Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Gull and Climate Research in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 56953-56965 [2017-25910]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 230 (Friday, December 1, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56953-56965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25910]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF776


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Gull and Climate Research in 
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

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

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

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the National Park Service 
(NPS) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to glaucous-
winged gull and climate monitoring research activities in Glacier Bay 
National Park (GLBA NP), Alaska. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to 
issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take 
marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS will consider 
public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of 
the requested MMPA authorizations and agency responses will be 
summarized in the final notice of our decision.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than January 
2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Jolie Harrison, Chief, 
Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service. Physical comments should be sent to 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and electronic comments 
should be sent to ITP.molineaux@noaa.gov.
    Instructions: NMFS is not responsible for comments sent by any 
other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the 
end of the comment period. Comments received electronically, including 
all attachments, must not exceed a 25-megabyte file size. Attachments 
to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word or Excel or 
Adobe PDF file formats only. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted online at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research.htm without change. All personal 
identifying information (e.g., name, address) voluntarily submitted by 
the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential 
business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Molineaux, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401. Electronic copies of the 
application and supporting documents, as well as a list of the 
references cited in this document, may be obtained online at: 
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research.htm. In case of 
problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed 
above.

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 (as delegated to NMFS) to allow, upon 
request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers 
of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity 
(other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region 
if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if 
the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed 
authorization is provided to the public for review.
    An authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS 
finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings 
are set forth.
    NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as an 
impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably 
expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the 
species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or 
survival.
    The MMPA states that the term ``take'' means to harass, hunt, 
capture, kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine 
mammal.
    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

[[Page 56954]]

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).

National Environmental Policy Act

    To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, 
NMFS must review our proposed action (i.e., the issuance of an 
incidental harassment authorization) with respect to potential impacts 
on the human environment.
    This action is consistent with categories of activities identified 
in CE B4 of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A, 
which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for 
significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for 
which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would 
preclude this categorical exclusion. Accordingly, NMFS has 
preliminarily determined that the issuance of the proposed IHA 
qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. We 
will review all comments submitted in response to this notice prior to 
concluding our NEPA process or making a final decision on the IHA 
request.

Summary of Request

    On August 31 2017, NMFS received a request from the NPS for an IHA 
to take marine mammals incidental to glaucous-winged gull and climate 
monitoring research activities in GLBA NP, Alaska. The application was 
considered adequate and complete on February 10 2017. NPS's request is 
for take of harbor seals by Level B harassment. Neither NPS nor NMFS 
expect mortality to result from the proposed research and, therefore, 
an IHA is appropriate.
    NMFS previously issued four IHAs to the NPS for similar work (82 FR 
24681, May 20 2017; 81 FR 34994, June 1 2016; 80 FR 28229, March 24 
2015; 79 FR 56065, September 18 2014). NPS complied with all the 
requirements (e.g., mitigation, monitoring, and reporting) within those 
IHAs and information regarding their monitoring results may be found in 
the Estimated Take section.

Description of Proposed Activity

Overview

    NPS is proposing to conduct two research projects within GLBA NP, 
southeast Alaska: (1) Glaucous-winged gull monitoring and (2) the 
installation and maintenance of a weather station operation for long-
term climate monitoring. NPS would conduct ground and vessel surveys at 
four study sites within GLBA NP for gull monitoring: Boulder Island, 
Lone Island, Geikie Rock, and Flapjack Island. These sites will be 
accessed up to five times per year. In addition, NPS is requesting 
permission to access Lone Island an additional four times per year for 
weather station installation, maintenance, and operation bringing the 
total number of site visits to Lone Island to nine. This includes 
adding one additional trip for any emergency repairs that may be 
needed. Researchers accessing the islands for gull monitoring and 
weather station operation may occasionally cause behavioral disturbance 
(or Level B harassment) of harbor seals. NPS expects that the 
disturbance to harbor seals from both projects will be minimal and will 
be limited to Level B harassment.
    The purpose for the above-mentioned research activities are as 
follows. The gull monitoring studies are mandated by a Record of 
Decision of a Legislative Environmental Impact Statement (LEIS) (NPS 
2010) which states that NPS must initiate a monitoring program for 
glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) to inform future native egg 
harvest by the Hoonah Tlingit in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Installation of a 
new weather station on Lone Island is being planned as one of several 
installations intended to fill coverage gaps among existing weather 
stations in GLBA NP (NPS 2015a). These new stations will be operated as 
the foundation of a new long-term climate-monitoring program for GLBA 
NP.

Dates and Duration

    The IHA would be valid from March 1 2018 to February 28 2019. 
Ground and vessel surveys for nesting gulls will be conducted from May 
1 through September 30, 2018 on bird nesting islands in GLBA NP (see 
Figure 1 of application) and other suspected gull colonies. There will 
be 1-3 ground visits and 1-2 vessel surveys at each site for a maximum 
of five visits per site. Duration of surveys will be 30 minutes to two 
hours each.
    Installation and maintenance of the Lone Island weather station 
will begin March 1 2018. Maintenance and emergency repair-related site 
visits to this location will occur between March 2018 to April 2018, 
and October 2018 to February 2019 to avoid the gull-nesting period. 
Unscheduled maintenance that is needed outside of the regularly 
scheduled October 1 through April 30 time period will require 
Superintendent authorization to ensure protection of park resources and 
values. Initial station installation and possible unanticipated station 
failures requiring emergency repair will require up to eight hours. Two 
planned maintenance visits will require approximately two hours per 
visit.

Specific Geographic Region

    The proposed study sites would occur in the vicinity of the 
following locations: Boulder, Lone, and Flapjack Islands, and Geikie 
Rock in GLBA NP, Alaska (see Figure 1 of application). Each of these 
study sites are located on the eastern side of the park situated near 
Geikie Inlet and all provide harbor seal habitat throughout the year, 
however the highest presence of seals occurs during the breeding and 
molting season (May to October) (Lewis et al., 2017). On Boulder and 
Flapjack islands, the proposed gull monitoring study sites are located 
on the north side whereas harbor seal haul-outs are positioned on the 
south (Lewis et al., 2017). Also, on Lone Island, harbor seals are 
sited near tidal rocks off the northeast tip of island (ADEC, 2014), 
whereas on Geikie Rock they are known to be found throughout the entire 
site due to its small size (Lewis 2017). NPS will also conduct studies 
at South Marble Island and Tlingit Point Islet; however, there are no 
reported harbor seal haul-out sites at those locations.

Detailed Description of Specific Activity

Glaucous-Winged Gull Monitoring
    Glaucous-winged gulls are common inshore residents along the 
northwestern coast of North America (Hayward and Verbeek, 2008). These 
gulls nest colonially in small and large aggregations, often on 
islands. Glaucous-winged gulls are abundant in Southeast AK throughout 
the year and nest colonially on islands in Glacier Bay from mid-May to 
August (Patten, 1974). Traditionally the Hoonah Tlingit, whose 
ancestral homeland encompasses GLBA NP, harvested gull eggs annually 
during the spring and early summer months (Hunn, 2002). This historic 
egg harvest in Glacier Bay was an important activity both for cultural 
and nutritional purposes. Legislation is currently underway (Hoonah 
Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act: S. 156 and H. R. 3110) to allow 
native subsistence harvest of glaucous-winged gulls at up to 15 
locations in GLBA NP. A LEIS for gull egg harvest was developed and 
finalized in 2010 (NPS 2010). The LEIS Record of Decision mandates that 
the NPS develop a monitoring program to inform a yearly traditional 
harvest plan and ensure that

