Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, 25577-25580 [2024-07698]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 71 / Thursday, April 11, 2024 / Notices previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. A draft of the proposed and final initial IHA can be found at https://www.fisheries. noaa.gov/national/marine-mammalprotection/incidental-takeauthorizations-construction-activities. We request comment on our analyses, the proposed renewal IHA, and any other aspect of this notice. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our final decision on the request for MMPA authorization. Dated: April 8, 2024. Catherine G. Marzin, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–07678 Filed 4–10–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD851] Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of issuance of letter of authorization. AGENCY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS’ MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico. DATES: The LOA is effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. ADDRESSES: The LOA, LOA request, and supporting documentation are available online at: https://www.fisheries. noaa.gov/action/incidental-takeauthorization-oil-and-gas-industrygeophysical-survey-activity-gulf-mexico. In case of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Apr 10, 2024 Jkt 262001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jenna Harlacher, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce 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. 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). On January 19, 2021, we issued a final rule with regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activities conducted by oil and gas industry operators, and those persons authorized to conduct activities on their behalf (collectively ‘‘industry operators’’), in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) over the course of 5 years (86 FR 5322, January 19, 2021). The rule was based on our findings that the total taking from the specified activities over the 5-year period will have a negligible impact on the affected species or stock(s) of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25577 adverse impact on the availability of those species or stocks for subsistence uses. The rule became effective on April 19, 2021. Our regulations at 50 CFR 217.180 et seq. allow for the issuance of LOAs to industry operators for the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities and prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat (often referred to as mitigation), as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Under 50 CFR 217.186(e), issuance of an LOA shall be based on a determination that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations and a determination that the amount of take authorized under the LOA is of no more than small numbers. Summary of Request and Analysis Shell plans to conduct a 4D ocean bottom node (OBN) survey in the Mississippi Canyon 941 and portions of the surrounding 80 lease blocks; Vito Development, with approximate water depths ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters (m). See Section F of the LOA application for a map of the area. Shell anticipates using a single source vessel, towing a conventional airgun array source consisting of 32 elements, with a total volume of 5,110 cubic inches (in3). Please see Shell’s application for additional detail. Consistent with the preamble to the final rule, the survey effort proposed by Shell in its LOA request was used to develop LOA-specific take estimates based on the acoustic exposure modeling results described in the preamble (86 FR 5398, January 19, 2021). In order to generate the appropriate take number for authorization, the following information was considered: (1) survey type; (2) location (by modeling zone 1); (3) number of days; and (4) season.2 The acoustic exposure modeling performed in support of the rule provides 24-hour exposure estimates for each species, specific to each modeled survey type in each zone and season. No OBN surveys were included in the modeled survey types, and use of existing proxies (i.e., 2D, 3D NAZ, 3D WAZ, Coil) is generally conservative for 1 For purposes of acoustic exposure modeling, the GOM was divided into seven zones. Zone 1 is not included in the geographic scope of the rule. 2 For purposes of acoustic exposure modeling, seasons include Winter (December–March) and Summer (April–November). E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 25578 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 71 / Thursday, April 11, 2024 / Notices use in evaluation of 3D OBN survey effort, largely due to the greater area covered by the modeled proxies. Summary descriptions of these modeled survey geometries are available in the preamble to the proposed rule (83 FR 29212, 29220, June 22, 2018). Coil was selected as the best available proxy survey type because the spatial coverage of the planned survey is most similar to that associated with the coil survey pattern. The planned OBN survey will involve one source vessel sailing along closely spaced survey lines approximately 20 km in length. The coil survey pattern in the model was assumed to cover approximately 144 kilometers squared (km2) per day (compared with approximately 795 km2, 199 km2, and 845 km2 per day for the 2D, 3D NAZ, and 3D WAZ survey patterns, respectively). Among the different parameters of the modeled survey patterns (e.g., area covered, line spacing, number of sources, shot interval, total simulated pulses), NMFS considers area covered per day to be most influential on daily modeled exposures exceeding Level B harassment criteria. Although Shell is not proposing to perform a survey using the coil geometry, its planned OBN survey is expected to cover approximately 15.7 km2 per day, meaning that the coil proxy is most representative of the effort planned by Shell in terms of predicted Level B harassment exposures. In addition, all available acoustic exposure modeling results assume use of a 72-element, 8,000 in3 array. Thus, take numbers authorized through the LOA are considered conservative due to differences in