Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Sand Quality Study Activities at the Children's Pool Beach, La Jolla, California, 19137-19152 [2016-07623]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
The Council is considering a limited
access program for the whiting/hake
fishery via this action. A public
comment period is then scheduled
during which any member of the public
may bring issues forward that relate to
Council business but are not included
on the published agenda for this
meeting. During this morning session,
the Atlantic Herring Committee will
provide a briefing on progress on
Amendment 8 to the Herring FMP, an
action that would address: (1) Localized
depletion; and (2) long-term harvest
strategies for Atlantic herring, including
an acceptable biological catch (ABC)
control rule that explicitly accounts for
herring’s role in the ecosystem. The
Committee report will also include
discussion of plans for a workshop on
a management strategy evaluation of the
herring ABC control rule and a request
that the Council initiate a framework
adjustment to revise the Georges Bank
haddock catch cap accountability
measures. After a lunch break and
during a discussion about NOAA’s
Omnibus Industry-Funded Monitoring
Amendment, the Council also will, in
cooperation with NOAA, discuss and
refine existing alternatives and possibly
select preferred alternatives for target
levels of monitoring coverage in the
Atlantic herring fishery. Approval of the
associated draft Environmental
Assessment will occur at the NEFMC’s
June Council meeting. Under the Sea
Scallop Committee’s agenda item,
discussions are planned in which
NEFMC members will review results of
the Council-sponsored workshop to
address concerns about scallop fishing
pressure in nearshore areas. They will
also review a draft outline and work
plan for the five-year performance
review of the limited access general
category IFQ program and hear
information about increased fishing
activity in the Northern Gulf of Maine
management area. If warranted, the
NEFMC may initiate an action at this
meeting to address this last topic.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
The final meeting day will begin with
a report from the Council’s Habitat
Committee Chair. After a review of work
to date, the committee will ask for
Council approval of the Omnibus DeepSea Coral Amendment management
alternatives for the purpose of further
development and analyses. A
presentation is then scheduled on the
draft Northeast Regional Ocean Plan.
The next report will address plans for a
peer review (fall 2016) of the in-season
discard methodology to be used by
NOAA Fisheries. The report will
include a discussion of the terms of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
reference approved by the Northeast
Regional Coordinating Committee.
Following a mid-day lunch break, and
under the auspices of the Groundfish
Committee, there will be: a progress
report on work to evaluate the
groundfish monitoring program, and an
update on other groundfish priorities for
2016, including windowpane flounder
management measures and improving
the process to develop recreational
fishery management measures. The
Council will adjourn after it addresses
any other outstanding business during
the afternoon of April 21st.
Although other non-emergency issues
not contained in this agenda may come
before this Council for discussion, those
issues may not be the subject of formal
action during this meeting. Council
action will be restricted to those issues
specifically listed in this notice and any
issues arising after publication of this
notice that require emergency action
under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided that the public
has been notified of the Council’s intent
to take final action to address the
emergency.
Special Accommodations
This meeting is physically accessible
to people with disabilities. Requests for
sign language interpretation or other
auxiliary aids should be directed to
Thomas A. Nies (see ADDRESSES) at least
5 days prior to the meeting date.
Dated: March 29, 2016.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–07557 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XE460
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to
Specified Activities; Sand Quality
Study Activities at the Children’s Pool
Beach, La Jolla, California
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; proposed Incidental
Harassment Authorization (IHA);
request for comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS has received an
application from the City of San Diego
for an IHA to take small numbers of
marine mammals, by Level B
harassment, incidental to the conduct of
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19137
sand quality study activities at the
Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla,
California. Pursuant to the Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS
is requesting comments on its proposal
to issue an IHA to the City of San Diego
to take, by Level B harassment only,
three species of marine mammals during
the specified activities.
DATES: Comments and information must
be received no later than May 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the IHA
application should be addressed 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.Youngkin@noaa.gov.
NMFS is not responsible for email
comments sent to addresses other than
the one provided here. Comments sent
via email, including all attachments,
must not exceed a 25-megabyte size.
All comments received are a part of
the public record and will generally be
posted to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
permits/incidental/ 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.
An electronic copy of the IHA
application containing a list of the
references used in this document may
be obtained by visiting the Internet at:
https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental/. In case of problems
accessing these documents, please call
the contact listed below. Documents
cited in this notice, including the IHA
application, may also be viewed, by
appointment, during regular business
hours, at the aforementioned address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale
Youngkin, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 301–427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), direct
the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary)
to allow, upon request, the incidental,
but not intentional, taking of small
numbers of marine mammals, by United
States citizens who engage in a specified
activity (other than commercial fishing)
within a specified geographical region if
certain findings are made and either
regulations are issued or, if the taking is
limited to harassment, a notice of a
proposed authorization is provided to
the public for review.
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19138
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Authorization for the incidental
takings shall be granted if NMFS finds
that the taking will have a negligible
impact on the species or stock(s), will
not have an unmitigable adverse impact
on the availability of the species or
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where
relevant), and if the permissible
methods of taking and requirements
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring,
and reporting of such takings are set
forth. NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible
impact’’ in 50 CFR 216.103 as ‘‘. . . an
impact resulting from the specified
activity that cannot be reasonably
expected to, and is not reasonably likely
to, adversely affect the species or stock
through effects on annual rates of
recruitment or survival.’’
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
established an expedited process by
which citizens of the United States can
apply for an authorization to
incidentally take small numbers of
marine mammals by harassment.
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
establishes a 45-day time limit for
NMFS’s review of an application
followed by a 30-day public notice and
comment period on any proposed
authorizations for the incidental
harassment of small numbers of marine
mammals. Within 45 days of the close
of the public comment period, NMFS
must either issue or deny the
authorization.
Except with respect to certain
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA
defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: Any act of
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i)
has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has
the potential to disturb a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild by causing disruption of behavioral
patterns, including, but not limited to,
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering [Level B
harassment].
Summary of Request
On December 14, 2015, NMFS
received an application from the City of
San Diego, Transportation & Storm
Water Department, Storm Water
Division, requesting an IHA for the
taking of marine mammals incidental to
the conduct of sand quality study
activities. NMFS determined that the
IHA application was adequate and
complete on February 25, 2016.
The City of San Diego would
undertake the proposed sand quality
sampling activities between June 1,
2016 and December 14, 2016 at the
Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla,
California. Visual stimuli due to the
presence of technicians on the beach
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:30 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
and their sand sample collection
activities during the study has the
potential to result in the take of marine
mammals through behavioral
disturbance. The requested IHA would
authorize the take, by Level B
(behavioral) harassment, of small
numbers of Pacific harbor seals (Phoca
vitulina richardii), California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), and northern
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
incidental to sand quality sampling
activities of the Children’s Pool Beach at
La Jolla, CA. Additional information on
the sand quality sampling activities at
the Children’s Pool Beach is contained
in the IHA application, which is
available electronically (see ADDRESSES).
Description of the Proposed Specified
Activity
Overview
The City of San Diego plans to
conduct a sand quality study at the
Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla, CA in
order to fulfill a special condition that
was part of a permit issued by the
California Coastal Commission
(Commission). The special provision
required a feasibility study to analyze
the sand quality, and methods for
improving sand quality, at Children’s
Pool Beach. Children’s Pool Beach is
currently listed on the Clean Water Act
Section 303(d) list as impaired for Fecal
Indicator Bacteria (FIB). Additionally,
researchers have identified pinniped
molting and excrement as a potential
source of mercury to the environment
(McHuron, Harvey et al. 2014,
Cossaboon, Ganguli et al. 2015). The
sand quality study will analyze the
current extent and magnitude of FIB and
mercury contamination in the beach
sand at Children’s Pool Beach, and will
assess several possible variable effects
including tidal cycles, wave regimes,
sand depth, and seasonal variability
during the effective dates of the IHA.
The California Coastal Commission’s
permit certified the City’s request to
amend its Land Use Plan. Specifically,
the City’s amendment included
revisions to allow seasonal closure at
Children’s Pool Beach during the Pacific
harbor seal pupping season, generally
from December 15 to May 15 of every
year. The amendment applies only to
Children’s Pool Beach, and is intended
to allow special protection of the harbor
seals at Children’s Pool Beach during
the vulnerable months of their pupping
season.
The sand quality sampling activities
would involve teams of two to three
people collecting sand samples for
approximately four hours along
transects parallel to the shoreline
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
between the water line and the seawall/
bluff railing. Sixteen sampling events
are proposed for the sand quality study
period between June 1 and December
14, 2016. Sand sample collection would
involve grab samples of surface layer
sand (surface up to 20 cm of sand to be
collected with a sterilized spoon). A
small subset of samples per event would
be collected from the subsurface via
narrow plastic cores (approximately 5
centimeters [cm] by 60 cm) driven into
the sand by hand to the extent possible,
and then sunk to the desired depth with
a small rubber mallet. Approximately 21
samples would be collected per event.
Visual stimuli due to the presence of
researchers on the beach collecting sand
samples would potentially result in
behavioral disturbance of pinnipeds
hauled out on the beach, which would
equate to a take under the MMPA.
Proposed Dates and Duration
The City of San Diego is planning to
begin the project at the Children’s Pool
in La Jolla, CA after the beach is opened
to the public in May, with completion
of the sand sampling activities to be
completed prior to closure of the beach
to the public in December, 2016. The
City of San Diego and NMFS are
requiring a moratorium on all sand
sampling activities during harbor seal
pupping and weaning (i.e., December
15th to May 15th). A moratorium on
sampling activities would also be
required for an additional two weeks
prior to initiating the sand collection
activities in order to accommodate lateweaning pups. Therefore, work on this
project would only be performed
between June 1st and December 14th of
2016.
Proposed sand sampling activities
would occur during daylight hours only,
as stipulated in the IHA application. In
addition, prior to sand sampling events,
the beach would be surveyed for the
presence of northern fur seals and/or
Guadalupe fur seals. If either of these
species are observed hauled out or in
the water at Children’s Pool Beach, sand
sampling would not commence. This
precaution is included due to the
unusually high number of strandings of
fur seals along the entire California
coast beginning in January, 2015, which
has resulted in the declaration of an
Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for
Guadalupe fur seal (https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/
guadalupefurseals2015.html). In
addition, an UME has been declared,
and has been ongoing since 2013, for
California sea lion pups and yearling
due to elevated strandings of pups in
Southern California (https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
californiasealions2013.htm). While
there have been relatively high numbers
of strandings of Guadalupe fur seals
coast-wide in California, the presence of
this species in California, and at
Children’s Pool Beach in particular,
would be considered extremely rare due
to the fact that they prefer isolated rocky
haul out sites (Riedman, 1990). As the
presence of fur seals at this location
would be such a rare event, it is likely
that the animal would be sick or injured
if it were to be present. Therefore, sand
sampling activities would not be
conducted and coordination with the
stranding network and/or a period of
observation would commence, as
described in further detail below. Take
of fur seals would not be authorized
under this IHA.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Proposed Specific Geographic Region
The La Jolla Children’s Pool Beach is
located at 850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla,
CA 92037 (32°50′51.18″ North,
117°16′41.94″ West). All sand quality
sampling events will take place at
Children’s Pool Beach. The locations of
the beach and the study area can be
found in the City of San Diego’s IHA
application.
Detailed Description of the Proposed
Specified Activities
The Children’s Pool was created in
1931 by building a breakwater wall
which created a protected pool for
swimming. Although partially filled
with sand, the Children’s Pool still has
open water for swimming and a beach
for sunbathing and beachcombing. The
Children’s Pool and nearby shore areas
(i.e., shoreline, beaches, and reefs of La
Jolla) are used by swimmers,
sunbathers, SCUBA divers and
snorkelers, shore/surf fishermen, school
classes, tide pool explorers, kayakers,
surfers, boogie and skim boarders, seal,
sea lion, bird and nature watchers, and
for other activities by the general public.
As such, Children’s Pool Beach is a
highly disturbed urban environment,
and seals have been documented to
respond less sensitively to stimuli
compared to seals at other sites (Hanan,
2004, Hanan & Associates 2011; Hanan
and Hanan 2014; Hahn 2010). Per Dr.
Doyle Hanan, who has a long history of
work with seals at this location, harbor
seals hauled out at Children’s Pool
Beach generally are habituated to the
environment, and allow approaches of
up to two to three meters before
showing signs of disturbance.
All sand sampling activities will take
place on the sandy beach area. Samples
will be collected along transects parallel
to the shoreline between the water’s
edge and the bluff/railing, while
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:30 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
ensuring a distance of at least three
meters (m) from any pinnipeds on the
beach. Samples would consist of grab
samples from the surface, with a subset
of samples collected approximately 25
to 50 cm below the sand surface by
using a hollow tube (approximately 5
cm by 60 cm) driven into the sand by
hand and/or with a small rubber mallet
with minimal digging.
All sand sampling events will be
conducted during daylight hours, and
each sampling event would be
approximately four hours in duration.
Sampling events will be scheduled to
the maximum extent practicable to
occur during the daily period of lowest
haul out occurrence (generally 8:30
a.m.–3:30 p.m.). Because the City of San
Diego already closes the Children’s Pool
Beach during harbor seal pupping
season (December 15 through May 15),
work on this project will be performed
between June 1 and December 14, 2016,
and up to 16 sampling events would be
conducted during this timeframe. The
first six sand sampling events are
planned to occur soon after June 1,
2016. The first three sampling events
(Phase 1a) are designed to maximize
sampling area and to capture critical
conditions when FIB may be at their
highest concentrations. During each
Phase 1a event, three transects parallel
to the shoreline at the swash zone, the
high-tide line, and the supralittoral zone
will be established relative to the
seawall railing and three surface sand
(SS) FIB samples (top 2 centimeters)
will be collected across each of the
transects at approximately left, middle,
and right beach. In addition, subsurface
sand (SbS) FIB samples will also be
collected at three of the nine SS
sampling location during each event at
approximately 25–50 centimeters below
the surface. A maximum of 21 FIB
samples, including field replicates, will
be collected for each Phase 1a
monitoring event, for an approximate
maximum Phase 1a total of 63 FIB
samples. The remaining three sampling
events (Phase 1b) will consist of biased
sampling based on Phase 1a preliminary
findings. The study design for Phase 1b
will be finalized in consultation with
the City. A maximum of 21 FIB samples,
including field replicates, will be
collected for each Phase 1b monitoring
event, for an approximate maximum
Phase 1b total of 63 FIB samples. These
early test results can then be compared
with additional test results from up to
10 additional sampling events that
could be collected during the warmer,
high-public-use summer and fall
months.
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19139
Description of Marine Mammals in the
Specified Geographic Area of the
Proposed Specified Activity
Information on marine mammal
species for which take would be
authorized is included below. Further
information on the biology and local
distribution of these marine mammal
species and others in the region can be
found in the NMFS Marine Mammal
Stock Assessment Reports, which are
available online at: https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.
Three species of pinnipeds are known
to occur in the Children’s Pool proposed
action area and off the Pacific coastline
(see Table 1 below). Pacific harbor seals
are the most common species likely to
be found within the immediate vicinity
of the activity area. California sea lions
and northern elephant seals may also be
found within the immediate vicinity of
the activity area, but are more rare
occurrences than harbor seals. Northern
fur seals and Guadalupe fur seals are
even more rarely observed at this
location (Northern and Guadalupe fur
seals have been seen observed at nearby
beaches on rare occasions, and a
northern fur seal was observed hauled
out at La Jolla Cove, which is less than
a mile from Children’s Pool, per a
personal communication with Dr.
Hanan [February 4, 2016], a scientist
with extensive knowledge of the area
and the species occurring there). Fur
seals are not known to haul out in such
urban mainland beaches, and their
presence would likely be attributed to
sickness or injury if they were observed
in this location. Therefore, only three
species are considered to be potentially
exposed to effects of the proposed sand
sampling activities, as sand sampling
activities would not be conducted if fur
seals were present and coordination
with the stranding network would
commence. A variety of other marine
mammal species have on occasion been
reported in the coastal waters off
southern California. However, none of
these species have been reported to
occur in the immediate proposed action
area of the Children’s Pool Beach.
Therefore, NMFS does not expect, and
does not propose to authorize,
incidental take of marine mammal
species other than Pacific harbor seals,
California sea lions, and northern
elephant seals from the proposed
specified activities. Table 1 below
provides information on these marine
mammal species, their habitat, and
conservation status in the nearshore
area of the general region of the
proposed project area.
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19140
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
TABLE 1—THE HABITAT, ABUNDANCE, AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF PACIFIC HARBOR SEALS, CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS,
AND NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS
Species
Habitat
Pacific harbor seal
(Phoca vitulina
richardii).
Northern elephant
seal (Mirounga
angustirostris).
California sea lion
(Zalophus
californianus).
Occurrence
Coastal .....................
Common
Coastal, pelagic
when not migrating.
Common
Coastal, shelf ............
Common
Best population
estimate
(minimum) 1
Range
Coastal temperate to
polar regions in Northern Hemisphere.
Eastern and Central
North Pacific—Alaska
to Mexico.
Eastern North Pacific
Ocean—Alaska to Mexico.
ESA 2
MMPA 3
30,968 (27,348)—California stock.
NL
NC.
179,000 (81,368)—California breeding stock.
NL
NC.
296,750 (153,337)—U.S.
stock.
NL
NC.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
NA = Not available or not assessed.
1 NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports.
2 U.S. Endangered Species Act: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, and NL = Not listed.
3 U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, and NC = Not classified.
Pacific Harbor Seal
Harbor seals are widely distributed in
the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Two subspecies exist in the Pacific
Ocean: P. v. stejnegeri in the western
North Pacific near Japan, and P. v.
richardii in the eastern North Pacific.
The subspecies in the eastern North
Pacific Ocean inhabits near-shore
coastal and estuarine areas from Baja
California, Mexico, to the Pribilof
Islands in Alaska. These seals do not
make extensive pelagic migrations, but
do travel 300 to 500 kilometers (km)
(162 to 270 nautical miles [nmi]) on
occasion to find food or suitable
breeding areas; (Herder 1986, Harvey
and Goley 2011). Previous assessments
of the status of harbor seals have
recognized three stocks along the west
coast of the continental U.S.: (1)
California, (2) Oregon and Washington
outer coast waters, and (3) inland waters
of Washington. An unknown number of
harbor seals also occur along the west
coast of Baja California, at least as far
south as Isla Asuncion, which is about
100 miles south of Punta Eugenia.
Animals along Baja California are not
considered to be a part of the California
stock because it is not known if there is
any demographically significant
movement of harbor seals between
California and Mexico and there is no
international agreement for joint
management of harbor seals. Harbor seal
presence at haul-out sites is seasonal
with peaks in abundance during their
pupping and molting periods. Pupping
and molting periods are first observed to
the south and progress northward up
the coast with time (e.g., January to May
near San Diego, April to June in Oregon
and Washington) (Jeffries 1984, Huber,
Jeffries et al. 2001); Hanan, 2004; Hanan
& Associates, 2011).