[[Page 56955]]

harvest activities do not impact park purposes and values (NPS 2010). 
Annual monitoring requirements outlined in the LEIS include: Identify 
the onset of gull nesting, conduct mid-season adult counts, count 
number of eggs in nests during harvest, conduct complete nest surveys 
just before hatch on harvested islands, and document other bird and 
marine mammal species (pinnipeds present onshore) that may be impacted 
by harvest activities. Harvest sites will be selected based on several 
characteristics including size of colony; population parameters 
including productivity, population status, recent harvest, age of 
colony; and minimizing disturbance to other species present.
    Gull monitoring will be conducted using a combination of ground and 
vessel surveys by landing at specific access points on the islands. NPS 
proposes to conduct: (1) Ground-based surveys at a maximum frequency of 
three visits per site; and (2) vessel-based surveys at a maximum 
frequency of two visits per site from the period of May 1 through 
September 30, 2018.
    Ground-Based Surveys for Gull Monitoring: These surveys involve two 
trained observers conducting complete nest counts of the gull colonies. 
The survey will encompass all portions of the gull colony accessible to 
humans and thus represent a census of the harvestable nests. GPS 
locations of nests and associated vegetation along with the number of 
live and predated eggs will be collected during at least one visit to 
obtain precise nest locations to characterize nesting habitat. On 
subsequent surveys, nest counts will be tallied on paper so observers 
can move through the colony more quickly and minimize disturbance. 
Ground surveys will be discontinued after the first hatched chick is 
detected to minimize disturbance and mortalities. During ground 
surveys, observers will also record other bird and marine mammal 
species in proximity to colonies.
    The observers would access each island using a kayak, a 32.8 to 
39.4-foot (ft) (10 to 12 meter (m)) motorboat, or a 12 ft (4 m) 
inflatable rowing dinghy. The landing craft's transit speed would not 
exceed 4 knots (kn) (4.6 miles per hour (mph)). Ground surveys 
generally last 30 minutes (min) to two hours (hrs) each depending on 
the size of the island and the number of nesting gulls. During ground 
surveys, Level B take of harbor seals can occur from either acoustic 
disturbance from motorboat sounds or visual disturbance from the 
presence of observers. Past monitoring reports from 2015-2016 show that 
most takes (flushes or movements greater than one meter) from ground 
surveys occurred as vessels approached a study site to perform a 
survey. Takes usually occurred while the vessel was 50-100 meters from 
the island (NPS 2015b; NPS 2016).
    Vessel-Based Surveys for Gull Monitoring: Surveys will be conducted 
from the deck of a motorized vessel (10 to 12 meters) and will be used 
to count the number of adult and fledgling gulls that are visible from 
the water (Zador, 2001; Arimitsu et al., 2007). Vessel surveys provide 
more reliable estimate of the numbers of gulls in the colony than 
ground surveys because NPS can count nesting birds in areas that are 
inaccessible by foot and because the birds do not flush from the 
researchers presence. GLBA NP would conduct these surveys by circling 
the islands at approximately 100 m from shore while counting the number 
of adult and chick gulls as well as other bird and mammal species 
present. Surveys can be from 30 min to two hrs in duration. During 
vessel surveys, Level B take of harbor seals can occur from either 
acoustic disturbance from motorboat sounds or visual disturbance from 
the presence of observers. Past monitoring reports from 2015-2016 show 
that most takes (flushes or movements greater than one meter) from 
vessel surveys occurred as the vessel was 100 m from the island (NPS 
2015b; NPS 2016).
Weather and Climate Monitoring
    Weather and climate were chosen as priorities for long-term 
monitoring of the Glacier Bay ecosystem during development of the 
Southeast Alaska Network Vital Signs Monitoring Plan (Moynahan et al., 
2008). An inventory of existing weather stations revealed the need for 
additional station installations to represent the park's geographic 
(i.e., east-west and north-south) and elevation-related climate 
gradients (Davey et al., 2007). A system of eight new stations were 
ultimately identified to meet this goal, including the Lone Island 
station, which is proposed to be authorized for installation and 
maintenance here. Installation and maintenance procedures are described 
further in a 2015 Environmental Assessment and associated Finding of No 
Significant Impact (NPS 2015a). During climate monitoring activities, 
Level B take of harbor seals can occur from either acoustic disturbance 
from motorboat sounds or visual disturbance from the presence of 
observers
    Lone Island will be accessed by a 10-20 meter motor vessel to 
install and maintain the weather station. Materials will be carried by 
hand to the installation location. The exact location of the weather 
station on Lone Island has not been determined yet. However, the 
climate monitoring crew will work with NPS bird and pinniped biologists 
to place the weather station in an area that will not impact nesting 
seabirds and harbor seals. Also, it is possible that the weather 
station can be accessed in a fashion that will not disturb hauled out 
harbor seals, but NPS is requesting authorization to ensure its ability 
to install and perform yearly maintenance of the weather station.
    Station configuration is typical of Remote Automated Weather 
Stations (RAWS) operated by land management agencies for weather and 
climate monitoring, fire weather observation, and other uses. A number 
of design elements will be modified as mitigation to reduce station 
visibility along a popular cruise ship route. An 8-ft monopole and 
associated guy lines will be installed onto which instrumentation and 
an environmental enclosure will be secured. A fuel cell and sealed 12V 
battery housed in a watertight enclosure will provide power to the 
station. Standard meteorological sensors for measuring precipitation, 
wind, temperature, solar radiation, and snow depth will be used. Data 
will be housed in internal memory and communicated via satellite 
telemetry to the Wildland Fire Management Institute where it is relayed 
to a variety of repositories such as the Western Regional Climate 
Center in near real-time.
    Proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures are 
described in detail later in this document (please see ``Proposed 
Mitigation'' and ``Proposed Monitoring and Reporting'').

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities

    Sections 3 and 4 of the application summarize available information 
regarding status and trends, distribution and habitat preferences, and 
behavior and life history, of the potentially affected species. 
Additional information regarding population trends and threats may be 
found in NMFS's Stock Assessment Reports (SAR; www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/) and more general information about these species (e.g., physical 
and behavioral descriptions) may be found on NMFS's Web site 
(www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/).
    Table 1 lists all species with expected potential for occurrence 
within the survey areas and summarizes information related to the 
population or stock, including regulatory status under the MMPA and 
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and potential biological removal (PBR), 
where known. For taxonomy, we follow the Committee on Taxonomy

[[Page 56956]]

(2016). PBR is defined by the MMPA as the maximum number of animals, 
not including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine 
mammal stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum 
sustainable population (as described in NMFS's SARs). While no 
mortality is anticipated or authorized here, PBR and annual serious 
injury and mortality from anthropogenic sources are included here as 
gross indicators of the status of the species and other threats.
    Marine mammal abundance estimates presented in this document 
represent the total number of individuals that make up a given stock or 
the total number estimated within a particular study or survey area. 
NMFS's stock abundance estimates for most species represent the total 
estimate of individuals within the geographic area, if known, that 
comprises that stock. For some species, this geographic area may extend 
beyond U.S. waters. All managed stocks in this region are assessed in 
NMFS's U.S. Alaska SARs (Muto et al., 2017). All values presented in 
Table 1 are the most recent available at the time of publication and 
are available in the 2016 SARs (Muto et al., 2017).

                                              Table 1--Marine Mammals That Could Occur in the Project Area
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                                                                                                             Stock abundance  (CV,
             Common name                  Scientific name              Stock            ESA/MMPA  status;      Nmin, most recent       PBR     Annual M/
                                                                                      strategic  (Y/N) \1\   abundance survey) \2\               SI \3\
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                                                         Order Carnivora--Superfamily Pinnipedia
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                                                      Family Otariidae (eared seals and sea lions)
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Steller's sea lion..................  Eumetopias jubatus....  Eastern U.S...........  -/-; N                41,638 (n/a, 41,638,          306        236
                                                                                                             2015).
                                                              Western U.S...........  E/D; Y                50,983................      2,498        108
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                                                             Family Phocidae (earless seals)
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Harbor seal.........................  Phoca vitulina          Glacier Bay/Icy Strait  -/-; N                7,210 (n.a.; 5,647;           169        104
                                       richardii.                                                            2011).
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1 Endangered Species Act (ESA) status: Endangered (E), Threatened (T)/MMPA status: Depleted (D). A dash (-) indicates that the species is not listed
  under the ESA or designated as depleted under the MMPA. Under the MMPA, a strategic stock is one for which the level of direct human-caused mortality
  exceeds PBR or which is determined to be declining and likely to be listed under the ESA within the foreseeable future. Any species or stock listed
  under the ESA is automatically designated under the MMPA as depleted and as a strategic stock.
2 NMFS marine mammal stock assessment reports online at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/. CV is coefficient of variation; Nmin is the minimum estimate of
  stock abundance. In some cases, CV is not applicable [explain if this is the case]
3 These values, found in NMFS's SARs, represent annual levels of human-caused mortality plus serious injury from all sources combined (e.g., commercial
  fisheries, ship strike). Annual M/SI often cannot be determined precisely and is in some cases presented as a minimum value or range. A CV associated
  with estimated mortality due to commercial fisheries is presented in some cases.
NOTE--Italicized species are not expected to be taken or proposed for authorization.

