    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    HANDBOOK FOR

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY OPERATORS

                  FOR WASHINGTON'S OFFSHORE AND

                                  INLAND MARINE WATERS

                         Pro e-t f  cF     -  -..-:ary

     Prepared by   Sara Williams

     Washington  State Department  of Ecology
     Shorelands and Coastal Zone  Management  Program
     Olympia, Washington July 1986

                                          U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NUO
                                          COASTAL .  FRVICES CENTER
                                          223A )(ulT H(QPgON AVENUE
    .I I
                                           CHRLESVA,~  -? 9A05-2413

    The preparation of this document was financially aided through a grant to the Washington State
     Department of Ecology with funds obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
    and appropriated for Section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.

                          TABLE OF CONTENTS

    SECTION                                            PAGE NUMBER

         PREFACE                                             ii

    I INTRODUCTION                                            1

              Background                                     5
              Legislation                                    6
                   Federal - OCS Lands Act                   6
                            - Memorandum of Agreement 9
                   State   - Shoreline Management Act       11
                           - SEPA                          14
              Environmental Overview                        15

    2    WASHINGTON'S FISHERIES                             22

              Fishing gear and methods                      23
                   Crab and fish pots                       23
                   Longline                                 30
                   Gillnets                                 32
                   Trawls                                   36
                   Purse seines                             38
                   Trolling                                 41
                   Reef net                                 42

    3    MARINE MAMMALS/MARINE BIRDS/SENSITIVE HABITATS   43

              Marine mammals                                43
              Seabirds                                      57
              Sensitive habitats                            60

    4    SEISMIC SURVEYS                                     68

              Process                                       70
              Operations                                    72

    5    APPENDICES                                         77

              Geophysical survey permit process             77
              Geophysical survey permit                     79
              Memorandum of Agreement                       81
              SEPA Checklist                                87

                           LIST OF FIGURES

    FIGURE    TITLE                                   PAGE NUMBER

     1        Cross Section of Continental Shelf           iii

     2        Washington/Oregon OCS Planning Area            2

     3        Idealized Cross Section of Ocean              19
              Subfloor Strata

     4        Map of Ocean Fisheries                        24

     5        Illustration of Crab Fishing Boat             25

     6        Map of Crab Fishing Areas - North Coast      26

     7        Map of Crab Fishing Areas - South Coast      27

     8        Illustration of a Longliner                   31

     9        Illustration of a Gillnetter                  34

    10        Illustration of a Trawler                     34

    11        Illustration of a Purse Seiner                39

    12        Illustration of a Troller                    39

    13        External Anatomy of Cetaceans                 45

    14        Relative Sizes of Adult Cetaceans            49

    15        Pinniped Habitat - North Coast               53

    16        Pinniped Habitat - South Coast               54

    17        Pinniped Habitat - North Puget Sound         55

    18        Pinniped Habitat - South Puget Sound         56

    19        Sensitive Bird Habitats - North Coast        63
    20        Sensitive Bird Habitats - South Coast        64

    21        Sensitive Bird Habitats - North Puget Sound 65

    22        Sensitive Bird Habitats - South Puget Sound 66

    23        Profile of Seismic Survey Operation           69

    24        Seismic Streamer Towing Configuration         71
                                                           71

    I
    I                                   LIST OF TABLES
                 TABLE     TITLE                                   PAGE NUMBER
                  1        List of Marine Mammal Species Reported       44
                           from the Coastal Waters of Washington
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    The Department of Ecology, Outer Continental Shelf State
    Participation Program, would like to acknowledge the
    following individuals and agencies for their contributions
    to this publication.

    Wa. Department of Ecology     Don Bales
                                  Pamela Miller
                                  Tim Schlender
                                  Brian Walsh

    Wa. Department of Fisheries   Greg Bargmann
                                  Steve Barry
                                  Brian Culver
                                  Don Haring
                                  Mary Lou Mills

    Wa. Department of Game        Steve Jeffries
                                  Kelly McAllister

    Natural Resources Consultants, Seattle, Wa.
    Oil/Fisheries Group of Alaska

    Western Oil and Gas Association (California)

             PREFACE

    I        ~~Washington State's marine environment is rich in resources.

             A wide diversity of habitats support many species of marine

             mammals and birds, and a valuable commercial fishing

             industry.

    I        ~~The shallow undersea terrace adjacent to the coastline,

             called the continental shelf, provides habitat for many

             living resources. Submarine canyons and offshore banks

             support a tremendously productive commercial fishery, and

             marine mammals, seabirds and fish thrive in a complex food

             web.

    H        ~~The continental shelf also abounds with non-living

             resources. The Washington/Oregon outer continental shelf

             may contain approximately 180 million barrels of oil and 3.2

             trillion cubic feet of gas in undiscovered reserves,

             according to estimates by the federal Department of the

    I        ~~Interior.  Based on 1983 figures for United States

    3        ~~consumption, these reserves would provide a 56-day supply of

             oil and an 11-week supply of natural gas for the entire

    3        ~~United States.  Interest in the oil and gas potential of the

             Washington/Oregon offshore has prompted the Secretary of the

    I        ~~Interior to schedule a lease offering in the year 1991.