In California, approximately 400 to
600 harbor seal haul-out sites are
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
distributed along the mainland coast
and on offshore islands, including
intertidal sandbars and ledges, rocky
shores and islets, and beaches (Harvey
et al., 1995; Hanan, 1996; Lowry et al.,
2008). Preferred haul-out sites are those
that are protected from the wind and
waves, and allow access to deep water
¨
for foraging (Perrin, Wursig et al. 2008).
Of the known haul-out sites, 14
locations are rookeries (2 locations have
multiple sites, for a total of 17 sites) on
or near the mainland of California. The
population of harbor seals has grown off
the U.S. west coast and has led to new
haul-out sites being used in California
(Hanan, 1996). Harbor seals are one of
the most common and frequently
observed marine mammals along the
coastal environment.
The Children’s Pool area is the only
rookery in San Diego County and the
only mainland rookery on the U.S. west
coast between the border of Mexico and
Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA
(321.9 km [200 miles]). The number of
harbor seals in this area has increased
since 1979, and they have been
documented giving birth at the
Children’s Pool since the 1990’s
(Yochem and Stewart, 1998; Hanan &
Associates, 2004). Pacific harbor seals
haul-out year-round on beaches and
rocks (i.e., breakwater ledge/rocks haulout area, reef haul-out area, and Casa
Beach haul-out area) below the lifeguard
tower at Children’s Pool. According to
Yochem (2005), the Children’s Pool
beach site is used by harbor seals at all
hours of the day and at all tides with the
exception of occasional high tide/high
swell events in which the entire beach
is awash. Harbor seals are documented
to give birth on these beaches during
December through May (Hanan, 2004;
Hanan & Associates, 2011). The official
start to pupping season is December 15
at Children’s Pool Beach. Females in an
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
advanced stage of pregnancy begin to
show up on the Children’s Pool beach
by late October to early November.
Several studies have identified harbor
seal behavior and estimated harbor seal
numbers including patterns of daily and
seasonal area use (Yochem and Stewart,
1998; Hanan & Associates, 2011; Linder,
2011). Males, females, and pups (in
season) of all ages and stages of
development are observed at the
Children’s Pool and adjacent areas.
Children’s Pool is one of the three
known haul-out sites for this species in
San Diego County. These animals have
been observed in this area moving to/
from the Children’s Pool, exchanging
with the rocky reef directly west of and
adjacent to the breakwater and with Seal
Rock, which is about 150 m (492 ft) west
of the Children’s Pool. Harbor seals have
also been reported on the sandy beach
just southwest of the Children’s Pool. At
low tide, additional space for haulingout is available on the rocky reef areas
outside the retaining wall and on
beaches immediately southward. Haulout times vary by time of year, from less
than an hour to many hours. There have
been no foraging studies at this site, but
harbor seals have been observed in
nearshore waters and kelp beds nearby,
including La Jolla Cove.
In southern California, a considerable
amount of information is known about
the movements and ecology of harbor
seals, but population structure in the
region is not as well known (Stewart
and Yochem, 1994, 2000; Keper et al.,
2005; Hanan & Associates, 2011). Linder
(2011) suggests that this population
moves along the California coast and the
beach at Children’s Pool is part of a
‘‘regional network of interconnected’’
haul-out and pupping sites. Harbor seals
often haul-out in protected bays, inlets,
and beaches (Reeves et al., 1992). At and
near the Children’s Pool, harbor seals
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
haul-out on the sand, rocks, and
breakwater base in numbers of 0 to 15
harbor seals to a maximum of about 150
to 250 harbor seals depending on the
time of day, season, and weather
conditions (Hanan, 2004, Hanan &
Associates, 2011; Linder, 2011). Because
space is limited behind the breakwater
at the Children’s Pool, Linder (2011)
predicted that it is unlikely that
numbers will exceed 250 harbor seals.
Based on monitoring from a camera,
Western Alliance for Nature (WAN)
reported that during the month of May
2013 up to 302 harbor seals were
documented resting on the Children’s
Pool beach at any given time, with
additional harbor seals on the rocks and
in the water (Wan, personal
communication). Almost every day,
except for weekends, over 250
individual harbor seals were present on
the beach. During the months of
September 2012 to January 2013, the
average number of harbor seals on the
beach varied from 83 to 120 animals
before people entered the beach or when
people were behind the rope. During
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
this same period, when people were on
the beach and/or across the rope, the
average number of harbor seals varied
from 7 to 27. The City of San Diego
observed 12 counts totaling more than
200 and a maximum of 238 animals
during the 2014 to 2015 construction
window. The weather (i.e., wind and/or
rain) and the proximity of humans to
the beach likely affect the presence of
harbor seals on the beach.
Radio-tagging and photographic
studies have revealed that only a
portion of seals utilizing a hauling-out
site are present at any specific moment
or day (Hanan, 1996, 2005; Gilbert et al.,
2005; Harvey and Goley, 2011; and
Linder, 2011). These radio-tagging
studies indicate that harbor seals in
Santa Barbara County haul-out about 70
to 90% of the days annually (Hanan,
1996). The City of San Diego expects
harbor seals to behave similarly at the
Children’s Pool. Tagged and branded
harbor seals from other haul-out sites
have been observed by Dr. Hanan at the
Children’s Pool. For example, harbor
seals with red-stained heads and coats,
which are typical of some harbor seals
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19141
in San Francisco Bay have been
observed at Children’s Pool, indicating
that seals tagged at other locations and
haul-out sites visit the site. A few seals
have been tagged at the Children’s Pool
and there are no reports of these tagged
animals at other sites (probably because
of very low re-sighting efforts and a
small sample size [10 individuals radiotagged]), which may indicate a degree of
site-fidelity (Yochem and Stewart,
1998). These studies further indicate
that seals are constantly moving along
the coast including to/from the offshore
islands and that there may be as many
as 600 individual harbor seals using
Children’s Pool during a year, but
certainly not all at one time.
The City of San Diego has fitted a
polynomial curve to the number of
expected harbor seals hauling-out at the
Children’s Pool by month (see Figure 2
of the IHA application and Figure 1
below) based on counts at the Children’s
Pool by Hanan (2004), Hanan &
Associates (2011), Yochem and Stewart
(1998), and the Children’s Pool docents
(Hanan, 2004).
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
A complete count of all harbor seals
in California is impossible because some
are always away from the haul-out sites.
A complete pup count (as is done for
other pinnipeds in California) is also not
possible because harbor seals are
precocial, with pups entering the water
almost immediately after birth.
Population size is estimated by counting
the number of seals ashore during the
peak haul-out period (May to July) and
by multiplying this count by a
correction factor equal to the inverse of
the estimated fraction of seals on land.
Based on the most recent harbor seal
counts (2009) and including a revised
correction factor, the estimated
population of harbor seals in California
is 30,196 individuals (NMFS, 2011),
with an estimated minimum population
of 26,667 for the California stock of
harbor seals. Counts of harbor seals in
California increased from 1981 to 2004.
The harbor seal is not listed under the
ESA and the California stock is not
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
considered depleted or strategic under
the MMPA (Carretta et al., 2010).
California Sea Lion
The California sea lion is a separate
species from the Galapagos sea lion
(Zalophus wollebaeki) and the extinct
Japanese sea lion (Zalophus japonicus)
(Brunner, 2003; Wolf et al., 2007;
Schramm et al., 2009), and is found
from southern Mexico to southwestern
Canada. The breeding areas of the
California sea lion are on islands located
in southern California, western Baja
California, and the Gulf of California. A
genetic analysis of California sea lions
identified five genetically distinct
geographic populations: (1) Pacific
Temperate, (2) Pacific Subtropical, (3)
Southern Gulf of California, (4) Central
Gulf of California, and (5) Northern Gulf
of California (Schramm et al., 2009). In
that study, the Pacific Temperate
population included rookeries within
U.S. waters and the Coronados Islands
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
just south of U.S./Mexico border.
Animals from the Pacific Temperate
population range north into Canadian
waters, and movement of animals
between U.S. waters and Baja California
waters has been documented, though
the distance between the major U.S. and
Baja California rookeries is at least 740.8
km (400 nmi). Males from western Baja
California rookeries may spend most of
the year in the United States.
The entire California sea lion
population cannot be counted because
all age and sex classes are never ashore
at the same time. In lieu of counting all
sea lions, pups are counted during the
breeding season (because this is the only
age class that is ashore in its entirety),
and the numbers of births is estimated
from the pup count. The size of the
population is then estimated from the
number of births and the proportion of
pups in the population. Censuses are
conducted in July after all pups have
been born. There are no rookeries at or
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
EN04AP16.001
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
19142
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
near the Children’s Pool, although in the
past two years births have been reported
at La Jolla Cove (about 0.75 km [0.47
miles] east of Children’s Pool).
Population estimates for the U.S. stock
of California sea lions range from a
minimum of 153,337 to an average
estimate of 296,750 animals. The
California sea lion is not listed under
the ESA and the U.S. stock is not
considered depleted or strategic under
the MMPA.
The rocks and beaches at or near the
Children’s Pool in La Jolla, CA, are
almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal
hauling-out sites. On infrequent
occasions, one or two California sea
lions have been observed on the sand or
rocks at or near the Children’s Pool (i.e.,
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area,
reef haul-out area, and Casa Beach haulout area). These sites are not usual haulout locations for California sea lions.
The City of San Diego commissioned
two studies of harbor seal abundance
trends at the Children’s Pool. Both
studies reported that appearances of
California sea lions are infrequent, but
not rare at Children’s Pool (Yochem and
Stewart 1998); Hanan, 2004; Hanan &
Associates, 2011). During 2013, the City
of San Diego observed one juvenile and
three adult California sea lions at the
Children’s Pool. During 2014, the City of
San Diego observed 22 California sea
lions (during 19 days) at the Children’s
Pool. Adult sea lions were also observed
hauling out on rocks and cliffs near the
Children’s Pool. A report from 2015
monitoring is still in process at this
time.
Northern Elephant Seal
Northern elephant seals breed and
give birth in California (U.S.) and Baja
California (Mexico), primarily on
offshore islands (Stewart et al., 1994)
from December to March (Stewart and
Huber, 1993). Spatial segregation in
foraging areas between males and
females is evident from satellite tag data
(Le Beouf et al., 2000). Males migrate to
the Gulf of Alaska and western Aleutian
Islands along the continental shelf to
feed on benthic prey, while females
migrate to pelagic areas in the Gulf of
Alaska and the central North Pacific to
feed on pelagic prey (Le Beouf et al.,
2000). Adults return to land between
March and August to molt, with males
returning later than females. Adults
return to their feeding areas again
between their spring/summer molting
and their winter breeding seasons.
Populations of northern elephant
seals in the U.S. and Mexico have
recovered after being nearly hunted to
extinction (Stewart et al., 1994).
Northern elephant seals underwent a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
severe population bottleneck and loss of
genetic diversity when the population
was reduced to an estimated 10 to 30
individuals (Hoelzel et al., 2002).
However, movement and genetic
exchange continues between rookeries
when they start breeding (Huber et al.,
1991). The California breeding
population is now demographically
isolated from the Baja California
population. The California breeding
population is considered in NMFS’s
stock assessment report to be a separate
stock.
A complete population count of
elephant seals is not possible because
all age classes are not ashore
simultaneously. Elephant seal
population size is typically estimated by
counting the number of pups produced
and multiplying by the inverse of the
expected ratio of pups to total animals
(McCann, 1985). Based on counts of
elephant seals at U.S. rookeries in 2010,
Lowry et al. (2014) reported that 40,684
pups were born. Lowry et al. (2014)
applied a multiplier of 4.4 to extrapolate
from total pup counts to a population
estimate of approximately 179,000
elephant seals. This multiplier is
derived from life tables based on
published elephant seal fecundity and
survival rates, and reflects a population
with approximately 23% pups (Cooper
and Stewart, 1983; Le Boeuf and Reiter,
1988; Hindell 1991; Huber et al., 1991;
Reiter and Le Boeuf, 1991; Clinton and
Le Boeuf, 1993; Le Boeuf et al., 1994;
Pistorius and Bester, 2002; McMahon et
al., 2003; Pistorius et al., 2004; Condit
et al., 2014). The minimum population
size for northern elephant seals in 2010
can be estimated very conservatively as
81,368, which is equal to twice the
observed pup count (to account for the
pups and their mothers). The
population is reported to have grown at
3.8% annually since 1988 (Lowry et al.,
2014). Northern elephant seals are not
listed under the ESA and are not
considered as depleted or a strategic
stock under the MMPA.
The rocks and beaches at or near the
Children’s Pool in La Jolla, CA, are
almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal
hauling-out sites. On infrequent
occasions, juvenile northern elephant
seal have been observed on the sand or
rocks at or near the Children’s Pool (i.e.,
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area,
reef haul-out area, and Casa Beach haulout area). These sites are not usual haulout locations for northern elephant
seals. The City of San Diego
commissioned two studies of harbor
seal abundance trends at the Children’s
Pool. Both studies reported that
appearances of northern elephant seals
are infrequent, but not rare at Children’s
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19143
Pool (Yochem and Stewart 1998);
Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates,
2011). During 2013, the City of San
Diego observed two juvenile northern
elephant seals at the Children’s Pool.
During 2014, the City of San Diego
observed 30 juvenile elephant seals
(during 29 days) at the Children’s Pool.
A report from 2015 monitoring is still in
process at this time.
Potential Effects of the Proposed
Specified Activity on Marine Mammals
A significant body of monitoring data
exists for pinnipeds at Children’s Pool.
In addition, pinnipeds have co-existed
with heavy public use at this location,
and are likely habituated to human
presence and activity. Nevertheless, the
City of San Diego’s sand sampling
activities have the potential to disturb
pinnipeds present on the beach. Past
monitoring at this location has revealed
that some or all of the seals present may
move or flush from the beach in
response to the presence of humans or
their pets as well as crew and
equipment associated with construction,
though some may remain hauled-out.
No stampeding of seals—a potentially
dangerous occurrence in which large
numbers of animals succumb to mass
panic and rush away from a stimulus—
has been documented. While it is likely
impossible to conduct the proposed
sand sampling activities without
provoking some response in hauled-out
animals, precautionary mitigation
measures, described later in this
document, help ensure that this type of
disturbance would be minimized. Under
these conditions, it is anticipated that
seals would exhibit a continuum of
responses, beginning with alert
movements (e.g., raising the head),
which may then escalate to movement
away from the stimulus and possible
flushing into the water. Flushed seals
typically re-occupy the haul-out within
minutes to hours of the stimulus.
In the absence of appropriate
mitigation measures, it is possible that
pinnipeds could be subject to injury,
serious injury, or mortality, likely
through abandonment of pups.
However, based on a significant body of
site-specific data, harbor seals are
unlikely to sustain any harassment that
may be considered biologically
significant. Individual animals would,
at most, flush into the water in response
to the sand sampling activities, but may
also simply become alert or move across
the beach away from the sand sampling
crew.
California sea lions and northern
elephant seals have been observed as
less sensitive to stimulus than harbor
seals during monitoring at numerous
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
19144
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
other sites. For example, monitoring of
pinniped disturbance as a result of
abalone research in the Channel Islands
showed that while harbor seals flushed
at a rate of 69 percent, California sea
lions flushed at a rate of only 21
percent. The rate for elephant seals
declined to 0.1 percent (VanBlaricom,
2010). In the event that either of these
species is present during management
activities, they would be expected to
display a minimal reaction to
maintenance activities, and it is
expected that reaction would be less
than that expected of harbor seals.
Children’s Pool is a rookery for harbor
seals, so we have evaluated the potential
for injury, serious injury, or mortality to
pups. Pup injury or mortality would be
most likely to occur in the event of
extended separation of a mother and
pup, or trampling in a stampede. As
discussed previously, no stampedes
have been recorded at Children’s Pool.
Any California sea lions or northern
elephant seals present would be
independent juveniles or adults;
therefore, analysis of impacts on pups is
not relevant for those species.
The period of mother-pup bonding, a
critical time needed to ensure pup
survival and maximize pup health, is
not expected to be impacted by the sand
sampling activities. Harbor seal pups are
extremely precocious, swimming and
diving immediately after birth and
throughout the lactation period, unlike
most other phocids which normally
enter the sea only after weaning
(Lawson and Renouf, 1985; Cottrell et
al., 2002; Burns et al., 2005). Lawson
and Renouf (1987) investigated harbor
seal mother-pup bonding in response to
natural and anthropogenic disturbance.
In summary, they found that the most
critical bonding time is within minutes
after birth. As described previously, the
peak of pupping season is typically
concluded by mid-May, and the beach
is closed to the public until that time.
An additional two week period was
added to that time before sand sampling
activities could begin (to begin June 1)
in order to account for any potentially
late-weaning pups. As such, it is
expected that mother-pup bonding
would likely be concluded as well. In
addition, mitigation measures described
later in this document further reduce
the likelihood of any impacts to pups,
whether through injury or mortality or
interruption of mother-pup bonding
(which may lead to abandonment).
In summary, and based on extensive
monitoring data, we believe that
impacts to hauled-out pinnipeds during
estuary management activities would be
behavioral harassment of limited
duration (i.e., less than one day) and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
limited intensity (i.e., temporary
flushing at most). Stampeding, and
therefore injury or mortality associated
with stampeding, is not expected.
Further, the continued use of the haulout despite decades of public use at this
site indicates that abandonment of the
haul-out is unlikely.
Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal
Habitat
Harbor seals have been observed
hauling-out and documented giving
birth at the Children’s Pool since the
1990’s (Yochem and Stewart, 1998;
Hanan & Associates, 2004). It is one of
the three known haul-out sites for this
species in San Diego County and is the
only rookery in San Diego County and
the only mainland rookery on the U.S.
west coast between the border of Mexico
and Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA.
In addition to Pacific harbor seals,
California sea lions and northern
elephant seals have also been observed
at Children’s Pool Beach occasionally
(Yochem and Stewart 1998; Hanan
2004; Hanan & Associates 2014). More
information on this population of
Pacific harbor seals can be found in the
‘‘Description of Marine Mammals in the
Specified Geographic Area of the
Proposed Specified Activity.’’
The primary anticipated adverse
impact upon habitat consists of the
removal of sand from the beach. This
change is minor, temporary, and limited
in duration to the period of the sand
sampling activities. All sand sampling
activities will take place on the sand
beach area normally occupied by hauled
out seals. Although sand will be
collected from the beach, the total
volume removed over the course of the
study is estimated to be less than one
cubic foot. Additionally, a subset of
samples will be collected approximately
25 to 50 centimeters (cm) below the
sand surface. Because of the mechanism
of collection (use of a hollow plastic
tube and rubber mallet with minimal
digging), only transient sand
displacement is anticipated. Therefore,
we do not anticipate impacts to habitat.
The area of habitat affected is small
and the effects are localized and
temporary; thus there is no reason to
expect any significant reduction in
habitat available for other habitat uses.
No aspect of the project is anticipated to
have any permanent effect on the
location or use of pinniped haul-outs or
related habitat features in the area.
Further, the site is already very
disturbed by members of the public who
come to the area during the day and
night to view the pinnipeds. The City of
San Diego and NMFS do not project any
loss or modification of physical habitat
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
for these species. Any potential
temporary loss or modification of
habitat due to the presence of the sand
sampling technicians and their activities
during the proposed sand quality study
is expected by the City of San Diego and
NMFS to be quickly restored after the
sand sampling activities end.
