Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Pile Driving Activities for Waterfront Repairs at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Monterey, Monterey, California, 61544-61554 [2017-28029]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 248 (Thursday, December 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61544-61554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28029]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF460


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to a Pile Driving Activities for Waterfront Repairs at the 
U.S. Coast Guard Station Monterey, Monterey, California

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given 
that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to 
the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to incidentally harass, by Level B 
harassment only, marine mammals during pile driving activities 
associated with waterfront repairs at the USCG Monterey Station in 
Monterey, California.

DATES: This Authorization is applicable from December 20, 2017 through 
October 15, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Egger, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401. Electronic copies of the applications 
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/construction.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, or 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 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

    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-
6A, NMFS reviewed our action (i.e., the issuance of an incidental 
harassment authorization) with respect to potential impacts on the 
human environment. Accordingly, NMFS reviewed and adopted the USCG's 
Supplemental Environmental Assessment entitled Supplemental 
Environmental Assessment for Waterfront Repairs at U.S. Coast Guard 
Station Monterey, Monterey, California, and signed a Finding of No 
Significant Impact on November 9, 2017.

Summary of Request

    On February 10, 2017, NMFS received a request from the USCG for an 
IHA to take marine mammals incidental to pile driving activities for 
waterfront restoration, at the USCG Station Monterey in Monterrey, 
California. USCG's request is for take of eight species of marine 
mammals, by Level B harassment. Neither USCG nor NMFS expect mortality 
to result from this activity and, therefore, an IHA is appropriate.
    NMFS previously issued an IHA to the USCG for similar work (79 FR 
57052; September 24, 2014). However, no work was conducted under that 
IHA.

[[Page 61545]]

Description of Specific Activity

    USCG Station Monterey occupies an upland site and adjacent 
waterside structures including a 1,700-foot breakwater, a wharf 
constructed over the breakwater, and floating docks to the east of the 
wharf in Monterey Harbor, Monterey, California. The USCG intends to 
conduct maintenance on the existing wharf, which is used to berth 
vessels that are critical to support USCG Station Monterey's mission.
    The planned project requires replacement of 17 timber (16 to 18-in 
in diameter) piles including removal of the existing timber deck, 
replacing stringers, steel pipe caps, steel support beams, and hardware 
in order to access the timber piles. The timber piles will be removed 
using vibratory pile driving. Each timber pile will be replaced with a 
14-in steel pipe pile installed using a vibratory hammer (the preferred 
method) and each pipe pile will be positioned and installed in the 
footprint of the extracted timber pile. Pile proofing will be conducted 
via impact hammer. If, due to substrate or breakwater armor, a pipe 
pile is unable to be driven to 30 feet below the mud line using a 
vibratory hammer, then an impact hammer will be used; and if the pile 
cannot be driven with an impact hammer, the pipe pile would be posted 
onto the armor stone. The steel pipe piles would not be filled with 
concrete. Pile installation would be adjacent to a rock jetty that 
would provide substantial underwater shielding of sound transmission to 
areas north (or through the jetty).
    Pile-driving activities are expected to occur for an estimated 
minimum of three to a maximum of eight days of the total construction 
time. It is assumed that driving time would be approximately 20 minutes 
(min) per pile for vibratory or impact pile driving. It is assumed that 
vibratory extraction of the existing piles would take approximately 10 
min per pile. Pile driving and extraction would therefore result in an 
estimated of 240 min per day (4 hours (hrs)); 510 min for the total 
project or approximately 8.5 hrs. In-water noise from pile driving 
activities will result in the take, by Level B harassment only, of 
eight species of marine mammals.
    A detailed description of the planned pile driving project is 
provided in the Federal Register notice for the proposed IHA (82 FR 
42986; September 13, 2017). Since that time, no changes have been made 
to the planned USCG activities. Therefore, a detailed description is 
not provided here. Please refer to that Federal Register notice for the 
description of the specific activity.

Comments and Responses

    A notice of NMFS's proposal to issue an IHA to the USCG was 
published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2014 (79 FR 57052). 
That notice described, in detail, USCG activity, the marine mammal 
species that may be affected by the activity, and the anticipated 
effects on marine mammals. During the 30-day public comment period, 
NMFS received comments from the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission).
    Comment 1: NMFS received a comment from the Commission and while 
the Commission agrees with NMFS's determinations, it recommends that 
NMFS follow NMFS's policy of a 24-hour reset for enumerating the number 
of marine mammals that could be taken during the planned activities by 
applying standard rounding rules before summing the numbers of 
estimated takes across survey sites and survey days.
    Response 1: Calculating predicted take is not an exact science and 
there are arguments for using different mathematical approaches in 
different situations, and for making qualitative adjustments in other 
situations. NMFS is currently engaged in developing a protocol to help 
guide its take calculations given particular situations and 
circumstances. We believe, however, that the methodology for this 
action is appropriate and is not at odds with the 24-hour reset policy 
the Commission references.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends NMFS include previous 
mitigation and monitoring measures from the 2014 IHA (e.g., vessel 
based monitoring, additional baseline monitoring) as well as clarifying 
the number of Protected Species Observers (PSOs) that will be used for 
the project and where the PSOs would be positioned for the most 
effective monitoring.
    Response: As discussed with the Commission, NMFS has incorporated 
or expanded on these measures in the IHA.
    [ssquf] USCG shall conduct in-situ monitoring during the 
installation of five piles and removal of five piles. USCG shall adjust 
Level B harassment zones of influence (ZOIs) as necessary where 
received underwater sound pressure levels (SPLs) are higher than 160 
decibels (dB) root mean square (rms) and 120 dB (rms) re 1 micro Pascal 
([micro]Pa) for impulse noise sources (impact pile driving) and non-
impulses noise sources (vibratory pile driving), respectively. USCG 
shall adjust Level A harassment zones based on measured SELs as 
necessary.
    [ssquf] USCG shall employ at least three NMFS-approved PSOs to 
conduct marine mammal monitoring for its construction project.
    [ssquf] PSOs shall conduct baseline monitoring for two days during 
the week prior to pile removal and driving.
    [ssquf] During pile removal or installation, at least three PSOs 
shall be used, and positioned such that each monitor has the best 
vantage point available, including the USCG pier, jetty, adjacent docks 
within the harbor, to maintain an excellent view of the exclusion zone 
and adjacent areas during the survey period. Monitors would be equipped 
with radios or cell phones for maintaining contact with work crews.
    [ssquf] Vessel-based visual marine mammal monitoring within the 120 
dB and 160 dB ZOIs shall be conducted during 10 percent of the 
vibratory pile driving and removal and impact pile driving activities, 
respectively.
    Comment 3: The Commission and NMFS discussed effectiveness of the 
sound attenuation devices, which resulted in a change from a 10 dB 
reduction to 5 dB during impact pile driving. The adjusted source 
levels decreased the zones for both Level A and Level B harassment, but 
did not change the number of authorized takes.
    Response 3: As agreed upon with the Commission, NMFS outlined the 
justification for the adjusted sources levels in the final IHA.
    Comment 4: The Commission also recommended the NMFS re-evaluate the 
USCG hydroacoustic monitoring plan to ensure the acoustic thresholds, 
various metrics, and methods are current.
    Response 4: As agreed upon with the Commission, NMFS requested the 
USCG update their hydroacoustic monitoring plan to ensure it is 
current. Those revisions included ensuring the appropriate thresholds 
and weighting parameters, hearing ranges, and functional hearing group 
delineations are used and distances reported accordingly (including for 
cumulative sound exposure levels), increasing the measurement 
capabilities from 10 to 20 kHz, ensuring ambient conditions are 
recorded appropriately (e.g., in continuous 10-minute intervals), 
ensuring the impulse duration is reported and represents the duration 
that contains 90 percent of pulse energy (including using the 
appropriate recording devices to obtain those measurements), and 
reporting the depth of the 10-m hydrophone.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities

    The marine mammal species under NMFS's jurisdiction that have the

[[Page 61546]]

potential to occur in the construction area include California sea lion 
(Zalophus californianus), Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), harbor 
porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), 
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates), killer whale (Orcinus orca), 
gray whale (Megaptera novaengliae), humpback whale (Eschrichtius 
robustus), and southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). The 
southern sea otter is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 
not discussed further in this authorization. Humpback whales are 
protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pertinent information 
for each of these species is presented in this document to provide the 
necessary background to understand their demographics and distribution 
in the area.

                                        Table 1--Marine Mammal Species Potentially Present in Region of Activity
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                                                                                         ESA/ MMPA status;   Stock abundance (CV,
             Common name                  Scientific name               Stock             strategic (Y/N)      Nmin, most recent       PBR     Annual M/
                                                                                                \1\          abundance survey) \2\               SI \3\
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                                          Order Cetartiodactyla--Cetacea--Superfamily Mysticeti (baleen whales)
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                                                                  Family Eschrichtiidae
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Gray whale..........................  Eschrichtius robustus..  Eastern North Pacific..  -; N                20,990 (0.05; 20,125;         624        132
                                                                                                             2011).
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                                                                    Family Balaenidae
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Humpback whale......................  Megaptera novaeangliae   California/Oregon/       E; D                1,918 (0.03; 1,855;          11.0      >=5.5
                                       novaeangliae.            Washington.                                  2011).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Superfamily Odontoceti (toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises)
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                                                                   Family Delphinidae
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Killer whale........................  Orcinus orca...........  Eastern North Pacific    -; N                240 (0.49; 162; 2008).        1.6          0
                                                                Offshore.
Killer whale........................  Orcinus orca...........  West Coast Transient...  -; N                243 (na; 243; 2009)...        2.4          0
Risso's dolphin.....................  Grampus griseus........  California/Oregon/       -; N                6,336 (0.32; 4,817;            46      >=3.7
                                                                Washington.                                  2014).
Bottlenose dolphin..................  Tursiops truncatus.....  California Coastal.....  -; N                453 (0.06; 346; 2011).        2.7      >=2.0
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                                                             Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)
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Harbor Porpoise.....................  Phocoena phocoena......  Monterey Bay...........  -; N                3,715 (0.51; 2,480;            25          0
                                                                                                             2011).
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                                                         Order Carnivora--Superfamily Pinnipedia
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                                                      Family Otariidae (eared seals and sea lions)
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California sea lion.................  Zalophus californianus.  U.S....................  -; N                296,750 (na; 153,337;       9,200        389
                                                                                                             2011).
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                                                             Family Phocidae (earless seals)
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Harbor seal.........................  Phoca vitulina.........  California.............  -; N                30,968 (na; 27,348;         1,641         43
                                                                                                             2012).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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.
\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 mortality/serious injury (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.

    A detailed description of the of the species likely to be affected 
by the USCG's waterfront project, including brief introductions to the 
species and relevant stocks as well as available information regarding 
population trends and threats, and information regarding local 
occurrence, were provided in the Federal Register notice for the 
proposed IHA (82 FR 42986; September 13, 2017). Since that time, we are 
not aware of any changes in the status of these species and stocks; 
therefore, detailed descriptions are not provided here. However, 
information on a recent rare occurrence of offshore killer whales was 
not previously included in the proposed IHA and therefore is described 
below.
    Although more of a rare occurrence, approximately 25 offshore 
killer whales were observed in December 2016 in Monterey Bay. Offshore 
pods are usually found in groups of 30-60 or more individuals and they 
are seldom seen in protected coastal waters. However, when observed in 
Monterey Bay, offshore killer whales have been observed during the 
winter.
    Please refer to that Federal Register notice for all other species 
descriptions. Please also refer to NMFS' website (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/) for generalized species accounts.