    All marine mammal species that could potentially occur in the 
proposed survey areas are included in Table 1. However, the temporal 
and/or spatial occurrence of Steller's sea lion is such that take is 
not expected to occur and researchers would not approach Steller sea 
lions; therefore, they are not discussed further beyond the explanation 
provided here.
    A total of five Steller sea lions have been observed during the 
2015, 2016, and 2017 GLBA NP gull survey seasons (climate monitoring 
did not take place during these years) (NPS 2015b; NPS 2016; NPS 2017). 
However, all Steller sea lions that were spotted were observed outside 
the study area. Although Steller sea lions may be present in the action 
area, NPS has proposed to stay at least 100 m away from all Steller sea 
lions (see Proposed Mitigation). Also, due to their tolerance to 
vessels and lack of response to humans from a distance, Level B 
harassment of Steller sea lions at a distance of 100 meters is not 
likely to occur. Therefore, Steller sea lions are not discussed further 
in this proposed authorization other than with respect to mitigation.
    In addition, sea otters may be found in GLBA NP. However, sea 
otters are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are not 
considered further in this document.

Harbor Seals

    Harbor seals are the most abundant marine mammal species found 
within the action area and are present year-round. Harbor seals range 
from Baja California north along the west coasts of Washington, Oregon, 
California, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska; west through the 
Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound, and the Aleutian Islands; and 
north in the Bering Sea to Cape Newenham and the Pribilof Islands. The 
current statewide abundance estimate for Alaskan harbor seals is 
205,090 (Muto et al., 2017), based on aerial survey data collected 
during 1998-2011. In 2010, harbor seals in Alaska were partitioned into 
12 separate stocks based largely on genetic structure (Allen and 
Angliss, 2010). Harbor seals have declined dramatically in some parts 
of their range over the past few decades, while in other parts their 
numbers have increased or remained stable over similar time periods.
    Harbor seals haul out on rocks, reefs, beaches, and drifting 
glacial ice (Allen and Angliss, 2014). They are non-migratory; their 
local movements are associated with tides, weather, season, food 
availability, and reproduction, as well as sex and age class (Allen and 
Angliss, 2014; Boveng et al., 2012; Lowry et al., 2001; Swain et al., 
1996). Pupping in Alaska generally takes place in May and June; while 
molting generally occurs from June to October.
    Harbor seals of Glacier Bay range from Cape Fairweather southeast 
to Column Point, extending inland to Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, and from 
Hanus Reef south to Tenakee Inlet (Muto et al., 2017). The Glacier Bay/
Icy Strait stock showed a negative population trend from 1992 to 2008 
in June and August for glacial (-7.7 percent/year; -8.2 percent/year) 
and terrestrial sites (-12.4 percent/year, August only) (Womble et al., 
2010 as cited in Muto et al., 2017). Trend estimates by Mathews and 
Pendleton (2006) were similarly negative for both

[[Page 56957]]

glacial and terrestrial sites. Prior to 1993, seal counts were up to 
1,347 in the East Arm of Glacier Bay; 2008 counts were fewer than 200 
(Streveler, 1979; Molnia, 2007 as cited in Muto et al., 2017). These 
observed declines in harbor seals resulted in new research efforts 
which were initiated in 2004 and were aimed at trying to further 
understand the biology and ecology of seals and possible factors that 
may have contributed to the declines (e.g., Herreman et al. 2009, 
Blundell et al. 2011, Hueffer et al. 2012, Womble and Gende 2013a, 
Womble et al. 2014) with an emphasis on possible factors that may have 
contributed to the declines. The recent studies suggest that (1) harbor 
seals in Glacier Bay are not significantly stressed due to nutritional 
constraints (Blundell et al., 2011), (2) the clinical health and 
disease status of seals within Glacier Bay is not different than seals 
from other stable or increasing populations (Hueffer et al. 2012), and 
(3) disturbance by vessels does not appear to be a primary factor 
driving the decline (Young 2009).
    Long-term monitoring of harbor seals on glacial ice has occurred in 
Glacier Bay since the 1970s (Mathews and Pendleton, 2006) and has shown 
this area to support one of the largest breeding aggregations in Alaska 
(Steveler, 1979; Calambokidis et al., 1987 as cited in Muto et al., 
2015). After a large scale retreat of the Muir Glacier (more than 7 
km), in the East Arm of Glacier Bay, between 1973 and 1986 and the 
subsequent grounding and cessation of calving in 1993, floating glacial 
ice was greatly reduced as a haul-out substrate for harbor seals and 
ultimately resulted in the abandonment of upper Muir Inlet by harbor 
seals (Calambokidis et al., 1987; Hall et al., 1995; Mathews, 1995 as 
cited in Muto et al., 2017). The most recent long-term trend estimate 
for harbor seals at terrestrial sites in Glacier Bay for the 22-year 
period from 1992-2013 is -6.91 percent/year (SE = 0.40, 95% CI = -7.69, 
-6.13) (Womble et al. 2015). This trend is less negative than previous 
estimates stated in the paragraph above. In addition, from 2004-2013, 
there was a 10-year trend estimate of 9.64 percent/year (SE = 1.66, 95% 
CI = 6.40, 12.89) (Womble et al., 2015). Similarly, estimates of number 
of seals at terrestrial and ice sites combined further indicate that 
the decline has lessened and seal numbers may even be increasing since 
2004 (Table 3: Womble et al., 2015).
    Results from satellite telemetry studies suggest that harbor seals 
traveled extensively beyond the boundaries of Glacier Bay during the 
post-breeding season (September-April); however, harbor seals 
demonstrated a high degree of inter-annual site fidelity (93 percent) 
to Glacier Bay the following breeding season (Womble and Gende 2013b). 
Glacier Bay is also home to the only enforceable regulations in United 
States waters aimed at protecting harbor seals from vessel and human-
related disturbance (Jansen et al., 2010). Spatial and temporal 
regulations for vessels transiting in and near harbor seal breeding 
areas, and operating regulations once in those areas, are all aimed at 
reducing impacts of human visitation.
    Harbor seals from the Glacier Bay/Icy Strait stock can be found 
hauled out at four of the gull monitoring study sites (Table 2). Seal 
counts from gull monitoring surveys likely represent a minimum estimate 
due to difficulty observing marine mammals from a vessel. Counts from 
gull monitoring surveys are conducted during high tide so fewer seals 
may be present.

