = feet; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary; lbs = pounds;
mm = millimeters; N/A = not applicable; NEW = net explosive weight; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; SDB = small diameter bomb; PTS = permanent threshold
shift; TTS = temporary threshold shift; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser.

Based on the ranges presented in Table 4 and factoring operational
limitations associated with survey-based vessel support for the
missions, Eglin AFB estimates that during pre-mission surveys, the
proposed monitoring area would be approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from
the target area, which corresponds to the Level A harassment threshold
range. Eglin AFB proposes to survey the same-sized area for each
mission day, regardless of the planned munition expenditures. By
clearing the Level A harassment threshold range of protected species,
animals that may enter the area after the completed pre-mission surveys
but prior to detonation would not reach the smaller slight lung injury
or mortality zones (presented in Table 6 later in this document).
Because of human safety issues, Eglin AFB would require observers to
leave the test area at least 30 minutes in advance of live weapon
deployment and move to a position on the safety zone periphery,
approximately 15 km (9.5 miles) from the detonation point. Observers
would continue to scan for marine mammals from the periphery, but
effectiveness would be limited as the boat would remain at a designated
station.
Video Monitoring: In addition to vessel-based monitoring, Eglin AFB

[[Page 79854]]

would position three high-definition video cameras on the GRATV
anchored on-site, as described earlier, to allow for real-time
monitoring for the duration of the mission. The camera configuration
and actual number of cameras used would depend on specific mission
requirements. In addition to monitoring the area for mission objective
issues, the camera(s) would also monitor for the presence of protected
species. A trained marine species observer from Eglin Natural Resources
would be located in Eglin AFB's Central Control Facility, along with
mission personnel, to view the video feed before and during test
activities. The distance to which objects can be detected at the water
surface by use of the cameras is considered generally comparable to
that of the human eye.
The GRATV will be located about 183 m (600 ft) from the target. The
larger mortality threshold ranges correspond to the modified Goertner
model adjusted for the weight of an Atlantic spotted dolphin calf, and
extend from 0 to 237 m (0 to 778 ft) from the target, depending on the
ordnance, and the Level A ranges for both common bottlenose and
Atlantic spotted dolphins extend from 7 to 965 m (23 to 3,166 ft) from
the target, depending on the ordnance and harassment criterion. Given
these distances, observers could reasonably be expected to view a
substantial portion of the mortality zone in front of the camera,
although a small portion would be behind or to the side of the camera
view. Based on previous monitoring reports for this activity, the pre-
training surveys for delphinids and other protected species within the
mission area are effective. Observers can view some portion of the
Level A harassment zone, although the view window would be less than
that of the mortality zone (a large percentage would be behind or to
the side of the camera view).
If the high-definition video cameras are not operational for any
reason, Eglin AFB will not conduct Maritime WSEP missions.
In addition to the two types of visual monitoring discussed earlier
in this section, Eglin AFB personnel are present within the mission
area (on boats and the GRATV) on each day of testing well in advance of
weapon deployment, typically near sunrise. They will perform a variety
of tasks including target preparation, equipment checks, etc., and will
opportunistically observe for marine mammals and indicators as feasible
throughout test preparation. However, we consider these observations as
supplemental to the proposed mitigation monitoring and would only occur
as time and schedule permits. Eglin AFB personnel would relay
information on these types of sightings to the Lead Biologist, as
described in the following mitigation sections.

Pre-Mission Monitoring

The purposes of pre-mission monitoring are to: (1) Evaluate the
mission site for environmental suitability, and (2) verify that the ZOI
(in this case, 5 km [3.1 mi]) is free of visually detectable marine
mammals, as well as potential indicators of these species. On the
morning of the mission, the Test Director and Safety Officer will
confirm that there are no issues that would preclude mission execution
and that weather is adequate to support mitigation measures.

Sunrise or Two Hours Prior to Mission

Eglin AFB range clearing vessels and protected species survey
vessels will be on site at least two hours prior to the mission. The
Lead Biologist on board one survey vessel will assess the overall
suitability of the mission site based on environmental conditions (sea
state) and presence/absence of marine mammal indicators. Eglin AFB
personnel will communicate this information to Tower Control and
personnel will relay the information to the Safety Officer in Central
Control Facility.

One and One-Half Hours Prior to Mission

Vessel-based surveys will begin approximately one and one-half
hours prior to live weapons deployment. Surface vessel observers will
survey the ZOI (in this case, 5 km [3.1 mi]) and relay all marine
species and indicator sightings, including the time of sighting, GPS
location, and direction of travel, if known, to the Lead Biologist. The
lead biologist will document all sighting information on report forms
which he/she will submit to Eglin Natural Resources after each mission.
Surveys would continue for approximately one hour. During this time,
Eglin AFB personnel in the mission area will also observe for marine
species as feasible. If marine mammals or indicators are observed
within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]), the range will be declared ``fouled,''
a term that signifies to mission personnel that conditions are such
that a live ordnance drop cannot occur (e.g., protected species or
civilian vessels are in the mission area). If there are no observations
of marine mammals or indicators of marine mammals, Eglin AFB would
declare the range clear of protected species.