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    The effects of underwater noise from pile driving activities for 
the USCG's waterfront restoration project have the potential to result 
in behavioral harassment of marine mammals in the vicinity of the 
action area. The project would not result in permanent impacts to 
habitats used directly by marine mammals, such as the adjacent jetty 
that is used as a haulout site by pinnipeds, but may have potential 
short-term impacts to food sources such as forage fish and minor 
impacts on turbidity during installation and removal of piles, etc. In 
addition, a concurrence letter was issued by NMFS (2013) (and still

[[Page 61547]]

applies) concluding that the USCG's action would adversely affect EFH 
for various Federally managed fish species, including a temporary 
increase in suspended sediments in the water column from pile driving 
and removal, conversion of soft bottom habitat to artificial substrate, 
and an increase in underwater sound levels in the water column 
associated with pile driving. However, the project includes measures to 
avoid, minimize, or otherwise offset adverse effects, such that NMFS 
has no further EFH conservation recommendations to provide (NOAA 2013).
    The Federal Register notice for the proposed IHA (82 FR 42986; 
September 13, 2017) included additional discussion of the effects of 
anthropogenic noise on marine mammals, therefore that information is 
not repeated here; please refer to the Federal Register notice (82 FR 
42986; September 13, 2017) for that information.

Estimated Take

    This section provides an estimate of the number of incidental takes 
for authorization through this IHA, which will inform both NMFS's 
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 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 noise from pile driving and removal 
activities. Based on the nature of the activity and the anticipated 
effectiveness of the mitigation measures (i.e., shutdown measures--
discussed in detail below in Mitigation section), Level A harassment is 
neither anticipated nor authorized.
    As described previously, no mortality is anticipated or authorized 
for this activity. Below we describe how the take is estimated.
    Described in the most basic way, we estimate take by considering: 
(1) Acoustic thresholds above which NMFS believes the best available 
science indicates marine mammals will be behaviorally harassed or incur 
some degree of hearing impairment; (2) the area or volume of water that 
will be ensonified above these levels in a day; (3) the density or 
occurrence of marine mammals within these ensonified areas; and, (4) 
and the number of days of activities. Below, we describe these 
components in more detail and present the take estimate.

Acoustic Thresholds

    Using the best available science, NMFS has developed acoustic 
thresholds that identify the received level of underwater sound above 
which exposed marine mammals would be reasonably expected to be 
behaviorally harassed (equated to Level B harassment) or to incur PTS 
of some degree (equated to Level A harassment).
    Level B Harassment for non-explosive sources--Though significantly 
driven by received level, the onset of behavioral disturbance from 
anthropogenic noise exposure is also informed to varying degrees by 
other factors related to the source (e.g., frequency, predictability, 
duty cycle), the environment (e.g., bathymetry), and the receiving 
animals (hearing, motivation, experience, demography, behavioral 
context) and can be difficult to predict (Southall et al., 2007, 
Ellison et al., 2011). Based on what the available science indicates 
and the practical need to use a threshold based on a factor that is 
both predictable and measurable for most activities, NMFS uses a 
generalized acoustic threshold based on received level to estimate the 
onset of behavioral harassment. NMFS predicts that marine mammals are 
likely to be behaviorally harassed in a manner we consider Level B 
harassment when exposed to underwater anthropogenic noise above 
received levels of 120 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) for continuous (e.g., 
vibratory pile-driving, drilling) sources and above 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa 
(rms) for non-explosive impulsive (e.g., seismic airguns) or 
intermittent (e.g., scientific sonar) sources. USCG's planned activity 
includes the use of continuous (vibratory pile driving and removal) and 
impulsive (impact pile driving) sources, and, therefore, the 120 and 
160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) are applicable.
    Level A harassment for non-explosive sources--NMFS's Technical 
Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine 
Mammal Hearing (NMFS, 2016a) identifies dual criteria to assess 
auditory injury (Level A harassment) to five different marine mammal 
groups (based on hearing sensitivity) as a result of exposure to noise 
from two different types of sources (impulsive or non-impulsive). 
USCG's planned activity includes the use of non-impulsive (vibratory 
pile driving and removal) and impulsive (impact pile driving) sources.
    These thresholds were developed by compiling and synthesizing the 
best available science and soliciting input multiple times from both 
the public and peer reviewers to inform the final product, and are 
provided in Table 2 below. The references, analysis, and methodology 
used in the development of the thresholds are described in NMFS 2016 
Technical Guidance, which may be accessed at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/guidelines.htm.

 Table 2--Thresholds Identifying the Onset of Permanent Threshold Shift
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           PTS onset thresholds
          Hearing group          ---------------------------------------
                                       Impulsive         Non-impulsive
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-Frequency (LF) Cetaceans....  Lpk,flat: 219 dB;   LE,LF,24h: 199 dB.
                                   LE,LF,24h: 183 dB.
Mid-Frequency (MF) Cetaceans....  Lpk,flat: 230 dB;   LE,MF,24h: 198 dB.
                                   LE,MF,24h: 185 dB.
High-Frequency (HF) Cetaceans...  Lpk,flat: 202 dB;   LE,HF,24h: 173 dB.
                                   LE,HF,24h: 155 dB.
Phocid Pinnipeds (PW)             Lpk,flat: 218 dB;   LE,PW,24h: 201 dB.
 (Underwater).                     LE,PW,24h: 185 dB.
Otariid Pinnipeds (OW)            Lpk,flat: 232 dB;   LE,OW,24h: 219 dB.
 (Underwater).                     LE,OW,24h: 203 dB.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Dual metric acoustic thresholds for impulsive sounds: Use whichever
  results in the largest isopleth for calculating PTS onset. If a non-
  impulsive sound has the potential of exceeding the peak sound pressure
  level thresholds associated with impulsive sounds, these thresholds
  should also be considered.

[[Page 61548]]

 
Note: Peak sound pressure (Lpk) has a reference value of 1 [mu]Pa, and
  cumulative sound exposure level (LE) has a reference value of
  1[mu]Pa2s. In this Table, thresholds are abbreviated to reflect
  American National Standards Institute standards (ANSI 2013). However,
  peak sound pressure is defined by ANSI as incorporating frequency
  weighting, which is not the intent for this Technical Guidance. Hence,
  the subscript ``flat'' is being included to indicate peak sound
  pressure should be flat weighted or unweighted within the generalized
  hearing range. The subscript associated with cumulative sound exposure
  level thresholds indicates the designated marine mammal auditory
  weighting function (LF, MF, and HF cetaceans, and PW and OW pinnipeds)
  and that the recommended accumulation period is 24 hours. The
  cumulative sound exposure level thresholds could be exceeded in a
  multitude of ways (i.e., varying exposure levels and durations, duty
  cycle). When possible, it is valuable for action proponents to
  indicate the conditions under which these acoustic thresholds will be
  exceeded.