           Table 2--Number of Observed Harbor Seals and Level B Takes for the Species Under IHAs at Gull Study Sites From 2015-2017 in GLBA NP
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                                                                                                   2015 observed/     2016 observed/     2017 observed/
                        Site name                            Latitude (dd)      Longitude (dd)         taken              taken              taken
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boulder..................................................           58.55535         -136.01814              13/11               21/0                4/0
Flapjack.................................................           58.58698         -135.98251                0/0             101/41                0/0
Geikie...................................................           58.69402         -136.31291              45/14               37/0              33/33
Lone.....................................................           58.72102         -136.29470              98/32              58/39               49/0
                                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total................................................  .................  .................             156/57             217/80              86/33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As alluded to, there can be greater numbers of seals on the survey 
islands than what is detected by the NPS during the gull surveys. 
Aerial survey maximum counts show that harbor seals sometimes haul out 
in large numbers at all four locations (see Table 2 of the 
application). However, harbor seals hauled-out at Flapjack Island are 
generally on the southern end whereas the gull colony is on the 
northern end. Similarly, harbor seals on Boulder Island tend to haul 
out on the southern end while the gull colony is located and can be 
accessed on the northern end without disturbance. Aerial survey counts 
for harbor seals are conducted during low tide while ground and vessel 
surveys are conducted during high tide, which along with greater 
visibility during aerial surveys, may also contribute to why there are 
greater numbers of seals observed during the aerial surveys because 
there is more land available to use as a haul-out during low tide.

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    This section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that 
components of the specified activity may impact marine mammals and 
their habitat. The ``Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment'' section 
later in this document includes a quantitative analysis of the number 
of individuals that are expected to be taken by this activity. The 
``Negligible Impact Analysis and Determination'' section considers the 
content of this section, the ``Estimated Take by Incidental 
Harassment'' section, and the ``Proposed Mitigation'' section, to draw 
conclusions regarding the likely impacts of these activities on the 
reproductive success or survivorship of individuals and how those 
impacts on individuals are likely to impact marine mammal species or 
stocks.
    As previously stated, acoustic and visual stimuli generated by 
motorboat operations and the presence of researchers have the potential 
to cause Level B harassment of harbor seals hauled out on Boulder, 
Lone, and Flapjack Islands, and Geikie Rock within GLBA NP. The 
following discussion provides further detail on the potential visual 
and acoustic disturbances harbor seals may encounter during the NPS' 
gull and climate monitoring activities.

[[Page 56958]]

Human and Vessel Disturbance

    Harbor seals may potentially experience behavioral disruption 
rising to the level of harassment from monitoring and research 
activities, which may include brief periods of airborne noise from 
research vessels and visual disturbance due to the presence and 
activity of the researchers both on vessels and on land during ground 
surveys. Disturbed seals are likely to experience any or all of these 
stimuli, and take may occur due to any in both isolation or combined 
with one another. Due to the likely constant combination of visual and 
acoustic stimuli resulting from the presence of vessels and 
researchers, we do not consider impacts from acoustic and visual 
stimuli separately.
    Disturbances resulting from human activity can impact short- and 
long-term pinniped haul-out behavior (Renouf et al., 1981; Schneider 
and Payne, 1983; Terhune and Almon, 1983; Allen et al., 1984; Stewart, 
1984; Suryan and Harvey, 1999; and Kucey and Trites, 2006). Disturbance 
include a variety of effects, including subtle to conspicuous changes 
in behavior, movement, and displacement. Reactions to sound, if any, 
depend on the species, state of maturity, experience, current activity, 
reproductive state, time of day, and many other factors (Richardson et 
al., 1995; Wartzok et al., 2004; Southall et al., 2007; Weilgart, 
2007). These behavioral reactions from marine mammals are often shown 
as: Changing durations of surfacing and dives, or moving direction and/
or speed; reduced/increased vocal activities; changing/cessation of 
certain behavioral activities (such as socializing or feeding); visible 
startle response or aggressive behavior; avoidance of areas; and/or 
flight responses (e.g., pinnipeds flushing into the water from haul-
outs or rookeries). If a marine mammal does react briefly to human 
presence by changing its behavior or moving a small distance, the 
impacts of the change are unlikely to be significant to the individual, 
let alone the stock or population. However, if visual stimuli from 
human presence displaces marine mammals from an important feeding or 
breeding area for a prolonged period, impacts on individuals and 
populations could be significant (e.g., Lusseau and Bejder, 2007; 
Weilgart, 2007).
    Visual stimuli resulting from the presence of researchers have the 
potential to result in take of harbor seals on the research islands 
where seals haul out. As noted, harbor seals can exhibit a behavioral 
response (e.g., including alert behavior, movement, vocalizing, or 
flushing) to visual stimuli). NMFS does not consider the lesser 
reactions (e.g., alert behavior such as raising a head) to constitute 
harassment. Table 3 displays NMFS' three-point scale that categorizes 
pinniped disturbance reactions by severity. Observed behavior falling 
within categories two and three would be considered behavioral 
harassment.
    Upon the occurrence of low-severity disturbance (i.e., the approach 
of a vessel or person as opposed to an explosion or sonic boom), 
pinnipeds typically 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 pinnipeds typically re-occupy the same haul-out within minutes 
to hours of a stimulus (Allen et al., 1984 (Johnson and Acevedo-
Gutierrez, 2007). As a result, a minimal amount of animals may be taken 
more than once during the proposed survey activities so the number of 
takes likely represents exposures. However, since the highest number of 
annual visits to three gull study sites will be five and one survey 
site will be nine, it is expected that individual harbor seals at 
Boulder Island, Flapjack Island, and Geike Rock will be disturbed no 
more than five times per year and on Lone Island, no more than nine 
times per year.

                  Table 3--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 in
                                                     response to the
                                                     source of
                                                     disturbance,
                                                     ranging from short
                                                     withdrawals at
                                                     least twice the
                                                     animal's body
                                                     length to longer
                                                     retreats over the
                                                     beach, or if
                                                     already moving a
                                                     change of direction
                                                     of greater than 90
                                                     degrees. 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'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Numerous studies have shown that human activity can flush pinnipeds 
off haul-out sites and beaches (Kenyon, 1972; Allen et al., 1984; 
Calambokidis et al., 1991; Suryan and Harvey, 1999; and Mortenson et 
al., 2000). In 1997, Henry and Hammil (2001) conducted a study to 
measure the impacts of small boats (i.e., kayaks, canoes, motorboats 
and sailboats) on harbor seal haul-out behavior in M[eacute]tis Bay, 
Quebec, Canada. During that study, the authors noted that the most 
frequent disturbances (n=73) were caused by lower speed, lingering 
kayaks and canoes (33.3 percent) as opposed to motorboats (27.8 
percent) conducting high speed passes. The seals flight reactions could 
be linked to a surprise factor by kayaks-canoes, which approach slowly, 
quietly and low on water making them look like predators. However, the 
authors note that once the animals were disturbed, there did not appear 
to be any significant lingering effect on the recovery of numbers to 
their pre-disturbance levels. In conclusion, the study showed that boat 
traffic at current levels has only a temporary effect on the haul-out 
behavior of harbor seals in the M[eacute]tis Bay area.
    In 2004, Johnson and Acevedo-Gutierrez (2007) evaluated the 
efficacy of buffer zones for watercraft around harbor seal haul-out 
sites on Yellow Island, Washington state. The authors estimated the 
minimum distance between the vessels and the haul-out sites; 
categorized the vessel types; and evaluated seal responses to the 
disturbances. During the course of the seven-weekend study, the authors 
recorded 14 human-related disturbances, which were associated with 
stopped powerboats and kayaks. During these events, hauled out seals 
became noticeably active and moved into the water. The flushing 
occurred when stopped kayaks and powerboats were at distances as far as 
453 and 1,217 ft (138 and 371 m) respectively. The authors note that 
the seals were unaffected by passing powerboats, even those approaching 
as close as 128 ft (39 m), possibly indicating that the animals had 
become tolerant of the brief presence of the vessels and ignored

[[Page 56959]]

them. The authors reported that on average, the seals quickly recovered 
from the disturbances and returned to the haul-out site in less than or 
equal to 60 minutes. Seal numbers did not return to pre-disturbance 
levels within 180 minutes of the disturbance less than one quarter of 
the time observed. The study concluded that the return of seal numbers 
to pre-disturbance levels and the relatively regular seasonal cycle in 
abundance throughout the area counter the idea that disturbances from 
powerboats may result in site abandonment (Johnson and Acevedo-
Gutierrez, 2007). Specific reactions from past NPS gull monitoring 
surveys are detailed in this proposed IHA's Estimated Take Section.