both the airgun array (32 elements, 5,110 in3) and the daily survey area planned by Shell (15.7 km2), as compared to those modeled for the rule. The survey is planned to occur for approximately 90 days in Zone 5, with airguns being used on 60 of the days. The seasonal distribution of survey days is not known in advance. Therefore, the take estimates for each species are based on the season that has the greater value for the species (i.e., winter or summer). For some species, take estimates based solely on the modeling yielded results that are not realistically likely to occur when considered in light of other relevant information available during the rulemaking process regarding marine mammal occurrence in the GOM. The approach used in the acoustic exposure modeling, in which seven modeling zones were defined over the U.S. GOM, necessarily averages finescale information about marine mammal distribution over the large area of each VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Apr 10, 2024 Jkt 262001 modeling zone. Thus, although the modeling conducted for the rule is a natural starting point for estimating take, the rule acknowledged that other information could be considered (see, e.g., 86 FR 5442, January 19, 2021), discussing the need to provide flexibility and make efficient use of previous public and agency review of other information and identifying that additional public review is not necessary unless the model or inputs used differ substantively from those that were previously reviewed by NMFS and the public). For this survey, NMFS has other relevant information reviewed during the rulemaking that indicates use of the acoustic exposure modeling to generate a take estimate for certain marine mammal species produces results inconsistent with what is known regarding their occurrence in the GOM. Accordingly, we have adjusted the calculated take estimates for those species as described below. NMFS’ final rule described a ‘‘core habitat area’’ for Rice’s whales (formerly known as GOM Bryde’s whales) 3 located in the northeastern GOM in waters between 100 and 400 m depth along the continental shelf break (Rosel et al., 2016). However, whaling records suggest that Rice’s whales historically had a broader distribution within similar habitat parameters throughout the GOM (Reeves et al., 2011; Rosel and Wilcox, 2014). In addition, habitatbased density modeling has identified similar habitat (i.e., approximately 100 to 400 m water depths along the continental shelf break) as being potential Rice’s whale habitat (Roberts et al., 2016; Garrison et al., 2023), and Rice’s whales have been detected within this depth band throughout the GOM (Soldevilla et al., 2022, 2024). See discussion provided at, e.g., 83 FR 29228, June 22, 2018; 83 FR 29280, June 22, 2018; 86 FR 5418, January 19, 2021. Although Rice’s whales may occur outside of the core habitat area, we expect that any such occurrence would be limited to the narrow band of suitable habitat described above (i.e., 100–400 m) and that, based on the few available records, these occurrences would be rare. Shell’s planned activities will occur in water depths of approximately 1,500 to 3,000 m in the central GOM. Thus, NMFS does not expect there to be the reasonable potential for take of Rice’s whale in association with this survey and, 3 The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). These whales were subsequently described as a new species, Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021). PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 accordingly, does not authorize take of Rice’s whale through the LOA. Killer whales are the most rarely encountered species in the GOM, typically in deep waters of the central GOM (Roberts et al., 2015; Maze-Foley and Mullin, 2006). As discussed in the final rule, the density models produced by Roberts et al. (2016) represent the output of models derived from multiyear observations and associated environmental parameters that incorporate corrections for detection bias. However, in the case of killer whales, the model is informed by few data, as indicated by the coefficient of variation associated with the abundance predicted by the model (0.41, the second-highest of any GOM species model; Roberts et al., 2016). The model’s authors noted the expected non-uniform distribution of this rarelyencountered species (as discussed above) and expressed that, due to the limited data available to inform the model, it ‘‘should be viewed cautiously’’ (Roberts et al., 2015). NOAA surveys in the GOM from 1992 to 2009 reported only 16 sightings of killer whales, with an additional 3 encounters during more recent survey effort from 2017 to 2018 (Waring et al., 2013; https://www.boem.gov/ gommapps). Two other species were also observed on fewer than 20 occasions during the 1992 to 2009 NOAA surveys (Fraser’s dolphin and false killer whale).4 However, observational data collected by protected species observers (PSO) on industry geophysical survey vessels from 2002 to 2015 distinguish the killer whale in terms of rarity. During this period, killer whales were encountered on only 10 occasions, whereas the next most rarely encountered species (Fraser’s dolphin) was recorded on 69 occasions (Barkaszi and Kelly, 2019). The false killer whale and pygmy killer whale were the next most rarely encountered species, with 110 records each. The killer whale was the species with the lowest detection frequency during each period over which PSO data were synthesized (2002 to 2008 and 2009 to 2015). This information qualitatively informed our rulemaking process, as discussed at 86 FR 5322 and 86 FR 5334 (January 19, 2021), and similarly informs our analysis here. The rarity of encounter during seismic surveys is not likely to be the product of high bias on the probability of detection. Unlike certain cryptic species with high detection bias, such as Kogia 4 However, note that these species have been observed over a greater range of water depths in the GOM than have killer whales. E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 25579 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 71 / Thursday, April 11, 2024 / Notices spp. or beaked whales, or deep-diving