One-Half Hour Prior to Mission

At approximately 30 minutes to one hour prior to live weapon
deployment, marine species observers will be instructed to leave the
mission site and remain outside the safety zone, which on average will
be 15.28 km (9.5 mi) from the detonation point. The actual size is
determined by weapon net explosive weight and method of delivery. The
survey team will continue to monitor for protected species while
leaving the area. As the survey vessels leave the area, marine species
monitoring of the immediate target areas will continue at the Central
Control Facility through the live video feed received from the high
definition cameras on the GRATV. Once the survey vessels have arrived
at the perimeter of the safety zone (approximately 30 minutes after
leaving the area per instructions from Eglin AFB, depending on actual
travel time), Eglin AFB will declare the range as ``green'' and the
mission will proceed, assuming all non-participating vessels have left
the safety zone as well.

Execution of Mission

Immediately prior to live weapons drop, the Test Director and
Safety Officer will communicate to confirm the results of marine mammal
surveys and the appropriateness of proceeding with the mission. The
Safety Officer will have final authority to proceed with, postpone, or
cancel the mission. Eglin AFB would postpone the mission if:
Any of the high-definition video cameras are not
operational for any reason;
Any marine mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (5
km [3.1 mi]). Postponement would continue until the animal(s) that
caused the postponement is: (1) Confirmed to be outside of the ZOI (5
km [3.1 mi]) on a heading away from the targets; or (2) not seen again
for 30 minutes and presumed to be outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) due
to the animal swimming out of the range;
Any large schools of fish or large flocks of birds feeding
at the surface are within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement would
continue until Eglin AFB personnel confirm that these potential
indicators are outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]):
Any technical or mechanical issues related to the aircraft
or target boats; or
Any non-participating vessel enters the human safety zone
prior to weapon release.
In the event of a postponement, protected species monitoring would
continue from the Central Control Facility through the live video feed.

[[Page 79855]]

Post-Mission Monitoring

Post-mission monitoring determines the effectiveness of pre-mission
mitigation by reporting sightings of any marine mammals. Post-
detonation monitoring surveys will commence once the mission has ended
or, if required, as soon as personnel declare the mission area safe.
Vessels will move into the survey area from outside the safety zone and
monitor for at least 30 minutes, concentrating on the area down-current
of the test site. This area is easily identifiable because of the
floating debris in the water from impacted targets. Up to 10 Eglin AFB
support vessels will be cleaning debris and collecting damaged targets
from this area thus spending several hours in the area once Eglin AFB
completes the mission. Observers will document and report any marine
mammal species, number, location, and behavior of any animals observed
to Eglin Natural Resources.

Mission Delays Due to Weather

Eglin AFB would delay or reschedule Maritime WSEP missions if the
Beaufort sea state is greater than number 4 at the time of the testing
activities. The Lead Biologist aboard one of the survey vessels will
make the final determination of whether conditions are conducive for
sighting protected species or not.
We have carefully evaluated Eglin AFB'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 stimuli
expected to result in incidental take (this goal may contribute to 1,
above, or to reducing takes by behavioral harassment only).
3. A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at
biologically important time or location) individuals would be exposed
to stimuli 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 training
exercises that we expect to result in the take of marine mammals (this
goal may contribute to 1, 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 our evaluation of Eglin AFB's proposed measures, as well
as other measures that may be relevant to the specified activity, we
have preliminarily 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. while
also considering personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and
the impact of effectiveness of the military readiness activity.

Proposed Monitoring and Reporting

In order to issue an Authorization for an activity, section
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA states that we must set forth ``requirements
pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.'' The MMPA
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.104(a)(13) indicate that
requests for an authorization must include the suggested means of
accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result
in increased knowledge of the species and our expectations of the level
of taking or impacts on populations of marine mammals present in the
proposed action area.
Eglin AFB submitted a marine mammal monitoring plan in their
Authorization application. We may modify or supplement the plan based
on comments or new information received from the public during the
public comment period. Any monitoring requirement we prescribe should
improve our understanding of one or more of the following:
Occurrence of marine mammal species in action area (e.g.,
presence, abundance, distribution, density).
Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure
to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or
chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment
(e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2)
Affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) Co-occurrence
of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) Biological or
behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas).
Individual responses to acute stressors, or impacts of
chronic exposures (behavioral or physiological).
How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1)
Long-term fitness and survival of an individual; or (2) Population,
species, or stock.
Effects on marine mammal habitat and resultant impacts to
marine mammals.
Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness.
NMFS proposes to include the following measures in the Maritime
WSEP Authorization (if issued). They are:
(1) Eglin AFB will track the use of the EGTTR for test firing
missions and protected species observations, through the use of mission
reporting forms.
(2) Eglin AFB will submit a summary report of marine mammal
observations and Maritime WSEP activities to the NMFS Southeast
Regional Office (SERO) and the Office of Protected Resources 90 days
after expiration of the current Authorization. This report must include
the following information: (i) Date and time of each Maritime WSEP
exercise; (ii) a complete description of the pre-exercise and post-
exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the effects of
Maritime WSEP exercises on marine mammal populations; and (iii) results
of the Maritime WSEP exercise monitoring, including number of marine
mammals (by species) that may have been harassed due to presence within
the activity zone.
(3) Eglin AFB will monitor for marine mammals in the proposed
action area. If

[[Page 79856]]

Eglin AFB personnel observe or detect any dead or injured marine
mammals prior to testing, or detects any injured or dead marine mammal
during live fire exercises, Eglin AFB must cease operations and submit
a report to NMFS within 24 hours.
(4) Eglin AFB must immediately report any unauthorized takes of
marine mammals (i.e., serious injury or mortality) to NMFS and to the
respective Southeast Region stranding network representative. Eglin AFB
must cease operations and submit a report to NMFS within 24 hours.