For these reasons, NMFS anticipates
that the proposed action would result in
no impacts to marine mammal habitat
beyond rendering the areas of Children’s
Pool Beach immediately around the
sand sampling activities less desirable.
These sampling activities would be
temporary and would occur relatively
infrequently, as they are anticipated to
occur up to 16 times over the months of
May to December for approximately four
hours at a time. Thus, any impacts to
marine mammal habitat are not
expected to cause significant or longterm consequences for individual
marine mammals or their populations.
Proposed Mitigation
In order to issue an Incidental Take
Authorization (ITA) under section
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must
prescribe, where applicable, the
permissible methods of taking pursuant
to such activity, and other means of
effecting the least practicable impact on
such species or stock and its habitat,
paying particular attention to rookeries,
mating grounds, and areas of similar
significance, and on the availability of
such species or stock for taking for
certain subsistence uses (where
relevant).
The City of San Diego has established
the Children’s Pool as a shared beach for
pinnipeds and people except during
pupping season, when the beach has
been closed to the public in order to
protect the seals. In the past, during the
pupping season, a rope was placed
along the upper part of the beach with
signage to inform and designate how
close people can come to the haul-out
area and the pinnipeds. The timeframe
for the rope has been extended so that
it is now present year-round.
The activities proposed by the
applicant include a variety of measures
to minimize potential impacts on
marine mammals, including:
Prohibition of Sand Sampling During
Pupping Season
Sand sampling activities shall be
prohibited during the Pacific harbor seal
pupping season (December 15th to May
15th), and for an additional two weeks
thereafter to accommodate lactation and
weaning of late season pups. Thus, sand
quality study activities shall be
prohibited until June 1, 2016 and would
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
be required to end before December 15,
2016.
Limiting Activity to Daylight Hours
Sand sampling activities shall be
conducted during daylight hours only.
As Protected Species Observers (PSOs)
will be required to monitor the sand
sampling activities (see discussion
below), conducting the sampling events
during daylight hours with adequate
visibility will allow observers to
adequately observe and record
activities.
Daily Sand Sampling Timing
Sand sampling activities shall be
scheduled, to the maximum extent
practicable, during the daily period of
lowest haul-out occurrence, from
approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as
harbor seals typically have the highest
daily or hourly haul-out period during
the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
However, sand sampling activities may
be extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to
help assure that the project can be
completed at a time with low numbers
of seals hauled out.
Avoidance/Minimization of Interaction
with Pinnipeds
As stated above, per Dr. Doyle Hanan,
ongoing observations of harbor seals at
Children’s Pool have indicated a
habituation to the presence of people
and therefore, generally show signs of
disturbance when people are very close
to them on the beach (generally less
than two to three meters). Sand
sampling activities will be conducted
such that humans remain at least three
meters from hauled out pinnipeds at all
times. While the study calls for taking
samples along transects, there is enough
flexibility to allow for variation from the
transect line to collect samples and still
allow for minimizing approach to
pinnipeds on the beach. Therefore,
hauled out pinnipeds will be minimized
or avoided, and efforts will be made to
avoid disturbing/alerting/flushing them.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Protected Species Observers
Trained PSOs would be used to
detect, document, and minimize
impacts to marine mammals. More
information about this measure is
contained in the ‘‘Proposed Monitoring’’
section (below).
Proposed Mitigation Conclusions
NMFS has carefully evaluated the
applicant’s mitigation measures and
considered a range of other measures in
the context of ensuring that NMFS
prescribes the means of effecting the
least practicable impact on the affected
marine mammal species and stocks and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
their habitat. NMFS’s 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, including
consideration of personnel safety,
practicality of implementation, and
impact on the effectiveness of the
activity.
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 below:
(1) Avoidance or minimization of
injury or death of marine mammals
wherever possible (goals 2, 3, and 4 may
contribute to this goal).
(2) A reduction in the numbers of
marine mammals (total number or
number at biologically important time
or location) exposed to visual or
auditory stimuli associated with the
proposed sand quality study, or other
activities expected to result in the take
of marine mammals (this goal may
contribute to 1, above, or to reducing
harassment takes only).
(3) A reduction in the number of
times (total number or number at
biologically important time or location)
individuals would be exposed to visual
or auditory stimuli associated with the
proposed sand quality study, or other
activities expected 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 visual or auditory stimuli
associated with the proposed sand
quality study, or other activities
expected to result in the take of marine
mammals (this goal may contribute to a,
above, or to reducing the severity of
harassment takes only).
(5) Avoidance of 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19145
(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 NMFS’s evaluation of the
applicant’s proposed measures, as well
as other measures considered by NMFS,
NMFS has 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.
Proposed Monitoring and Reporting
In order to issue an ITA for an
activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of the
MMPA states that NMFS must, where
applicable, set forth ‘‘requirements
pertaining to the monitoring and
reporting of such taking.’’ The MMPA
implementing regulations at 50 CFR
216.104 (a)(13) require that requests for
ITAs include the suggested means of
accomplishing the necessary monitoring
and reporting that will result in
increased knowledge of the species and
of the level of taking or impacts on
populations of marine mammals that are
expected to be present in the proposed
action area.
Monitoring measures prescribed by
NMFS should accomplish one or more
of the following general goals:
(1) An increase in the probability of
detecting marine mammals, both within
the mitigation zone (thus allowing for
more effective implementation of the
mitigation) and in general to generate
more data to contribute to the analyses
mentioned below;
(2) An increase in our understanding
of how many marine mammals are
likely to be exposed to visual or
auditory stimuli associated with the
proposed sand quality study that we
associate with specific adverse effects,
such as behavioral harassment;
(3) An increase in our understanding
of how marine mammals respond to
stimuli expected to result in take and
how anticipated adverse effects on
individuals (in different ways and to
varying degrees) may impact the
population, species, or stock
(specifically through effects on annual
rates of recruitment or survival) through
any of the following methods:
• Behavioral observations in the
presence of stimuli compared to
observations in the absence of stimuli
(need to be able to accurately predict
distance from source, and other
pertinent information);
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19146
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
• Physiological measurements in the
presence of stimuli compared to
observations in the absence of stimuli
(need to be able to accurately predict
distance from the source, and other
pertinent information);
• Distribution and/or abundance
comparisons in times or areas with
concentrated stimuli versus times or
areas without stimuli;
(4) An increased knowledge of the
affected species;
(5) An increase in our understanding
of the effectiveness of certain mitigation
and monitoring measures; and
(6) An increase in our level of
knowledge regarding the overall health
of the monitored species, particularly in
light of recent local UMEs and
observations of malnutrition increases
in the area.
Proposed Monitoring
The City of San Diego has developed
a monitoring plan based on discussions
between the City of San Diego and
NMFS, as well as review of past IHAs
granted to the City of San Diego. The
plan is also included as an Appendix to
our draft Environmental Assessment
(EA) for issuance of the IHA for the sand
quality study activities (see National
Environmental Policy Act section
below), which is available for public
review along with the draft EA.
The monitoring plan involves PSOs
surveying and conducting hourly visual
counts beginning prior to sand sampling
activities (beginning at least 30 minutes
prior to sampling activities), monitoring
during sampling activities, and postsand sampling monitoring (continuing
for at least 30 minutes after sand
sampling activities have ended). During
each sample collection event, the PSO
will conduct continuous monitoring
from a vantage point along the seawall
(weather permitting) or along the bluff
above the beach, such that the full study
area is in view. During the proposed
sand sampling activities, monitoring
shall assess behavior and potential
behavioral responses to noise and visual
stimuli due to the proposed activities.
As noted above, if northern fur seals or
Guadalupe fur seals are observed prior
to commencement of activities, the
activities will not occur and
coordination with the stranding network
will be initiated.
Counts will be performed by species
for three zones: Pinnipeds hauled out on
the sandy beach area, pinnipeds
observed in the water within
approximately 30 meters of the beach,
and pinnipeds hauled out on the reef/
rocks just off the beach (including Seal
Rock). Total counts, counts of juveniles
(yearlings and pups), and counts of
males/females (when possible) will be
recorded. In addition to counts,
continuous behavioral monitoring will
be conducted for the duration of the
sampling event to document any
behavioral responses to visual (or other)
stimuli, as noted in Table 2 below.
When responses are observed, the type
of take (i.e., alert and flush, movement
of more than one meter, or change in
direction of movement) and the
assumed cause (whether related to
sample collection activities or not) will
be noted by species. Photographs and/
or video will be taken to document
these responses.
TABLE 2—SEAL RESPONSE TO DISTURBANCE
Type of response
Definition
1 ................
Alert ...........................................
2 ................
Movement .................................
3 ................
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Level
Flush .........................................
Seal head orientation or brief movement in response to disturbance, which may include turning
head towards the disturbance, craning head and neck while holding the body rigid in a ushaped position, changing from a lying to a sitting position, or brief movement of less than
twice the animal’s body length. Alerts would be recorded, but not counted as a ‘take’.
Movements away from the source of disturbance, ranging from short withdrawals at least twice
the animal’s body length to longer retreats over the beach including changing direction of
travel, or movement along the beach from a resting position. These movements would be recorded and counted as a ‘take’.
All retreats (flushes) to the water. Flushing into the water would be recorded and counted as a
‘take’.
Additional parameters will be
recorded during the first and last count
of each sampling event including
Beaufort sea state; atmospheric
conditions; cloud cover; visibility
conditions; air and water temperature;
tide height; and number of public
visitors present by location at Children’s
Pool.
Field observations will be
documented on Field Monitoring
Forms, and all observations and
associated data, including daily
monitoring reports, would be
maintained on City of San Diego
computers. A report summarizing
mitigation and monitoring for the
duration of the Children’s Pool Beach
sand quality study will be prepared and
submitted by the City of San Diego to
NMFS following completion of sand
sampling activities for the 2016
sampling season.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
The following marine mammal
monitoring and reporting shall be
performed for the proposed action:
(1) The PSO shall be selected prior to
sand sampling activities.
(2) The NMFS-approved PSO shall
attend the project site prior to, during,
and after sand sampling activities cease
each day that the sand sampling
activities occur.
(3) The PSO shall search for marine
mammals within the Children’s Pool
area.
(4) The PSO shall be present during
sand sampling activities to observe for
the presence of marine mammals in the
vicinity of the specified activity. All
such activity would occur during
daylight hours (i.e., 30 minutes after
sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset).
If inclement weather limits visibility
within the area of effect, the PSO would
perform visual scans to the extent
conditions allow.
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
(5) If marine mammals are sighted by
the PSO, the PSO shall record the
number of marine mammals and the
duration of their presence while the
sand sampling activity is occurring. The
PSO would also note whether the
marine mammals appeared to respond
to the noise/visual stimuli and, if so, the
nature of that response. The PSO shall
record the following information: Date
and time of initial sighting, tidal stage,
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state,
species, behavior (activity, group
cohesiveness, direction and speed of
travel, etc.), number, group
composition, distance between
sampling personnel and pinniped(s),
number of animals impacted, sampling
activities occurring at time of sighting
(walking, taking surface sample, or
pounding core sampler), and monitoring
and mitigation measures implemented
(or not implemented). The observations
would be reported to NMFS.
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
(6) To avoid takes of Guadalupe fur
seals, if fur seals are observed to be
hauled out on the beach, or in the
water/rocks at the Children’s Pool Beach
prior to the initiation of sand collection
activities, sand sampling activities will
not commence. PSOs will alert the
stranding network, as the occurrence of
these species would typically indicate a
sick/injured animal. Recommendations
of the stranding coordinator will be
followed, which may include a 24-hour
or 48-hour waiting and observation
period, and sand sampling would not
commence until the animal(s) either
vacated the area on its own, or was
collected by the stranding network
(7) A final report would be submitted
summarizing all effects from sand
sampling activities and marine mammal
monitoring during the time of the
authorization.
A written log of dates and times of
monitoring activity will be kept. The log
shall report the following information:
• Time of observer arrival on site;
• Time of the commencement of sand
sampling activities;
• Distances to all marine mammals
relative to the stimuli;
• For harbor seal, northern elephant
seal, and California sea lion
observations, notes on behavior during
sand sampling activity, as described
above, and on the number and
distribution observed in the project
vicinity;
• For observations of all marine
mammals other than harbor seals,
northern elephant seals, and California
sea lions, the time and duration of each
animal’s presence in the project
vicinity; the number of animals
observed; the behavior of each animal,
including any response to sand
sampling activities;
• Time of the cessation of sand
sampling activities; and
• Time of observer departure from
site.
All monitoring data collected during
sand sampling events would be
included in the biological monitoring
notes to be submitted. A final report
summarizing the sand sampling
monitoring and any general trends
observed would also be submitted to
NMFS within 90 days after monitoring
has ended during the period of the sand
quality study or 45 days prior to the
date by which any subsequent IHA is
requested by the City of San Diego,
whichever comes first.
Proposed Reporting
A draft final report must be submitted
to NMFS within 90 days after the
conclusion of the final sand sampling
activities of the Children’s Pool Beach.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
The report would include a summary of
the information gathered pursuant to the
monitoring requirements set forth in the
IHA, including dates and times of
operations and all marine mammal
sightings (dates, times, locations,
species, behavioral observations
[activity, group cohesiveness, direction
and speed of travel, etc.], tidal stage,
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state
and wind force, associated sand
sampling activities). A final report must
be submitted within 30 days after
receiving comments from NMFS on the
draft final report. If no comments are
received from NMFS, the draft final
report would be considered to be the
final report.
While the IHA does not authorize
injury (i.e., Level A harassment), serious
injury, or mortality, should the
applicant, contractor, monitor or any
other individual associated with the
sand quality study observe an injured or
dead marine mammal, the incident
(regardless of cause) will immediately
be reported to NMFS stranding
coordinator. The report should include
species or description of animal,
condition of animal, location, time first
found, observed behaviors (if alive) and
photo or video, if available.
In the unanticipated event that the
City of San Diego discovers a live
stranded marine mammal (sick and/or
injured, or if any fur seals are observed)
at Children’s Pool, they shall
immediately contact Sea World’s
stranded animal hotline at 1–800–541–
7235. Sea World shall also be notified
if a dead stranded pinniped is found so
that a necropsy can be performed. In all
cases, NMFS stranding coordinator shall
be notified as well, but for immediate
response purposes, Sea World shall be
contacted first.
Reporting Prohibited Take—In the
unanticipated event that the specified
activity clearly causes the take of a
marine mammal in a manner prohibited
by this IHA, such as an injury (Level A
harassment), serious injury, or
mortality, the City of San Diego shall
immediately cease the specified
activities and immediately report the
incident to the Chief of the Permits and
Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS, and the
West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator. The report must include
the following information:
• Time, date, and location (latitude/
longitude) of the incident;
• The type of activity involved;
• Description of the circumstances
during and leading up to the incident;
• Water depth; environmental
conditions (e.g., wind speed and
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19147
direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud
cover, and visibility);
• Description of marine mammal
observations in the 24 hours preceding
the incident; species identification or
description of the animal(s) involved;
• The fate of the animal(s); and
photographs or video footage of the
animal (if equipment is available).
Activities shall not resume until
NMFS is able to review the
circumstances of the prohibited take.
NMFS shall work with the City of San
Diego to determine the action necessary
to minimize the likelihood of further
prohibited take and ensure MMPA
compliance. The City of San Diego may
not resume its activities until notified
by NMFS via letter, email, or telephone.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine
Mammal with an Unknown Cause of
Death—In the event that the City of San
Diego discovers an injured or dead
marine mammal, and the lead PSO
determines that the cause of the injury
or death is unknown and the death is
relatively recent (i.e., in less than a
moderate state of decomposition as
described in the next paragraph), the
City of San Diego would immediately
report the incident to the Chief of the
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,
and the West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator. The report must include
the same information identified above.
Activities may continue while NMFS
reviews the circumstances of the
incident. NMFS would work with the
City of San Diego to determine whether
modification of the activities is
appropriate.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine
Mammal Not Related to the Activities—
In the event that the City of San Diego
discovers an injured or dead marine
mammal, and the lead PSO determines
that the injury or death is not associated
with or related to the activities
authorized (e.g., previously wounded
animal, carcass with moderate to
advanced decomposition, or scavenger
damage), the City of San Diego shall
report the incident to the Chief of the
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS ,
and the West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator within 24 hours of the
discovery. The City of San Diego shall
provide photographs or video footage (if
available) or other documentation of the
stranded animal sighting to NMFS and
the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
Activities may continue while NMFS
reviews the circumstances of the
incident.
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19148
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
Monitoring Results From Previously
Authorized Activities
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
2013 to 2014
Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of
the City of San Diego, conducted marine
mammal and in-air sound monitoring at
six locations during demolition and
construction activities at the Children’s
Pool Lifeguard Station in La Jolla,
California from June 3, 2013 to February
12, 2014. Demolition and construction
activities began on July 10, 2013 and
were halted for the Pacific harbor seal
pupping season (December 15, 2013 to
May 30, 2014). During 115 days of
visual and acoustic observations, Hanan
& Associates counted a total of 61,631
Pacific harbor seals and 26,037 people.
During the 2013 demolition and
construction activities, Hanan &
Associates observed a total of 15,673
takes by Level B harassment (i.e., alerts,
movements, and flushes) that could be
attributed to demolition and
construction activities (5,095 takes), the
general public (8,639 takes), and other
sources (1,939 takes). As of April 15,
2014, at least 60 harbor seal pups
(including 2 still births) have been born
at the Children’s Pool and there has
been no indication of abandonment. In
addition to the Pacific harbor seal
sightings, PSOs recorded three sightings
of California sea lions (1 juvenile, 3
adult), and 2 northern elephant seals
(both juveniles) at the Children’s Pool.
2014 to 2015
Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of
the City of San Diego, conducted marine
mammal monitoring at seven locations
during demolition and construction
activities at the Children’s Pool
Lifeguard Station in La Jolla, California
from August 6, 2014 to March 15, 2015.
Construction activities began on August
6, 2014 and were halted for the Pacific
harbor seal pupping season (December
15, 2014 to May 30, 2015). During 127
days of visual and acoustic
observations, Hanan & Associates
counted a total of 63,598 Pacific harbor
seals and 27,844 people. During the
2014 demolition and construction
activities, Hanan & Associates observed
a total of 20,259 takes by Level B
harassment (i.e., alerts, movements, and
flushes) that could be attributed to
demolition and construction activities
(7,424 takes), the general public (10,000
takes), and other sources (2,835 takes).
As of March 13, 2015, at least 60 harbor
seal pups (including 6 still or premature
births) have been born at the Children’s
Pool and there has been no indication
of abandonment. In addition to the
Pacific harbor seal sightings, 366
sightings of California sea lions (93 at
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
Children’s Pool beach; others were at
Seal Rock, South Casa Beach, and on the
reef), and 1 northern elephant seal
(juvenile). One dead adult and one dead
juvenile California sea lion were sighted
on the Children’s Pool beach after the
start of the beach closure and after the
construction activities stopped for the
pupping season. These strandings were
reported to NMFS.