           I                               ii~~~~

                                                                                              2(00mileS
                                                                                       Exclusive Economic zone

    m i n m m i n m m~~~~~~m~~   -  -                                                                            -"-n

             GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

             Although the continental shelf extends seaward 8-40 miles

             off Washington's coast, the term outer continental shelf, or

    I        ~~OCS, is used to describe the federally-managed submerged

             lands that lie seaward of the state's three mile territorial

    I        ~~sea.  The federal government's jurisdiction, called the

             Exclusive Economic Zone, extends 200 miles out from the

             coast (Figure 1).

             GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

             Historically, the culture of Washington's coastal Indians

             thrived on the abundant seafood found in the waters of f our

    I        ~~coasts.  Today, the commercial fishing industry remains

             productive, contributing an estimated 1.2 billion dollars

             each year to the state's economy.

             As interest in the Pacific Northwest's hydrocarbon potential

             increases, it becomes imperative to create and improve

             communication between marine resource users. Only through

    I        ~~careful planning of seismic programs, and detailed

             communication between geophysical operators and fishermen,,

             can we avoid or at least minimize operational conflicts so

             that the two industries can successfully coexist.

           I~~~~~~~~~~~i

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    I   __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    I SECTION ONE
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                    INTRODUCTION
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    I       ~~The level of pre-lease activity, especially offshore

             geophysical or "seismic" surveys, is likely to increase as a

             result of the placement of Washington and Oregon's offshore

             on the proposed lease schedule (Figure 2). Offshore

             geophysical surveys are the principal method by which

    I       ~~geologists map the geologic strata beneath the seafloor in

             search of clues about petroleum deposits.

             Typically, geophysical surveys mark the first step in

             offshore exploration. Whether in state or federal waters,

    I        ~~this activity requires a permit.  There are a number of

             important criteria for permit issuance, among them the

             stipulation that the activity not adversely affect the

    I        ~~state's fisheries and wildlife resources.

    3        ~~The Washington State Department of Ecology is the agency

             that responds to the U.S. Department of the Interior's outer

    I        ~~continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas lease program.  Ecology

             3has responsibility for ensuring that various OCS activities

             in Washington and adjacent waters are consistent with state

             Icoastal zone planning objectives.

                                                                                             <~~~

             *~~~~~~~ .                                                                     ......

                                                                   z~~~~~

                                  Ajipunog ~         ~        a ZfL    ajd

                                             -10~~~~~~~~~

                                                 (a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a

    FIGURE 2 Washington/Oregon OCS Planning Area

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 3

    3        ~~Given that user conflicts on the OCS have often been a

              result of inadequate coordination and notification, the

    3        ~~department has pursued various means of improving the

              dialogue between different marine resource users. To this

    U        ~~end, the Washington Departments of Ecology and Fisheries

    I        ~~negotiated with the U.S. Department of the interior a

              Memorandum of Agreement. The memorandum contains a means

    3        ~~for minimizing conflicts between federal seismic survey

              operations and state-managed fisheries and a notification

    I        ~~process of proposed surveys.

    U        ~~The purpose of this Handbook for Geophvsical. Survey

    3        ~~operators is to improve communication between marine

              resource users. By providing appropriate information to

    I        ~~both seismic survey operators and to commercial fishermen,

              the handbook is intended to establish and promote

              communication between the two groups.

             The handbook is organized as follows:

             section one   -  provides an environmental overview and an

                                    overview of federal and state permit
                                    requirements.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 4I

           Section Two   -  contains information on commercial fishinga

                           areas, gear and methods, and avoidance of

                           fisheries operations.

           Section Three -  includes information on marine mammals,I

                           seabirds and sensitive habitats.

           Section Four  -  focuses on seismic survey methods of3

                           operations for the benefit of interested

                           members of the fishing industry.

           Section Five  -  summarizes the issues and contains lists ofI

                           references, contacts and appendices.3

           Since offshore oil and gas drilling has not occurred along

           the Washington coast in more than 20 years, the focus of

           this handbook remains on pre-lease activity. The DepartmentI

           of Ecology recognizes that subsequent stages of post-lease

           exploration and development could cause additional impacts

           to coastal fisheries and wildlife.   For example, drilling

           could result in chronic oil spills and effluent discharges,

           space conflicts and obstructions, and navigational problemsI

           due to increased vessel traffic.

     GEOP:HYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    p        ~~BACKGROUND

             oil seeps were first reported in Washington circa 1881 along

             the sea cliffs an the west side of the Olympic Peninsula.

    I        ~~Few exploratory wells have been drilled of f Washington

    3        ~~shores since then.  Only one -- the Medina #1 near ocean

             City, Washington -- ever produced a significant amount of

    3        ~~oil.  This well spouted 12,000 barrels of crude oil, but the

             pressure rapidly dwindled and it was capped in 1962.

             Periodic exploratory activities continued however, including

             several seismic surveys that were conducted in the early

    3        ~~1980s.  one seismic survey had disastrous results.

    I        ~~In December, 1980, more than 1,200 crab pots were caught in

             the airgun array of a vessel conducting a geophysical survey

             in federal waters of f Washington causing in excess of

    3        ~~$100,000 damage to fishing gear alone.  As these pots were

             rendered irretrievable, they continued to capture crab. The

             Washington Department of Fisheries estimated a 5% loss of

             the offshore Dungeness crab resource and untold opportunity

             costs as a consequence from this incident alone.