Vessel Strike

    The probability of vessel and marine mammal interactions (i.e., 
motorboat strike) occurring during the proposed research activities is 
unlikely due to the motorboat's slow operational speed, which is 
typically 2 to 3 knots (2.3 to 3.4 mph) and the researchers continually 
scanning the water for marine mammals presence during transit to the 
islands. Thus, NMFS does not anticipate that strikes or collisions 
would result from the movement of the motorboat.

Harbor Seal Pupping

    During the harbor seal breeding (May-June) and molting (August) 
periods, ~66 percent of seals in Glacier Bay inhabit the primary 
glacial ice site and ~22 percent of seals are found in and adjacent to 
a group of islands in the southeast portion of Glacier Bay. At the 
proposed study sites in 2016, only one pup was observed and in 2017 and 
2015, no pups were observed during project activities. Pups have been 
observed during NPS aerial surveys during the pupping seasons 
(conducted during low tide), but in few numbers (see Table 4). NMFS 
does not anticipate that the proposed activities would result in 
separation of mothers and pups as pups are rarely seen at the study 
sites.

  Table 4--Average and Maximum Counts of Hauled Out Harbor Seal Pups at Glaucous-Winged Gull Study Sites During
                              Harbor Seal Monitoring Aerial Surveys From 2007-2016
                                            [Womble unpublished data]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Average of pup   StdDev of pup    Max of pup
                              Site                                     count           count           count
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boulder Island..................................................             0.8             1.3               5
Flapjack Island.................................................            14.9            11.5              43
Geikie Rock.....................................................             0.1             0.4               2
Lone Island.....................................................             0.8             0.9               4
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Grand Total.................................................            4.74               9              43
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary

    Based on studies described here and previous monitoring reports 
from GLBA NP (Discussed further in this proposed IHA's Estimated Take 
Section), we anticipate that any pinnipeds found in the vicinity of the 
proposed project could have short-term behavioral reactions (i.e., may 
result in marine mammals avoiding certain areas) due to noise and 
visual disturbance generated by: (1) Motorboat approaches and 
departures and (2) human presence during gull and climate research 
activities. We would expect the pinnipeds to return to a haul-out site 
within minutes to hours of the stimulus based on previous research 
(Allen et al., 1984). Pinnipeds may be temporarily displaced from their 
haul-out sites, but we do not expect that the pinnipeds would 
permanently abandon a haul-out site during the conduct of the proposed 
research as activities are short in duration (30 min to up to two 
hours), and previous surveys have demonstrated that seals have returned 
to their haul-out sites and have not permanently abandoned the sites.
    NMFS does not anticipate that the proposed activities would result 
in the injury, serious injury, or mortality of pinnipeds. NMFS does not 
anticipate that vessel strikes would result from the movement of the 
motorboat. The proposed activities will not result in any permanent 
impact on habitats used by marine mammals, including prey species and 
foraging habitat. The potential effects to marine mammals described in 
this section of the document do not take into consideration the 
proposed monitoring and mitigation measures described later in this 
document (see the ``Proposed Mitigation'' and ``Proposed Monitoring and 
Reporting'' sections).

Marine Mammal Habitat

    NMFS does not anticipate that the proposed operations would result 
in any temporary or permanent effects on the habitats used by the 
marine mammals in the proposed area, including the food sources they 
use (i.e., fish and invertebrates). The main impact associated with the 
proposed activity will be temporarily elevated noise levels from 
motorboats and human disturbance on marine mammals potentially leading 
to temporary displacement of a site, previously discussed in this 
notice. NPS' EIS for gull monitoring surveys in GLBA concluded that the 
activities do not result in the loss or modification to marine mammal 
habitat (NPS 2010). Additionally, any minor habitat alterations 
stemming from the installation and maintenance of NPS' climate tower 
will be located in an area that will not impact marine mammals. As a 
result, NMFS does not anticipate that the proposed activity would have 
any habitat-related effects that could cause significant or long-term 
consequences for individual marine mammals or their populations. This 
includes no effects on marine mammal habitat or long- and short-term 
physical impacts to pinniped habitat in Glacier Bay, AK. In all, the 
proposed activities will not result in any permanent impact on habitats 
used by marine mammals, including prey species and foraging habitat.

Estimated Take

    This section provides an estimate of the number of incidental takes 
proposed for authorization through this IHA, which will inform both 
NMFS' consideration of whether the number of takes is ``small'' and the 
negligible impact determination.
    Harassment is the only type of take expected to result from these 
activities. Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent 
here, section 3(18) of the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as any act of 
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a 
marine

[[Page 56960]]

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).
    Authorized takes would be by Level B harassment only, in the form 
of disruption of behavioral patterns for individual marine mammals 
resulting from exposure to motorboats and the presence of NPS 
personnel. Based on the nature of the activity, Level A harassment is 
neither anticipated nor proposed to be authorized. As described 
previously, no mortality is anticipated or proposed to be authorized 
for this activity. Below we describe how the take is estimated.
    Harbor seals may be disturbed when vessels approach or researchers 
go ashore for the purpose of monitoring gull colonies and for the 
installation and maintenance of the Lone Island weather tower. 
Nevertheless, harbor seals tend to haul out in small numbers at study 
sites. Using monitoring report data from 2015 to 2017 (see raw data 
from Tables 1 of the 2017, 2016 and 2015 Monitoring Reports), the 
average number of harbor seals per survey visit was calculated to 
estimate the approximate number of seals observers would find on any 
given survey day. As a result, the following averages were determined 
for each island: Boulder Island--average 3.45 seals, Flapjack Island--
average 10.10 seals, Geikie Rock--average 9.58 seals, and Lone Island 
average of 18.63 seals (See Table 5). Estimated take for gull and 
climate monitoring was calculated by multiplying the average number of 
seals observed during past gull monitoring surveys (2015-2017) by the 
number of total site visits. This includes five visits to Boulder 
Island, Flapjack Island, and Geike Rock and nine visits to Lone Island 
(to include four site visits for climate monitoring activities). 
Therefore, the total incidents of harassment equals 283 (See Table 5).
    During climate monitoring, which is expected to take place between 
March 2018 to April 2018, and October 2018 to Febuary 2019, seal 
numbers are expected to dramatically decline within the action area. 
Although harbor seal survey data within GLBA NP is lacking during the 
months of October through February, results from satellite telemetry 
studies suggest that harbor seals travel extensively beyond the 
boundaries of GLBA NP during the post-breeding season (September-April) 
(Womble and Gende, 2013b). Therefore, using observation data from past 
gull monitoring activities (that occurred from May to September) is 
applicable when estimating take for climate monitoring activities, as 
it will provide the most conservative estimates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Table 3 for NMFS' three-point scale that categorizes 
pinniped disturbance reactions by severity. NMFS only considers 
responses falling into Levels 2 and 3 as harassment (Level B Take) 
under the MMPA.

          Table 5--Proposed Level B Takes by Harassment During NPS Gull and Climate Monitoring Surveys
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Number of
       Site proposed for survey          Average number of seals   proposed site  Proposed Level   Percentage of
                                          observed per visit *        visits        B take \1\      population
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boulder Island........................  3.45 seals..............               5           17.27            0.24
Flapjack Island.......................  10.10 seals.............               5           50.50            0.70
Geikie Rock...........................  9.58 seals..............               5           47.92            0.66
Lone Island...........................  18.63 seals.............            ** 9          167.73            2.33
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.............................  ........................  ..............             283            3.93
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Data from 2015-2017 NPS gull surveys (NPS 2015b; NPS 2016; NPS 2017).
** Number includes four additional days for climate monitoring activities.