More information on the monitoring
results from the City of San Diego’s
previous demolition and construction
activities at the La Jolla Children’s Pool
Lifeguard Station can be found in the
final monitoring reports. The 2013 to
2014 and 2014 to 2015 monitoring
reports can be found online at: https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental/construction.htm#
childrenspool.
Estimated Take by Incidental
Harassment
Except with respect to certain
activities not pertinent here, the MMPA
defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: Any act of
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i)
has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has
the potential to disturb a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the
wild by causing disruption of behavioral
patterns, including, but not limited to,
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding,
feeding, or sheltering [Level B
harassment].
The City of San Diego and NMFS
anticipate takes of Pacific harbor seals,
California sea lions, and northern
elephant seals by Level B (behavioral)
harassment only incidental to visual
disturbance associated with the sand
quality study sand sampling activities at
the Children’s Pool Beach. No takes by
injury (Level A harassment), serious
injury, or mortality are expected. NMFS
will consider pinnipeds behaviorally
reacting to the sand sampling activities
by flushing into the water, moving more
than twice the animal’s body length but
not into the water; becoming alert and
moving more than twice its body length;
and changing direction of current
movements by individuals as behavioral
criteria for take by Level B harassment.
With proposed sand sampling
activities scheduled to begin in May
2016, the City of San Diego expects a
range of harbor seals to be present daily
during June with a maximum of up to
190 individuals and a seasonal decline
through November to about 0 to 50
harbor seals present daily. As not all of
the sampling activities have been
planned, and there is uncertainty
regarding the timing and number of all
activities, we have assumed the
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
maximum number of authorized
sampling activities (16) occurring
during the maximum haul out month
(June) in order to estimate take numbers.
If all of the estimated harbor seals
present are taken by incidental
harassment each day, there could be a
maximum of 3,040 incidences of take
(i.e., approximately 896 adult males and
672 juvenile males, 864 adult females
and 608 juvenile females based on age
and sex ratios presented in Harkonen et
al., 1999) over the entire duration of the
activities. An unknown portion of the
incidental takes will be from repeated
exposures as harbor seals leave and
return to the Children’s Pool area.
Very few California sea lions or
northern elephant seals are ever
observed at the Children’s Pool Beach.
As noted above, Children’s Pool is
almost exclusively a harbor seal haulout site and on rare occasions, one or
two California sea lions or a single
juvenile elephant seal have been
observed on the sand or rocks at, or
near, Children’s Pool. However, as
noted above, an UME has been in place
since 2013 for California sea lions.
According to the NMFS West Coast
Region, California sea lion strandings in
January-May of 2015 were over 10 times
the average stranding level for the same
five-month period during 2004–2012.
The City of San Diego has requested
take for these species due to their
potential occurrence at this location and
past monitoring experience at this
location. As the previous IHA
authorized take of two individual sea
lions incidental to construction
activities at Children’s Pool, and
numbers of sea lion sightings have been
over 10 times the average, we estimate
that up to 20 individuals may be
incidentally taken by Level B
harassment equating to 320 exposures
(conservatively assuming 20 × 16
sampling events). As only one or two
northern elephant seals are known to
occur rarely at Children’s Pool Beach, it
was conservatively estimated that 16
individuals would be exposed to Level
B harassment for a total of 16 takes
(assuming one present for each of the 16
sampling events). Therefore, NMFS
proposes authorizing the following
numbers of incidental takes (i.e., Level
B harassment): 3,040 Pacific harbor
seals (600 individuals), 320 California
sea lions (20 individuals), and 16
northern elephant seals (16 individuals).
More information on the number of
takes authorized, and the approximate
percentage of the stock for the three
species in the proposed action area can
be found in Table 3 (below).
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19149
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF THE AUTHORIZED INCIDENTAL TAKE BY LEVEL B HARASSMENT OF PINNIPEDS FOR THE CITY OF
SAN DIEGO’S PROPOSED SAND QUALITY STUDY ACTIVITIES GENERATING VISUAL AND AUDITORY STIMULI AT THE
CHILDREN’S POOL BEACH IN LA JOLLA, CA.
Species
Take
authorization
(number of
exposures)
Estimated
number of
individuals
taken
Abundance
Approximate
percentage
of estimated
stock (takes
authorized/
population)
Pacific harbor seal .................
3,040
600
30,968—California stock ......
10
California sea lion ..................
Northern elephant seal ..........
320
16
20
16
296,750—U.S. stock .............
179,000—California breeding
stock.
0.1
<0.01
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Analysis and Preliminary
Determinations
Negligible Impact
Negligible impact is ‘‘an impact
resulting from the specified activity that
cannot be reasonably expected to, and is
not reasonably likely to, adversely affect
the species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival’’
(50 CFR 216.103). 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, NMFS must consider other
factors, such as the likely nature of any
responses (their intensity, duration,
etc.), the context of any responses
(critical reproductive time or location,
migration, etc.), as well as the number
and nature of estimated Level A
harassment takes, the number of
estimated mortalities, and effects on
habitat.
In making a negligible impact
determination, NMFS evaluated factors
such as:
(1) The number of anticipated
injuries, serious injuries, or mortalities;
(2) The number, nature, and intensity,
and duration of Level B harassment; and
(3) The context in which the takes
occur (i.e., impacts to areas of
significance, impacts to local
populations, and cumulative impacts
when taking into account successive/
contemporaneous actions when added
to baseline data);
(4) The status of the stock or species
of marine mammals (i.e., depleted, not
depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable,
impact relative to the size of the
population);
(5) Impacts on habitat affecting rates
of recruitment/survival; and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
(6) The effectiveness of monitoring
and mitigation measures.
Behavioral disturbance may
potentially occur incidental to the
visual presence of humans and sand
sampling activities; however, pinnipeds
at this site have likely adapted or
become acclimated to human presence
at this site. The City of San Diego has
designated Children’s Pool Beach as a
shared use beach. Many activities
currently take place at Children’s Pool
Beach and the surrounding shoreline
areas including swimming, SCUBA
diving, surfing, kayaking, tide pooling,
and nature watching. These
‘‘urbanized’’ harbor seals do not exhibit
sensitivity at a level similar to that
noted in harbor seals in some other
regions affected by human disturbance
(Allen et al., 1984; Suryan and Harvey,
1999; Henry and Hammil, 2001; Johnson
and Acevedo-Gutierrez, 2007; Jansen et
al., 2006; Hanan & Associates, 2011).
For example, during monitoring for
construction for the Children’s Pool
Lifeguard Station, equipment noise and
visual cues at times have caused seals
to alert/flush, while at other times the
same stimuli have produced no reaction
(City of San Diego, 2015). Per the City
of San Diego (2015), ‘‘[a]t the individual
level, a newly arrived seal (which swam
in from another area) may not have
habituated to humans and noise as have
seals that have been onsite for a while.
These recent arrivals may alert to visual
stimuli, perhaps flushing to the water.
But after a few days using this beach
during the non-pupping season (when
humans are also present on the beach),
we would expect them to habituate and
generally not react to humans unless
very close to them (Hanan 2004, Hanan
& Associates 2011, Hanan and Hanan
2014).’’ Therefore, there is a high
likelihood that many of the harbor seals
present during the proposed sand
sampling activities would not be
flushed off of the beach or rocks, as
pinnipeds at this site are conditioned to
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Population
trend
Increased in California 1981
to 2004.
Increasing.
Increasing 3.8% annually
since 1988.
human presence (Hanan, 2004; Hanan &
Associates, 2011) (see https://
www.youtube.com/
watch?v=4IRUYVTULsg), and it is
anticipated that takes would likely be of
lesser intensity than would be expected
at other locations.
No injuries (Level A harassment),
serious injuries, or mortalities are
anticipated to occur as a result of the
City of San Diego’s sand sampling
activities, and none are proposed for
authorization by NMFS. The proposed
activities are not expected to result in
the alteration of reproductive behaviors
because of the moratorium on access to
the beach during the pupping season,
and the potentially affected species
would be subjected to only temporary
and minor behavioral impacts.
As discussed in detail above, the
proposed project scheduling avoids
sensitive life stages for Pacific harbor
seals. Proposed project activities will
commence June 1 and end by December
15. The commencement date occurs
after the end of the pupping season,
affords additional time to accommodate
lactation and weaning of late-season
pups, and takes into account periods of
lowest haul-out occurrence. The end
date falls approximately two weeks
prior to January 1, the time after which
most births occur, providing protection
for pregnant and nursing harbor seals
that may give birth before January 1.
Table 3 of this document outlines the
number of Level B harassment takes that
are anticipated as a result of these
proposed activities. Due to the nature,
degree, and context of Level B
(behavioral) harassment anticipated and
described (see ‘‘Potential Effects on
Marine Mammals’’ section above) in this
notice, this activity is not expected to
impact rates of annual recruitment or
survival for the affected species or stock
(i.e., California stock of Pacific harbor
seals, U.S. stock of California sea lions,
and California breeding stock of
northern elephant seals), particularly
given the proposed mitigation,
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
19150
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
monitoring, and reporting measures that
would be implemented to minimize
impacts to marine mammals.
The Children’s Pool is one of the three
known haul-out sites for Pacific harbor
seal in San Diego County and the only
rookery in San Diego County and the
only mainland rookery on the U.S. west
coast for this species between the border
of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura
County, CA. For the other marine
mammal species that may occur within
the action area (i.e., California sea lions
and northern elephant seals), there are
no known designated or important
feeding and/or reproductive areas at the
project site. Many animals perform vital
functions, such as feeding, resting,
traveling, and socializing, on a diel
cycle (i.e., 24 hour cycle). Behavioral
reactions (such as disruption of critical
life functions, displacement, or
avoidance of important habitat) are
more likely to be significant if they last
more than one diel cycle or recur on
subsequent days (Southall et al., 2007).
However, Pacific harbor seals have been
hauling-out at Children’s Pool during
the year for many years (including
during pupping season and while
females are pregnant) while being
exposed to anthropogenic sound sources
such as vehicle traffic, human voices,
etc. and other stimuli from human
presence. The Pacific harbor seals have
repeatedly hauled-out to pup over many
years and the NMFS Stock Assessment
Reports for this stock have shown that
the population is increasing and is
considered stable (NMFS, 2014).
Additionally, the proposed sand
sampling activities would generally not
take place on subsequent days for long
durations, as a maximum of up to 16
sampling events (lasting approximately
4 hours each) are planned for the sand
quality study, which would take place
over the six-months of the study.
None of the potentially affected
marine mammal species under NMFS
jurisdiction in the action area (Pacific
harbor seals, California sea lions, and
northern elephant seals) are listed as
threatened or endangered under the
ESA. To protect these animals (and
other marine mammals in the action
area), the City of San Diego shall
schedule sand sampling activities
during the daily period of lowest haulout occurrence; limit activities to the
hours of daylight; ensuring that
technicians performing sand sampling
remain at least three meters from any
hauled out pinnipeds; use PSOs,
prohibit sand sampling activities in the
unlikely event that fur seals are present,
and prohibit sand sampling activities
during harbor seal pupping season.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
Although behavioral modifications,
including temporarily vacating the area
during the proposed sand sampling
activities, may be made by these
species, the sand quality sampling
activities would be fairly sporadic and
would be of relatively short duration.
NMFS believes that the time period of
the proposed sand sampling activities,
the requirement to implement
mitigation measures (e.g., prohibiting
sand sampling activities during pupping
season, scheduling operations to periods
of the lowest haul-out occurrence, and
ensuring a buffer of at least three meters
between sampling technicians and
hauled out pinnipeds), and the
inclusion of the monitoring and
reporting measures, will reduce the
amount and severity of the potential
impacts from the activity.
Based on the analysis contained
herein of the likely effects of the
proposed specified activity on marine
mammals and their habitat, and taking
into consideration the implementation
of the proposed monitoring and
mitigation measures, NMFS
preliminarily finds that the total marine
mammal take from the City of San
Diego’s activities would have a
negligible impact on the affected marine
mammal species or stocks.
Small Numbers
As mentioned previously, NMFS
estimates that three species of marine
mammals under its jurisdiction could be
potentially affected by Level B
harassment over the course of the IHA.
It is conservatively estimated that the
instances of take by Level B harassment
(amounting to 3,040 for Pacific harbor
seals, 320 for California sea lions, and
16 for northern elephant seals) would be
approximately 10%, 0.1%, and less than
0.01% of the respective California, U.S.,
and California breeding stocks. The
population estimates for the marine
mammal species that may be taken by
Level B harassment were provided in
Table 3 of this document.
Based on the analysis contained
herein of the likely effects of the
specified activity on marine mammals
and their habitat, and taking into
consideration the implementation of the
proposed mitigation and monitoring
measures, NMFS preliminarily finds
that small numbers of marine mammals
will be taken relative to the populations
of the affected species or stocks. See
Table 3 for the proposed authorized take
numbers of marine mammals.
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Impact on Availability of Affected
Species or Stock for Taking for
Subsistence Uses
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
requires NMFS to determine that the
authorization will not have an
unmitigable adverse effect on the
availability of marine mammal species
or stocks for subsistence use. There are
not relevant subsistence uses of marine
mammals implicated by this action.
Therefore, NMFS has 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 subsistence
purposes.
Endangered Species Act
NMFS (Permits and Conservation
Division) has determined that an ESA
section 7 consultation for the issuance
of an IHA under section 101(a)(5)(D) of
the MMPA for this activity is not
necessary for the Guadalupe fur seal.
This species is rare at Children’s Pool
Beach. Due to the fact that sightings
have occurred in the area, and due to
the declaration of a UME for this species
in the area, ESA consultation was
considered. However, it was determined
that the sand sampling activities would
have no potential to affect the
Guadalupe fur seal because these
activities would not occur if this species
were present at Children’s Pool Beach.
No other ESA-listed species are
expected to occur in the proposed
project area.
National Environmental Policy Act
To meet NMFS’s National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) requirements for the
issuance of an IHA to the City of San
Diego, NMFS prepared a Draft
Environmental Assessment (EA) titled
Draft Environmental Assessment of the
Issuance of an Incidental Harassment
Authorization to the City of San Diego
to Take Marine Mammals by
Harassment Incidental to Sand Quality
Study Activities at the Children’s Pool
Beach in La Jolla, California to comply
with the Council of Environmental
Quality (CEQ) regulations and NOAA
Administrative Order (NAO) 216–6.
NMFS will evaluate public comments
on the proposed action to determine
whether a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) is warranted, or if an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
would be required.
Proposed Authorization
As a result of these preliminary
determinations, NMFS proposes to issue
an IHA to the City of San Diego for
conducting sand quality study activities
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
at the Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla,
CA, provided the previously mentioned
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting
requirements are incorporated. The
proposed IHA language is provided
below:
The City of San Diego,, is hereby
authorized under section 101(a)(5)(D) of
the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16
U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(D)), to harass small
numbers of marine mammals incidental
to the sand quality study activities at the
Children’s Pool Beach, June 1 through
December 14, 2016, contingent upon the
following conditions:
1. Effective Dates
This Authorization is valid from June
1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
2. Specified Geographic Region
This Authorization is valid only for
the sand sampling activities at the
Children’s Pool Beach that shall occur
in the following specified geographic
area:
The La Jolla Children’s Pool Beach at
850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla California
92037 (32° 50′51.18″ North, 117°
16′41.94″ West), as specified in the City
of San Diego’s IHA application.
3. Species Authorized and Level of
Takes
(a) The incidental taking of marine
mammals, by Level B harassment only,
is limited to the following species in the
La Jolla, California area:
(i) Pinnipeds—see Table 3 (above) for
authorized species and take numbers.
(ii) If any marine mammal species are
encountered during sand sampling
activities that are not listed in Table 3
(above) and are likely to be taken by the
sand quality study activities, then the
City of San Diego must shut-down
operations to avoid take.
(b) The taking by injury (Level A
harassment), serious injury, or death of
any of the species listed in Condition
3(a) above, or the taking of any kind of
any other species of marine mammal, is
prohibited and may result in the
modification, suspension or revocation
of this Authorization.
The methods authorized for taking by
Level B harassment are limited to visual
stimuli associated with sand sampling
activities (walking beach transects,
taking sand surface samples, and taking
subsurface samples, including
hammering core samples with a rubber
mallet) without an amendment to this
Authorization:
4. Prohibited Take
The taking of any marine mammal in
a manner prohibited under this
Authorization must be reported
immediately to the Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), at 301–427–8401.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
5. Mitigation and Monitoring
Requirements
The City of San Diego is required to
implement the following mitigation and
monitoring requirements when
conducting the specified activities:
Sand Sampling Activities Prohibited
During Pupping Season
(a) The sand sampling activities shall
be prohibited until June 1, 2016 and
shall be completed prior to December
15, 2016.
Daily Sand Sampling Timing
(b) To the maximum extent
practicable, sand sampling activities
shall be conducted from approximately
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,; however, sand
sampling activities may be extended
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (i.e., daylight
hours).
Protected Species Observers
(c) A trained Protected Species
Observer (PSO) shall attend the project
site 30 minutes prior until 30 minutes
after sand sampling activities cease each
day throughout the sand quality study
window. The PSO shall be approved by
NMFS prior to commencement of
activities. The PSO shall search for
marine mammals using binoculars and/
or the naked eye within the study area.
The PSO will observe from a station
along the breakwater wall (weather
permitting) as well as the base of the
cliff.
(d) In the event that fur seals are
observed either on the rocks, beach, or
in the water at Children’s Pool Beach
prior to commencement of sand
collection activities, these activities will
be postponed until coordination with
the stranding network is complete
(including any potential 24-hour or 48hour wait/observation period) and/or
the animal either leaves, or is collected
by the stranding network.
(e) The PSO shall use visual digital
recordings and photographs to
document individuals and behavioral
responses to the sand sampling
activities. The PSO shall make hourly
counts of the number of pinnipeds
present and record events that result in
behavioral responses and changes,
whether due to sand sampling activities
or from public stimuli. During these
events, pictures and videos will be
taken when possible to document
individuals and behavioral responses.
(f) A PSO shall record the following
information when a marine mammal is
sighted:
(i) Species, group size, age/size/sex
categories (if determinable), behavior
when first sighted and after initial
sighting, heading (if consistent),
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19151
distribution, bearing and distance
relative to the sampling technicians
(stimuli), group cohesiveness, duration
of presence, apparent reaction to sand
sampling activities (e.g., none,
avoidance, approach, etc.), direction
and speed of travel, duration of
presence, and if there are other causes
of potential disturbance occurring;
(ii) Date, time, location, sand
sampling activity (walking; surface
sampling; subsurface sampling
[hammering], etc), monitoring and
mitigation measures implemented (or
not implemented), tidal stage, weather
conditions, Beaufort sea state, wind
speed, visibility, and sun glare; and
(iii) The data listed under Condition
6(g)(ii) shall also be recorded at the start
and end of each observation watch and
during a watch whenever there is a
change in one or more variables.