             It was the realization that such an accident could occur
             again that prompted the State of Washington to become

             involved in the regulation of geophysical surveys.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 61

          LEGISLATION:  FEDERALI

          In 1945, President Truman proclaimed that the natural

          resources of the continental shelf were subject to federal3

          jurisdiction and control. In 1953, the Submerged Lands Act

          and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act reaffirmed federalI

          control of the outer continental shelf, while clarifying5

          that coastal states controlled the waters and submerged

          lands three nautical miles seaward of their coastlines.3

          Outer Continental Shelf Lands ActI

          The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), passed in

          1953, directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the

          interior to develop a 5-year schedule for offshore oil and

          gas leasing, exploration, and development on submerged lands

          of the outer continental shelf (OCS).5

          In 1978, the U.S. Congress amended this act to both expedite

          development on the nation's OCS and to provide environmental

          safeguards.  Undoubtedly, the 1972 Arab oil embargo prompted

          the former directive, while concerns about major oil spills,

          such as the one in the Santa Barbara Channel in 1969, led to

          the latter.I

      GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    I Page 7

    5        ~~The OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary of the interior to

              develop a five-year lease program which, upon completion of

              5the environmental review and public comment process, is

              submitted to Congress. In developing the program, the

    I        ~~secretary must, under the OCS Lands Act, consider the

              following:

                 - -Provide for national energy needs;

                 - -Share the developmental benefits and environmental

                    risks equitably among regions;

     3          ~~~- Consider the economic, social and environmental value

                    of the resources in the OCS and related potential

                    impacts of oil and gas activities on these resources;

     I          ~~~- Consider other uses of the OCS, includincg fisheries;

                 - Obtain fair market value for the resources leased on

                    the OCS; and

                 - -Balance the need for oil and gas production with the

                   potential for adverse environmental impacts.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 81

          Offshore Oil and Gas Development ProcessI

          The process for offshore oil and gas development begins with3

          preliminary exploration, for which the MMS (Minerals

          Management Service) issues permits for geophysical orI

          "seismic" surveys.  Geophysical survey ships explore and mapa

          sub-sea geology, searching for geologic formations that may

          indicate the presence of hydrocarbons.  Permits for seismic3

          surveys can be issued before an area is on a lease schedule.

          In the first phase of the leasing process, the Secretary of

          the Interior prepares a five-year schedule of leases that

          identifies the areas in which lease sales will be held.

          After a schedule is accepted, and prior to an actual lease

          sale, Interior gathers environmental data, oil and gas

          resource estimates and other information for inclusion in a

          draft environmental impact statement (EIS).

          State agencies, local governments and citizens may review

          the draft EIS.  This is a focal point for citizen3

          involvement and comment. Based on this review,

          recommendations on the EIS and lease sale are made by the

          Governor to the Secretary of Interior.3

     IGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

     Page 9

    3        ~~Interior then prepares a final EIS which includes responses

             to stipulations or recommendations from the state. Tracts

    5        ~~for final lease consideration are included in the EIS.  Once

             the Dept. of Interior determines which tracts are still

    I        ~~under consideration for lease, if any, they announce a

    5        ~~"Proposed Notice of Sale."  The state can then review and

             comment on tracts proposed for lease. The OCS Lands Act

             3requires the Interior Secretary to follow the Governor's

             comments unless "national interests" override. After any

             Imodifications, a "Final N~otice Of Sale" is issued and the

             3lease sale is held.

    3        ~~Finally, petroleum companies must bid on particular tracts

             within the lease area. Before exploratory drilling can

    S        ~~begin, the oil company must obtain permits from several

    3        ~~federal agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, the

             Coast Guard, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S.

             IEnvironmental Protection Agency.  Drilling must also be

             consistent with state coastal zone management plans (See

             IAppendix, page 87).

    3       ~~MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

             in 1982, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between

             the State of Washington and the Department of the Interior.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 101

          The memorandum outlines a procedure to avoid or minimize

           conflicts between outer continental shelf seismic survey

           operations and state-managed fisheries resources.5

           The MOA establishes three time periods or "windows" for3

           seismic work correlating to the fixed-gear fishing

           activities of f the Washington coast.  Survey operators are

           encouraged to conduct operations during the "period of low-3

           fishing activity" between Seintember 15 and November 25,

           which is off-season for the fixed gear coastal crab and5

           black-cod fisheries.

           March 16 throucrh September 14 is a "period of moderate5

           fishing activity". Approximately 60 crab vessels fish

           during this period, with as many as 18,000 crab pots.  Crab3

           gear is generally located inside the 20 fathom line.

           operators are encouraged to plan any surveys during thisI

           period for the area outside the 20 fathom line.5

           During the "period of peak fishing activity", from November1

           26 throucrh March 15, as many as 165 crab fishing vessels and

           42,000 pots can be found in waters to depths of 65 fathoms.3

           Seismic surveys should be planned to avoid this peak fishing

           period.

      GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      EPage 11

             pThe Memorandum also contains a notification process by which

             the MKS alerts the state of proposed surveys. The state

             5Departments of Ecology and Fisheries have at least two weeks

             to review survey applications and recommend permit

             Iconditions to the Dept. of interior.  If potential conflicts

             with fixed gear fisheries are identified, the state usually

             recommends geographic restrictions to be placed on the

             5proposed survey.

             IPrior to this agreement, the state had no formal role in

             reviewing federal permits for geophysical exploration of f

    I        ~~the Washington coast (See Appendix, page 81).

             LEGISLATION: STATE

             Shoreline Management Act -- RCW 90.58

             IThe state Shoreline Management Act (SMA) was passed in 1971,

             calling for development of a program to balance development

    I        ~~and protection of Washington's valuable shoreline resources.