Proposed Mitigation

    In order to issue an IHA under Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, 
NMFS must set forth the permissible methods of taking pursuant to such 
activity, ``and other means of effecting the least practicable impact 
on such species or stock and its habitat, paying particular attention 
to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on 
the availability of such species or stock for taking'' for certain 
subsistence uses (latter not applicable for this action). NMFS 
regulations require applicants for incidental take authorizations to 
include information about the availability and feasibility (economic 
and technological) of equipment, methods, and manner of conducting such 
activity or other means of effecting the least practicable adverse 
impact upon the affected species or stocks and their habitat (50 CFR 
216.104(a)(11)).
    In evaluating how mitigation may or may not be appropriate to 
ensure the least practicable adverse impact on species or stocks and 
their habitat, as well as subsistence uses where applicable, we 
carefully consider two primary factors:
    (1) The manner in which, and the degree to which, the successful 
implementation of the measure(s) is expected to reduce impacts to 
marine mammals, marine mammal species or stocks, and their habitat, as 
well as subsistence uses. This considers the nature of the potential 
adverse impact being mitigated (likelihood, scope, range). It further 
considers the likelihood that the measure will be effective if 
implemented (probability of accomplishing the mitigating result if 
implemented as planned) the likelihood of effective implementation 
(probability implemented as planned) and;
    (2) the practicability of the measures for applicant 
implementation, which may consider such things as cost and impact on 
operations.

Mitigation for Marine Mammals and Their Habitat

    NPS has based the mitigation measures which they propose to 
implement during the proposed research, on the following: (1) Protocols 
used during previous gull research activities as required by our 
previous authorizations for these activities; and (2) recommended best 
practices in Womble et al. (2013a); Richardson et al. (1995); and Weir 
and Dolman (2007).
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic and visual 
stimuli associated with gull and climate monitoring activities within 
GBLA NP, park personnel have proposed to implement the following 
mitigation measures for marine mammals:

[[Page 56961]]

Pre-Survey Monitoring

    Prior to deciding to land onshore to conduct gull and climate 
monitoring, the researchers would use high-powered image stabilizing 
binoculars from the watercraft to document the number, species, and 
location of hauled-out marine mammals at each island. The vessels would 
maintain a distance of 328 to 1,640 ft (100 to 500 m) from the 
shoreline to allow the researchers to conduct pre-survey monitoring. If 
offshore predators, harbor seal pups of less than one week of age, or 
Steller sea lions are observed, researchers will follow the protocols 
for site avoidance discussed below. If neither of these instances 
occur, researchers will then perform a controlled landing on the survey 
site.

Site Avoidance

    If a harbor seal pup less than one week old or a harbor seal 
predator (i.e. killer whale) is observed near or within the action 
area, researchers will not go ashore to conduct the gull or climate 
monitoring activities. Also, if Steller sea lions are observed within 
or near the study site, researchers will maintain a distance of at 
least 100 m from the animals at all times.

Controlled Landings

    The researchers would determine whether to approach the island 
based on type of animals present. Researchers would approach the island 
by motorboat at a speed of approximately 2 to 3 kn (2.3 to 3.4 mph). 
This would provide enough time for any marine mammals present to slowly 
enter the water without panic (flushing). The researchers would also 
select a pathway of approach farthest from the hauled-out harbor seals 
to minimize disturbance.

Minimize Predator Interactions

    If the researchers visually observe marine predators (i.e., killer 
whales) present in the vicinity of hauled-out marine mammals, the 
researchers would not approach the study site.

Disturbance Reduction Protocols

    While onshore at study sites, the researchers would remain vigilant 
for hauled-out marine mammals. If marine mammals are present, the 
researchers would move slowly and use quiet voices to minimize 
disturbance to the animals present.

Mitigation Conclusions

    Based on our 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, areas of similar significance, and on the availability 
of such species or stock for subsistence uses.

Proposed Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an IHA for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth, requirements pertaining to 
the monitoring and reporting of such taking. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for 
authorizations must include the suggested means of accomplishing the 
necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased 
knowledge of the species and of the level of taking or impacts on 
populations of marine mammals that are expected to be present in the 
proposed action area. Effective reporting is critical both to 
compliance as well as ensuring that the most value is obtained from the 
required monitoring.
    Monitoring and reporting requirements prescribed by NMFS should 
contribute to improved understanding of one or more of the following:
     Occurrence of marine mammal species or stocks in the area 
in which take is anticipated (e.g., presence, abundance, distribution, 
density);
     Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure 
to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or 
chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment 
(e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2) 
affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) co-occurrence 
of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) biological or 
behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas);
     Individual marine mammal responses (behavioral or 
physiological) to acoustic stressors (acute, chronic, or cumulative), 
other stressors, or cumulative impacts from multiple stressors;
     How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1) 
Long-term fitness and survival of individual marine mammals; or (2) 
populations, species, or stocks;
     Effects on marine mammal habitat (e.g., marine mammal prey 
species, acoustic habitat, or other important physical components of 
marine mammal habitat); and
     Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness.
    NPS proposes to conduct marine mammal monitoring during the present 
project, in order to implement the mitigation measures that require 
real-time monitoring and to gain a better understanding of marine 
mammals and their impacts to the project's activities. The researchers 
will monitor the area for pinnipeds during all research activities. 
Monitoring activities will consist of conducting and recording 
observations of pinnipeds within the vicinity of the proposed research 
areas. The monitoring notes would provide dates, location, species, the 
researcher's activity, behavioral state, numbers of animals that were 
alert or moved greater than one meter, and numbers of pinnipeds that 
flushed into the water.
    The method for recording disturbances follows those in Mortenson 
(1996). NPS would record disturbances on a three-point scale that 
represents an increasing seal response to the disturbance (Table 3). 
NPS will record the time, source, and duration of the disturbance, as 
well as an estimated distance between the source and haul-out.

Previous Monitoring Results

    NPS has complied with the monitoring requirements under the 
previous authorizations. NMFS posted the 2017 report on our Web site at 
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/research.htm and the results 
from the previous NPS monitoring reports support our findings that the 
proposed mitigation measures required under the 2014-2017 
Authorizations provide the means of effecting the least practicable 
impact on the species or stock. During the last 3 years of this 
activity, approximately a third of all observed harbor seals have 
flushed in response to these activities (37 percent in 2015, 37 percent 
in 2016, and 38 percent in 2017). The following narratives provide a 
detailed account of each of the past 3 years of monitoring (Summarized 
in Table 6):
    In 2017, of the 86 harbor seals that were observed: 33 flushed in 
to the water, 0 became alert but did not move >1 m, and 0 moved >1 m 
but did not flush into the water. In all, no harbor seal pups were 
observed. On two occasions, harbor seals were flushed into the water 
when islands were accessed for gull surveys. In these instances, the 
vessel approached the island at a very slow speed and most of the 
harbor seals flushed into the water at approximately 150-185 m. On two 
events, harbor seals were observed hauled out on Boulder Island and not 
disturbed due to their distance from the survey area. In addition, 
during two pre-

[[Page 56962]]

monitoring surveys conducted for Lone Island, harbor seals were 
observed hauled out and the survey was not conducted to prevent 
disturbance of harbor seals.
    In 2016, of the 216 harbor seals that were observed: 77 flushed in 
to the water; 3 became alert but did not move >1 m, and 17 moved >1 m 
but did not flush into the water. On five occasions, harbor seals were 
flushed into the water when islands were accessed for gull surveys. In 
these instances, the vessel approached the island at a very slow speed 
and most of the harbor seals flushed into the water at approximately 
50-100 m. In four instances, fewer than 25 harbor seals were present, 
but in one instance, 41 harbor seals were observed flushing into the 
water when NPS first saw them as they rounded a point of land in kayaks 
accessing Flapjack Island. In five instances, harbor seals were 
observed hauled out and not disturbed due to their distance from the 
survey areas.
    In 2015, of the 156 harbor seals that were observed: 57 flushed in 
to the water; 25 became alert but did not move >1 m, and zero moved >1 
m but did not flush into the water. No pups were observed. On 2 
occasions, harbor seals were observed at the study sites in numbers <25 
and the islands were accessed for gull surveys. In these instances, the 
vessel approached the island at very slow speed and most of the harbor 
seals flushed into water at approximately 200 m (Geikie 8/5/15) and 280 
m (Lone, 8/5/15). In one instance (Lone, 6/11/15), NPS counted 20 
harbor seals hauled out during our initial vessel-based monitoring, but 
once on the island, NPS observed 33 hauled out seals. When NPS realized 
the number of seals present, they ceased the survey and left the area, 
flushing 13 seals into the water.