Monitoring Results From Previously Authorized Activities

Eglin AFB complied with the mitigation and monitoring required
under the previous Authorization for 2015 WSEP activities. Marine
mammal monitoring occurred before, during, and after each Maritime WSEP
mission. During the course of these activities, Eglin AFB's monitoring
did not suggest that they had exceeded the take levels authorized under
Authorization. In accordance with the 2015 Authorization, Eglin AFB
submitted a monitoring report (available at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm).
Under the 2015 Authorization, Eglin AFB anticipated conducting
Maritime WSEP training missions over approximately two to three weeks,
but actually conducted a total of eight mission days: Four days
(February 9, 10, 11, and 12, 2015) associated with inert ordnance
delivery and four days (March 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2015) associated with
live ordnance delivery.
During the February 2015 missions, Eglin AFB released two inert
CBU-105s in air which resulted in no acoustic impacts to marine
mammals. The CBU-105 is a cluster bomb unit that detonates in air
(airburst), contains 10 submunition cylinders with each cylinder
containing four sub-submunitions (skeets) which fire inert projectiles.
During the March 2015 live fire missions, Eglin AFB expended four
AGM-65 Mavericks and six AGM-114 Hellfire missiles against remotely-
controlled boats approximately 27 km (17 mi) offshore Santa Rosa
Island, FL. Net explosive weights of the munitions that detonated at
the water surface or up to 3 m (10 ft) below the surface are 86 lbs for
the AGM-65 Maverick missiles and 13 pounds for the AGM-114 Hellfire
missiles. Eglin AFB conducted the required monitoring for marine
mammals or indicators of marine mammals (e.g., flocks of birds,
baitfish schools, or large fish schools) before, during, and after each
mission and observed only two species of marine mammals: The common
bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Total protected
species observed during pre-mission surveys ranged between 149 and 156
individuals and Eglin AFB confirmed that marine mammals were outside of
the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) at the conclusion of each pre-mission survey.
For one mission day (March 17, 2015), Eglin AFB personnel extended
the duration of the pre-mission surveys to continue to monitoring a pod
of 10 bottlenose dolphins until the vessel captain could confirm that
the pod remained outside the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) and did not change
travel direction. Eglin AFB delayed weapons delivery as required by the
Authorization. Eglin AFB continued with their mission activities after
all animals cleared the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]).
After each mission, Eglin AFB re-entered the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) to
begin post-mission surveys for marine mammals and debris-clean-up
operations. Eglin AFB personnel did not observe reactions indicative of
disturbance during the pre-mission surveys and did not observe any
marine mammals during the post-mission surveys. In summary, Eglin AFB
reports that no observable instances of take of marine mammals occurred
incidental to the Maritime WSEP training activities under the 2015
Authorization.

Estimated Numbers of Marine Mammals Taken by Harassment

The NDAA amended the definition of harassment as it applies to a
``military readiness activity'' to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of
the MMPA): (i) Any act that injures or has the significant potential to
injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A
Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption
of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to,
migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a
point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly
altered [Level B Harassment].
NMFS' analysis identified the physiological responses, and
behavioral responses that could potentially result from exposure to
underwater explosive detonations. In this section, we will relate the
potential effects to marine mammals from underwater detonation of
explosives to the MMPA regulatory definitions of Level A and Level B
harassment. This section will also quantify the effects that might
occur from the proposed military readiness activities in W-151.
At NMFS' recommendation, Eglin AFB updated the thresholds used for
onset of temporary threshold shift (TTS; Level B Harassment) and onset
of permanent threshold shift (PTS; Level A Harassment) to be consistent
with the thresholds outlined in the Navy's report titled, ``Criteria
and Thresholds for U.S. Navy Acoustic and Explosive Effects Analysis
Technical Report,'' which the Navy coordinated with NMFS. NMFS believes
that the thresholds outlined in the Navy's report represent the best
available science. The report is available on the internet at: https://aftteis.com/Portals/4/aftteis/Supporting%20Technical%20Documents/Criteria_and_Thresholds_for_US_Navy_Acoustic_and_Explosive_Effects_Analysis-Apr_2012.pdf.

Level B Harassment

Of the potential effects described earlier in this document, the
following are the types of effects that fall into the Level B
harassment category:
Behavioral Harassment--Behavioral disturbance that rises to the
level described in the above definition, when resulting from exposures
to non-impulsive or impulsive sound, is Level B harassment. Some of the
lower level physiological stress responses discussed earlier would also
likely co-occur with the predicted harassments, although these
responses are more difficult to detect and fewer data exist relating
these responses to specific received levels of sound. When predicting
Level B harassment based on estimated behavioral responses, those takes
may have a stress-related physiological component.
Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS)--As discussed previously, TTS can
affect how an animal behaves in response to the environment, including
conspecifics, predators, and prey. NMFS classifies TTS (when resulting
from exposure to explosives and other impulsive sources) as Level B
harassment, not Level A harassment (injury).