             5Under the Shoreline Management Act, surface drilling in

             Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca is prohibited.

    I        ~~This prohibition, however, does not restrict geophysical
             exploration activities.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 121

           In 1983, the SMA was amended to provide the Department of

          Ecology with permit authority for oil and gas exploration in5

           state marine waters so that aquatic resources, water

           quality, and normal public uses were protected.  The permit

           applicant completes the required application form and State

          Environmental Policy Act checklist.

           Pursuant to regulations adopted by the department in 1983,

           the permit application must be reviewed by other state3

           natural resource management agencies, local governments, and

           Indian tribes affected by the proposed exploration activity.I

           The reviewing agencies and interested persons are allowed5

           fifteen days from receipt of the application to respond to

           the Department of Ecology.  In addition, a public notice3

           must be published in area newspapers. Depending upon public

           response, the department may hold one or more hearings.I

           The department will approve an exploration activity permit

           application if it determines that the proposed activityI

           meets the criteria set forth in the Shoreline Management

           Act.  Exploration activities may not:I

     IGEOPHYSICAL S3URVEY HANDBOOK

     Page 13

             p- interfere materially with the normal public uses of the

               marine waters of the state;

             - injure the marine biota or other fish and wildlife! beds,

               Ior tidelands of the waters;

             - violate water quality standards established by the

               department;

    I        ~~- create a public nuisance; or

             - -conflict with a shoreline master program approved by the

               department.

             IThe Department of Ecology may place terms and conditions in

             the exploration activity permit as necessary such as,

             geographic limits on the area of operation, timing of the
             5operation, limitations on hours of operation, placement of

             on-board observers, use of lead boats, insurance or bond,

             3and/or fishermen (or other users group) notification

             procedures (See Appendix, page 77).

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 141

          State Environmental Policy Act -- RCW 43.21C3

          The State Environmental Policy Act, known as SEPA, affects5

          all state laws, regulations, and policies. It was enacted

          in 1971 to ensure that the environment is given appropriate

          consideration in state and local permit decisions.

          When a permit is applied for, the applicant fills out an3

          environmental checklist to identify potential environmental

           impacts from the project.  The purpose of the checklist is5

          to provide information to help the applicant and the agency

           identify impacts from the proposal (and to reduce or avoidI

           impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help5

           the agency decide whether an environmental impact statement

           is required.5

           If the environmental impacts of the proposal are determined

           to be inconsequential, a determination of non-significance

           (DNS) will be issued. For a major project, or any project

          which poses greater impacts, an environmental impact3

           statement (EIS) will most likely be necessary.

           once the applicant has written the EIS, the lead agency for

           the project is responsible for circulating the document to

           other agencies and the public.  Review periods are 15 days5

            for a DNS and 30 days for an EIS (See Appendix, page 77).

      IGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 15

        3                       ~~~~~~~ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW

    3        ~~The marine environment is a complex system influenced by

             climate, currents, winds, waves, depth, geomorphology,

    I        ~~salinity, and, as ocean resources become more exploitable,

    5        ~~by man.  since life in the marine environment is highly

             dependent on the interrelationships between different

    3        ~~species and the environment, the disturbance of one species

             or section of the environment may directly or indirectly

    I        ~~affect others.

    U        ~~This section provides an overview of the important physical

    3        ~~and biological processes at work in the marine environment.

    I        ~~PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

    I        ~~Open Coast

             Washington's southern coast is characterized by long sandy

    5        ~~beaches, interrupted by three important bays and estuaries:

             the Columbia River estuary, Willapa Bay, and Gray's Harbor

    I        ~~estuary.

             in contrast, the northern coast is considerably more remote

    3        ~~and rugged, marked by numerous steep and often unstable

             cliffs interspersed with sandy beaches and rocky coves.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 161

           Rock outcrops, seastacks, and islands are found off of

           Washington's coast, the majority in the northern stretch.

           The Strait of Juan de Fuca is the transition zone between

           the open ocean and Puget Sound.  The Strait is 80 miles fromU

           Cape Flattery to Whidbey island, and is between nine and

           thirteen miles in width.

           Puget Sound

           Puget Sound, an interconnected system of inlets, bays, and

           islands, is sometimes referred to as a huge estuary. it is
           a result of geological processes that created deep channels,5

           300-900 feet deep, broken by islands and peninsulas. The

           marine environment of Puget Sound is influenced by5

           freshwater runoff from rivers, wind patterns controlled by

           mountains and islands, and the saltwater influx and tidalI

           action from the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Juan de3

           Fuca.

           Rock and gravel shorelines predominate in the Sound,

           although sand, mud, and clay shorelines are present, andI

           several estuaries have extensive siltation. Submerged3

           shelves are narrow or nonexistent. The bottom slopes

           gradually to a depth of 300-700 feet an the average,

           reaching a maximum of 900 feet in several places.

    EGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

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              CLIMATE

              Western Washington's climate is one of relatively mild

    I        ~~winters and cool summers.  The Pacific Ocean moderates the

              air masses passing over it which influences the regional

              weather. Although the winds on the Pacific Northwest coast

              are prevailing westerlies, there is a seasonal cycle of

              winds largely determined by the circulation of the North

    I        ~~Pacific high pressure area and the Aleutian low pressure

              area.

    3        ~~During the summer the North Pacific high predominates.

              Summers are generally times of fair weather with winds from

    I        ~~the north to northwest and little precipitation due to the

              buffer provided by the North Pacific high pressure system.