species with high availability bias, such as beaked whales or sperm whales, killer whales are typically available for detection when present and are easily observed. Roberts et al. (2015) stated that availability is not a major factor affecting detectability of killer whales from shipboard surveys, as they are not a particularly long-diving species. Baird et al. (2005) reported that mean dive durations for 41 fish-eating killer whales for dives greater than or equal to 1 minute in duration was 2.3–2.4 minutes, and Hooker et al. (2012) reported that killer whales spent 78 percent of their time at depths between 0–10 m. Similarly, Kvadsheim et al. (2012) reported data from a study of 4 killer whales, noting that the whales performed 20 times as many dives 1–30 m in depth than to deeper waters, with an average depth during those most common dives of approximately 3 m. In summary, killer whales are the most rarely encountered species in the GOM and typically occur only in particularly deep water (>700 m). This survey would take place in deep waters that would overlap with depths in which killer whales typically occur. While this information is reflected through the density model informing the acoustic exposure modeling results, there is relatively high uncertainty associated with the model for this species, and the acoustic exposure modeling applies mean distribution data over areas where the species is in fact less likely to occur. NMFS’ determination in reflection of the data discussed above, which informed the final rule, is that use of the generic acoustic exposure modeling results for killer whales will generally result in estimated take numbers that are inconsistent with the assumptions made in the rule regarding expected killer whale take (86 FR 5403, January 19, 2021). In past authorizations, NMFS has often addressed situations involving the low likelihood of encountering a rare species such as killer whales in the GOM through authorization of take of a single group of average size (i.e., representing a single potential encounter). See 83 FR 63268, December 7, 2018. See also 86 FR 29090, May 28, 2021 and 85 FR 55645, September 9, 2020. For the reasons expressed above, NMFS determined that a single encounter of killer whales is more likely than the model-generated estimates and has authorized take associated with a single group encounter (i.e., up to 7 animals). Based on the results of our analysis, NMFS has determined that the level of taking expected for this survey and authorized through the LOA is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the regulations. See table 1 in this notice and table 9 of the rule (86 FR 5322, January 19, 2021). Small Numbers Determination Under the GOM rule, NMFS may not authorize incidental take of marine mammals in an LOA if it will exceed ‘‘small numbers.’’ In short, when an acceptable estimate of the individual marine mammals taken is available, if the estimated number of individual animals taken is up to, but not greater than, one-third of the best available abundance estimate, NMFS will determine that the numbers of marine mammals taken of a species or stock are small. For more information please see NMFS’ discussion of the MMPA’s small numbers requirement provided in the final rule (86 FR 5438, January 19, 2021). The take numbers for authorization are determined as described above in the Summary of Request and Analysis section. Subsequently, the total incidents of harassment for each species are multiplied by scalar ratios to produce a derived product that better reflects the number of individuals likely to be taken within a survey (as compared to the total number of instances of take), accounting for the likelihood that some individual marine mammals may be taken on more than one day (see 86 FR 5404, January 19, 2021). The output of this scaling, where appropriate, is incorporated into adjusted total take estimates that are the basis for NMFS’ small numbers determinations, as depicted in table 1. This product is used by NMFS in making the necessary small numbers determinations through comparison with the best available abundance estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5391, January 19, 2021). For this comparison, NMFS’ approach is to use the maximum theoretical population, determined through review of current stock assessment reports (SAR; https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ marine-mammal-protection/marinemammal-stock-assessments) and modelpredicted abundance information (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/ Duke/GOM/). For the latter, for taxa where a density surface model could be produced, we use the maximum mean seasonal (i.e., 3-month) abundance prediction for purposes of comparison as a precautionary smoothing of monthto-month fluctuations and in consideration of a corresponding lack of data in the literature regarding seasonal distribution of marine mammals in the GOM. Information supporting the small numbers determinations is provided in table 1. TABLE 1—TAKE ANALYSIS Authorized take khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Species Rice’s whale 3 ................................................................................................... Sperm whale .................................................................................................... Kogia spp ......................................................................................................... Beaked whales ................................................................................................ Rough-toothed dolphin .................................................................................... Bottlenose dolphin ........................................................................................... Clymene dolphin .............................................................................................. Atlantic spotted dolphin ................................................................................... Pantropical spotted dolphin ............................................................................. Spinner dolphin ................................................................................................ Striped dolphin ................................................................................................. Fraser’s dolphin ............................................................................................... Risso’s dolphin ................................................................................................. Melon-headed whale ....................................................................................... Pygmy killer whale ........................................................................................... False killer whale ............................................................................................. Killer whale ...................................................................................