Ensonified Area

    Here, we describe operational and environmental parameters of the 
activity that will feed into identifying the area ensonified above the 
acoustic thresholds.
    Background noise is the sound level that would exist without the 
planned activity (pile driving and removal, in this case), while 
ambient sound levels are those without human activity (NOAA 2009). 
Natural actions that contribute to ambient noise include waves, wind, 
rainfall, current fluctuations, chemical composition, and biological 
sound sources (e.g., marine mammals, fish, and shrimp, Carr et al., 
2006). Background noise levels will be compared to the NOAA/NMFS 
threshold levels designed to protect marine mammals to determine the 
Level B Harassment Zones for noise sources. The background noise at 
Monterey Harbor is relatively high due to boat traffic, foot traffic, 
and noise from the USCG Monterey Station.
    Pile installation would be adjacent to a rock jetty that would 
provide substantial underwater shielding of sound transmission to areas 
north (or through the jetty) (see Figure 1-2 of the Application).
    For vibratory pile driving in the proposed IHA, to estimate the 
extent of underwater noise, the software modeling package SoundPlan was 
used by the USCG to simulate sound transmission for the project. 
However, as part of the final IHA, NMFS considered revised source 
levels to determine the Level B Harassment zone based on more 
representative sound sources to project specifics. With a revised 
source level of 162 dB SPL rms (based on Washington State Department of 
Transportation (WSDOT) Friday Harbor data (2010) for 24-inch (in) steel 
piles with a source level of 162 dB rms at 10 meters (m) for vibratory 
pile driving and removal), the calculated Level B Harassment Zone would 
be 6,309 m (6.3 kilometers (km)) rather than 15,848 m (15.8 km) that 
would be calculated with a 168 dB SPL rms in the proposed IHA. NMFS 
will continue to assume the USCG's conservative method for estimating 
the range through the breakwater (north), while all other distances are 
based on the sound hitting the shoreline (Table 3).
    Table 3 shows the results of the modeled underwater noise analysis 
for vibratory pile driving where 120 dB rms (Level B threshold) levels 
would end, and Figure 5-1 from the application shows the pattern of 
sound expected from vibratory pile extraction and pile installation, 
taking into account shielding from the Monterey Breakwater. From these 
data, a Level B zone of influence (ZOI) was calculated at approximately 
7.3 square kilometers (km\2\). The modeled distances shown in the table 
below are likely an overestimate of the extent of underwater noise, 
because practical spreading loss (15 log10) sound propagation were 
assumed, and the Monterey Breakwater would likely reduce noise 
considerably faster than assumed. Per the sound assessment completed 
for the project (included in Appendix A of the application) the 
following assumptions and parameters were used for the analysis: For 
vibratory pile installation, it is estimated that it would take 
approximately 20 minutes (1,200 seconds) to vibrate in each pile.

 Table 3--Modeled Extent of Level B Zones From Vibratory Pile Extraction
                               and Driving
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Level B Zone (distance to 120
            Modeling scenario                         dB rms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modeled north...........................  2,000 m
Modeled northeast shoreline.............  2,400 m
Modeled east to shoreline...............  1,800 m
Modeled south to shoreline..............  550 m
Area of Influence.......................  7.3 km\2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: dB = decibel, RMS = root mean square.

    For impact pile driving in the proposed IHA, to estimate the extent 
of underwater noise, the software modeling package SoundPlan was used 
by the USCG to simulate sound transmission for the project. However, as 
part of the final IHA, NMFS considered revised source levels to 
determine the Level B Harassment zones based on more representative 
sound sources to project specifics. With a revised source level of 187 
SPL rms (based on the California Department of Transportation 
Compendium of Pile Driving Sound Data Report (Caltrans 2007) for 14-in 
steel piles with a source level of 187 dB SPL rms (177 dB SEL) at 10 m 
for impact pile driving) minus 5 dB for using sound attenuated devices, 
the source level would then be 182 SPL rms and the calculated Level B 
Harassment Zone would be 293 m rather than 465 m that was calculated in 
the proposed IHA with a 195 dB SPL rms. A 5 dB reduction was used in 
the final IHA rather than a 10 dB reduction that was used in the 
proposed IHA based on the variability of the efficacy of sound 
attenuation devices. NMFS will continue to assume the USCG's 
conservative method for estimating the range through the breakwater 
(north), while all other distances are based on the recalculated 
distance of 293 m as described above and in Table 4.

[[Page 61549]]



        Table 4--Extent of Level B Zones From Impact Pile Driving
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Distance to marine mammal
                                                    criteria
                                      ----------------------------------
          Modeling scenario                 rms (dB re: 1[micro]Pa)
                                      ----------------------------------
                                           160 dB (Level B threshold)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modeled attenuated noise transmission  76 m
 north and northeast (through
 breakwater).
Recalculated attenuated noise          293 m
 transmission in all other directions.
Area of Influence....................  0.27 km\2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Assumes 5 dB of underwater noise attenuation by using a bubble
  curtain during pile driving. Distances and method of calculation are
  presented in Appendix A of the application.
dB = decibel, rms = root mean square (dB re: 1[micro]Pa).