              In the winter the North Pacific high weakens and the
    5        ~~Aleutian low intensifies.  Winds are generally from the

              southwest in winter months, bringing precipitation and cloud

    3        ~~cover.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page IS

          GEOLOGY

          The seafloor off Washington -- the continental shelf -- is3

          gently sloping and ranges in width from approximately eight

          to forty miles.  The Washington shelf is intersected by3

           several large submarine canyons. These canyons are the

           result of large rivers that flowed through soft marine
           sediments thousands of years ago when the sea level was low3

           (late Pleistocene). One submarine valley, extending in a

           southwesterly direction from the mouth of the Strait of JuanI

           de Fuca at Cape Flattery, is four miles wide and cuts 300

           feet down into the continental shelf,.U

          At the edge of the continental shelf, the gradient steepens

           and the seafloor slopes down to the ocean depths.

          The sedimentary rock formations and geological faults andI

           folds that contain oil and gas are similar to those found on3

          dry land. oil originated in the sunlit, shallow, coastal

          waters of ancient seas with the accumulation of dense3

           sediments that time and conditions transformed into oil and

           natural gas.  Reservoirs of petroleum and natural gas areI

           formed when the oil and gas is trapped between layers of3

           impermeable rock (Figure 3).

                                   v- _-~ -   - - -                ~~Ocean Surface

                        ~:''.�,~;.~l~.;~�i:�~~!    .S              IMud/Silt

                                                                        Shale
    . a 1    r A 7 .TV Z V  -- 1 / L ' v -  &'  1~ J1'  V "1 7� &a d A -

     ,.,",-,,~_<".".7,,,,<",,,-=,.1 "" ,         o ,~"',, ,.-" 4^.4,  <V" Impermeable Layer
       A ,                                        4    ,   r >S

                                 A _  ~  -> '                    'Sandstone with trapped
            Irr+l                                                     oil, water & gas

        ",'"~ ,                       . ,�~~~, ~/,, Impermeable Layer
      -I   -     -      "
           I~               ~...      -  ~ L '  .  7      ~    I~  ~.~1'

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 20

           OCEANOGRAPHY

           The OCS region is influenced by two currents -- the Alaskan

           current which is an eastern counterclockwise current and two

           clockwise segments of the westward drift of the North3

           Pacific current. Generally the large scale circulation is

           southward from May to August, northward between October andI

           February, and variable the rest of the time.3

           During summer months there is a phenomenon known as coastal

           upwelling.  During upwelling, relatively cold nutrient-richI

           water moves upward from the depths to replace sun-warmed5

           surface water. This phenomenon is largely a result of

           north-northwest summer winds that produce a southward flow

           in the surface layer combined with an offshore surface flow

           due to the earth's rotation.  Ocean currents sweeping overI

           the edge of the continental shelf also create upwellingg

           along the shoreline and eddies and turbulence over the

           continental shelf.  This causes cold, saline water to upwell3

           in eddies resulting in low dissolved oxygen content and high

           salinities.  Both air and sea temperatures in the nearshoreI

           region are lowered as a consequence of upwelling and

           humidity is increased.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    IPage 21

           BIOLOGY

           The abundance of life in the oceans's upper layers is a

           direct result of available energy from light. Marine plants

           Iand some microscopic animals capture energy from the sun

           through photosynthesis and convert it to a form that other

           organisms may use. The combination of abundant nutrients

           3from upwelling and the energy from light allows the growth

           of phytoplankton, masses of microscopic floating plants.

           IThese plants are consumed by animals, including zooplankton,

           which in turn are eaten by carnivores such as fish. And the

           food chain continues -- fish become prey for other fish,

           3marine mammals, birds, and humans.

           Further discussions of the marine birds and mammals of the

           outer coast and inland waters may be found in Section Three.

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    I             SECTION TWO
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      g W~~ASHINGTON'S FISHERIES
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                                 WASHINGTON' S FISHERIES

              3INTRODUCTION

    I        ~~Commercial fisheries are an extremely important industry in

              Washington State. In fact, in both number of pounds and

              total value of fish and shellfish, fishermen from Washington

              3lead the nation.  While this includes fish caught in distant

              waters -- of f Alaska and other states -- the figures for

              Ifish caught in Washington inland and offshore waters are

              impressive on their own. According to a recent study

              published by the Natural Resources Consultants of Seattle,

              an annual harvest of 150 million pounds of fish and

              shellfish, worth an average of $93 million has been

    I        ~~harvested commercially in Puget Sound and the waters of f

              Washington's coast over the past few years.

    3        ~~The fishing industry's value to Washington is calculated in

              two ways: direct figures, or the prices paid for landed

              3fish, and indirect figures, the revenue gained from

              supporting industries such as canneries, marine supply

    I        ~~companies, net makers, shipyards, marinas and fish markets.

             3Adding the direct and indirect value of Washington's

              fisheries, the Natural Resources Consultants of Seattle

    1        ~~arrived at a figure of approximately $294 million that was

             added to the state's economy in 1985.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 233

           The most important fisheries to Washington are those for the

           five Pacific salmon: sockeye (red), pink (humpback), chum

           (dog), coho (silver) and chinook (king). Important

           fisheries also exist for albacore tuna, sablefish, flatfish,3

           Pacific hake, rockfish species, Pacific herring, shrimp,

           dungeness crab, oysters, scallops, and clams (Figure 4).1

           FISHING GEAR AND METHODS

           Fixed gear, a term used to describe fishing gear which is

           set out then retrieved after varying amounts of time, hasI

           the greatest potential for conflict among marine users.3

           Mobile gear, which includes all gear used from the vessel

           itself, pose less of a conflict, although navigational

           conflicts still must be avoided.