(g) A PSO shall also record the time
of arrival and departure on site,
commencement and cessation of sand
sampling activities, and presence of
humans on the beach. Whenever
possible, the PSO should determine as
to whether or not the harassment of
pinnipeds is attributable to the sand
sampling activities and/or the presence
of the public on the beach and around
the Children’s Pool area. A PSO shall
record the number of people on the
beach and surrounding areas as well as
their location relative to the animals.
Approach Buffer Zones
(h) Buffer zones shall be established
such that sand sampling technicians
will remain at least three meters from
any hauled out pinniped at all times.
6. Reporting Requirements
The City of San Diego is required to:
(a) Submit a draft report on all
activities and monitoring results to the
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,
within 90 days of the completion of the
sand sampling activities at the
Children’s Pool Beach. This report must
contain and summarize the following
information:
(i) Dates, times, locations, weather,
sea conditions (including Beaufort sea
state and wind speed), and associated
activities during all sand sampling
activities and marine mammal sightings;
(ii) Species, number, location,
distance from the PSO, and behavior of
any marine mammals, as well as
associated sand sampling activities,
observed throughout all monitoring
activities.
(iii) An estimate of the number (by
species) of marine mammals that are
known to have been exposed to the sand
sampling activities (based on visual
observation) with a discussion of any
specific behaviors those individuals
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
19152
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
exhibited. NMFS will consider
pinnipeds flushing into the water;
moving more than twice their body
length, but not into the water; and
changing direction of current movement
by individuals as behavioral criteria for
take by Level B harassment.
(iv) A description of the
implementation and effectiveness of the
monitoring and mitigation measures of
the IHA.
(b) Submit a final report to the Chief,
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,
within 30 days after receiving comments
from NMFS on the draft report. If NMFS
decides that the draft report needs no
comments, the draft report shall be
considered to be the final report.
7. In the unanticipated event that the
City of San Diego discovers a live
stranded marine mammal (sick and/or
injured, or if any fur seals are observed)
at Children’s Pool, they shall
immediately contact Sea World’s
stranded animal hotline at 1–800–541–
7235. Sea World shall also be notified
for dead stranded pinnipeds so that a
necropsy can be performed. In all cases,
the NMFS stranding coordinator shall
be notified as well, but for immediate
responses purposes, Sea World shall be
contacted first.
Reporting Prohibited Take
8. In the unanticipated event that the
specified activity clearly causes the take
of a marine mammal in a manner
prohibited by this Authorization, such
as an injury (Level A harassment),
serious injury or mortality, the City of
San Diego shall immediately cease the
specified activities and immediately
report the incident to the Chief of the
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS
and the West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator. The report must include
the following information:
(a) Time, date, and location (latitude/
longitude) of the incident; the type of
activity involved; description of the
circumstances during and leading up to
the incident; water depth;
environmental conditions (e.g., wind
speed and direction, Beaufort sea state,
cloud cover, and visibility); description
of marine mammal observations in the
24 hours preceding the incident; species
identification or description of the
animal(s) involved; the fate of the
animal(s); and photographs or video
footage of the animal (if equipment is
available).
Activities shall not resume until
NMFS is able to review the
circumstances of the prohibited take.
NMFS shall work with the City of San
Diego to determine what is necessary to
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:03 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
minimize the likelihood of further
prohibited take and ensure MMPA
compliance. The City of San Diego may
not resume their activities until notified
by NMFS via letter or email, or via
telephone.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine
Mammal With an Unknown Cause of
Death
In the event that the City of San Diego
discovers an injured or dead marine
mammal, and the lead PSO determines
that the cause of the injury or death is
unknown and the death is relatively
recent (i.e., in less than a moderate state
of decomposition as described in the
next paragraph), the City of San Diego
will immediately report the incident to
the Chief of the Permits and
Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS and the
NMFS West Coast Regional Office and/
or the West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator. The report must include
the same information identified in the
Condition 8(a) above. Activities may
continue while NMFS reviews the
circumstances of the incident. NMFS
will work with the City of San Diego to
determine whether modifications in the
activities are appropriate.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine
Mammal Not Related to the Activities
In the event that the City of San Diego
discovers an injured or dead marine
mammal, and the lead PSO determines
that the injury or death is not associated
with or related to the activities
authorized in Condition 2 to 4 of this
Authorization (e.g., previously wounded
animal, carcass with moderate to
advanced decomposition, or scavenger
damage), the City of San Diego shall
report the incident to the Chief of the
Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS
and the NMFS West Coast Regional
Office and/or the West Coast Regional
Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours
of the discovery. The City of San Diego
shall provide photographs or video
footage (if available) or other
documentation of the stranded animal
sighting to NMFS and the Marine
Mammal Stranding Network. Activities
may continue while NMFS reviews the
circumstances of the incident.
Reporting Any Presence of Fur Seals
In the event that the City of San Diego
discovers any fur seals hauled out on
the rocks or in sand at Children’s Pool
Beach prior to commencing sand
sampling activities for the day, the City
of San Diego shall contact the West
Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator
and sand sampling activities will not
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
commence until the animal(s) either
leave or are collected by the stranding
network. The City will also report the
incident to the Chief of the Permits and
Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS within 24
hours of the discovery. The City of San
Diego shall provide photographs or
video footage (if available) or other
documentation of the stranded animal
sighting to NMFS and the Marine
Mammal Stranding Network. Activities
may continue after the animal(s) are no
longer present while NMFS reviews the
circumstances of the incident.
9. A copy of this Authorization must
be in the possession of all contractors
and PSOs operating under the authority
of this IHA.
Request for Public Comments
NMFS requests comment on our
analysis, the draft authorization, and
any other aspect of the preliminary
determinations and notice of the
proposed IHA for the City of San Diego’s
sand quality study activities at the La
Jolla Children’s Pool Beach. Please
include with your comments any
supporting data or literature citations to
help inform our final decision on the
City of San Diego’s request for an
MMPA authorization.
Dated: March 29, 2016.
Wanda L. Cain,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–07623 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
[Docket ID: DoD–2016–HA–0032]
Proposed Collection; Comment
Request
Office of the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs,
DoD.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Office of the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs announces a
proposed extension of a public
information collection and seeks public
comment on the provisions thereof.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19137-19152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07623]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XE460
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Sand
Quality Study Activities at the Children's Pool Beach, La Jolla,
California
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA);
request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS has received an application from the City of San Diego
for an IHA to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B
harassment, incidental to the conduct of sand quality study activities
at the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California. Pursuant to the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its
proposal to issue an IHA to the City of San Diego to take, by Level B
harassment only, three species of marine mammals during the specified
activities.
DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than May 4,
2016.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the IHA application should be addressed 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.Youngkin@noaa.gov. NMFS is not responsible for email
comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments
sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25-
megabyte size.
All comments received are a part of the public record and will
generally be posted to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/
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.
An electronic copy of the IHA application containing a list of the
references used in this document may be obtained by visiting the
Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/. In case
of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed
below. Documents cited in this notice, including the IHA application,
may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at
the aforementioned address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Youngkin, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 301-427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.),
direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request,
the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine
mammals, by United States citizens who engage in a specified activity
(other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region
if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if
the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public for review.
[[Page 19138]]
Authorization for the incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS
finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of such takings
are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103
as ``. . . an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot
be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of
recruitment or survival.''
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process
by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization
to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment.
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA establishes a 45-day time limit for
NMFS's review of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and
comment period on any proposed authorizations for the incidental
harassment of small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny the
authorization.
Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of pursuit, torment, or
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or
sheltering [Level B harassment].
Summary of Request
On December 14, 2015, NMFS received an application from the City of
San Diego, Transportation & Storm Water Department, Storm Water
Division, requesting an IHA for the taking of marine mammals incidental
to the conduct of sand quality study activities. NMFS determined that
the IHA application was adequate and complete on February 25, 2016.
The City of San Diego would undertake the proposed sand quality
sampling activities between June 1, 2016 and December 14, 2016 at the
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California. Visual stimuli due to
the presence of technicians on the beach and their sand sample
collection activities during the study has the potential to result in
the take of marine mammals through behavioral disturbance. The
requested IHA would authorize the take, by Level B (behavioral)
harassment, of small numbers of Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina
richardii), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and northern
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) incidental to sand quality
sampling activities of the Children's Pool Beach at La Jolla, CA.
Additional information on the sand quality sampling activities at the
Children's Pool Beach is contained in the IHA application, which is
available electronically (see ADDRESSES).
Description of the Proposed Specified Activity
Overview
The City of San Diego plans to conduct a sand quality study at the
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, CA in order to fulfill a special
condition that was part of a permit issued by the California Coastal
Commission (Commission). The special provision required a feasibility
study to analyze the sand quality, and methods for improving sand
quality, at Children's Pool Beach. Children's Pool Beach is currently
listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list as impaired for Fecal
Indicator Bacteria (FIB). Additionally, researchers have identified
pinniped molting and excrement as a potential source of mercury to the
environment (McHuron, Harvey et al. 2014, Cossaboon, Ganguli et al.
2015). The sand quality study will analyze the current extent and
magnitude of FIB and mercury contamination in the beach sand at
Children's Pool Beach, and will assess several possible variable
effects including tidal cycles, wave regimes, sand depth, and seasonal
variability during the effective dates of the IHA.
The California Coastal Commission's permit certified the City's
request to amend its Land Use Plan. Specifically, the City's amendment
included revisions to allow seasonal closure at Children's Pool Beach
during the Pacific harbor seal pupping season, generally from December
15 to May 15 of every year. The amendment applies only to Children's
Pool Beach, and is intended to allow special protection of the harbor
seals at Children's Pool Beach during the vulnerable months of their
pupping season.
The sand quality sampling activities would involve teams of two to
three people collecting sand samples for approximately four hours along
transects parallel to the shoreline between the water line and the
seawall/bluff railing. Sixteen sampling events are proposed for the
sand quality study period between June 1 and December 14, 2016. Sand
sample collection would involve grab samples of surface layer sand
(surface up to 20 cm of sand to be collected with a sterilized spoon).
A small subset of samples per event would be collected from the
subsurface via narrow plastic cores (approximately 5 centimeters [cm]
by 60 cm) driven into the sand by hand to the extent possible, and then
sunk to the desired depth with a small rubber mallet. Approximately 21
samples would be collected per event. Visual stimuli due to the
presence of researchers on the beach collecting sand samples would
potentially result in behavioral disturbance of pinnipeds hauled out on
the beach, which would equate to a take under the MMPA.
Proposed Dates and Duration
The City of San Diego is planning to begin the project at the
Children's Pool in La Jolla, CA after the beach is opened to the public
in May, with completion of the sand sampling activities to be completed
prior to closure of the beach to the public in December, 2016. The City
of San Diego and NMFS are requiring a moratorium on all sand sampling
activities during harbor seal pupping and weaning (i.e., December 15th
to May 15th). A moratorium on sampling activities would also be
required for an additional two weeks prior to initiating the sand
collection activities in order to accommodate late-weaning pups.
Therefore, work on this project would only be performed between June
1st and December 14th of 2016.
Proposed sand sampling activities would occur during daylight hours
only, as stipulated in the IHA application. In addition, prior to sand
sampling events, the beach would be surveyed for the presence of
northern fur seals and/or Guadalupe fur seals. If either of these
species are observed hauled out or in the water at Children's Pool
Beach, sand sampling would not commence. This precaution is included
due to the unusually high number of strandings of fur seals along the
entire California coast beginning in January, 2015, which has resulted
in the declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for Guadalupe
fur seal (https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/guadalupefurseals2015.html). In addition, an UME has been declared, and
has been ongoing since 2013, for California sea lion pups and yearling
due to elevated strandings of pups in Southern California (https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/
[[Page 19139]]
californiasealions2013.htm). While there have been relatively high
numbers of strandings of Guadalupe fur seals coast-wide in California,
the presence of this species in California, and at Children's Pool
Beach in particular, would be considered extremely rare due to the fact
that they prefer isolated rocky haul out sites (Riedman, 1990). As the
presence of fur seals at this location would be such a rare event, it
is likely that the animal would be sick or injured if it were to be
present. Therefore, sand sampling activities would not be conducted and
coordination with the stranding network and/or a period of observation
would commence, as described in further detail below. Take of fur seals
would not be authorized under this IHA.
Proposed Specific Geographic Region
The La Jolla Children's Pool Beach is located at 850 Coast
Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037 (32[deg]50'51.18'' North,
117[deg]16'41.94'' West). All sand quality sampling events will take
place at Children's Pool Beach. The locations of the beach and the
study area can be found in the City of San Diego's IHA application.
Detailed Description of the Proposed Specified Activities
The Children's Pool was created in 1931 by building a breakwater
wall which created a protected pool for swimming. Although partially
filled with sand, the Children's Pool still has open water for swimming
and a beach for sunbathing and beachcombing. The Children's Pool and
nearby shore areas (i.e., shoreline, beaches, and reefs of La Jolla)
are used by swimmers, sunbathers, SCUBA divers and snorkelers, shore/
surf fishermen, school classes, tide pool explorers, kayakers, surfers,
boogie and skim boarders, seal, sea lion, bird and nature watchers, and
for other activities by the general public. As such, Children's Pool
Beach is a highly disturbed urban environment, and seals have been
documented to respond less sensitively to stimuli compared to seals at
other sites (Hanan, 2004, Hanan & Associates 2011; Hanan and Hanan
2014; Hahn 2010). Per Dr. Doyle Hanan, who has a long history of work
with seals at this location, harbor seals hauled out at Children's Pool
Beach generally are habituated to the environment, and allow approaches
of up to two to three meters before showing signs of disturbance.
All sand sampling activities will take place on the sandy beach
area. Samples will be collected along transects parallel to the
shoreline between the water's edge and the bluff/railing, while
ensuring a distance of at least three meters (m) from any pinnipeds on
the beach. Samples would consist of grab samples from the surface, with
a subset of samples collected approximately 25 to 50 cm below the sand
surface by using a hollow tube (approximately 5 cm by 60 cm) driven
into the sand by hand and/or with a small rubber mallet with minimal
digging.
All sand sampling events will be conducted during daylight hours,
and each sampling event would be approximately four hours in duration.
Sampling events will be scheduled to the maximum extent practicable to
occur during the daily period of lowest haul out occurrence (generally
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Because the City of San Diego already closes the
Children's Pool Beach during harbor seal pupping season (December 15
through May 15), work on this project will be performed between June 1
and December 14, 2016, and up to 16 sampling events would be conducted
during this timeframe. The first six sand sampling events are planned
to occur soon after June 1, 2016. The first three sampling events
(Phase 1a) are designed to maximize sampling area and to capture
critical conditions when FIB may be at their highest concentrations.
During each Phase 1a event, three transects parallel to the shoreline
at the swash zone, the high-tide line, and the supralittoral zone will
be established relative to the seawall railing and three surface sand
(SS) FIB samples (top 2 centimeters) will be collected across each of
the transects at approximately left, middle, and right beach. In
addition, subsurface sand (SbS) FIB samples will also be collected at
three of the nine SS sampling location during each event at
approximately 25-50 centimeters below the surface. A maximum of 21 FIB
samples, including field replicates, will be collected for each Phase
1a monitoring event, for an approximate maximum Phase 1a total of 63
FIB samples. The remaining three sampling events (Phase 1b) will
consist of biased sampling based on Phase 1a preliminary findings. The
study design for Phase 1b will be finalized in consultation with the
City. A maximum of 21 FIB samples, including field replicates, will be
collected for each Phase 1b monitoring event, for an approximate
maximum Phase 1b total of 63 FIB samples. These early test results can
then be compared with additional test results from up to 10 additional
sampling events that could be collected during the warmer, high-public-
use summer and fall months.
Description of Marine Mammals in the Specified Geographic Area of the
Proposed Specified Activity
Information on marine mammal species for which take would be
authorized is included below. Further information on the biology and
local distribution of these marine mammal species and others in the
region can be found in the NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports,
which are available online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.
Three species of pinnipeds are known to occur in the Children's
Pool proposed action area and off the Pacific coastline (see Table 1
below). Pacific harbor seals are the most common species likely to be
found within the immediate vicinity of the activity area. California
sea lions and northern elephant seals may also be found within the
immediate vicinity of the activity area, but are more rare occurrences
than harbor seals. Northern fur seals and Guadalupe fur seals are even
more rarely observed at this location (Northern and Guadalupe fur seals
have been seen observed at nearby beaches on rare occasions, and a
northern fur seal was observed hauled out at La Jolla Cove, which is
less than a mile from Children's Pool, per a personal communication
with Dr. Hanan [February 4, 2016], a scientist with extensive knowledge
of the area and the species occurring there). Fur seals are not known
to haul out in such urban mainland beaches, and their presence would
likely be attributed to sickness or injury if they were observed in
this location. Therefore, only three species are considered to be
potentially exposed to effects of the proposed sand sampling
activities, as sand sampling activities would not be conducted if fur
seals were present and coordination with the stranding network would
commence. A variety of other marine mammal species have on occasion
been reported in the coastal waters off southern California. However,
none of these species have been reported to occur in the immediate
proposed action area of the Children's Pool Beach. Therefore, NMFS does
not expect, and does not propose to authorize, incidental take of
marine mammal species other than Pacific harbor seals, California sea
lions, and northern elephant seals from the proposed specified
activities. Table 1 below provides information on these marine mammal
species, their habitat, and conservation status in the nearshore area
of the general region of the proposed project area.
[[Page 19140]]
Table 1--The Habitat, Abundance, and Conservation Status of Pacific Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Northern Elephant Seals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best population
Species Habitat Occurrence Range estimate (minimum) ESA \2\ MMPA \3\
\1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal (Phoca Coastal........... Common Coastal temperate to 30,968 (27,348)-- NL NC.
vitulina richardii). polar regions in California stock.
Northern Hemisphere.
Northern elephant seal (Mirounga Coastal, pelagic Common Eastern and Central 179,000 (81,368)-- NL NC.
angustirostris). when not North Pacific-- California breeding
migrating. Alaska to Mexico. stock.
California sea lion (Zalophus Coastal, shelf.... Common Eastern North Pacific 296,750 (153,337)-- NL NC.
californianus). Ocean--Alaska to U.S. stock.
Mexico.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NA = Not available or not assessed.
\1\ NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports.
\2\ U.S. Endangered Species Act: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, and NL = Not listed.
\3\ U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, and NC = Not classified.
Pacific Harbor Seal
Harbor seals are widely distributed in the North Atlantic and North
Pacific. Two subspecies exist in the Pacific Ocean: P. v. stejnegeri in
the western North Pacific near Japan, and P. v. richardii in the
eastern North Pacific. The subspecies in the eastern North Pacific
Ocean inhabits near-shore coastal and estuarine areas from Baja
California, Mexico, to the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. These seals do
not make extensive pelagic migrations, but do travel 300 to 500
kilometers (km) (162 to 270 nautical miles [nmi]) on occasion to find
food or suitable breeding areas; (Herder 1986, Harvey and Goley 2011).