                   Table 6--Summary Table of 2015-2017 Monitoring Reports for NPS Gull Studies
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Number  of
         Monitoring year              adults        Number  of     Flushed into   Moved >1 m but   Alert but did
                                     observed      pups observed       water       did not flush  not move  >1 m
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017............................              86               0              33               0               0
2016............................             216               1              77               3              17
2015............................             156               0              57               0              25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coordination

    NPS can add to the knowledge of pinnipeds in the proposed action 
area by noting observations of: (1) Unusual behaviors, numbers, or 
distributions of pinnipeds, such that any potential follow-up research 
can be conducted by the appropriate personnel; (2) tag-bearing 
carcasses of pinnipeds, allowing transmittal of the information to 
appropriate agencies and personnel; and (3) rare or unusual species of 
marine mammals for agency follow-up. NPS actively monitors harbor seals 
at breeding and molting haul-out locations to assess trends over time 
(e.g., Mathews & Pendleton, 2006; Womble et al. 2010, Womble and Gende, 
2013b). This monitoring program involves collaborations with biologists 
from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Alaska Fisheries 
Science Center. NPS will continue these collaborations and encourage 
continued or renewed monitoring of marine mammal species. NPS will 
coordinate with state and Federal marine mammal biologists to determine 
what additional data or observations may be useful for monitoring 
marine mammals and haul-outs in GLBA NP. Additionally, NPS would report 
vessel-based counts of marine mammals, branded, or injured animals, and 
all observed disturbances to the appropriate state and Federal 
agencies.

Reporting

    NPS will submit a draft monitoring report to NMFS no later than 90 
days after the expiration of the Incidental Harassment Authorization or 
sixty days prior to the issuance of any subsequent IHA for this 
project, whichever comes first. The report will include a summary of 
the information gathered pursuant to the monitoring requirements set 
forth in the Authorization. NPS will submit a final report to NMFS 
within 30 days after receiving comments on the draft report. If NPS 
receives no comments from NMFS on the report, NMFS will consider the 
draft report to be the final report.
    The report will describe the operations conducted and sightings of 
marine mammals near the proposed project. The report will provide full 
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all 
monitoring. The report will provide:
    1. A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all 
research activities;
    2. Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals 
observed throughout all monitoring activities;
    3. An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals exposed 
to acoustic or visual stimuli associated with the research activities; 
and
    4. A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the 
monitoring and mitigation measures of the Authorization and full 
documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all 
monitoring.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the 
authorization, such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, 
or mortality (e.g., vessel-strike, stampede, etc.), NPS shall 
immediately cease the specified activities and immediately report the 
incident to the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS and the Alaska 
Regional Stranding Coordinator. The report must include the following 
information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Description and location of the incident (including tide 
level if applicable);
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    NPS shall not resume its activities until NMFS is able to review 
the circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with NPS to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. NPS may not resume their 
activities until notified by us via letter, email, or telephone.
    In the event that NPS discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead researcher determines that the cause of the injury or 
death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in less than 
a moderate state of decomposition as we describe in the

[[Page 56963]]

next paragraph), NPS will immediately report the incident to the Office 
of Protected Resources, NMFS and the Alaska Regional Stranding 
Coordinator. The report must include the same information identified in 
the paragraph above this section. Activities may continue while we 
review the circumstances of the incident. We will work with NPS to 
determine whether modifications in the activities are appropriate.
    In the event that NPS discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead visual observer determines that the injury or death is not 
associated with or related to the authorized activities (e.g., 
previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), NPS will report the incident to 
the incident to the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS and the Alaska 
Regional Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours of the discovery. NPS 
researchers will provide photographs or video footage (if available) or 
other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to us. NPS can 
continue their research activities.

Negligible Impact Analysis and Determination

    NMFS has defined negligible impact 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 (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 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 harassment, NMFS considers other factors, such as the 
likely nature of any responses (e.g., intensity, duration), the context 
of any responses (e.g., critical reproductive time or location, 
migration), as well as effects on habitat, and the likely effectiveness 
of the mitigation. We also assess the number, intensity, and context of 
estimated takes by evaluating this information relative to population 
status. Consistent with the 1989 preamble for NMFS's implementing 
regulations (54 FR 40338; September 29, 1989), the impacts from other 
past and ongoing anthropogenic activities are incorporated into this 
analysis via their impacts on the environmental baseline (e.g., as 
reflected in the regulatory status of the species, population size and 
growth rate where known, ongoing sources of human-caused mortality, or 
ambient noise levels).
    Due to the project's minimal levels of visual and acoustic 
disturbance, NMFS does not expect NPS's specified activities to cause 
long-term behavioral disturbance, abandonment of the haul-out area, 
injury, serious injury, or mortality. Additional factors for our 
Negligible Impact Determination are listed below:
     The takes from Level B harassment would be due to 
potential behavioral disturbance. The effects of the research 
activities would be limited to short-term startle responses and 
localized behavioral changes due to the short and sporadic duration of 
the research activities;
     The proposed activities would not take place in areas of 
significance for marine mammal feeding, resting, breeding, or pupping 
and would not adversely impact marine mammal habitat;
     The proposed activities will affect a small portion of 
harbor seal habitat within GLBA NP for only a short amount of time. 
This, combined with a large availability of alternate areas for 
pinnipeds to haul out enables the seals to effectively avoid 
disturbances from research operations;
     Anecdotal observations and results from previous 
monitoring reports show that the pinnipeds returned to the various 
sites and did not permanently abandon haul-out sites after NPS 
conducted their research activities; and
     Harbor seals may flush in the water despite researchers 
best efforts to keep calm and quiet around seals; however, injury or 
mortality has never been documented nor is anticipated from flushing 
events. Researchers would approach study sites slowly to provide enough 
time for any marine mammals present to slowly enter the water without 
panic.
    As stated, NMFS does not anticipate any injuries, serious injuries, 
or mortalities to result from NPS's proposed activities and we do not 
propose to authorize injury, serious injury, or mortality. Harbor seals 
may exhibit behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating 
the area during the proposed gull and climate research activities to 
avoid human disturbance. Further, these proposed activities would not 
take place in areas of significance for marine mammal feeding, resting, 
breeding, or pupping and would not adversely impact marine mammal 
habitat. Due to the nature, degree, and context of the behavioral 
harassment anticipated, we do not expect the activities to impact 
annual rates of recruitment or survival.
    NMFS does not expect pinnipeds to permanently abandon any area 
surveyed by researchers, as is evidenced by continued presence of 
pinnipeds at the sites during annual gull monitoring. In summary, NMFS 
anticipates that impacts to hauled-out harbor seals during NPS' 
research activities would be behavioral harassment of limited duration 
(i.e., up to two hours per visit) and limited intensity (i.e., 
temporary flushing at most).
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that the total marine 
mammal take from the proposed activity will have a negligible impact on 
all affected marine mammal species or stocks.

Small Numbers

    As noted above, only small numbers of incidental take may be 
authorized under Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for specified 
activities other than military readiness activities. The MMPA does not 
define small numbers and so, in practice, where estimated numbers are 
available, NMFS compares the number of individuals taken to the most 
appropriate estimation of abundance of the relevant species or stock in 
our determination of whether an authorization is limited to small 
numbers of marine mammals. Additionally, other qualitative factors may 
be considered in the analysis, such as the temporal or spatial scale of 
the activities.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that NPS' activities could 
potentially affect, by Level B harassment only, one species of marine 
mammal under our jurisdiction. For harbor seals, this estimate is small 
(3.93 percent, see Table 4) relative of the Glacier Bay/Icy Strait 
stock of harbor seals (7,210 seals, see Table 1). In addition to this, 
there is a high probability that repetitive takes of the same animal 
may occur which reduces the percentage of population even further.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the proposed activity 
(including the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures) and the 
anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS preliminarily finds that small 
numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the population size 
of the affected species or stocks.