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Apr 10, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Scaled take 1 0 1,578 4 596 6,966 1,198 5,675 3,370 2,267 15,293 4,098 1,316 378 990 2,214 521 829 7 E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM n/a 668 181 704 344 1,629 967 651 4,389 1,176 378 109 292 653 154 245 n/a 11APN1 Abundance 2 51 2,207 4,373 3,768 4,853 176,108 11,895 74,785 102,361 25,114 5,229 1,665 3,764 7,003 2,126 3,204 267 Percent abundance n/a 30.2 4.9 18.7 7.1 0.9 8.1 0.9 4.3 4.7 7.2 6.5 7.8 9.3 7.2 7.6 2.6 25580 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 71 / Thursday, April 11, 2024 / Notices TABLE 1—TAKE ANALYSIS—Continued Authorized take Species Short-finned pilot whale ................................................................................... Scaled take 1 640 189 Abundance 2 1,981 Percent abundance 9.5 1 Scalar ratios were applied to ‘‘Authorized Take’’ values as described at 86 FR 5322, 5404 (January 19, 2021) to derive scaled take numbers shown here. 2 Best abundance estimate. For most taxa, the best abundance estimate for purposes of comparison with take estimates is considered here to be the model-predicted abundance (Roberts et al., 2016). For those taxa where a density surface model predicting abundance by month was produced, the maximum mean seasonal abundance was used. For those taxa where abundance is not predicted by month, only mean annual abundance is available. For Rice’s whale and killer whale, the larger estimated SAR abundance estimate is used. 3 The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). These whales were subsequently described as a new species, Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021). 4 Includes 32 takes by Level A harassment and 564 takes by Level B harassment. Scalar ratio is applied to takes by Level B harassment only; small numbers determination made on basis of scaled Level B harassment take plus authorized Level A harassment take. Based on the analysis contained herein of Shell’s proposed survey activity described in its LOA application and the anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the affected species or stock sizes (i.e., less than one-third of the best available abundance estimate) and therefore the taking is of no more than small numbers. Authorization NMFS has determined that the level of taking for this LOA request is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the incidental take regulations and that the amount of take authorized under the LOA is of no more than small numbers. Accordingly, we have issued an LOA to Shell authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to its geophysical survey activity, as described above. Dated: April 8, 2024. Catherine Marzin, Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–07698 Filed 4–10–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD681] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Maintenance and Pile Replacement Project in Puget Sound, Washington National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental harassment authorizations; request for comments on proposed authorizations and possible renewal. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Apr 10, 2024 Jkt 262001 NMFS has received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to 2 years of construction activities associated with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest (NAVFAC NW) Maintenance and Pile Replacement (MPR) project in Puget Sound, Washington. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue two consecutive 1-year incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible onetime, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. 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 May 13, 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS and should be submitted via email to ITP.Fleming@noaa.gov. 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: https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ marine-mammal-protection/incidentaltake-authorizations-constructionactivities. In case of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed above. 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, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25megabyte file size. All comments SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/ incidental-take-authorizations-undermarine-mammal-protection-act 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: Kate Fleming, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The MMPA prohibits the ‘‘take’’ of marine mammals, with certain exceptions. 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 proposed or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed IHA is provided to the public for review. Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for taking for subsistence uses (where relevant). Further, NMFS must prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other ‘‘means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact’’ on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the availability of the species or stocks for taking for certain subsistence uses (referred to in shorthand as E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 71 (Thursday, April 11, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25577-25580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07698]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD851]