Previous assessments of the status of harbor seals have recognized
three stocks along the west coast of the continental U.S.: (1)
California, (2) Oregon and Washington outer coast waters, and (3)
inland waters of Washington. An unknown number of harbor seals also
occur along the west coast of Baja California, at least as far south as
Isla Asuncion, which is about 100 miles south of Punta Eugenia. Animals
along Baja California are not considered to be a part of the California
stock because it is not known if there is any demographically
significant movement of harbor seals between California and Mexico and
there is no international agreement for joint management of harbor
seals. Harbor seal presence at haul-out sites is seasonal with peaks in
abundance during their pupping and molting periods. Pupping and molting
periods are first observed to the south and progress northward up the
coast with time (e.g., January to May near San Diego, April to June in
Oregon and Washington) (Jeffries 1984, Huber, Jeffries et al. 2001);
Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011).
In California, approximately 400 to 600 harbor seal haul-out sites
are distributed along the mainland coast and on offshore islands,
including intertidal sandbars and ledges, rocky shores and islets, and
beaches (Harvey et al., 1995; Hanan, 1996; Lowry et al., 2008).
Preferred haul-out sites are those that are protected from the wind and
waves, and allow access to deep water for foraging (Perrin, W[uuml]rsig
et al. 2008). Of the known haul-out sites, 14 locations are rookeries
(2 locations have multiple sites, for a total of 17 sites) on or near
the mainland of California. The population of harbor seals has grown
off the U.S. west coast and has led to new haul-out sites being used in
California (Hanan, 1996). Harbor seals are one of the most common and
frequently observed marine mammals along the coastal environment.
The Children's Pool area is the only rookery in San Diego County
and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast between the border
of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA (321.9 km [200 miles]).
The number of harbor seals in this area has increased since 1979, and
they have been documented giving birth at the Children's Pool since the
1990's (Yochem and Stewart, 1998; Hanan & Associates, 2004). Pacific
harbor seals haul-out year-round on beaches and rocks (i.e., breakwater
ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa Beach haul-out
area) below the lifeguard tower at Children's Pool. According to Yochem
(2005), the Children's Pool beach site is used by harbor seals at all
hours of the day and at all tides with the exception of occasional high
tide/high swell events in which the entire beach is awash. Harbor seals
are documented to give birth on these beaches during December through
May (Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011). The official start to
pupping season is December 15 at Children's Pool Beach. Females in an
advanced stage of pregnancy begin to show up on the Children's Pool
beach by late October to early November. Several studies have
identified harbor seal behavior and estimated harbor seal numbers
including patterns of daily and seasonal area use (Yochem and Stewart,
1998; Hanan & Associates, 2011; Linder, 2011). Males, females, and pups
(in season) of all ages and stages of development are observed at the
Children's Pool and adjacent areas.
Children's Pool is one of the three known haul-out sites for this
species in San Diego County. These animals have been observed in this
area moving to/from the Children's Pool, exchanging with the rocky reef
directly west of and adjacent to the breakwater and with Seal Rock,
which is about 150 m (492 ft) west of the Children's Pool. Harbor seals
have also been reported on the sandy beach just southwest of the
Children's Pool. At low tide, additional space for hauling-out is
available on the rocky reef areas outside the retaining wall and on
beaches immediately southward. Haul-out times vary by time of year,
from less than an hour to many hours. There have been no foraging
studies at this site, but harbor seals have been observed in nearshore
waters and kelp beds nearby, including La Jolla Cove.
In southern California, a considerable amount of information is
known about the movements and ecology of harbor seals, but population
structure in the region is not as well known (Stewart and Yochem, 1994,
2000; Keper et al., 2005; Hanan & Associates, 2011). Linder (2011)
suggests that this population moves along the California coast and the
beach at Children's Pool is part of a ``regional network of
interconnected'' haul-out and pupping sites. Harbor seals often haul-
out in protected bays, inlets, and beaches (Reeves et al., 1992). At
and near the Children's Pool, harbor seals
[[Page 19141]]
haul-out on the sand, rocks, and breakwater base in numbers of 0 to 15
harbor seals to a maximum of about 150 to 250 harbor seals depending on
the time of day, season, and weather conditions (Hanan, 2004, Hanan &
Associates, 2011; Linder, 2011). Because space is limited behind the
breakwater at the Children's Pool, Linder (2011) predicted that it is
unlikely that numbers will exceed 250 harbor seals. Based on monitoring
from a camera, Western Alliance for Nature (WAN) reported that during
the month of May 2013 up to 302 harbor seals were documented resting on
the Children's Pool beach at any given time, with additional harbor
seals on the rocks and in the water (Wan, personal communication).
Almost every day, except for weekends, over 250 individual harbor seals
were present on the beach. During the months of September 2012 to
January 2013, the average number of harbor seals on the beach varied
from 83 to 120 animals before people entered the beach or when people
were behind the rope. During this same period, when people were on the
beach and/or across the rope, the average number of harbor seals varied
from 7 to 27. The City of San Diego observed 12 counts totaling more
than 200 and a maximum of 238 animals during the 2014 to 2015
construction window. The weather (i.e., wind and/or rain) and the
proximity of humans to the beach likely affect the presence of harbor
seals on the beach.
Radio-tagging and photographic studies have revealed that only a
portion of seals utilizing a hauling-out site are present at any
specific moment or day (Hanan, 1996, 2005; Gilbert et al., 2005; Harvey
and Goley, 2011; and Linder, 2011). These radio-tagging studies
indicate that harbor seals in Santa Barbara County haul-out about 70 to
90% of the days annually (Hanan, 1996). The City of San Diego expects
harbor seals to behave similarly at the Children's Pool. Tagged and
branded harbor seals from other haul-out sites have been observed by
Dr. Hanan at the Children's Pool. For example, harbor seals with red-
stained heads and coats, which are typical of some harbor seals in San
Francisco Bay have been observed at Children's Pool, indicating that
seals tagged at other locations and haul-out sites visit the site. A
few seals have been tagged at the Children's Pool and there are no
reports of these tagged animals at other sites (probably because of
very low re-sighting efforts and a small sample size [10 individuals
radio-tagged]), which may indicate a degree of site-fidelity (Yochem
and Stewart, 1998). These studies further indicate that seals are
constantly moving along the coast including to/from the offshore
islands and that there may be as many as 600 individual harbor seals
using Children's Pool during a year, but certainly not all at one time.
The City of San Diego has fitted a polynomial curve to the number
of expected harbor seals hauling-out at the Children's Pool by month
(see Figure 2 of the IHA application and Figure 1 below) based on
counts at the Children's Pool by Hanan (2004), Hanan & Associates
(2011), Yochem and Stewart (1998), and the Children's Pool docents
(Hanan, 2004).
[[Page 19142]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04AP16.001
A complete count of all harbor seals in California is impossible
because some are always away from the haul-out sites. A complete pup
count (as is done for other pinnipeds in California) is also not
possible because harbor seals are precocial, with pups entering the
water almost immediately after birth. Population size is estimated by
counting the number of seals ashore during the peak haul-out period
(May to July) and by multiplying this count by a correction factor
equal to the inverse of the estimated fraction of seals on land. Based
on the most recent harbor seal counts (2009) and including a revised
correction factor, the estimated population of harbor seals in
California is 30,196 individuals (NMFS, 2011), with an estimated
minimum population of 26,667 for the California stock of harbor seals.
Counts of harbor seals in California increased from 1981 to 2004. The
harbor seal is not listed under the ESA and the California stock is not
considered depleted or strategic under the MMPA (Carretta et al.,
2010).
California Sea Lion
The California sea lion is a separate species from the Galapagos
sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) and the extinct Japanese sea lion
(Zalophus japonicus) (Brunner, 2003; Wolf et al., 2007; Schramm et al.,
2009), and is found from southern Mexico to southwestern Canada. The
breeding areas of the California sea lion are on islands located in
southern California, western Baja California, and the Gulf of
California. A genetic analysis of California sea lions identified five
genetically distinct geographic populations: (1) Pacific Temperate, (2)
Pacific Subtropical, (3) Southern Gulf of California, (4) Central Gulf
of California, and (5) Northern Gulf of California (Schramm et al.,
2009). In that study, the Pacific Temperate population included
rookeries within U.S. waters and the Coronados Islands just south of
U.S./Mexico border. Animals from the Pacific Temperate population range
north into Canadian waters, and movement of animals between U.S. waters
and Baja California waters has been documented, though the distance
between the major U.S. and Baja California rookeries is at least 740.8
km (400 nmi). Males from western Baja California rookeries may spend
most of the year in the United States.
The entire California sea lion population cannot be counted because
all age and sex classes are never ashore at the same time. In lieu of
counting all sea lions, pups are counted during the breeding season
(because this is the only age class that is ashore in its entirety),
and the numbers of births is estimated from the pup count. The size of
the population is then estimated from the number of births and the
proportion of pups in the population. Censuses are conducted in July
after all pups have been born. There are no rookeries at or
[[Page 19143]]
near the Children's Pool, although in the past two years births have
been reported at La Jolla Cove (about 0.75 km [0.47 miles] east of
Children's Pool). Population estimates for the U.S. stock of California
sea lions range from a minimum of 153,337 to an average estimate of
296,750 animals. The California sea lion is not listed under the ESA
and the U.S. stock is not considered depleted or strategic under the
MMPA.
The rocks and beaches at or near the Children's Pool in La Jolla,
CA, are almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal hauling-out sites. On
infrequent occasions, one or two California sea lions have been
observed on the sand or rocks at or near the Children's Pool (i.e.,
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa
Beach haul-out area). These sites are not usual haul-out locations for
California sea lions. The City of San Diego commissioned two studies of
harbor seal abundance trends at the Children's Pool. Both studies
reported that appearances of California sea lions are infrequent, but
not rare at Children's Pool (Yochem and Stewart 1998); Hanan, 2004;
Hanan & Associates, 2011). During 2013, the City of San Diego observed
one juvenile and three adult California sea lions at the Children's
Pool. During 2014, the City of San Diego observed 22 California sea
lions (during 19 days) at the Children's Pool. Adult sea lions were
also observed hauling out on rocks and cliffs near the Children's Pool.
A report from 2015 monitoring is still in process at this time.
Northern Elephant Seal
Northern elephant seals breed and give birth in California (U.S.)
and Baja California (Mexico), primarily on offshore islands (Stewart et
al., 1994) from December to March (Stewart and Huber, 1993). Spatial
segregation in foraging areas between males and females is evident from
satellite tag data (Le Beouf et al., 2000). Males migrate to the Gulf
of Alaska and western Aleutian Islands along the continental shelf to
feed on benthic prey, while females migrate to pelagic areas in the
Gulf of Alaska and the central North Pacific to feed on pelagic prey
(Le Beouf et al., 2000). Adults return to land between March and August
to molt, with males returning later than females. Adults return to
their feeding areas again between their spring/summer molting and their
winter breeding seasons.
Populations of northern elephant seals in the U.S. and Mexico have
recovered after being nearly hunted to extinction (Stewart et al.,
1994). Northern elephant seals underwent a severe population bottleneck
and loss of genetic diversity when the population was reduced to an
estimated 10 to 30 individuals (Hoelzel et al., 2002). However,
movement and genetic exchange continues between rookeries when they
start breeding (Huber et al., 1991). The California breeding population
is now demographically isolated from the Baja California population.
The California breeding population is considered in NMFS's stock
assessment report to be a separate stock.
A complete population count of elephant seals is not possible
because all age classes are not ashore simultaneously. Elephant seal
population size is typically estimated by counting the number of pups
produced and multiplying by the inverse of the expected ratio of pups
to total animals (McCann, 1985). Based on counts of elephant seals at
U.S. rookeries in 2010, Lowry et al. (2014) reported that 40,684 pups
were born. Lowry et al. (2014) applied a multiplier of 4.4 to
extrapolate from total pup counts to a population estimate of
approximately 179,000 elephant seals. This multiplier is derived from
life tables based on published elephant seal fecundity and survival
rates, and reflects a population with approximately 23% pups (Cooper
and Stewart, 1983; Le Boeuf and Reiter, 1988; Hindell 1991; Huber et
al., 1991; Reiter and Le Boeuf, 1991; Clinton and Le Boeuf, 1993; Le
Boeuf et al., 1994; Pistorius and Bester, 2002; McMahon et al., 2003;
Pistorius et al., 2004; Condit et al., 2014). The minimum population
size for northern elephant seals in 2010 can be estimated very
conservatively as 81,368, which is equal to twice the observed pup
count (to account for the pups and their mothers). The population is
reported to have grown at 3.8% annually since 1988 (Lowry et al.,
2014). Northern elephant seals are not listed under the ESA and are not
considered as depleted or a strategic stock under the MMPA.
The rocks and beaches at or near the Children's Pool in La Jolla,
CA, are almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal hauling-out sites. On
infrequent occasions, juvenile northern elephant seal have been
observed on the sand or rocks at or near the Children's Pool (i.e.,
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa
Beach haul-out area). These sites are not usual haul-out locations for
northern elephant seals. The City of San Diego commissioned two studies
of harbor seal abundance trends at the Children's Pool. Both studies
reported that appearances of northern elephant seals are infrequent,
but not rare at Children's Pool (Yochem and Stewart 1998); Hanan, 2004;
Hanan & Associates, 2011). During 2013, the City of San Diego observed
two juvenile northern elephant seals at the Children's Pool. During
2014, the City of San Diego observed 30 juvenile elephant seals (during
29 days) at the Children's Pool. A report from 2015 monitoring is still
in process at this time.
Potential Effects of the Proposed Specified Activity on Marine Mammals
A significant body of monitoring data exists for pinnipeds at
Children's Pool. In addition, pinnipeds have co-existed with heavy
public use at this location, and are likely habituated to human
presence and activity. Nevertheless, the City of San Diego's sand
sampling activities have the potential to disturb pinnipeds present on
the beach. Past monitoring at this location has revealed that some or
all of the seals present may move or flush from the beach in response
to the presence of humans or their pets as well as crew and equipment
associated with construction, though some may remain hauled-out. No
stampeding of seals--a potentially dangerous occurrence in which large
numbers of animals succumb to mass panic and rush away from a
stimulus--has been documented. While it is likely impossible to conduct
the proposed sand sampling activities without provoking some response
in hauled-out animals, precautionary mitigation measures, described
later in this document, help ensure that this type of disturbance would
be minimized. Under these conditions, it is anticipated that seals
would exhibit a continuum of responses, beginning with alert movements
(e.g., raising the head), which may then escalate to movement away from
the stimulus and possible flushing into the water. Flushed seals
typically re-occupy the haul-out within minutes to hours of the
stimulus.
In the absence of appropriate mitigation measures, it is possible
that pinnipeds could be subject to injury, serious injury, or
mortality, likely through abandonment of pups. However, based on a
significant body of site-specific data, harbor seals are unlikely to
sustain any harassment that may be considered biologically significant.
Individual animals would, at most, flush into the water in response to
the sand sampling activities, but may also simply become alert or move
across the beach away from the sand sampling crew.
California sea lions and northern elephant seals have been observed
as less sensitive to stimulus than harbor seals during monitoring at
numerous
[[Page 19144]]
other sites. For example, monitoring of pinniped disturbance as a
result of abalone research in the Channel Islands showed that while
harbor seals flushed at a rate of 69 percent, California sea lions
flushed at a rate of only 21 percent. The rate for elephant seals
declined to 0.1 percent (VanBlaricom, 2010). In the event that either
of these species is present during management activities, they would be
expected to display a minimal reaction to maintenance activities, and
it is expected that reaction would be less than that expected of harbor
seals.
Children's Pool is a rookery for harbor seals, so we have evaluated
the potential for injury, serious injury, or mortality to pups. Pup
injury or mortality would be most likely to occur in the event of
extended separation of a mother and pup, or trampling in a stampede. As
discussed previously, no stampedes have been recorded at Children's
Pool. Any California sea lions or northern elephant seals present would
be independent juveniles or adults; therefore, analysis of impacts on
pups is not relevant for those species.
The period of mother-pup bonding, a critical time needed to ensure
pup survival and maximize pup health, is not expected to be impacted by
the sand sampling activities. Harbor seal pups are extremely
precocious, swimming and diving immediately after birth and throughout
the lactation period, unlike most other phocids which normally enter
the sea only after weaning (Lawson and Renouf, 1985; Cottrell et al.,
2002; Burns et al., 2005). Lawson and Renouf (1987) investigated harbor
seal mother-pup bonding in response to natural and anthropogenic
disturbance. In summary, they found that the most critical bonding time
is within minutes after birth. As described previously, the peak of
pupping season is typically concluded by mid-May, and the beach is
closed to the public until that time. An additional two week period was
added to that time before sand sampling activities could begin (to
begin June 1) in order to account for any potentially late-weaning
pups. As such, it is expected that mother-pup bonding would likely be
concluded as well. In addition, mitigation measures described later in
this document further reduce the likelihood of any impacts to pups,
whether through injury or mortality or interruption of mother-pup
bonding (which may lead to abandonment).
In summary, and based on extensive monitoring data, we believe that
impacts to hauled-out pinnipeds during estuary management activities
would be behavioral harassment of limited duration (i.e., less than one
day) and limited intensity (i.e., temporary flushing at most).
Stampeding, and therefore injury or mortality associated with
stampeding, is not expected. Further, the continued use of the haul-out
despite decades of public use at this site indicates that abandonment
of the haul-out is unlikely.
Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat
Harbor seals have been observed hauling-out and documented giving
birth at the Children's Pool since the 1990's (Yochem and Stewart,
1998; Hanan & Associates, 2004). It is one of the three known haul-out
sites for this species in San Diego County and is the only rookery in
San Diego County and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast
between the border of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA. In
addition to Pacific harbor seals, California sea lions and northern
elephant seals have also been observed at Children's Pool Beach
occasionally (Yochem and Stewart 1998; Hanan 2004; Hanan & Associates
2014). More information on this population of Pacific harbor seals can
be found in the ``Description of Marine Mammals in the Specified
Geographic Area of the Proposed Specified Activity.''
The primary anticipated adverse impact upon habitat consists of the
removal of sand from the beach. This change is minor, temporary, and
limited in duration to the period of the sand sampling activities. All
sand sampling activities will take place on the sand beach area
normally occupied by hauled out seals. Although sand will be collected
from the beach, the total volume removed over the course of the study
is estimated to be less than one cubic foot. Additionally, a subset of
samples will be collected approximately 25 to 50 centimeters (cm) below
the sand surface. Because of the mechanism of collection (use of a
hollow plastic tube and rubber mallet with minimal digging), only
transient sand displacement is anticipated. Therefore, we do not
anticipate impacts to habitat.
The area of habitat affected is small and the effects are localized
and temporary; thus there is no reason to expect any significant
reduction in habitat available for other habitat uses. No aspect of the
project is anticipated to have any permanent effect on the location or
use of pinniped haul-outs or related habitat features in the area.
Further, the site is already very disturbed by members of the public
who come to the area during the day and night to view the pinnipeds.
The City of San Diego and NMFS do not project any loss or modification
of physical habitat for these species. Any potential temporary loss or
modification of habitat due to the presence of the sand sampling
technicians and their activities during the proposed sand quality study
is expected by the City of San Diego and NMFS to be quickly restored
after the sand sampling activities end.