Level A Harassment

Of the potential effects that were described earlier, the following
are the types of effects that fall into the Level A Harassment
category:
Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS)--PTS (resulting either from
exposure to explosive detonations) is irreversible and NMFS considers
this to be an injury.
Table 5 in this document outlines the acoustic thresholds used by
NMFS for

[[Page 79857]]

this Authorization when addressing noise impacts from explosives.

Table 5--Impulsive Sound Explosive Thresholds Used by Eglin AFB in Its Current Acoustics Impacts Modeling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Behavior Slight injury
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group Gastrointestinal Mortality
Behavioral TTS PTS tract Lung
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-frequency Cetaceans........ 167 dB SEL........ 172 dB SEL or 23 187 dB SEL or 104 psi............ 39.1 M1/3 (1+[DRm/ 91.4 M1/3 (1+DRm/
psi. 45.86 psi. 10.081])1/2 Pa- 10.081])1/2 Pa-
sec.. sec.
Where: M = mass of Where: M = mass of
the animals in kg. the animals in kg
DRm = depth of the DRm = depth of the
receiver (animal) receiver (animal)
in meters. in meters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eglin AFB conservatively modeled that all explosives would detonate
at a 1.2 m (3.9 ft) water depth despite the training goal of hitting
the target, resulting in an above water or on land explosion. For
sources detonated at shallow depths, it is frequently the case that the
explosion may breech the surface with some of the acoustic energy
escaping the water column. Table 6 provides the estimated maximum range
or radius, from the detonation point to the various thresholds
described in Table 5.

Table 6--Distances (m) to Harassment Thresholds From Eglin AFB's Explosive Ordnance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortality Level A harassment Level B harassment
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slight GI track PTS TTS Behavioral
lung injury ----------------------------------------------------
Munition NEW Total Detonation Modified injury -----------
(lbs) number scenario Goertner ----------- 230 dB
Model 1 Modified 237 dB 187 dB peak 172 dB 224 dB 167 dB SEL
Goertner SPL SEL SPL SEL peak SPL
Model 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottlenose Dolphin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBU-10 or GBU-24.............. 945 2 Surface......... 199 350 340 965 698 1,582 1,280 2,549
GBU-12 or GBU-54.............. 192 6 Surface......... 111 233 198 726 409 2,027 752 2,023
AGM-65 (Maverick)............. 86 6 Surface......... 82 177 150 610 312 1,414 575 1,874
GBU-39 (LSDB)................. 37 4 Surface......... 59 128 112 479 234 1,212 433 1,543
AGM-114 (Hellfire)............ 20 15 (10 ft depth)... 110 229 95 378 193 2,070 354 3,096
AGM-175 (Griffin)............. 13 10 Surface......... 38 83 79 307 165 1,020 305 1,343
2.75 Rockets.................. 12 100 Surface......... 36 81 77 281 161 1,010 296 1,339
PGU-13 HEI 30 mm.............. 0.1 1,000 Surface......... 0 7 16 24 33 247 60 492
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Unidentified Dolphin \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBU-10 or GBU-24.............. 945 2 Surface......... 237 400 340 965 698 1,582 1,280 2,549
GBU-12 or GBU-54.............. 192 6 Surface......... 138 274 198 726 409 2,027 752 2,023
AGM-65 (Maverick)............. 86 6 Surface......... 101 216 150 610 312 1,414 575 1,874
GBU-39 (LSDB)................. 37 4 Surface......... 73 158 112 479 234 1,212 433 1,543
AGM-114 (Hellfire)............ 20 15 (10 ft depth)... 135 277 95 378 193 2,070 354 3,096
AGM-175 (Griffin)............. 13 10 Surface......... 47 104 79 307 165 1,020 305 1,343
2.75 Rockets.................. 12 100 Surface......... 45 100 77 281 161 1,010 296 1,339
PGU-13 HEI 30 mm.............. 0.1 1,000 Surface......... 0 9 16 24 33 247 60 492
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGM = air-to-ground missile; cal = caliber; CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit; ft = feet; GBU = Guided Bomb Unit; HEI = high explosive incendiary; lbs = pounds;
mm = millimeters; N/A = not applicable; NEW = net explosive weight; PGU = Projectile Gun Unit; SDB = small diameter bomb; PTS = permanent threshold
shift; TTS = temporary threshold shift; WCMD = wind corrected munition dispenser
\1\ Unidentified dolphin can be either bottlenose or Atlantic spotted dolphin. Eglin AFB based the mortality and slight lung injury criteria on the mass
of a newborn Atlantic spotted dolphin.

[[Page 79858]]