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals
Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in
the Gulf of Mexico

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

ACTION: Notice of issuance of letter of authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as
amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil
and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given
that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to Shell Offshore
Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical
survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

DATES: The LOA is effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

ADDRESSES: The LOA, LOA request, and supporting documentation are
available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-oil-and-gas-industry-geophysical-survey-activity-gulf-mexico. In case of problems accessing these documents, please call
the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)
direct the Secretary of Commerce 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.
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).
On January 19, 2021, we issued a final rule with regulations to
govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to
geophysical survey activities conducted by oil and gas industry
operators, and those persons authorized to conduct activities on their
behalf (collectively ``industry operators''), in U.S. waters of the
Gulf of Mexico (GOM) over the course of 5 years (86 FR 5322, January
19, 2021). The rule was based on our findings that the total taking
from the specified activities over the 5-year period will have a
negligible impact on the affected species or stock(s) of marine mammals
and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of
those species or stocks for subsistence uses. The rule became effective
on April 19, 2021.
Our regulations at 50 CFR 217.180 et seq. allow for the issuance of
LOAs to industry operators for the incidental take of marine mammals
during geophysical survey activities and prescribe the permissible
methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable
adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat
(often referred to as mitigation), as well as requirements pertaining
to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Under 50 CFR
217.186(e), issuance of an LOA shall be based on a determination that
the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the
total taking allowable under these regulations and a determination that
the amount of take authorized under the LOA is of no more than small
numbers.

Summary of Request and Analysis

Shell plans to conduct a 4D ocean bottom node (OBN) survey in the
Mississippi Canyon 941 and portions of the surrounding 80 lease blocks;
Vito Development, with approximate water depths ranging from 1,500 to
3,000 meters (m). See Section F of the LOA application for a map of the
area. Shell anticipates using a single source vessel, towing a
conventional airgun array source consisting of 32 elements, with a
total volume of 5,110 cubic inches (in\3\). Please see Shell's
application for additional detail.
Consistent with the preamble to the final rule, the survey effort
proposed by Shell in its LOA request was used to develop LOA-specific
take estimates based on the acoustic exposure modeling results
described in the preamble (86 FR 5398, January 19, 2021). In order to
generate the appropriate take number for authorization, the following
information was considered: (1) survey type; (2) location (by modeling
zone \1\); (3) number of days; and (4) season.\2\ The acoustic exposure
modeling performed in support of the rule provides 24-hour exposure
estimates for each species, specific to each modeled survey type in
each zone and season.
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\1\ For purposes of acoustic exposure modeling, the GOM was
divided into seven zones. Zone 1 is not included in the geographic
scope of the rule.
\2\ For purposes of acoustic exposure modeling, seasons include
Winter (December-March) and Summer (April-November).
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No OBN surveys were included in the modeled survey types, and use
of existing proxies (i.e., 2D, 3D NAZ, 3D WAZ, Coil) is generally
conservative for