           Fixed gear includes crab and fish pots, longlines, and

           gillnets. These devices either attract target species

           through the use of bait and/or ensnare them.  Mobile gear5

           includes trawls and seines.

           Crab and fish Dots

           in the ocean, crab pots are set in depths of up to 65U

           fathoms, although 'most are set inside of 40 fathoms

    I                                                                         S>#7Sz>op

                                                                             Jesus

                       Coho (silver) Salmon

                        Sockeye (red) Salmon

                       Pink (humpback) Salmon

                       Chum (dog) Salmon

                       Chinook (king) Salmon                                                                 N

                       Albacore Tuna

                       Sablefish

                       Pacific Hake

                       Rockfish species

                       Pacific Herring

                       Shrimp

                       Dungeness Crab                                  ..

                       Oysters

                       Scallops

                       Clams

                                                                                           COL UMBIA    RIVER
        FIGURE 4  Map of Ocean Fisheries

                                                          3  24

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                                          I

                                          I
                     I~L0?   ~~I

                                          I
                                          I1

                     Crabber
    FIGURE 5   Illustration of Crab Fishing Boat
                                          I
                                          I
                   25  a

                           ArS
        I~~~~~~~~~~~

           O  W~~~~O
                                             .4 V
                                                       DE
    I                                                                            FUCA

                 I

    Crabbing grounds out to 30 fathoms I
     I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I

                                               IGURE 6 Map of Crab Fishing A~reas - North Coast

                                          26
             I-.-

                                I\

     'U~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~�r
                    i

    I

    Crabbing grounds out to 30 fathoms   uI$AUI-":

                                ~~ ~~y. ~~FIGURE 6  Map of Crab Fishing Areas - North Coast

                                          26

    Crabbing grounds out o33

                                             GRA YS
                                                                1IQUIAM -ABERDEEN3

                                                            -                                                 If

                 U~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B                                                                             I

     Crabbing       g      round

    FIGURE 7  Map of Crab Fishing Areas -South Coast

                                                    27                                          _

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 28

              (Figures 5, 6, & 7). Pots are almost always individually

              buoyed to the surface. However, strong currents can cause

    I        ~~buoys to submerge, especially around the mouths of major

              coastal estuaries where tidal currents make this an almost

              daily occurrence. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that crab

              gear is not present when buoys are not in sight.

    I        ~~Crab pots are fished at one to seven day intervals depending

              on fishing success and weather conditions. During the peak

              of the coastal fishery, the fleet consists of 100 to 140

              boats using a total of 30,000 to 40,000 pots. The cost of a

              fully rigged crab pot is $80 to $120. The season opens

    1        ~~December I but fishermen are allowed to begin setting pots

              on November 27. Usually by early spring nearly all gear is

              moved inside of 20 fathoms and the amount of gear decreases

    3        ~~after some fishermen leave the fishery.  The season closes

              September 15 but is occasionally extended by 15 days.

              The long-term production average for the crab fishery is

              over 7 million pounds per season, however crab abundance is
              cyclical and production has ranged from 2.5 million to 18.4

              million pounds.

              Sablefish is a finfish species taken in baited pots at

     I ~~depths greater than 90 fathoms. There are between one and

     3       ~~five large sablefishery vessels (80-90 feet in length)

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 29

           operating off the Washington coast in a given year. The

           fishery operates on a quota system with no set season and is

           weather-dictated.  Generally the fishery begins in spring

           and may continue until late fall if the quota is not met

           sooner.  In 1985, 845 metric tons of sablefish were landed

           using pots. By comparison, 2,410 metric tons of sablefish

           were taken in 1985 with longline gear.

    E GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 30

              Loncgline

              ILongline or set line gear is used primarily for Pacific

              halibut, rockfish, sablefish and flatfish. Longline vessels

              are 20-40 feet in length. The gear consists of a heavy

              groundline, often several miles in length, to which short

              lengths of line carrying baited hooks are attached every two

    I        ~~to six feet (Figure 8).  The hooks are baited, usually with

              iherring or squid, and the line "shot" out the stern of the

              vessel. The fish are attracted by the bait, hooked, and

              Iheld by the mouth until they are brought aboard the vessel.

              IGroundlines are anchored on both ends, and buoys and flags

              are attached for markers. After setting, the vessel returns

              to the starting point and begins hauling. A winch is used

    I        ~~to haul in anchors, buoy lines and groundlines.  Crew

              members remove hooked fish as they are drawn aboard.

              Drift lines operate on much the same concept except that the

              ends are attached to floats instead of anchors. Drift lines

              are worked continuously; set lines may be fished for as long

              as 24 hours.

              Set and drift line vessels have limited maneuverability

    I        ~~while working the line.  Drift lines are attached to the

    I        ~~vessel and to a marked buoy with a strobe oh it at the free

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    FIGURE 8 Illustration of a Longliner
                                                                                      I
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      IGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 32

             floating end; however, they still may be hard to see since

             the lines can stretch from one-half to several miles in

             Ilength.