Eglin AFB uses the distance information shown in Table 6 (Table 6.3
in Eglin AFB's application) to calculate the radius of impact for a
given threshold from a single detonation of each munition/detonation
scenario, then combine the calculated impact radii with density
estimates (adjusted for depth distribution) and the number of live
munitions to provide an estimate of the number of marine mammals
potentially exposed to the various impact thresholds.
The ranges presented in Table 6 represent a radius of impact for a
given threshold from a single detonation of each munition/detonation
scenario. They do not consider accumulated energies from multiple
detonation occurring within the same 24-hour time period. For
calculating take estimates, the single detonation approach is more
conservative because it multiplies the exposures from a single
detonation by the number of munitions and assumes a fresh population of
marine mammals is being impacted each time. Eglin AFB used this
approach because of the uncertainty surrounding which munitions they
would release on a given day. Multiple variables, such as weather,
aircraft mechanical issues, munition malfunctions, and target
availability may prevent planned munitions releases. By treating each
detonation as a separate event and summing those impacts accordingly,
Eglin AFB would have maximum operational flexibility to conduct the
missions without limitations on either the total number of munitions
allowed to be dropped in a day, or on the specific combinations of
munitions that could be released.
While this methodology overestimates the overall potential takes,
the ranges do not accurately represent the actual area acoustically
impacted for a given threshold from multiple detonations in a given
mission day. The total acoustic impact area for two identical bombs
detonating within a given timeframe is less than twice the impact area
of a single bomb's detonation. This has to do with the accumulated
energy from multiple detonations occurring sequentially. When one
weapon is detonated, a certain level of transmission loss is required
to be calculated to achieve each threshold level which can then be
equated to a range. By releasing a second munition in the same event
(same place and close in time), even though the total energy is
increased, the incremental impact area from the second detonation is
slightly less than that of the first; however the impact range for the
two munitions is larger than the impact range for one. Since each
additional detonation adds energy to the sound exposure level (SEL)
metric, all the energy from all munitions released in a day is
accumulated. By factoring in the transmission loss of the first
detonation added with the incremental increases from the second, third,
fourth, etc., the range of the cumulative energy that is below each
threshold level can be determined.

Density Estimation

Density estimates for bottlenose dolphin and spotted dolphin were
derived from two sources (see Table 7). NMFS provided detailed
information on Eglin AFB's derivation of density estimates for the
common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins in a previous Federal
Register notice for a proposed Authorization to Eglin AFB for the same
activities (79 FR 72631, December 8, 2014). The information presented
in that notice has not changed and NMFS refers the reader to Section 3
of Eglin AFB's application for detailed information on all equations
used to calculate densities presented in Table 7.

Table 7--Marine Mammal Density Estimates Within Eglin AFB's EGTTR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Density
Species (animals/
km\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottlenose dolphin \1\.................................. 1.194
Atlantic spotted dolphin \2\............................ 0.265
Unidentified bottlenose dolphin/Atlantic spotted dolphin 0.009
\2\....................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Source: Garrison, 2008; adjusted for observer and availability bias
by the author.
\2\ Source: Fulling et al., 2003; adjusted for negative bias based on
information provided by Barlow (2003; 2006).

Take Estimation

Table 8 indicates the modeled potential for lethality, injury, and
non-injurious harassment (including behavioral harassment) to marine
mammals in the absence of mitigation measures. Eglin AFB and NMFS
estimate that approximately 38 marine mammals could be exposed to
injurious Level A harassment noise levels (187 dB SEL) and
approximately 942 animals could be exposed to Level B harassment (TTS
and Behavioral) noise levels in the absence of mitigation measures.

Table 8--Modeled Number of Marine Mammals Potentially Affected by Maritime WSEP Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level A Level B Level B
Species Mortality harassment harassment harassment
(PTS only) (TTS) (behavioral)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bottlenose dolphin.............................. 0 33 373 423
Atlantic spotted dolphin........................ 0 5 68 69
Unidentified bottlenose dolphin/Atlantic spotted 0 0 4 5
dolphin........................................
---------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................................... 0 38 445 497
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on the mortality exposure estimates calculated by the
acoustic model, zero marine mammals are expected to be affected by
pressure levels associated with mortality or serious injury. Zero
marine mammals are expected to be exposed to pressure levels associated
with slight lung injury or gastrointestinal tract injury.
NMFS generally considers PTS to fall under the injury category
(Level A Harassment). An animal would need to stay very close to the
sound source for an extended amount of time to incur a serious degree
of PTS, which could increase the probability of mortality. In this
case, it would be highly unlikely for this scenario to unfold given the
nature of any anticipated acoustic exposures that could potentially
result from a mobile marine mammal that NMFS generally expects to
exhibit avoidance behavior to loud sounds within the EGTTR.
NMFS has relied on the best available scientific information to
support the issuance of Eglin AFB's authorization. In the case of
authorizing Level A harassment, NMFS has estimated that no more than 33
bottlenose dolphins and 5 Atlantic spotted dolphins could, although
unlikely, experience minor permanent threshold shifts of hearing

[[Page 79859]]

sensitivity (PTS). The available data and analyses, as described more
fully in a previous notice for a proposed Authorization (79 FR 72631,
December 8, 2014) and this notice include extrapolation results of many
studies on marine mammal noise-induced temporary threshold shifts of
hearing sensitivities. An extensive review of TTS studies and
experiments prompted NMFS to conclude that possibility of minor PTS in
the form of slight upward shift of hearing threshold at certain
frequency bands by a few individuals of marine mammals is extremely
low, but not unlikely.