For these reasons, NMFS anticipates that the proposed action would
result in no impacts to marine mammal habitat beyond rendering the
areas of Children's Pool Beach immediately around the sand sampling
activities less desirable. These sampling activities would be temporary
and would occur relatively infrequently, as they are anticipated to
occur up to 16 times over the months of May to December for
approximately four hours at a time. Thus, any impacts to marine mammal
habitat are not expected to cause significant or long-term consequences
for individual marine mammals or their populations.
Proposed Mitigation
In order to issue an Incidental Take Authorization (ITA) under
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must prescribe, where
applicable, the permissible methods of taking pursuant to such
activity, and other means of effecting the least practicable impact on
such species or stock and its habitat, paying particular attention to
rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on
the availability of such species or stock for taking for certain
subsistence uses (where relevant).
The City of San Diego has established the Children's Pool as a
shared beach for pinnipeds and people except during pupping season,
when the beach has been closed to the public in order to protect the
seals. In the past, during the pupping season, a rope was placed along
the upper part of the beach with signage to inform and designate how
close people can come to the haul-out area and the pinnipeds. The
timeframe for the rope has been extended so that it is now present
year-round.
The activities proposed by the applicant include a variety of
measures to minimize potential impacts on marine mammals, including:
Prohibition of Sand Sampling During Pupping Season
Sand sampling activities shall be prohibited during the Pacific
harbor seal pupping season (December 15th to May 15th), and for an
additional two weeks thereafter to accommodate lactation and weaning of
late season pups. Thus, sand quality study activities shall be
prohibited until June 1, 2016 and would
[[Page 19145]]
be required to end before December 15, 2016.
Limiting Activity to Daylight Hours
Sand sampling activities shall be conducted during daylight hours
only. As Protected Species Observers (PSOs) will be required to monitor
the sand sampling activities (see discussion below), conducting the
sampling events during daylight hours with adequate visibility will
allow observers to adequately observe and record activities.
Daily Sand Sampling Timing
Sand sampling activities shall be scheduled, to the maximum extent
practicable, during the daily period of lowest haul-out occurrence,
from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as harbor seals typically
have the highest daily or hourly haul-out period during the afternoon
from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, sand sampling activities may be extended
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help assure that the project can be completed
at a time with low numbers of seals hauled out.
Avoidance/Minimization of Interaction with Pinnipeds
As stated above, per Dr. Doyle Hanan, ongoing observations of
harbor seals at Children's Pool have indicated a habituation to the
presence of people and therefore, generally show signs of disturbance
when people are very close to them on the beach (generally less than
two to three meters). Sand sampling activities will be conducted such
that humans remain at least three meters from hauled out pinnipeds at
all times. While the study calls for taking samples along transects,
there is enough flexibility to allow for variation from the transect
line to collect samples and still allow for minimizing approach to
pinnipeds on the beach. Therefore, hauled out pinnipeds will be
minimized or avoided, and efforts will be made to avoid disturbing/
alerting/flushing them.
Protected Species Observers
Trained PSOs would be used to detect, document, and minimize
impacts to marine mammals. More information about this measure is
contained in the ``Proposed Monitoring'' section (below).
Proposed Mitigation Conclusions
NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's mitigation measures
and considered a range of other measures in the context of ensuring
that NMFS prescribes the means of effecting the least practicable
impact on the affected marine mammal species and stocks and their
habitat. NMFS's 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, including consideration of personnel safety,
practicality of implementation, and impact on the effectiveness of the
activity.
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 below:
(1) Avoidance or minimization of injury or death of marine mammals
wherever possible (goals 2, 3, and 4 may contribute to this goal).
(2) A reduction in the numbers of marine mammals (total number or
number at biologically important time or location) exposed to visual or
auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality study, or
other activities expected to result in the take of marine mammals (this
goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing harassment takes only).
(3) A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at
biologically important time or location) individuals would be exposed
to visual or auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality
study, or other activities expected 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 visual or
auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality study, or
other activities expected to result in the take of marine mammals (this
goal may contribute to a, above, or to reducing the severity of
harassment takes only).
(5) Avoidance of 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 NMFS's evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, as
well as other measures considered by NMFS, NMFS has 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.
Proposed Monitoring and Reporting
In order to issue an ITA for an activity, section 101(a)(5)(D) of
the MMPA states that NMFS must, where applicable, set forth
``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such
taking.'' The MMPA implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13)
require that requests for ITAs include the suggested means of
accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result
in increased knowledge of the species and of the level of taking or
impacts on populations of marine mammals that are expected to be
present in the proposed action area.
Monitoring measures prescribed by NMFS should accomplish one or
more of the following general goals:
(1) An increase in the probability of detecting marine mammals,
both within the mitigation zone (thus allowing for more effective
implementation of the mitigation) and in general to generate more data
to contribute to the analyses mentioned below;
(2) An increase in our understanding of how many marine mammals are
likely to be exposed to visual or auditory stimuli associated with the
proposed sand quality study that we associate with specific adverse
effects, such as behavioral harassment;
(3) An increase in our understanding of how marine mammals respond
to stimuli expected to result in take and how anticipated adverse
effects on individuals (in different ways and to varying degrees) may
impact the population, species, or stock (specifically through effects
on annual rates of recruitment or survival) through any of the
following methods:
Behavioral observations in the presence of stimuli
compared to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to
accurately predict distance from source, and other pertinent
information);
[[Page 19146]]
Physiological measurements in the presence of stimuli
compared to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to
accurately predict distance from the source, and other pertinent
information);
Distribution and/or abundance comparisons in times or
areas with concentrated stimuli versus times or areas without stimuli;
(4) An increased knowledge of the affected species;
(5) An increase in our understanding of the effectiveness of
certain mitigation and monitoring measures; and
(6) An increase in our level of knowledge regarding the overall
health of the monitored species, particularly in light of recent local
UMEs and observations of malnutrition increases in the area.
Proposed Monitoring
The City of San Diego has developed a monitoring plan based on
discussions between the City of San Diego and NMFS, as well as review
of past IHAs granted to the City of San Diego. The plan is also
included as an Appendix to our draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for
issuance of the IHA for the sand quality study activities (see National
Environmental Policy Act section below), which is available for public
review along with the draft EA.
The monitoring plan involves PSOs surveying and conducting hourly
visual counts beginning prior to sand sampling activities (beginning at
least 30 minutes prior to sampling activities), monitoring during
sampling activities, and post-sand sampling monitoring (continuing for
at least 30 minutes after sand sampling activities have ended). During
each sample collection event, the PSO will conduct continuous
monitoring from a vantage point along the seawall (weather permitting)
or along the bluff above the beach, such that the full study area is in
view. During the proposed sand sampling activities, monitoring shall
assess behavior and potential behavioral responses to noise and visual
stimuli due to the proposed activities. As noted above, if northern fur
seals or Guadalupe fur seals are observed prior to commencement of
activities, the activities will not occur and coordination with the
stranding network will be initiated.
Counts will be performed by species for three zones: Pinnipeds
hauled out on the sandy beach area, pinnipeds observed in the water
within approximately 30 meters of the beach, and pinnipeds hauled out
on the reef/rocks just off the beach (including Seal Rock). Total
counts, counts of juveniles (yearlings and pups), and counts of males/
females (when possible) will be recorded. In addition to counts,
continuous behavioral monitoring will be conducted for the duration of
the sampling event to document any behavioral responses to visual (or
other) stimuli, as noted in Table 2 below. When responses are observed,
the type of take (i.e., alert and flush, movement of more than one
meter, or change in direction of movement) and the assumed cause
(whether related to sample collection activities or not) will be noted
by species. Photographs and/or video will be taken to document these
responses.
Table 2--Seal Response to Disturbance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Type of response Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................ Alert............. Seal head orientation or brief
movement in response to
disturbance, which may include
turning head towards the
disturbance, craning head and
neck while holding the body
rigid in a u-shaped position,
changing from a lying to a
sitting position, or brief
movement of less than twice the
animal's body length. Alerts
would be recorded, but not
counted as a `take'.
2................ Movement.......... Movements away from the source of
disturbance, ranging from short
withdrawals at least twice the
animal's body length to longer
retreats over the beach
including changing direction of
travel, or movement along the
beach from a resting position.
These movements would be
recorded and counted as a
`take'.
3................ Flush............. All retreats (flushes) to the
water. Flushing into the water
would be recorded and counted as
a `take'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional parameters will be recorded during the first and last
count of each sampling event including Beaufort sea state; atmospheric
conditions; cloud cover; visibility conditions; air and water
temperature; tide height; and number of public visitors present by
location at Children's Pool.
Field observations will be documented on Field Monitoring Forms,
and all observations and associated data, including daily monitoring
reports, would be maintained on City of San Diego computers. A report
summarizing mitigation and monitoring for the duration of the
Children's Pool Beach sand quality study will be prepared and submitted
by the City of San Diego to NMFS following completion of sand sampling
activities for the 2016 sampling season.
The following marine mammal monitoring and reporting shall be
performed for the proposed action:
(1) The PSO shall be selected prior to sand sampling activities.
(2) The NMFS-approved PSO shall attend the project site prior to,
during, and after sand sampling activities cease each day that the sand
sampling activities occur.
(3) The PSO shall search for marine mammals within the Children's
Pool area.
(4) The PSO shall be present during sand sampling activities to
observe for the presence of marine mammals in the vicinity of the
specified activity. All such activity would occur during daylight hours
(i.e., 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset). If
inclement weather limits visibility within the area of effect, the PSO
would perform visual scans to the extent conditions allow.
(5) If marine mammals are sighted by the PSO, the PSO shall record
the number of marine mammals and the duration of their presence while
the sand sampling activity is occurring. The PSO would also note
whether the marine mammals appeared to respond to the noise/visual
stimuli and, if so, the nature of that response. The PSO shall record
the following information: Date and time of initial sighting, tidal
stage, weather conditions, Beaufort sea state, species, behavior
(activity, group cohesiveness, direction and speed of travel, etc.),
number, group composition, distance between sampling personnel and
pinniped(s), number of animals impacted, sampling activities occurring
at time of sighting (walking, taking surface sample, or pounding core
sampler), and monitoring and mitigation measures implemented (or not
implemented). The observations would be reported to NMFS.
[[Page 19147]]
(6) To avoid takes of Guadalupe fur seals, if fur seals are
observed to be hauled out on the beach, or in the water/rocks at the
Children's Pool Beach prior to the initiation of sand collection
activities, sand sampling activities will not commence. PSOs will alert
the stranding network, as the occurrence of these species would
typically indicate a sick/injured animal. Recommendations of the
stranding coordinator will be followed, which may include a 24-hour or
48-hour waiting and observation period, and sand sampling would not
commence until the animal(s) either vacated the area on its own, or was
collected by the stranding network
(7) A final report would be submitted summarizing all effects from
sand sampling activities and marine mammal monitoring during the time
of the authorization.
A written log of dates and times of monitoring activity will be
kept. The log shall report the following information:
Time of observer arrival on site;
Time of the commencement of sand sampling activities;
Distances to all marine mammals relative to the stimuli;
For harbor seal, northern elephant seal, and California
sea lion observations, notes on behavior during sand sampling activity,
as described above, and on the number and distribution observed in the
project vicinity;
For observations of all marine mammals other than harbor
seals, northern elephant seals, and California sea lions, the time and
duration of each animal's presence in the project vicinity; the number
of animals observed; the behavior of each animal, including any
response to sand sampling activities;
Time of the cessation of sand sampling activities; and
Time of observer departure from site.
All monitoring data collected during sand sampling events would be
included in the biological monitoring notes to be submitted. A final
report summarizing the sand sampling monitoring and any general trends
observed would also be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after
monitoring has ended during the period of the sand quality study or 45
days prior to the date by which any subsequent IHA is requested by the
City of San Diego, whichever comes first.
Proposed Reporting
A draft final report must be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after
the conclusion of the final sand sampling activities of the Children's
Pool Beach. The report would include a summary of the information
gathered pursuant to the monitoring requirements set forth in the IHA,
including dates and times of operations and all marine mammal sightings
(dates, times, locations, species, behavioral observations [activity,
group cohesiveness, direction and speed of travel, etc.], tidal stage,
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state and wind force, associated sand
sampling activities). A final report must be submitted within 30 days
after receiving comments from NMFS on the draft final report. If no
comments are received from NMFS, the draft final report would be
considered to be the final report.
While the IHA does not authorize injury (i.e., Level A harassment),
serious injury, or mortality, should the applicant, contractor, monitor
or any other individual associated with the sand quality study observe
an injured or dead marine mammal, the incident (regardless of cause)
will immediately be reported to NMFS stranding coordinator. The report
should include species or description of animal, condition of animal,
location, time first found, observed behaviors (if alive) and photo or
video, if available.
In the unanticipated event that the City of San Diego discovers a
live stranded marine mammal (sick and/or injured, or if any fur seals
are observed) at Children's Pool, they shall immediately contact Sea
World's stranded animal hotline at 1-800-541-7235. Sea World shall also
be notified if a dead stranded pinniped is found so that a necropsy can
be performed. In all cases, NMFS stranding coordinator shall be
notified as well, but for immediate response purposes, Sea World shall
be contacted first.
Reporting Prohibited Take--In the unanticipated event that the
specified activity clearly causes the take of a marine mammal in a
manner prohibited by this IHA, such as an injury (Level A harassment),
serious injury, or mortality, the City of San Diego shall immediately
cease the specified activities and immediately report the incident to
the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, and the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The
report must include the following information:
Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the
incident;
The type of activity involved;
Description of the circumstances during and leading up to
the incident;
Water depth; environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed
and direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
Description of marine mammal observations in the 24 hours
preceding the incident; species identification or description of the
animal(s) involved;
The fate of the animal(s); and photographs or video
footage of the animal (if equipment is available).
Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS shall work with the City of
San Diego to determine the action necessary to minimize the likelihood
of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The City of San
Diego may not resume its activities until notified by NMFS via letter,
email, or telephone.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal with an Unknown Cause of
Death--In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the cause of the
injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in
less than a moderate state of decomposition as described in the next
paragraph), the City of San Diego would immediately report the incident
to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS, and the West Coast Regional Stranding
Coordinator. The report must include the same information identified
above. Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of
the incident. NMFS would work with the City of San Diego to determine
whether modification of the activities is appropriate.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal Not Related to the
Activities--In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an
injured or dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the
injury or death is not associated with or related to the activities
authorized (e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to
advanced decomposition, or scavenger damage), the City of San Diego
shall report the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS , and the West Coast
Regional Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours of the discovery. The
City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue
while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident.
[[Page 19148]]
Monitoring Results From Previously Authorized Activities
2013 to 2014
Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of the City of San Diego,
conducted marine mammal and in-air sound monitoring at six locations
during demolition and construction activities at the Children's Pool
Lifeguard Station in La Jolla, California from June 3, 2013 to February
12, 2014. Demolition and construction activities began on July 10, 2013
and were halted for the Pacific harbor seal pupping season (December
15, 2013 to May 30, 2014). During 115 days of visual and acoustic
observations, Hanan & Associates counted a total of 61,631 Pacific
harbor seals and 26,037 people. During the 2013 demolition and
construction activities, Hanan & Associates observed a total of 15,673
takes by Level B harassment (i.e., alerts, movements, and flushes) that
could be attributed to demolition and construction activities (5,095
takes), the general public (8,639 takes), and other sources (1,939
takes). As of April 15, 2014, at least 60 harbor seal pups (including 2
still births) have been born at the Children's Pool and there has been
no indication of abandonment. In addition to the Pacific harbor seal
sightings, PSOs recorded three sightings of California sea lions (1
juvenile, 3 adult), and 2 northern elephant seals (both juveniles) at
the Children's Pool.
2014 to 2015
Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of the City of San Diego,
conducted marine mammal monitoring at seven locations during demolition
and construction activities at the Children's Pool Lifeguard Station in
La Jolla, California from August 6, 2014 to March 15, 2015.
Construction activities began on August 6, 2014 and were halted for the
Pacific harbor seal pupping season (December 15, 2014 to May 30, 2015).
During 127 days of visual and acoustic observations, Hanan & Associates
counted a total of 63,598 Pacific harbor seals and 27,844 people.
During the 2014 demolition and construction activities, Hanan &
Associates observed a total of 20,259 takes by Level B harassment
(i.e., alerts, movements, and flushes) that could be attributed to
demolition and construction activities (7,424 takes), the general
public (10,000 takes), and other sources (2,835 takes). As of March 13,
2015, at least 60 harbor seal pups (including 6 still or premature
births) have been born at the Children's Pool and there has been no
indication of abandonment. In addition to the Pacific harbor seal
sightings, 366 sightings of California sea lions (93 at Children's Pool
beach; others were at Seal Rock, South Casa Beach, and on the reef),
and 1 northern elephant seal (juvenile). One dead adult and one dead
juvenile California sea lion were sighted on the Children's Pool beach
after the start of the beach closure and after the construction
activities stopped for the pupping season. These strandings were
reported to NMFS.
More information on the monitoring results from the City of San
Diego's previous demolition and construction activities at the La Jolla
Children's Pool Lifeguard Station can be found in the final monitoring
reports. The 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 monitoring reports can be
found online at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/construction.htm#childrenspool.
Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment
Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of pursuit, torment, or
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or
sheltering [Level B harassment].
The City of San Diego and NMFS anticipate takes of Pacific harbor
seals, California sea lions, and northern elephant seals by Level B
(behavioral) harassment only incidental to visual disturbance
associated with the sand quality study sand sampling activities at the
Children's Pool Beach. No takes by injury (Level A harassment), serious
injury, or mortality are expected. NMFS will consider pinnipeds
behaviorally reacting to the sand sampling activities by flushing into
the water, moving more than twice the animal's body length but not into
the water; becoming alert and moving more than twice its body length;
and changing direction of current movements by individuals as
behavioral criteria for take by Level B harassment.
With proposed sand sampling activities scheduled to begin in May
2016, the City of San Diego expects a range of harbor seals to be
present daily during June with a maximum of up to 190 individuals and a
seasonal decline through November to about 0 to 50 harbor seals present
daily. As not all of the sampling activities have been planned, and
there is uncertainty regarding the timing and number of all activities,
we have assumed the maximum number of authorized sampling activities
(16) occurring during the maximum haul out month (June) in order to
estimate take numbers. If all of the estimated harbor seals present are
taken by incidental harassment each day, there could be a maximum of
3,040 incidences of take (i.e., approximately 896 adult males and 672
juvenile males, 864 adult females and 608 juvenile females based on age
and sex ratios presented in Harkonen et al., 1999) over the entire
duration of the activities. An unknown portion of the incidental takes
will be from repeated exposures as harbor seals leave and return to the
Children's Pool area.