    The incidental take requested is Level B harassment of any marine 
mammal occurring within the 160 dB rms disturbance threshold during 
impact pile driving of 14-in steel pipe piles; the 120 dB rms 
disturbance threshold for vibratory pile driving of 14-in steel pipe 
piles; and the 120 dB rms disturbance threshold for vibratory removal 
of 16-in to 18-in timber piles. Level B harassment zones have been 
established as described in Tables 3 and 4 that will be in place during 
active pile removal or installation.
    When NMFS Technical Guidance (NMFS 2016) was published, in 
recognition of the fact that ensonified area/volume could be more 
technically challenging to predict because of the duration component in 
the new thresholds, we developed a User Spreadsheet that includes tools 
to help predict a simple isopleth that can be used in conjunction with 
marine mammal density or occurrence to help predict takes. We note that 
because of some of the assumptions included in the methods used for 
these tools, we anticipate that isopleths produced are typically going 
to be overestimates of some degree, which will result in some degree of 
overestimate of Level A take. However, these tools offer the best way 
to predict appropriate isopleths when more sophisticated 3D modeling 
methods are not available, and NMFS continues to develop ways to 
quantitatively refine these tools, and will qualitatively address the 
output where appropriate. For stationary sources such as vibratory and 
impact pile driving, NMFS's User Spreadsheet predicts the closest 
distance at which, if a marine mammal remained at that distance the 
whole duration of the activity, it would not incur PTS. Inputs used in 
the User Spreadsheet, and the resulting isopleths are reported below 
(Tables 5 and 6).
    The PTS isopleths were identified for each hearing group for impact 
and vibratory installation and removal methods that will be used in the 
Monterey Station Project. The PTS isopleth distances were calculated 
using the NMFS acoustic threshold calculator (NMFS 2016), with inputs 
based on measured and surrogate noise measurements. Tables 5 and 6 have 
been revised since the proposed IHA and uses data that is more 
representative to project specifics. Data from WSDOT Friday Harbor data 
(2010) for 24-in steel piles with a source level of 162 dB SPLrms (at 
10 m) was used to characterize the sound that would be produced from 
vibratory pile driving and removal. For impact pile driving, data from 
the Caltrans (2007) with a source level (in SEL) of 172 dB at a 
distance of 10 m with an average 30 strikes per pile was used.

            Table 5--NMFS Technical Acoustic Guidance User Spreadsheet Input To Predict PTS Isopleths
                                            [User spreadsheet input]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Sound source 1                      Sound source 2
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
          Spreadsheet Tab Used                (A) Vibratory pile driving           (E.1) Impact pile driving
                                              (removal and installation)                (installation)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source Level (rms SPL)..................  162 dB............................
Source Level (Single Strike/shot SEL)...  ..................................  172 dB
Weighting Factor Adjustment (kHz).......  2.5...............................  2
(a) Number of strikes in 1 h............  ..................................  30
(a) Activity Duration (h) within 24-h     4.................................  5
 period.
Propagation (xLogR).....................  15................................  15
Distance of source level measurement      10................................  10
 (meters)+.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Table 6--NMFS Technical Acoustic Guidance User Spreadsheet Output for Predicted PTS Isopleths and Level A Daily
                                                Ensonified Areas
                                            [User spreadsheet output]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Low-frequency   Mid-frequency   High-frequency      Phocid          Otariid
       Sound source type            cetaceans       cetaceans       cetaceans        pinnipeds       pinnipeds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              PTS Isopleth (meters)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vibratory (removal and                     20.1             1.8             29.7            12.2             0.9
 installation).................

[[Page 61550]]

 
Impact (installation)..........            52.1             1.9             62.1            27.9             2.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Daily ensonified area (km\2\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vibratory (pile removal and             0.00127         0.00001          0.00277         0.00046         0.00000
 installation).................
Impact (installation)..........         0.00853         0.00001          0.01212         0.00245         0.00001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 7 below shows the Level A Harassment exclusion zones that 
were rounded up slightly from the output generated in the NMFS 
Technical Acoustic Guidance User Spreadsheet (Table 6).

                                   Table 7--Level A Harassment Exclusion Zones
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Low-frequency   Mid-frequency   High-frequency      Phocid          Otariid
       Sound source type            cetaceans       cetaceans       cetaceans        pinnipeds       pinnipeds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Exclusion Zone (meters)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vibratory (removal and                       21              10               30              13              10
 installation).................
Impact (installation)..........              53              10               63              28              10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marine Mammal Occurrence and Take Calculation and Estimation

    In this section we provide the information about the presence, 
density, or group dynamics of marine mammals that will inform the take 
calculation and we describe how the marine mammal occurrence 
information is brought together to produce a quantitative take 
estimate.
    Take estimates are based on the number of animals per unit area in 
the project area multiplied by the area size of ensonified zones within 
which received noise levels exceed certain thresholds (i.e., Level B 
harassment) from specific activities, then multiplied by the total 
number of days such activities would occur. Local abundance data are 
used for take calculations for the authorized take where density is not 
available or applicable to the project area.
    Unless otherwise described, incidental take is estimated by the 
following equation:

Incidental take estimate = species density * zone of influence (7.3 
km\2\) * days of pile-related activity (8 days).
Harbor Seals
    Pacific harbor seals are much less abundant in the project area 
than California sea lions, and only two annual surveys conducted since 
1998 identified any individuals. The 2004 annual pinniped survey 
conducted by NMFS counted 28 Pacific harbor seals in Monterey Harbor in 
2004, and 1 in 2005 (Lowry 2012). Pacific harbor seals hauled-out along 
Cannery Row, north of the Monterey Breakwater, ranged from 1 to 24 in 
2002, 2004, and 2009. During repairs on the Pier in 2009, Pacific 
harbor seals were occasionally observed in the nearby waters, but were 
never observed to haul-out on the breakwater (Harvey and Hoover 2009). 
The density for harbor seals was determined by drawing a 5 km radius in 
ArcGIS with the jetty haul-out site at the center. The area within this 
circle was calculated, excluding the land, resulting in a 29 km\2\ 
foraging area. The calculation for take of harbor seals estimate 
assumes 28 individuals (the most observed during any single survey) to 
be in the water at any given time within 5 km of the breakwater (area 
29 km\2\); therefore, the calculated density is 0.97 seals/km\2\. The 
estimated Level B take is 0.97 seals multiplied by 7.3 km\2\ and 8 days 
of activity for a total of 57 harbor seals (see Table 7). Since the 
calculated Level A zones of phocids are small and mitigation is in 
place to avoid Level A take (Table 6), we do not consider it likely 
that any harbor seals would be taken by Level A harassment.
California Sea Lions
    The calculation for Level B take of California sea lions in the 
water assumes an average density of 8.62 individuals/km\2\. This 
density was determined by drawing a 5 km radius in ArcGIS with the 
jetty haul-out site at the center. The area within this circle was 
calculated, excluding the land, resulting in a 29 km\2\ foraging area. 
An average of 250 sea lions were assumed in the water at any given 
time. Therefore, 250 sea lions divided by 29 km\2\ equals 8.62 sea 
lions/km\2\. Estimated take is then calculated using 8.62 sea lions 
multiplied by 7.3 km\2\ and 8 days of activity for a total of 504 
California sea lions (see Table 7). For the additional California sea 
lions that are present on the breakwater (which we would also expect to 
enter the water during the project): The overall average number of sea 
lions for all of the surveys of the Monterey Breakwater combined was 
250 individuals. Therefore, 250 animals was multiplied by 8 days of 
activity for a total of 2,000 California sea lions (see Table 7). Since 
the calculated Level A zones of otariids are all very small and 
mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take (Table 6), we do not 
consider it likely that any sea lions would be taken by Level A 
harassment.
Killer Whale
    Due to the low frequency and unpredictability of killer whales 
entering the project area, the application of a density equation is not 
reasonable for predicting take. When transient killer whales enter 
Monterey Bay, they typically are in groups of 3 to 8 at a time (Guzman 
2016). To be conservative, the take estimate for Level B harassment is 
based on a larger group of eight transient killer whales that may enter 
the area (Table 7). Offshore killer whales are more of a rare 
occurrence in Monterey Bay; with the most recent documentation of 
approximately 25 whales in December 2016. Therefore,

[[Page 61551]]

the take estimate for Level B harassment is based on the possibility 
that a single occurrence of a smaller pod of 25 whales may enter the 
area (Table 7). Since the Level A zones of mid-frequency cetaceans are 
small and mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take (Table 6), we do 
not consider it likely that any killer whales would be taken by Level A 
harassment.
Bottlenose Dolphin
    Abundance and densities of cetaceans in the California Current 
ecosystem were conducted from 1991 to 2005 (Barlow, Forney 2007). The 
results of the surveys indicate that bottlenose dolphin population 
density throughout the entire west coast shoreline is 1.78 individuals/
100 km\2\. During the same survey, the mean group size for bottlenose 
dolphins observed in Central California was four individuals. Other, 
more recent data suggest that densities may be up to 0.04/km\2\ (Weller 
2016). Even when using the higher density, estimated take results in 
very low numbers (<1 over the entire period of construction). Rather 
than using density calculations to estimate take, to be conservative, 
the Level B take is a small pod of 10 bottlenose dolphins (Table 7). 
Since the Level A zones of mid-frequency cetaceans are small and 
mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take (Table 6), we do not 
consider it likely that any bottlenose dolphins would be taken by Level 
A harassment.
Risso's Dolphin
    Because there is not reliable local data for Monterey Bay, the 
Level B take estimate for Risso's dolphins is a single occurrence of a 
small pod of 10 animals (see Table 7) as groups of Risso's dolphins 
average between 10-30 animals. Since the Level A zones of mid-frequency 
cetaceans are small and mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take 
(Table 6), we do not consider it likely that any Risso's dolphin would 
be taken by Level A harassment.
Harbor Porpoise
    An estimate of the density of harbor porpoise in the southern 
portion of Monterey Bay nearshore is approximately 2.321 per km\2\ 
(Forney et al., 2014). Therefore, the estimated take for Level B 
harassment is 2.231 porpoise multiplied by 7.3 km\2\ and 8 days of 
activity for a total of 136 harbor porpoise (see Table 7). Since the 
calculated Level A zones of high frequency cetaceans are small and 
mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take (Table 6), we do not 
consider it likely that any harbor porpoise would be taken by Level A 
harassment.
Humpback Whale
    Humpback whales are typically found further offshore than gray 
whales and occurrence is rare; however, since 2014 greater numbers of 
humpback whales have been observed in and near Monterey Bay by whale-
watching vessels. Because USCG will shutdown for all observed humpbacks 
(in Level A and B zones), no takes of humpback whales are authorized.
Gray Whale
    The occurrence of gray whales is extremely rare near shore in the 
project area. If gray whales would approach the project area they would 
be more likely to occur during the spring migration north, when they 
tend to stay closer to shore than during the winter southern migration. 
The NOAA National Center for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) reported 
densities of gray whales at 0.1 to 0.5 per km\2\ (NCCOS 2007). 
Therefore, the estimated take for Level B harassment was calculated 
using the larger density of 0.5 whales per km\2\ multiplied by 7.3 
km\2\ and 8 days of activity for a total of 4 gray whales (see Table 
7). Since the Level A zones of low-frequency cetaceans are small and 
mitigation is in place to avoid Level A take (see Table 6) we do not 
consider it likely that any gray whales would be taken by Level A 
harassment during removal or impact installation.

                 Table 7--Summary of Requested Incidental Take by Level A and Level B Harassment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Authorized Level B     Authorized
              Species                 Stock size             take            total take    Percent of population
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal (Phoca                  30,968  57...................              57  Less than 1.
 vitulina).
California sea lion (Zalophus              296,750  504 (Animals already            2,504  Less than 1.
 californianus).                                     in the water).
California sea lion (Zalophus              296,750  2,000 (Animals that
 californianus).                                     enter the water from
                                                     the breakwater).
Transient killer whale (Orcinus                243  8....................               8  3.3.
 orca).
Offshore killer whale (Orcinus                 240  25 (single occurrence              25  10.42.
 orca).                                              of a small pod).
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops                   453  10 (single occurrence              10  4.19.
 truncatus).                                         of a small pod).
Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus).           6,336  10 (single occurrence              10  Less than 1.
                                                     of a small pod).
Harbor porpoise (Phocoena                    3,715  136..................             136  3.66.
 phocoena).
Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)          20,990  4....................               4  Less than 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mitigation Measures

    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. 
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

[[Page 61552]]

of effective implementation (probability implemented as planned), and;
    (2) the practicability of the measures for applicant 
implementation, which may consider such things as cost, impact on 
operations, and, in the case of a military readiness activity, 
personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the 
effectiveness of the military readiness activity.
    Several measures for mitigating effects on marine mammals from the 
pile installation and removal activities at for the USCG Monterey 
Station and are described below.