Negligible Impact Analysis and Preliminary Determinations

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.'' 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, we consider 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
the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes, the number
of estimated mortalities, and effects on habitat.
To avoid repetition, the discussion below applies to all the
species listed in Table 8 for which we propose to authorize incidental
take for Eglin AFB's activities.
In making a negligible impact determination, we consider:
The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or
mortalities;
The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B
harassment;
The context in which the takes occur (e.g., impacts to
areas of significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative
impacts when taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions
when added to baseline data);
The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e.,
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative
to the size of the population);
Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/
survival; and
The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures to
reduce the number or severity of incidental take.
For reasons stated previously in this document and based on the
following factors, Eglin AFB's specified activities are not likely to
cause long-term behavioral disturbance, serious injury, or death.
The takes from Level B harassment would be due to potential
behavioral disturbance and TTS. The takes from Level A harassment would
be due to some form of PTS. Activities would only occur over a
timeframe of two to three weeks in beginning in February, 2016, with
one or two missions occurring per day. It is possible that some
individuals may be taken more than once if those individuals are
located in the exercise area on two different days when exercises are
occurring.
Noise-induced threshold shifts (TS, which includes PTS) are defined
as increases in the threshold of audibility (i.e., the sound has to be
louder to be detected) of the ear at a certain frequency or range of
frequencies (ANSI 1995; Yost 2000). Several important factors relate to
the magnitude of TS, such as level, duration, spectral content
(frequency range), and temporal pattern (continuous, intermittent) of
exposure (Yost 2000; Henderson et al. 2008). TS occurs in terms of
frequency range (Hz or kHz), hearing threshold level (dB), or both
frequency and hearing threshold level (CDC, 2004).
In addition, there are different degrees of PTS: Ranging from
slight/mild to moderate and from severe to profound (Clark, 1981).
Profound PTS or the complete loss of the ability to hear in one or both
ears is commonly referred to as deafness (CDC, 2004; WHO, 2006). High-
frequency PTS, presumably as a normal process of aging that occurs in
humans and other terrestrial mammals, has also been demonstrated in
captive cetaceans (Ridgway and Carder, 1997; Yuen et al. 2005; Finneran
et al., 2005; Houser and Finneran, 2006; Finneran et al. 2007; Schlundt
et al., 2011) and in stranded individuals (Mann et al., 2010).
In terms of what is analyzed for the potential PTS (Level A
harassment) in marine mammals as a result of Eglin AFB's Maritime WSEP
operations, if it occurs, NMFS has determined that the levels would be
slight/mild because research shows that most cetaceans show relatively
high levels of avoidance. Further, it is uncommon to sight marine
mammals within the target area, especially for prolonged durations.
Results from monitoring programs associated other Eglin AFB activities
and for Eglin AFB's 2015 Maritime WSEP activities have shown the
absence of marine mammals within the EGTTR during and after maritime
operations. Avoidance varies among individuals and depends on their
activities or reasons for being in the area.
NMFS' predicted estimates for Level A harassment take are likely
overestimates of the likely injury that will occur. NMFS expects that
successful implementation of the required vessel-based and video-based
mitigation measures would avoid Level A take in some instances. Also,
NMFS expects that some individuals would avoid the source at levels
expected to result in injury. Nonetheless, although NMFS expects that
Level A harassment is unlikely to occur at the numbers proposed to be
authorized, because it is difficult to quantify the degree to which the
mitigation and avoidance will reduce the number of animals that might
incur PTS, we are proposing to authorize (and analyze) the modeled
number of Level A takes (38), which does not take the mitigation or
avoidance into consideration. However, we anticipate that any PTS
incurred because of mitigation and the likely short duration of
exposures, would be in the form of only a small degree of permanent
threshold shift and not total deafness.
While animals may be impacted in the immediate vicinity of the
activity, because of the short duration of the actual individual
explosions themselves (versus continual sound source operation)
combined with the short duration of the Maritime WSEP operations, NMFS
has preliminarily determined that there will not be a substantial
impact on marine mammals or on the normal functioning of the nearshore
or offshore Gulf of Mexico ecosystems. We do not expect that the
proposed activity would impact rates of recruitment or survival of
marine mammals since we do not expect mortality (which would remove
individuals from the population) or serious injury to occur. In
addition, the proposed activity would not occur in areas (and/or times)
of significance for the marine mammal populations potentially affected
by the exercises (e.g., feeding or resting areas, reproductive areas),
and the activities would only occur in a small part of their overall
range, so the impact of any potential temporary displacement would be
negligible and animals would be expected to return to the area after
the cessations of activities. Although the proposed activity could
result in Level

[[Page 79860]]

A (PTS only, not slight lung injury or gastrointestinal tract injury)
and Level B (behavioral disturbance and TTS) harassment of marine
mammals, the level of harassment is not anticipated to impact rates of
recruitment or survival of marine mammals because the number of exposed
animals is expected to be low due to the short-term (i.e., four hours a
day or less) and site-specific nature of the activity. We do not
anticipate that the effects would be detrimental to rates of
recruitment and survival because we do not expect serious of extended
behavioral responses that would result in energetic effects at the
level to impact fitness.
Moreover, the mitigation and monitoring measures proposed for the
Authorization (described earlier in this document) are expected to
further minimize the potential for harassment. The protected species
surveys would require Eglin AFB to search the area for marine mammals,
and if any are found in the live fire area, then the exercise would be
suspended until the animal(s) has left the area or relocated. Moreover,
marine species observers located in the Eglin control tower would
monitor the high-definition video feed from cameras located on the
instrument barge anchored on-site for the presence of protected
species. Furthermore, Maritime WSEP missions would be delayed or
rescheduled if the sea state is greater than a 4 on the Beaufort Scale
at the time of the test. In addition, Maritime WSEP missions would
occur no earlier than two hours after sunrise and no later than two
hours prior to sunset to ensure adequate daylight for pre- and post-
mission monitoring.
Based on the preliminary analysis contained herein of the likely
effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat,
and taking into consideration the implementation of the mitigation and
monitoring measures, NMFS finds that Eglin AFB's Maritime WSEP
operations will result in the incidental take of marine mammals, by
Level A and Level B harassment only, and that the taking from the
Maritime WSEP exercises will have a negligible impact on 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. Therefore, NMFS has preliminarily 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)