[[Page 25578]]

use in evaluation of 3D OBN survey effort, largely due to the greater
area covered by the modeled proxies. Summary descriptions of these
modeled survey geometries are available in the preamble to the proposed
rule (83 FR 29212, 29220, June 22, 2018). Coil was selected as the best
available proxy survey type because the spatial coverage of the planned
survey is most similar to that associated with the coil survey pattern.
The planned OBN survey will involve one source vessel sailing along
closely spaced survey lines approximately 20 km in length. The coil
survey pattern in the model was assumed to cover approximately 144
kilometers squared (km\2\) per day (compared with approximately 795
km\2\, 199 km\2\, and 845 km\2\ per day for the 2D, 3D NAZ, and 3D WAZ
survey patterns, respectively). Among the different parameters of the
modeled survey patterns (e.g., area covered, line spacing, number of
sources, shot interval, total simulated pulses), NMFS considers area
covered per day to be most influential on daily modeled exposures
exceeding Level B harassment criteria. Although Shell is not proposing
to perform a survey using the coil geometry, its planned OBN survey is
expected to cover approximately 15.7 km\2\ per day, meaning that the
coil proxy is most representative of the effort planned by Shell in
terms of predicted Level B harassment exposures.
In addition, all available acoustic exposure modeling results
assume use of a 72-element, 8,000 in\3\ array. Thus, take numbers
authorized through the LOA are considered conservative due to
differences in both the airgun array (32 elements, 5,110 in\3\) and the
daily survey area planned by Shell (15.7 km\2\), as compared to those
modeled for the rule.
The survey is planned to occur for approximately 90 days in Zone 5,
with airguns being used on 60 of the days. The seasonal distribution of
survey days is not known in advance. Therefore, the take estimates for
each species are based on the season that has the greater value for the
species (i.e., winter or summer).
For some species, take estimates based solely on the modeling
yielded results that are not realistically likely to occur when
considered in light of other relevant information available during the
rulemaking process regarding marine mammal occurrence in the GOM. The
approach used in the acoustic exposure modeling, in which seven
modeling zones were defined over the U.S. GOM, necessarily averages
fine-scale information about marine mammal distribution over the large
area of each modeling zone. Thus, although the modeling conducted for
the rule is a natural starting point for estimating take, the rule
acknowledged that other information could be considered (see, e.g., 86
FR 5442, January 19, 2021), discussing the need to provide flexibility
and make efficient use of previous public and agency review of other
information and identifying that additional public review is not
necessary unless the model or inputs used differ substantively from
those that were previously reviewed by NMFS and the public). For this
survey, NMFS has other relevant information reviewed during the
rulemaking that indicates use of the acoustic exposure modeling to
generate a take estimate for certain marine mammal species produces
results inconsistent with what is known regarding their occurrence in
the GOM. Accordingly, we have adjusted the calculated take estimates
for those species as described below.
NMFS' final rule described a ``core habitat area'' for Rice's
whales (formerly known as GOM Bryde's whales) \3\ located in the
northeastern GOM in waters between 100 and 400 m depth along the
continental shelf break (Rosel et al., 2016). However, whaling records
suggest that Rice's whales historically had a broader distribution
within similar habitat parameters throughout the GOM (Reeves et al.,
2011; Rosel and Wilcox, 2014). In addition, habitat-based density
modeling has identified similar habitat (i.e., approximately 100 to 400
m water depths along the continental shelf break) as being potential
Rice's whale habitat (Roberts et al., 2016; Garrison et al., 2023), and
Rice's whales have been detected within this depth band throughout the
GOM (Soldevilla et al., 2022, 2024). See discussion provided at, e.g.,
83 FR 29228, June 22, 2018; 83 FR 29280, June 22, 2018; 86 FR 5418,
January 19, 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera
edeni). These whales were subsequently described as a new species,
Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although Rice's whales may occur outside of the core habitat area,
we expect that any such occurrence would be limited to the narrow band
of suitable habitat described above (i.e., 100-400 m) and that, based
on the few available records, these occurrences would be rare. Shell's
planned activities will occur in water depths of approximately 1,500 to
3,000 m in the central GOM. Thus, NMFS does not expect there to be the
reasonable potential for take of Rice's whale in association with this
survey and, accordingly, does not authorize take of Rice's whale
through the LOA.
Killer whales are the most rarely encountered species in the GOM,
typically in deep waters of the central GOM (Roberts et al., 2015;
Maze-Foley and Mullin, 2006). As discussed in the final rule, the
density models produced by Roberts et al. (2016) represent the output
of models derived from multi-year observations and associated
environmental parameters that incorporate corrections for detection
bias. However, in the case of killer whales, the model is informed by
few data, as indicated by the coefficient of variation associated with
the abundance predicted by the model (0.41, the second-highest of any
GOM species model; Roberts et al., 2016). The model's authors noted the
expected non-uniform distribution of this rarely-encountered species
(as discussed above) and expressed that, due to the limited data
available to inform the model, it ``should be viewed cautiously''
(Roberts et al., 2015).
NOAA surveys in the GOM from 1992 to 2009 reported only 16
sightings of killer whales, with an additional 3 encounters during more
recent survey effort from 2017 to 2018 (Waring et al., 2013; https://www.boem.gov/gommapps). Two other species were also observed on fewer
than 20 occasions during the 1992 to 2009 NOAA surveys (Fraser's
dolphin and false killer whale).\4\ However, observational data
collected by protected species observers (PSO) on industry geophysical
survey vessels from 2002 to 2015 distinguish the killer whale in terms
of rarity. During this period, killer whales were encountered on only
10 occasions, whereas the next most rarely encountered species
(Fraser's dolphin) was recorded on 69 occasions (Barkaszi and Kelly,
2019). The false killer whale and pygmy killer whale were the next most
rarely encountered species, with 110 records each. The killer whale was
the species with the lowest detection frequency during each period over
which PSO data were synthesized (2002 to 2008 and 2009 to 2015). This
information qualitatively informed our rulemaking process, as discussed
at 86 FR 5322 and 86 FR 5334 (January 19, 2021), and similarly informs
our analysis here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ However, note that these species have been observed over a
greater range of water depths in the GOM than have killer whales.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rarity of encounter during seismic surveys is not likely to be
the product of high bias on the probability of detection. Unlike
certain cryptic species with high detection bias, such as Kogia