             A gillnet is used primarily for salmon and herring and in

    I        ~~the Columbia River for sturgeon.  The gilinet fishery is

             mostly restricted to estuaries. The net typically measures

             between 1800 and 2400 feet long and 24 feet deep, with mesh

              jsizes from ranging from 3-1/2 inches to 6 inches depending

             on the species and size of the fish (up to 10 inches for

              Isturgeon).  The net hangs vertically in the water, and traps

             the fish by the gills or fins as they attempt to swim

             Ithrough the mesh.  Nets are retrieved with the help of a

    j        ~~power reel or by hand.  Fish are removed as the net is

             retrieved.

             There are two main types of gillnets -- set and drift nets.

             ISet gillnets are anchored in place -- one end attached to a

             river bank or a beach, the other anchored offshore. Drift

             gillnets have one end attached to a vessel which drifts with

    I        ~~the currents.  Fishing times can be up to 24 hours for set

             nets; drift nets are fished for periods of up to several

             Ihours.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 331

          A set net is kept upright using floats at the top and3

          weights at the bottom, with the ends anchored to keep in

          place. Large buoys, marked with flags, are attached by

          lines to the anchors and are used to locate the net and to

          haul it in.  Gillnets can be located at the surface, inI

          midwater, or near the bottom by varying the number of buoys,3

          floats and weights on the net (Figure 9). The Washington

          set net fishery is limited to Puget Sound and targets on3

          Pacific cod (Port Townsend Bay and Port Gamble) and dogfish

           (all of Puget Sound).  The Pacific cod fishery is closed inI

           1987, and may be closed for over two years hence to allow5

           for population recovery. The regulations for the dogfish

           fishery are complex since certain areas may be closed at3

          certain times to prevent incidental catches of other

           species.

          There is wide variation in net length, net mesh, and boat

           size depending on the waters to be fished.  Gillnetting is a3

          very popular type of commercial fishing because of its

          versatility.  Gill nets operate best in turbid water or at

          night when fish cannot readily avoid them.

          While setting and hauling, the gillnetter normally has3

          limited maneuverability. once a set net is in the water,

          the gillnet vessel can maneuver freely, however, the net may

          not be too far beneath the surface so it is important to

                                                                     Gillnetter

    FIGURE 9   Illustration of a Gillnetter

                                                                       Trawler

    FIGURE 10  Illustration of a Trawler

                                            34

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 351

          avoid areas between buoys. A single vessel may have several

          nets out at a time. Drift net vessels have somewhat less

          maneuverability since they have nets attached to them.3

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 36

    3        ~~Trawls

    I        ~~Fishing vessels known as otter trawlers, trawlers or

    5        ~~draggers, trail a net behind the vessel, either on the

              seafloor or through the water column. Trawlers fish waters

    3        ~~from 10 fathoms to the deepest parts of Puget Sound, and to

              about 300 fathoms of f the coast (Figure 10).

              The trawl net is a large bag, wide at one end and tapered to

              a closed end, or cod-end, where the fish are trapped. The

              3trawl drags the bottom and scoops up any fish in the area.

              The trawl has otter boards, or "doors" that attach to each

    3        ~~side of the net keeping the mouth open.  When the net is

              towed, the doors are pulled outward because of both the

              Uangle at which they are connected to the towline and the

              3water pressure exerted against them. The top of the net

              opening is held up by floats'and the bottom is weighted with

              lead. The fish are funneled. into a smaller bag at the end

              of the net and hauled into a boat. The length from the

             Imouth to the end of the net can be up to 150 feet.

             Trawlers fish on the bottom or in mid-water. On-bottom

             trawling targets on flatfish, rockfish, sole, and shrimp

             Mid-water trawling is used for species such as pollack and

             Irockfish.  Mid-water trawls may have expensive sonar and

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 37

           depth sensing equipment worth up to $10,000 directly on the3

           net to help locate schools of fish in the water column.

           The method of setting and hauling the nets is essentially

           the same for all types of trawls. When setting the net, theI

           vessel is generally pointing into the seas, holding dead in

           the water or making way. The codend is put in the water

           over the stern followed by the rest of the net and the3

           doors. The trawl is then lowered to the desired depth.

           A net usually can be set in about 15-20 minutes; however, it

           may take 45 minutes or more to haul the net. The time it

           takes to set or haul a net depends on the depth, the winch3

           speed, the weather, and the size of the catch. Fishing

           times for trawls depend on which type of trawl is beingI

           fished. Bottom trawls can range from a few minutes to

           several hours. Kid-water trawls may last more than 12

           hours, with the vessel searching for fish while the gear is3

           in place. The number of tows per day depends on the size of

           each catch, the distance traveled between schools, the3

           depth, and the weather.

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 38

    3        ~~Purse seines

    I        ~~A purse seine is a net up to 2,500 feet long and 240 feet

    3        ~~deep with a line that closes the bottom.  Specially equipped

              boats, some with a hydraulic drum used to store the net, 50-

    3        ~~75 feet long, are used for this operation (Figure 11).

    I        ~~Purse seines are used to capture schooling pelagic fish.

    3        ~~For example, salmon schools near the surface are located

              visually and intercepted. Once a school is spotted, the net

    3        ~~is set by dropping the net skiff, which is attached to one

              wing of the net, into the water. It drags behind the seiner

    I ~~pulling the net, land ing bag first, of f the stern into the

    3        ~~water.  The seiner circles the school until it meets up with

              the net skiff. The net is held upright by a cork line along

    3        ~~the top and chains along the bottom.  The purse line, which

              is made from steel cable, runs through a series of purse

    I        ~~rings hanging beneath the net.  When the wings are brought

              together, the purse line is picked up and pulled in by power

              winches to close the bottom of the net to prevent the catch

    3        ~~from escaping.  Transfer of the catch to the vessel is

              accomplished by a large dip net or by some type of fish

    3        ~~pump.