Eglin AFB initiated consultation with the Southeast Region, NMFS,
under section 7 of the ESA regarding the effects of this action on ESA-
listed species and critical habitat under the jurisdiction of NMFS. The
consultation will be completed and a biological opinion issued prior to
any final determinations on an issuance of an Authorization. Due to the
location of the activity, no ESA-listed marine mammal species are
likely to be affected; therefore, NMFS has preliminarily determined
that this proposed Authorization would have no effect on ESA-listed
species. However, prior to the agency's decision on the issuance or
denial of this Authorization, NMFS will make a final determination on
whether additional consultation is necessary.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

In 2015, Eglin AFB provided NMFS with an EA titled, Maritime Weapon
Systems Evaluation Program (WSEP) Operational Testing in the Eglin Gulf
Testing and Training Range (EGTTR), Florida. The EA analyzed the
direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the specified
activities on marine mammals. NMFS, after review and evaluation of the
Eglin AFB EA for consistency with the regulations published by the
Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) and NOAA Administrative Order
216-6, Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National
Environmental Policy Act, adopted the EA. After considering the EA, the
information in the 2014 IHA application, and the Federal Register
notice, as well as public comments, NMFS has determined that the
issuance of the 2015 Authorization was not likely to result in
significant impacts on the human environment; adopted Eglin AFB's EA
under 40 CFR 1506.3; and issued a FONSI statement on issuance of an
Authorization under section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA.
In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 (Environmental
Review Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy
Act, May 20, 1999), NMFS will again review the information contained in
Eglin AFB's EA and determine whether the EA accurately and completely
describes the preferred action alternative and the potential impacts on
marine mammals. Based on this review and analysis, NMFS may reaffirm
the 2015 FONSI statement on issuance of an annual authorization under
section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA or supplement the EA if necessary.

Proposed Authorization

As a result of these preliminary determinations, we propose to
issue an Authorization to Eglin AFB for conducting Maritime WSEP
activities, for a period of one year from the date of issuance,
provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting
requirements are incorporated. The proposed Authorization language is
provided in the next section. The wording contained in this section is
proposed for inclusion in the Authorization (if issued).
1. This Authorization is valid for a period of one year from the
date of issuance.
2. This Authorization is valid only for activities associated with
the Maritme WSEP operations utilizing munitions identified in the
Attachment.
3. The incidental taking, by Level A and Level B harassment, is
limited to: Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); and
Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) as specified in Table 7
of this notice.
The taking by serious injury or death of these species, the taking
of these species in violation of the conditions of this Incidental
Harassment Authorization, or the taking by harassment, serious injury
or death of any other species of marine mammal is prohibited and may
result in the modification, suspension or revocation of this
Authorization.
4. Mitigation
When conducting this activity, the following mitigation measures
must be undertaken:
If daytime weather and/or sea conditions preclude adequate
monitoring for detecting marine mammals and other marine life, maritime
strike operations must be delayed until adequate sea conditions exist
for monitoring to be undertaken. Daytime maritime strike exercises will
be conducted only when sea surface conditions do not exceed Beaufort
sea state 4 (i.e., wind speed 13-18 mph (11-16 knots); wave height 1 m
(3.3 ft)), the visibility is 5.6 km (3 nm) or greater, and the ceiling
is 305 m (1,000 ft) or greater.
On the morning of the maritime strike mission, the test
director and safety officer will confirm that there are no issues that
would preclude mission execution and that the weather is adequate to
support monitoring and mitigation measures.

[[Page 79861]]

Two Hours Prior to Mission

Mission-related surface vessels will be stationed on site.
Vessel-based observers on board at least one vessel will
assess the overall suitability of the test site based on environmental
conditions (e.g., sea state) and presence/absence of marine mammal or
marine mammal indicators (e.g., large schools of fish, jellyfish,
Sargassum rafts, and large flocks of birds feeding at the surface).
Observers will relay this information to the safety officer.

One and One-Half Hours Prior to Mission

Vessel-based surveys and video camera surveillance will
commence. Vessel-based observers will survey the zone of impact (ZOI)
(5 km [3.1 mi]) and relay all marine mammal and indicator sightings,
including the time of sighting and direction of travel (if known) to
the safety officer. Surveys will continue for approximately one hour.
If marine mammals or marine mammal indicators are observed
within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]), the test range will be declared
``fouled,'' which will signify to mission personnel that conditions are
such that a live ordnance drop cannot occur.
If no marine mammals or marine mammal indicators are
observed, the range will be declared ``green,'' which will signify to
mission personnel that conditions are such that a live ordnance drop
may occur.