Timing Restrictions

    All work will be conducted during daylight hours.

Noise Attenuation

    A bubble curtain and cushion pads will be used during pile driving 
activities with an impact hammer to reduce sound levels. In addition, 
the USCG will perform ``pre-drilling.'' Pre-drilling will be performed 
and discontinued when the pile tip is approximately five feet (ft) 
above the required pile tip elevation. Pre-drilling is a method that 
starts the ``hole'' for the new pile; the pile is inserted after the 
hole has been pre-drilled which creates less friction and overall noise 
and turbidity during installation.

Exclusion Zones

    Exclusion Zones calculated from the PTS isopleths (Table 7) will be 
implemented to protect marine mammals from Level A harassment (refer to 
Table 6). If a marine mammal is observed at or within the Exclusion 
Zone (Table 7), work will shut down (stop work) until the individual 
has been observed outside of the zone, or has not been observed for at 
least 15 minutes for pinnipeds and small cetaceans and 30 minutes for 
large whales.

Additional Shutdown Measures

    If a humpback whale is observed within the Level A or Level B 
zones, the USCG will implement shutdown measures. Work would not 
commence until 30-minutes after the last sighting of a humpback within 
these zones.
    USCG will implement shutdown measures if the number of authorized 
takes for any particular species reaches the limit under the IHA and if 
such marine mammals are sighted within the vicinity of the project area 
and are approaching the Level B harassment zone during in-water 
construction activities.
    If a marine mammal species under NMFS' jurisdiction is observed 
within the Level A or B zones that has not been authorized for take, 
the USCG will implement shutdown measures.

Level B Harassment Zones

    USCG will monitor the Level B harassment ZOIs as described in 
Tables 3 and 4.

Soft-Start for Impact Pile Driving

    For impact pile installation, contractors will provide an initial 
set of three strikes from the impact hammer at 40 percent energy, 
followed by a one-minute waiting period, then two subsequent three-
strike sets. Each day, USCG will use the soft-start technique at the 
beginning of impact pile driving, or if impact pile driving has ceased 
for more than 30 minutes.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's planned measures, as 
well as other measures considered by NMFS, NMFS has determined that the 
mitigation measures provide the means of effecting the least 
practicable impact on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, 
paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of 
similar significance.

Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an IHA for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth, requirements pertaining to 
the monitoring and reporting of such taking. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104(a)(13) indicate that requests for 
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 
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.
    Marine mammal monitoring will be conducted in strategic locations 
around the area of potential effects at all times during in-water pile 
driving and removal as described below:
    [ssquf] During pile removal or installation the observer will 
monitor from the most practicable vantage point possible (i.e., the 
pier itself, the breakwater, adjacent boat docks in the harbor, or a 
boat) to determine whether marine mammals enter the Exclusion Zone and 
to record take when marine mammals enter the relevant Level B 
Harassment Zones based on type of construction activity; and
    [ssquf] If a marine mammal approaches an Exclusion Zone, the 
observation will be reported to the Construction Manager and the 
individual will be watched closely. If the marine mammal crosses into 
an Exclusion Zone, a stop-work order will be issued. In the event that 
a stop-work order is triggered, the observed marine mammal(s) will be 
closely monitored while it remains in or near the Exclusion Zone, and 
only when it moves well outside of the Exclusion Zone or has not been 
observed for at least 15 minutes for pinnipeds and 30 minutes for 
whales will the lead monitor allow work to recommence.

Protected Species Observers

    USCG shall employ a minimum of three NMFS-approved protected 
species observers (PSOs) to conduct marine mammal monitoring for its 
Monterey Station Project. The PSOs will observe and collect data on 
marine mammals in and around the project area for 30 minutes before, 
during, and for 30 minutes after all pile removal and pile installation 
work. NMFS-approved

[[Page 61553]]

PSOs shall meet the following requirements:
    1. Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible) 
sufficient for discernment of moving targets at the water's surface 
with ability to estimate target size and distance. Use of binoculars 
may be necessary to correctly identify the target;
    2. Advanced education in biological science, wildlife management, 
mammalogy or related fields (Bachelors degree or higher is preferred), 
but not required;
    3. Experience or training in the field identification of marine 
mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds);
    4. Sufficient training, orientation or experience with the 
construction operation to provide for personal safety during 
observations;
    5. Ability to communicate orally, by radio or in person, with 
project personnel to provide real time information on marine mammals 
observed in the area as necessary;
    6. Experience and ability to conduct field observations and collect 
data according to assigned protocols (this may include academic 
experience);
    7. Writing skills sufficient to prepare a report of observations 
that would include such information as the number and type of marine 
mammals observed; the behavior of marine mammals in the project area 
during construction, dates and times when observations were conducted; 
dates and times when in-water construction activities were conducted; 
and dates and times when marine mammals were present at or within the 
defined ZOI;
    8. If a team of three or more observers are required, one observer 
should be designated as lead observer or monitoring coordinator. The 
lead observer must have prior experience working as an observer;
    9. NMFS will require submission and approval of observer CVs; and
    10. PSOs will monitor marine mammals around the construction site 
using high-quality binoculars (e.g., Zeiss, 10 x 42 power) and/or 
spotting scopes.
    11. If marine mammals are observed, the following information will 
be documented:
    (A) Date and time that monitored activity begins or ends;
    (B) Construction activities occurring during each observation 
period;
    (C) Weather parameters (e.g., percent cover, visibility);
    (D) Water conditions (e.g., sea state, tide state);
    (E) Species, numbers, and, if possible, sex and age class of marine 
mammals;
    (F) Description of any observable marine mammal behavior patterns, 
including bearing and direction of travel and distance from pile 
driving activity;
    (G) Distance from pile driving activities to marine mammals and 
distance from the marine mammals to the observation point;
    (H) Locations of all marine mammal observations; and
    (I) Other human activity in the area.