Very few California sea lions or northern elephant seals are ever
observed at the Children's Pool Beach. As noted above, Children's Pool
is almost exclusively a harbor seal haul-out site and on rare
occasions, one or two California sea lions or a single juvenile
elephant seal have been observed on the sand or rocks at, or near,
Children's Pool. However, as noted above, an UME has been in place
since 2013 for California sea lions. According to the NMFS West Coast
Region, California sea lion strandings in January-May of 2015 were over
10 times the average stranding level for the same five-month period
during 2004-2012. The City of San Diego has requested take for these
species due to their potential occurrence at this location and past
monitoring experience at this location. As the previous IHA authorized
take of two individual sea lions incidental to construction activities
at Children's Pool, and numbers of sea lion sightings have been over 10
times the average, we estimate that up to 20 individuals may be
incidentally taken by Level B harassment equating to 320 exposures
(conservatively assuming 20 x 16 sampling events). As only one or two
northern elephant seals are known to occur rarely at Children's Pool
Beach, it was conservatively estimated that 16 individuals would be
exposed to Level B harassment for a total of 16 takes (assuming one
present for each of the 16 sampling events). Therefore, NMFS proposes
authorizing the following numbers of incidental takes (i.e., Level B
harassment): 3,040 Pacific harbor seals (600 individuals), 320
California sea lions (20 individuals), and 16 northern elephant seals
(16 individuals). More information on the number of takes authorized,
and the approximate percentage of the stock for the three species in
the proposed action area can be found in Table 3 (below).
[[Page 19149]]
Table 3--Summary of the Authorized Incidental Take by Level B Harassment of Pinnipeds for the City of San
Diego's Proposed Sand Quality Study Activities Generating Visual and Auditory Stimuli at the Children's Pool
Beach in La Jolla, CA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approximate
Take Estimated percentage of
authorization number of estimated Population
Species (number of individuals Abundance stock (takes trend
exposures) taken authorized/
population)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal.......... 3,040 600 30,968--Californ 10 Increased in
ia stock. California
1981 to 2004.
California sea lion.......... 320 20 296,750--U.S. 0.1 Increasing.
stock.
Northern elephant seal....... 16 16 179,000--Califor <0.01 Increasing 3.8%
nia breeding annually since
stock. 1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis and Preliminary Determinations
Negligible Impact
Negligible impact is ``an impact resulting from the specified
activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably
likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival'' (50 CFR 216.103). A
negligible impact finding is based on the lack of likely adverse
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival (i.e., population-
level effects). An estimate of the number of Level B harassment takes,
alone, is not enough information on which to base an impact
determination. In addition to considering estimates of the number of
marine mammals that might be ``taken'' through behavioral harassment,
NMFS must consider other factors, such as the likely nature of any
responses (their intensity, duration, etc.), the context of any
responses (critical reproductive time or location, migration, etc.), as
well as the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes,
the number of estimated mortalities, and effects on habitat.
In making a negligible impact determination, NMFS evaluated factors
such as:
(1) The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or
mortalities;
(2) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B
harassment; and
(3) The context in which the takes occur (i.e., impacts to areas of
significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when
taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions when added to
baseline data);
(4) The status of the stock or species of marine mammals (i.e.,
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative
to the size of the population);
(5) Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/survival; and
(6) The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures.
Behavioral disturbance may potentially occur incidental to the
visual presence of humans and sand sampling activities; however,
pinnipeds at this site have likely adapted or become acclimated to
human presence at this site. The City of San Diego has designated
Children's Pool Beach as a shared use beach. Many activities currently
take place at Children's Pool Beach and the surrounding shoreline areas
including swimming, SCUBA diving, surfing, kayaking, tide pooling, and
nature watching. These ``urbanized'' harbor seals do not exhibit
sensitivity at a level similar to that noted in harbor seals in some
other regions affected by human disturbance (Allen et al., 1984; Suryan
and Harvey, 1999; Henry and Hammil, 2001; Johnson and Acevedo-
Gutierrez, 2007; Jansen et al., 2006; Hanan & Associates, 2011). For
example, during monitoring for construction for the Children's Pool
Lifeguard Station, equipment noise and visual cues at times have caused
seals to alert/flush, while at other times the same stimuli have
produced no reaction (City of San Diego, 2015). Per the City of San
Diego (2015), ``[a]t the individual level, a newly arrived seal (which
swam in from another area) may not have habituated to humans and noise
as have seals that have been onsite for a while. These recent arrivals
may alert to visual stimuli, perhaps flushing to the water. But after a
few days using this beach during the non-pupping season (when humans
are also present on the beach), we would expect them to habituate and
generally not react to humans unless very close to them (Hanan 2004,
Hanan & Associates 2011, Hanan and Hanan 2014).'' Therefore, there is a
high likelihood that many of the harbor seals present during the
proposed sand sampling activities would not be flushed off of the beach
or rocks, as pinnipeds at this site are conditioned to human presence
(Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011) (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IRUYVTULsg), and it is anticipated that takes would likely be
of lesser intensity than would be expected at other locations.
No injuries (Level A harassment), serious injuries, or mortalities
are anticipated to occur as a result of the City of San Diego's sand
sampling activities, and none are proposed for authorization by NMFS.
The proposed activities are not expected to result in the alteration of
reproductive behaviors because of the moratorium on access to the beach
during the pupping season, and the potentially affected species would
be subjected to only temporary and minor behavioral impacts.
As discussed in detail above, the proposed project scheduling
avoids sensitive life stages for Pacific harbor seals. Proposed project
activities will commence June 1 and end by December 15. The
commencement date occurs after the end of the pupping season, affords
additional time to accommodate lactation and weaning of late-season
pups, and takes into account periods of lowest haul-out occurrence. The
end date falls approximately two weeks prior to January 1, the time
after which most births occur, providing protection for pregnant and
nursing harbor seals that may give birth before January 1.
Table 3 of this document outlines the number of Level B harassment
takes that are anticipated as a result of these proposed activities.
Due to the nature, degree, and context of Level B (behavioral)
harassment anticipated and described (see ``Potential Effects on Marine
Mammals'' section above) in this notice, this activity is not expected
to impact rates of annual recruitment or survival for the affected
species or stock (i.e., California stock of Pacific harbor seals, U.S.
stock of California sea lions, and California breeding stock of
northern elephant seals), particularly given the proposed mitigation,
[[Page 19150]]
monitoring, and reporting measures that would be implemented to
minimize impacts to marine mammals.
The Children's Pool is one of the three known haul-out sites for
Pacific harbor seal in San Diego County and the only rookery in San
Diego County and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast for
this species between the border of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura
County, CA. For the other marine mammal species that may occur within
the action area (i.e., California sea lions and northern elephant
seals), there are no known designated or important feeding and/or
reproductive areas at the project site. Many animals perform vital
functions, such as feeding, resting, traveling, and socializing, on a
diel cycle (i.e., 24 hour cycle). Behavioral reactions (such as
disruption of critical life functions, displacement, or avoidance of
important habitat) are more likely to be significant if they last more
than one diel cycle or recur on subsequent days (Southall et al.,
2007). However, Pacific harbor seals have been hauling-out at
Children's Pool during the year for many years (including during
pupping season and while females are pregnant) while being exposed to
anthropogenic sound sources such as vehicle traffic, human voices, etc.
and other stimuli from human presence. The Pacific harbor seals have
repeatedly hauled-out to pup over many years and the NMFS Stock
Assessment Reports for this stock have shown that the population is
increasing and is considered stable (NMFS, 2014). Additionally, the
proposed sand sampling activities would generally not take place on
subsequent days for long durations, as a maximum of up to 16 sampling
events (lasting approximately 4 hours each) are planned for the sand
quality study, which would take place over the six-months of the study.
None of the potentially affected marine mammal species under NMFS
jurisdiction in the action area (Pacific harbor seals, California sea
lions, and northern elephant seals) are listed as threatened or
endangered under the ESA. To protect these animals (and other marine
mammals in the action area), the City of San Diego shall schedule sand
sampling activities during the daily period of lowest haul-out
occurrence; limit activities to the hours of daylight; ensuring that
technicians performing sand sampling remain at least three meters from
any hauled out pinnipeds; use PSOs, prohibit sand sampling activities
in the unlikely event that fur seals are present, and prohibit sand
sampling activities during harbor seal pupping season.
Although behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating
the area during the proposed sand sampling activities, may be made by
these species, the sand quality sampling activities would be fairly
sporadic and would be of relatively short duration. NMFS believes that
the time period of the proposed sand sampling activities, the
requirement to implement mitigation measures (e.g., prohibiting sand
sampling activities during pupping season, scheduling operations to
periods of the lowest haul-out occurrence, and ensuring a buffer of at
least three meters between sampling technicians and hauled out
pinnipeds), and the inclusion of the monitoring and reporting measures,
will reduce the amount and severity of the potential impacts from the
activity.
Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the
proposed specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and
taking into consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring
and mitigation measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that the total marine
mammal take from the City of San Diego's activities would have a
negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks.
Small Numbers
As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that three species of
marine mammals under its jurisdiction could be potentially affected by
Level B harassment over the course of the IHA. It is conservatively
estimated that the instances of take by Level B harassment (amounting
to 3,040 for Pacific harbor seals, 320 for California sea lions, and 16
for northern elephant seals) would be approximately 10%, 0.1%, and less
than 0.01% of the respective California, U.S., and California breeding
stocks. The population estimates for the marine mammal species that may
be taken by Level B harassment were provided in Table 3 of this
document.
Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into
consideration the implementation of the proposed mitigation and
monitoring measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that small numbers of
marine mammals will be taken relative to the populations of the
affected species or stocks. See Table 3 for the proposed authorized
take numbers of marine mammals.
Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for
Subsistence Uses
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA requires NMFS to determine that
the authorization will not have an unmitigable adverse effect on the
availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence use.
There are not relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated by
this action. Therefore, NMFS has 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 subsistence purposes.
Endangered Species Act
NMFS (Permits and Conservation Division) has determined that an ESA
section 7 consultation for the issuance of an IHA under section
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for this activity is not necessary for the
Guadalupe fur seal. This species is rare at Children's Pool Beach. Due
to the fact that sightings have occurred in the area, and due to the
declaration of a UME for this species in the area, ESA consultation was
considered. However, it was determined that the sand sampling
activities would have no potential to affect the Guadalupe fur seal
because these activities would not occur if this species were present
at Children's Pool Beach. No other ESA-listed species are expected to
occur in the proposed project area.
National Environmental Policy Act
To meet NMFS's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) requirements for the issuance of an IHA to the City of
San Diego, NMFS prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) titled
Draft Environmental Assessment of the Issuance of an Incidental
Harassment Authorization to the City of San Diego to Take Marine
Mammals by Harassment Incidental to Sand Quality Study Activities at
the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California to comply with the
Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and NOAA
Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6. NMFS will evaluate public comments on
the proposed action to determine whether a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) is warranted, or if an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) would be required.
Proposed Authorization
As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to
issue an IHA to the City of San Diego for conducting sand quality study
activities
[[Page 19151]]
at the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, CA, provided the previously
mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are
incorporated. The proposed IHA language is provided below:
The City of San Diego,, is hereby authorized under section
101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
1371(a)(5)(D)), to harass small numbers of marine mammals incidental to
the sand quality study activities at the Children's Pool Beach, June 1
through December 14, 2016, contingent upon the following conditions:
1. Effective Dates
This Authorization is valid from June 1, 2016 through June 30,
2017.
2. Specified Geographic Region
This Authorization is valid only for the sand sampling activities
at the Children's Pool Beach that shall occur in the following
specified geographic area:
The La Jolla Children's Pool Beach at 850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla
California 92037 (32[deg] 50'51.18'' North, 117[deg] 16'41.94'' West),
as specified in the City of San Diego's IHA application.
3. Species Authorized and Level of Takes
(a) The incidental taking of marine mammals, by Level B harassment
only, is limited to the following species in the La Jolla, California
area:
(i) Pinnipeds--see Table 3 (above) for authorized species and take
numbers.
(ii) If any marine mammal species are encountered during sand
sampling activities that are not listed in Table 3 (above) and are
likely to be taken by the sand quality study activities, then the City
of San Diego must shut-down operations to avoid take.
(b) The taking by injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or
death of any of the species listed in Condition 3(a) above, or the
taking of any kind of any other species of marine mammal, is prohibited
and may result in the modification, suspension or revocation of this
Authorization.
The methods authorized for taking by Level B harassment are limited
to visual stimuli associated with sand sampling activities (walking
beach transects, taking sand surface samples, and taking subsurface
samples, including hammering core samples with a rubber mallet) without
an amendment to this Authorization:
4. Prohibited Take
The taking of any marine mammal in a manner prohibited under this
Authorization must be reported immediately to the Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), at 301-427-8401.
5. Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements
The City of San Diego is required to implement the following
mitigation and monitoring requirements when conducting the specified
activities:
Sand Sampling Activities Prohibited During Pupping Season
(a) The sand sampling activities shall be prohibited until June 1,
2016 and shall be completed prior to December 15, 2016.
Daily Sand Sampling Timing
(b) To the maximum extent practicable, sand sampling activities
shall be conducted from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,; however,
sand sampling activities may be extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (i.e.,
daylight hours).
Protected Species Observers
(c) A trained Protected Species Observer (PSO) shall attend the
project site 30 minutes prior until 30 minutes after sand sampling
activities cease each day throughout the sand quality study window. The
PSO shall be approved by NMFS prior to commencement of activities. The
PSO shall search for marine mammals using binoculars and/or the naked
eye within the study area. The PSO will observe from a station along
the breakwater wall (weather permitting) as well as the base of the
cliff.
(d) In the event that fur seals are observed either on the rocks,
beach, or in the water at Children's Pool Beach prior to commencement
of sand collection activities, these activities will be postponed until
coordination with the stranding network is complete (including any
potential 24-hour or 48-hour wait/observation period) and/or the animal
either leaves, or is collected by the stranding network.
(e) The PSO shall use visual digital recordings and photographs to
document individuals and behavioral responses to the sand sampling
activities. The PSO shall make hourly counts of the number of pinnipeds
present and record events that result in behavioral responses and
changes, whether due to sand sampling activities or from public
stimuli. During these events, pictures and videos will be taken when
possible to document individuals and behavioral responses.
(f) A PSO shall record the following information when a marine
mammal is sighted:
(i) Species, group size, age/size/sex categories (if determinable),
behavior when first sighted and after initial sighting, heading (if
consistent), distribution, bearing and distance relative to the
sampling technicians (stimuli), group cohesiveness, duration of
presence, apparent reaction to sand sampling activities (e.g., none,
avoidance, approach, etc.), direction and speed of travel, duration of
presence, and if there are other causes of potential disturbance
occurring;
(ii) Date, time, location, sand sampling activity (walking; surface
sampling; subsurface sampling [hammering], etc), monitoring and
mitigation measures implemented (or not implemented), tidal stage,
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state, wind speed, visibility, and sun
glare; and
(iii) The data listed under Condition 6(g)(ii) shall also be
recorded at the start and end of each observation watch and during a
watch whenever there is a change in one or more variables.
(g) A PSO shall also record the time of arrival and departure on
site, commencement and cessation of sand sampling activities, and
presence of humans on the beach. Whenever possible, the PSO should
determine as to whether or not the harassment of pinnipeds is
attributable to the sand sampling activities and/or the presence of the
public on the beach and around the Children's Pool area. A PSO shall
record the number of people on the beach and surrounding areas as well
as their location relative to the animals.
Approach Buffer Zones
(h) Buffer zones shall be established such that sand sampling
technicians will remain at least three meters from any hauled out
pinniped at all times.
6. Reporting Requirements
The City of San Diego is required to:
(a) Submit a draft report on all activities and monitoring results
to the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, within 90 days of the
completion of the sand sampling activities at the Children's Pool
Beach. This report must contain and summarize the following
information:
(i) Dates, times, locations, weather, sea conditions (including
Beaufort sea state and wind speed), and associated activities during
all sand sampling activities and marine mammal sightings;
(ii) Species, number, location, distance from the PSO, and behavior
of any marine mammals, as well as associated sand sampling activities,
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
(iii) An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that
are known to have been exposed to the sand sampling activities (based
on visual observation) with a discussion of any specific behaviors
those individuals
[[Page 19152]]
exhibited. NMFS will consider pinnipeds flushing into the water; moving
more than twice their body length, but not into the water; and changing
direction of current movement by individuals as behavioral criteria for
take by Level B harassment.
(iv) A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the
monitoring and mitigation measures of the IHA.
(b) Submit a final report to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, within 30 days after
receiving comments from NMFS on the draft report. If NMFS decides that
the draft report needs no comments, the draft report shall be
considered to be the final report.
7. In the unanticipated event that the City of San Diego discovers
a live stranded marine mammal (sick and/or injured, or if any fur seals
are observed) at Children's Pool, they shall immediately contact Sea
World's stranded animal hotline at 1-800-541-7235. Sea World shall also
be notified for dead stranded pinnipeds so that a necropsy can be
performed. In all cases, the NMFS stranding coordinator shall be
notified as well, but for immediate responses purposes, Sea World shall
be contacted first.
Reporting Prohibited Take
8. In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by this
Authorization, such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury
or mortality, the City of San Diego shall immediately cease the
specified activities and immediately report the incident to the Chief
of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS and the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The
report must include the following information:
(a) Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the incident;
the type of activity involved; description of the circumstances during
and leading up to the incident; water depth; environmental conditions
(e.g., wind speed and direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and
visibility); description of marine mammal observations in the 24 hours
preceding the incident; species identification or description of the
animal(s) involved; the fate of the animal(s); and photographs or video
footage of the animal (if equipment is available).
Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS shall work with the City of
San Diego to determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The City of San
Diego may not resume their activities until notified by NMFS via letter
or email, or via telephone.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal With an Unknown Cause of
Death
In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the cause of the
injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in
less than a moderate state of decomposition as described in the next
paragraph), the City of San Diego will immediately report the incident
to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS and the NMFS West Coast Regional Office and/
or the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The report must
include the same information identified in the Condition 8(a) above.
Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the
incident. NMFS will work with the City of San Diego to determine
whether modifications in the activities are appropriate.
Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal Not Related to the
Activities
In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the injury or
death is not associated with or related to the activities authorized in
Condition 2 to 4 of this Authorization (e.g., previously wounded
animal, carcass with moderate to advanced decomposition, or scavenger
damage), the City of San Diego shall report the incident to the Chief
of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS and the NMFS West Coast Regional Office and/or the West
Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours of the discovery.
The City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue
while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident.
Reporting Any Presence of Fur Seals
In the event that the City of San Diego discovers any fur seals
hauled out on the rocks or in sand at Children's Pool Beach prior to
commencing sand sampling activities for the day, the City of San Diego
shall contact the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator and sand
sampling activities will not commence until the animal(s) either leave
or are collected by the stranding network. The City will also report
the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS within 24 hours of the discovery.
The City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue
after the animal(s) are no longer present while NMFS reviews the
circumstances of the incident.
9. A copy of this Authorization must be in the possession of all
contractors and PSOs operating under the authority of this IHA.
Request for Public Comments
NMFS requests comment on our analysis, the draft authorization, and
any other aspect of the preliminary determinations and notice of the
proposed IHA for the City of San Diego's sand quality study activities
at the La Jolla Children's Pool Beach. Please include with your
comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our
final decision on the City of San Diego's request for an MMPA
authorization.
Dated: March 29, 2016.
Wanda L. Cain,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07623 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P