One-Half Hour Prior to Mission

Approximately 30 minutes prior to live weapon deployment,
vessel-based observers will be instructed to leave the test site and
remain outside the safety zone, which will be 9.5 miles from the
detonation point (actual size will be determined by weapon net
explosive weight (NEW) and method of delivery) during the conduct of
the mission.
Monitoring for marine mammals will continue from the
periphery of the safety zone while the mission is in progress. Other
safety boat crews will be instructed to observe for marine mammals
during this time.
After survey vessels have left the test site, marine
species monitoring will continue for the Eglin control tower through
the video feed received from the high definition cameras on the
instrument barge.

Execution of Mission

Immediately prior to live weapons drop, the test director
and safety officer will communicate to confirm the results of the
marine mammal survey and the appropriateness of proceeding with the
mission. The safety officer will have final authority to proceed with,
postpone, move, or cancel the mission.
The mission will be postponed or moved if: Any marine
mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]).
Postponement will continue until the animal(s) that caused the
postponement is confirmed to be outside of the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) due
to swimming out of the range; or large schools of fish, jellyfish,
Sargassum rafts, or large flocks of birds feeding at the surface are
observed within the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]). Postponement will continue
until these potential indicators are confirmed to be outside the ZOI (5
km [3.1 mi]).
In the event of a postponement, pre-mission monitoring
will continue as long as weather and daylight hours allow.

Post Mission

Post-mission surveys will commence as soon as Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel declare the test area safe. These
surveys will be conducted by the same vessel-based observers that
conducted the pre-mission surveys.
Survey vessels will move into the ZOI (5 km [3.1 mi]) from
outside the safety zone and monitor for at least 30 minutes,
concentrating on the area down-current of the test site. Any marine
mammals killed or injured as a result of the test will be documented
and immediately reported to the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal
Stranding Network at 877-433-8299 and the Florida Marine Mammal
Stranding Hotline at 888-404-3922. The species, number, location, and
behavior of any animals observed will be documented and reported.
If post-mission surveys determine that an injury or lethal
take of a marine mammal has occurred, the next maritime strike mission
will be suspended until the test procedure and the monitoring methods
have been reviewed with NMFS and appropriate changes made.

5. Monitoring

The holder of this Authorization is required to cooperate with the
National Marine Fisheries Service and any other Federal, state or local
agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals.
The holder of this Authorization will track their use of the EGTTR
for the Maritime WSEP missions and marine mammal observations, through
the use of mission reporting forms.
Maritime strike missions will coordinate with other activities
conducted in the EGTTR (e.g., Precision Strike Weapon and Air-to-
Surface Gunnery missions) to provide supplemental post-mission
observations of marine mammals in the operations area of the exercise.
Any dead or injured marine mammals observed or detected prior to
testing or injured or killed during live drops, must be immediately
reported to the NMFS Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network
at 877-433-8299 and the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 888-
404-3922.
Any unauthorized impacts on marine mammals must be immediately
reported to Dr. Roy E. Crabtree, the National Marine Fisheries
Service's Southeast Regional Administrator, at 727-842-5312, and Jolie
Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources at 301-427-8401.
The monitoring team will document any marine mammals that were
killed or injured as a result of the test and, if practicable,
coordinate with the local stranding network and NMFS to assist with
recovery and examination of any dead animals, as needed.
Activities related to the monitoring described in this
Authorization, including the retention of marine mammals, do not
require a separate scientific research permit issued under section 104
of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

6. Reporting

A draft report of marine mammal observations and Maritime WSEP
mission activities must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries
Service's Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, 263
13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 and NMFS's Office of
Protected Resources, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
This draft report must include the following information:
Date and time of each maritime strike mission;
A complete description of the pre-exercise and post-
exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the effects of
maritime strike missions on marine mammal populations;
Results of the monitoring program, including numbers by
species/stock of any marine mammals noted injured or killed as a result
of the maritime strike mission and number of marine mammals (by species
if possible) that may have been harassed due to presence within the ZOI
(5 km [3.1 mi]); and
A detailed assessment of the effectiveness of sensor based
monitoring in detecting marine mammals in the area of Maritime WSEP
operations.

[[Page 79862]]

The draft report will be subject to review and comment by the
National Marine Fisheries Service. Any recommendations made by the
National Marine Fisheries Service must be addressed in the final report
prior to acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The draft
report will be considered the final report for this activity under this
Authorization if the National Marine Fisheries Service has not provided
comments and recommendations within 90 days of receipt of the draft
report.

7. Additional Conditions

The maritime strike mission monitoring team will
participate in the marine mammal species observation training.
Designated crew members will be selected to receive training as
protected species observers. Protected Species Observers will receive
training in protected species survey and identification techniques
through a National Marine Fisheries Service-approved training program.
The holder of this Authorization must inform the Director,
Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, (301-
427-8400) or designee (301-427-8401) prior to the initiation of any
changes to the monitoring plan for a specified mission activity.
A copy of this Authorization must be in the possession of
the safety officer on duty each day that maritime strike missions are
conducted.
Failure to abide by the Terms and Conditions contained in
this Incidental Harassment Authorization may result in a modification,
suspension or revocation of the Authorization.

Request for Public Comments

We request comment on our analysis, the draft authorization, and
any other aspect of this Federal Register notice of proposed
Authorization. Please include with your comments any supporting data or
literature citations to help inform our final decision on Eglin AFB's
renewal request for an MMPA authorization.

Dated: December 17, 2015.
Perry F. Gayaldo,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32154 Filed 12-17-15; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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