[[Page 56964]]

Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine 
mammal stocks or species implicated by this action. NPS prohibits 
subsistence harvest of harbor seals within the GLBA NP (Catton, 1995). 
Therefore, NMFS has preliminarily determined that the total taking of 
affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact 
on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for 
subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any 
action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize 
the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or 
result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated 
critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, 
NMFS consults internally, in this case with Alaska Region Protected 
Resources Division Office, whenever we propose to authorize take for 
endangered or threatened species.
    No incidental take of ESA-listed species is proposed for 
authorization or expected to result from this activity. Therefore, NMFS 
has determined that formal consultation under section 7 of the ESA is 
not required for this action.

Proposed Authorization

    As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to 
issue an IHA to the National Park Service for conducting gull and 
climate monitoring activities at GLBA NP from March 1 2018 to February 
29 2019, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting requirements are incorporated. This section contains a draft 
of the IHA itself. The wording contained in this section is proposed 
for inclusion in the IHA (if issued).
    1. This Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) is valid for a 
period of one year from March 1 2018 to February 28 2019.
    2. This Authorization is valid only for research activities that 
occur at the following locations: Boulder, Flapjack, and Lone Islands, 
and Geikie Rock in GLBA NP, Alaska.
    3. General Conditions
    (a) A copy of this IHA must be in the possession of NPS, its 
designees, and field crew personnel (including research collaborators) 
operating under the authority of this IHA at all times.
    (b) The species authorized for taking are Alaskan harbor seals 
(Phoca vitulina richardii).
    (c) The taking, by Level B harassment only, is limited to 283 
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii).
    (d) The taking by injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or 
death of any of the species listed in condition 3(b) of the 
Authorization or any taking of any other species of marine mammal is 
prohibited and may result in the modification, suspension, or 
revocation of this IHA.
    (e) The NPS may conduct a maximum of five days of gull monitoring 
for each survey location listed in this IHA. In addition, the NPS may 
conduct a maximum of four days of activities related to climate 
monitoring on Lone Island.
    4. Mitigation Measures
    The holder of this Authorization is required to implement the 
following mitigation measures:
    (a) Conduct pre-survey monitoring before deciding to access a study 
site;
    (b) Prior to deciding to land onshore of Boulder, Lone, or Flapjack 
Islands or Geikie Rock, the Holder of this Authorization shall use 
high-powered image stabilizing binoculars before approaching at 
distances of greater than 500 m (1,640 ft) to determine and document 
the number, species, and location of hauled-out marine mammals;
    (c) During pre-survey monitoring vessels shall maintain a distance 
of 328 to 1,640 ft (100 to 500 m) from the shoreline;
    (d) If the Holder of the Authorization determines that a harbor 
seal pup less than one week of age is present within or near a study 
site or a path to a study site, the Holder shall not access the island 
and nor conduct the study at that time. In addition, if during the 
activity, a pup less than one week of age is observed, all research 
activities shall conclude for the day;
    (e) Maintain a distance of at least 100 m from any Steller sea 
lion;
    (f) The NPS shall perform controlled and slow ingress to islands 
where harbor seals are present;
    (g) NPS shall select a pathway of approach farthest from the 
hauled-out harbor seals to minimize disturbance;
    (h) The NPS shall monitor for offshore predators at the study sites 
and shall avoid research activities when killer whales (Orcinus orca) 
or other predators are present; and
    (i) The NPS shall maintain a quiet working atmosphere, avoid loud 
noises, and shall use hushed voices in the presence of hauled-out 
pinnipeds.
    5. Monitoring
    The holder of this Authorization is required to conduct marine 
mammal monitoring during gull and climate monitoring activities. 
Monitoring and reporting shall be conducted in accordance with the 
following: NPS and/or its designees shall record the following:
    (a) Species counts (with numbers of adults/juveniles); and Numbers 
of disturbances, by species and age, according to a three-point scale 
of intensity (Table 7) including:

                  Table 7--Seal Response to Disturbance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Level               Type of response           Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          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
                                                     shall be recorded,
                                                     but not counted as
                                                     a `take'.
                          Movement................  Movements in
                                                     response to the
                                                     source of
                                                     disturbance,
                                                     ranging from short
                                                     withdrawals at
                                                     least twice the
                                                     animal's body
                                                     length to longer
                                                     retreats over the
                                                     beach, or if
                                                     already moving a
                                                     change of direction
                                                     of greater than 90
                                                     degrees.
                          Flush...................  All retreats
                                                     (flushes) to the
                                                     water.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Information on the weather, including the tidal state and 
horizontal visibility;
    (c) The observer shall note the presence of any offshore predators 
(date, time, number, and species); and
    (d) The observer shall note observations (1) unusual behaviors, 
numbers, or distributions of pinnipeds, such that any potential follow-
up

[[Page 56965]]

research can be conducted by the appropriate personnel, (2) marked or 
tag-bearing pinnipeds or carcasses, allowing transmittal of the 
information to appropriate agencies, and (3) any rare or unusual 
species of marine mammal for agency follow-up. The observer shall 
report that information to NMFS' Alaska Fisheries Science Center at 
(206) 526-4045 and/or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Marine 
Mammal Program at shawna.karpovich@alaska.gov (harbor seals) 
dfa.dwc.sealions@alaska.gov (Steller sea lions), or 
lori.quakenbush@alaska.gov (Whales).
    6. Reporting
    The holder of this Authorization is required to:
    (a) Submit a draft report on all monitoring conducted under the IHA 
within ninety calendar days of the completion of marine mammal 
monitoring or sixty days prior to the issuance of any subsequent IHA 
for this project, whichever comes first. A final report shall be 
prepared and submitted within thirty days following resolution of 
comments on the draft report from NMFS. This report must contain the 
informational elements described in Monitoring Section of this IHA;
    (b) Reporting injured or dead marine mammals;
    (i) 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, 
NPS shall immediately cease the specified activities and report the 
incident to the Office of Protected Resources (301-427-8440), NMFS, and 
the Alaska Regional Stranding Coordinator (877-925-7773), NMFS. The 
report must include the following information:
    1. Time and date of the incident;
    2. Description of the incident;
    3. Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
    4. Description of all marine mammal observations and active sound 
source use in the 24 hours preceding the incident;
    5. Species identification or description of the animal(s) involved;
    6. Fate of the animal(s); and
    7. Photographs or video footage of the animal(s).
    Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with NPS to 
determine what measures are necessary to minimize the likelihood of 
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. NPS may not resume 
their activities until notified by NMFS;
    (ii) In the event that NPS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer determines that the cause of the injury 
or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (e.g., in less 
than a moderate state of decomposition), NPS shall immediately report 
the incident to the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the Alaska 
Stranding Coordinator, NMFS.
    The report must include the same information identified in 6(b)(i) 
of this IHA. Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the 
circumstances of the incident. NMFS will work with NPS to determine 
whether additional mitigation measures or modifications to the 
activities are appropriate; and
    (iii) In the event that NPS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer determines that the injury or death is 
not associated with or related to the activities authorized in the IHA 
(e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), NPS shall report the incident to 
the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the Alaska Stranding 
Coordinator, NMFS, within 24 hours of the discovery. NPS shall provide 
photographs or video footage or other documentation of the stranded 
animal sighting to NMFS.
    7. This Authorization may be modified, suspended or withdrawn if 
the holder fails to abide by the conditions prescribed herein, or if 
NMFS determines the authorized taking is having more than a negligible 
impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammals.

Request for Public Comments

    We request comment on our analyses, the draft authorization, and 
any other aspect of this Notice of Proposed IHA for the proposed 
action. Please include with your comments any supporting data or 
literature citations to help inform our final decision on the request 
for MMPA authorization.

    Dated: November 28, 2017.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-25910 Filed 11-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P