[[Page 25579]]

spp. or beaked whales, or deep-diving species with high availability
bias, such as beaked whales or sperm whales, killer whales are
typically available for detection when present and are easily observed.
Roberts et al. (2015) stated that availability is not a major factor
affecting detectability of killer whales from shipboard surveys, as
they are not a particularly long-diving species. Baird et al. (2005)
reported that mean dive durations for 41 fish-eating killer whales for
dives greater than or equal to 1 minute in duration was 2.3-2.4
minutes, and Hooker et al. (2012) reported that killer whales spent 78
percent of their time at depths between 0-10 m. Similarly, Kvadsheim et
al. (2012) reported data from a study of 4 killer whales, noting that
the whales performed 20 times as many dives 1-30 m in depth than to
deeper waters, with an average depth during those most common dives of
approximately 3 m.
In summary, killer whales are the most rarely encountered species
in the GOM and typically occur only in particularly deep water (>700
m). This survey would take place in deep waters that would overlap with
depths in which killer whales typically occur. While this information
is reflected through the density model informing the acoustic exposure
modeling results, there is relatively high uncertainty associated with
the model for this species, and the acoustic exposure modeling applies
mean distribution data over areas where the species is in fact less
likely to occur. NMFS' determination in reflection of the data
discussed above, which informed the final rule, is that use of the
generic acoustic exposure modeling results for killer whales will
generally result in estimated take numbers that are inconsistent with
the assumptions made in the rule regarding expected killer whale take
(86 FR 5403, January 19, 2021).
In past authorizations, NMFS has often addressed situations
involving the low likelihood of encountering a rare species such as
killer whales in the GOM through authorization of take of a single
group of average size (i.e., representing a single potential
encounter). See 83 FR 63268, December 7, 2018. See also 86 FR 29090,
May 28, 2021 and 85 FR 55645, September 9, 2020. For the reasons
expressed above, NMFS determined that a single encounter of killer
whales is more likely than the model-generated estimates and has
authorized take associated with a single group encounter (i.e., up to 7
animals).
Based on the results of our analysis, NMFS has determined that the
level of taking expected for this survey and authorized through the LOA
is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable
under the regulations. See table 1 in this notice and table 9 of the
rule (86 FR 5322, January 19, 2021).