Reporting Measures

Marine Mammal Monitoring Report
    USCG will be required to submit a draft marine mammal monitoring 
report within 90 days after completion of the in-water construction 
work or the expiration of the IHA (if issued), whichever comes earlier. 
The report will include data from marine mammal sightings as described: 
Date, time, location, species, group size, and behavior, any observed 
reactions to construction, distance to operating pile hammer, and 
construction activities occurring at time of sighting and environmental 
data for the period (i.e., wind speed and direction, sea state, tidal 
state, cloud cover, and visibility). The marine mammal monitoring 
report will also include total takes, takes by day, and stop-work 
orders for each species. NMFS will have an opportunity to provide 
comments on the report, and if NMFS has comments, USCG will address the 
comments and submit a final report to NMFS within 30 days.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the IHA 
(if issued), such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or 
mortality, USCG will immediately cease the specified activities and 
immediately report the incident to the Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS and the NMFS' West Coast 
Stranding Coordinator. The report must include the following 
information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all sound source use in the 24 hrs preceding the 
incident;
     Water depth;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hrs 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).
    Activities will resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with USCG to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. USCG may not resume their 
activities until notified by NMFS via letter, email, or telephone.
Reporting of Injured or Dead Marine Mammals
    In the event that the USCG discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the cause of the injury or 
death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in less than 
a moderate state of decomposition as described in the next paragraph), 
USCG will immediately report the incident to the Permits and 
Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS and the 
NMFS' West Coast Stranding Coordinator. The report must include the 
same information identified in the paragraph above. Activities may 
continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident. NMFS 
will work with USCG to determine whether modifications in the 
activities are appropriate.
    In the event that USCG discovers an injured or dead marine mammal, 
and the lead PSO determines that the injury or death is not associated 
with or related to the activities authorized in the IHA (e.g., 
previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, or scavenger damage), USCG will report the incident to 
the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
NMFS and the NMFS Stranding Hotline and/or by email to the NMFS' West 
Coast Stranding Coordinator within 24 hrs of the discovery. USCG will 
provide photographs or video footage (if available) or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS. Activities may 
continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident.

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

[[Page 61554]]

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).
    No injury, serious injury or mortality is anticipated or authorized 
for the Monterey Station Project. Takes that are anticipated and 
authorized are expected to be limited to short-term Level B harassment 
(behavioral) only. Marine mammals present in the vicinity of the action 
area and taken by Level B harassment would most likely show overt brief 
disturbance (startle reaction) and avoidance of the area from elevated 
noise levels during pile driving and pile removal.
    There is one endangered species that may occur in the project area, 
humpback whales. However, if any humpbacks are detected within the 
Level B harassment zone of the project area, the USCG will shut down.
    The Monterey Breakwater is a haulout location for approximately 250 
California sea lions. There no other known critical habitat areas, 
haulouts or import feeding areas in close proximately to the project 
area.
    The project also is not expected to have significant adverse 
effects on affected marine mammals' habitat, as analyzed in detail in 
the ``Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and 
their Habitat'' section. Project activities would not permanently 
modify existing marine mammal habitat. The activities may kill some 
fish and cause other fish to leave the area temporarily, thus impacting 
marine mammals' foraging opportunities in a limited portion of the 
foraging range; but, because of the short duration of the activities 
and the relatively small area of the habitat that may be affected, the 
impacts to marine mammal habitat are not expected to cause significant 
or long-term negative consequences. Therefore, given the consideration 
of potential impacts to marine mammal prey species and their physical 
environment, USCG's Monterey Station project would not adversely affect 
marine mammal habitat.
    In summary and as described above, the following factors primarily 
support our determination that the impacts resulting from this activity 
are not expected to adversely affect the species or stock through 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival:
     No injury, serious injury or mortality is anticipated or 
authorized;
     Takes that are anticipated and authorized are expected to 
be limited to short-term Level B harassment (behavioral);
     The project also is not expected to have significant 
adverse effects on affected marine mammals' habitat;
     There are no known important feeding or pupping areas. 
There is one haulout (the breakwater) within the project area. There 
are no other known important areas for marine mammals with the 
footprint of the project area; and
     For four out of the seven species, take is less than one 
percent of the stock abundance. Instances of take for the other three 
species (killer whale, bottlenose dolphin, and harbor porpoise) range 
from 3-10 percent of the stock abundance.
    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 monitoring and mitigation 
measures, NMFS finds that the total marine mammal take from the 
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 factors may be 
considered in the analysis, such as the temporal or spatial scale of 
the activities.
    For four out of the seven species, take is less than one percent of 
the stock abundance. Instances of take for the other three species 
(killer whale, bottlenose dolphin, and harbor porpoise) range from 3-10 
percent of the stock abundance. Based on the analysis contained herein 
of the planned activity (including the 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 sizes of the affected species or stocks.

Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine 
mammal stocks or species implicated by this action. Therefore, NMFS has 
determined that the total taking of affected species or stocks would 
not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such 
species or stocks for taking for subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA of 1973 (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 the West Coast Regional Office, whenever 
we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species.
    NMFS is not authorizing take of humpback whales, which are listed 
under the ESA, as the applicant will implement shutdown measures 
whenever humpbacks are observed (Level A or B). Therefore, consultation 
under section 7 of the ESA is not required.

Authorization

    NMFS has issued an IHA to USCG for the potential harassment of 
small numbers of seven marine mammal species incidental to pile driving 
and removal activities at the USCG Monterey Station, Monterey, 
California from December 2017 to October 2018, provided the previously 
mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

    Dated: December 22, 2017.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-28029 Filed 12-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P