Small Numbers Determination

Under the GOM rule, NMFS may not authorize incidental take of
marine mammals in an LOA if it will exceed ``small numbers.'' In short,
when an acceptable estimate of the individual marine mammals taken is
available, if the estimated number of individual animals taken is up
to, but not greater than, one-third of the best available abundance
estimate, NMFS will determine that the numbers of marine mammals taken
of a species or stock are small. For more information please see NMFS'
discussion of the MMPA's small numbers requirement provided in the
final rule (86 FR 5438, January 19, 2021).
The take numbers for authorization are determined as described
above in the Summary of Request and Analysis section. Subsequently, the
total incidents of harassment for each species are multiplied by scalar
ratios to produce a derived product that better reflects the number of
individuals likely to be taken within a survey (as compared to the
total number of instances of take), accounting for the likelihood that
some individual marine mammals may be taken on more than one day (see
86 FR 5404, January 19, 2021). The output of this scaling, where
appropriate, is incorporated into adjusted total take estimates that
are the basis for NMFS' small numbers determinations, as depicted in
table 1.
This product is used by NMFS in making the necessary small numbers
determinations through comparison with the best available abundance
estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5391, January 19, 2021). For this
comparison, NMFS' approach is to use the maximum theoretical
population, determined through review of current stock assessment
reports (SAR; https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessments) and model-predicted
abundance information (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/Duke/GOM/).
For the latter, for taxa where a density surface model could be
produced, we use the maximum mean seasonal (i.e., 3-month) abundance
prediction for purposes of comparison as a precautionary smoothing of
month-to-month fluctuations and in consideration of a corresponding
lack of data in the literature regarding seasonal distribution of
marine mammals in the GOM. Information supporting the small numbers
determinations is provided in table 1.

Table 1--Take Analysis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized Scaled take Percent
Species take \1\ Abundance \2\ abundance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice's whale \3\................................ 0 n/a 51 n/a
Sperm whale..................................... 1,578 668 2,207 30.2
Kogia spp....................................... \4\ 596 181 4,373 4.9
Beaked whales................................... 6,966 704 3,768 18.7
Rough-toothed dolphin........................... 1,198 344 4,853 7.1
Bottlenose dolphin.............................. 5,675 1,629 176,108 0.9
Clymene dolphin................................. 3,370 967 11,895 8.1
Atlantic spotted dolphin........................ 2,267 651 74,785 0.9
Pantropical spotted dolphin..................... 15,293 4,389 102,361 4.3
Spinner dolphin................................. 4,098 1,176 25,114 4.7
Striped dolphin................................. 1,316 378 5,229 7.2
Fraser's dolphin................................ 378 109 1,665 6.5
Risso's dolphin................................. 990 292 3,764 7.8
Melon-headed whale.............................. 2,214 653 7,003 9.3
Pygmy killer whale.............................. 521 154 2,126 7.2
False killer whale.............................. 829 245 3,204 7.6
Killer whale.................................... 7 n/a 267 2.6

[[Page 25580]]

Short-finned pilot whale........................ 640 189 1,981 9.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Scalar ratios were applied to ``Authorized Take'' values as described at 86 FR 5322, 5404 (January 19, 2021)
to derive scaled take numbers shown here.
\2\ Best abundance estimate. For most taxa, the best abundance estimate for purposes of comparison with take
estimates is considered here to be the model-predicted abundance (Roberts et al., 2016). For those taxa where
a density surface model predicting abundance by month was produced, the maximum mean seasonal abundance was
used. For those taxa where abundance is not predicted by month, only mean annual abundance is available. For
Rice's whale and killer whale, the larger estimated SAR abundance estimate is used.
\3\ The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni). These whales were subsequently
described as a new species, Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021).
\4\ Includes 32 takes by Level A harassment and 564 takes by Level B harassment. Scalar ratio is applied to
takes by Level B harassment only; small numbers determination made on basis of scaled Level B harassment take
plus authorized Level A harassment take.

Based on the analysis contained herein of Shell's proposed survey
activity described in its LOA application and the anticipated take of
marine mammals, NMFS finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be
taken relative to the affected species or stock sizes (i.e., less than
one-third of the best available abundance estimate) and therefore the
taking is of no more than small numbers.

Authorization

NMFS has determined that the level of taking for this LOA request
is consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable
under the incidental take regulations and that the amount of take
authorized under the LOA is of no more than small numbers. Accordingly,
we have issued an LOA to Shell authorizing the take of marine mammals
incidental to its geophysical survey activity, as described above.

Dated: April 8, 2024.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-07698 Filed 4-10-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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