    I        ~~Purse seining for salmon generally occurs in water from 8-90

    3        ~~fathoms.  The sockeye and pink salmon purse seine fisheries

                                                Purse Seiner
    FIGURE 11  Illustration of a Purse Seiner

                            Trotter~~~~~~~~~

                          FIGURE12 Illstratin of aTrolle

                                              39~~~~~~~

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 40

              are concentrated primarily in the San Juan Islands area, off

              Point Roberts and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The season

    I        ~~for sockeye is from late July to early September.  The pink

              salmon purse seine fishery extends from mid-August to late

              September. Silver and chum salmon are purse seined mostly

              within Puget Sound from early September to late October and

              mid-October to the end of November, respectively.

              Two relatively small purse seine fisheries in Puget Sound

              are the herring fishery and the lampara (a smaller version
              of the standard purse seine) herring fishery for sport bait

              (to supply the salmon sport fishery). The first, the non-

              bait herring fishery, has been closed since 1982 because of

              insufficient population numbers. When the herring fishery

     I        ~~was open, two areas were fished: Bellingham Bay (December-

              January) and Cherry Point (April-May). Up to 32 boats were

              involved, fishing in waters from 10-50 fathoms.

              The only purse seining outside of Puget Sound is the anchovy

     I       ~~bait fishery.  Anchovy are used as bait for tuna.  This

              relatively small fishery operates from June-September,

              primarily near Ilwaco and Westport.

              Seiners usually work in groups. The vessels will move on

     I       ~~erratic or zig-zag courses, trying to spot schools visually

              or on sonar. Purse seining is usually done at night,

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 41

          preferably during periods of a new moon or cloud cover so3

          that the nets are not detected visually by the fish schools.

          When fishing at night many vessels operate with few lights3

          on as possible until they start hauling in the net, making

           it difficult to see this type of fishing vessel.I

          The entire purse seining operation may take more than 1-1/21

          hours. When the vessel is circling the school and completes3

          the set, it may take up an area 900 feet across, which would

          decrease as pursing begins. Once the net is set and pursingI

          begins, the vessel is dead in the water. Not until the net

          is hauled is it possible for the vessel to maneuver, and

          even then it has limited maneuverability. During this time,3

          the vessel may drift a considerable distance.

          Trolling

          Trolling involves dragging lines at various depths through3

          the water at a slow speed. Hooks are attached to these

          lines and baited with herring or lures.  Troll fishing is3

          used along the coast following the salmon runs and for

          lingcod (primarily in the Strait) and black rockfish (offI

          the coast from Point Grenville to the Strait) (Figure 12).3

          Gear consists of an outrigger pole on each side of the3

          vessel with varying numbers of taglines attached via a

      GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    I Page 42

    3        ~~shock absorbing device; this device is used to absorb the

              initial jolt of a fish hitting the lure. Salmon are usually

    I        ~~fished at depths between 36 and 210 feet with seven lines

              having four hooks per line; trolling speeds vary from 1 to 3

              knots. In contrast, albacore trollers use up to eleven

    3        ~~lines with one hook per line fished near the surface at

              speeds around 6 knots. The length of line trailing the

    3        ~~vessel can range from 100 to 150 feet for albacore trollers

              and from 100 to 425 feet for salmon trollers.

    3        ~~Trolling vessels are anywhere from 16-60 feet in length. The

              troller is fairly maneuverable when fishing and usually is

    3        ~~able to turn within three boat lengths if necessary.

    *        ~~Reef net

              The reef net has been adapted from an Indian method of

    3        ~~catching salmon.  Two large skiffs or small barges are

              anchored about fifty feet apart, with a net fifty feet

    I        ~~square rigged between them.  The method is employed for

              sockeye and pink salmon in the area of the San Juan Islands,

              and requires clear water to see when the salmon are in the

    *        ~~net.

    I
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    I
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      I MARINE MAMMALS/MARINE BIRDS/
                    SENSITIVE HABITATS
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      IGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 43

                  MARINE MAMMALS, MARINE BIRDS AND SENSITIVE HABITATS

             IMarine Mammals (Table 1) -- Order Cetacea

             Cetaceans -- all whales, dolphins and porpoises -- are

             mammals whose body form and functions have evolved from

             terrestrial mammals to cope with a life spent entirely in

             Iwater.  Unlike fish, cetaceans must surface to breathe.

             Blowholes located on top of the head allow cetaceans to
             breathe while swimming at the surface. The forward limbs

    I        ~~have evolved into flippers, while the hind limbs exist only
             as vestigial appendages -- evidence of the animals'

             Iterrestrial heritage.  Propulsion is provided by fibrous,

             horizontally flattened tail flukes.

    I        ~~In the eastern North Pacific these mammals range in size

             from the five-foot harbor porpoise to the one-hundred foot

             blue whale. Cetaceans are pelagic, mobile species. Since

             their behavior and migration is linked to variable

             Ioceanographic conditions, their migration patterns are not

    I        ~~always predictable.

             IThere are two suborders of living cetaceans (Figure 13).

             Baleen, or whalebone, whales have no teeth and are

             Iexternally distinguishable by having paired blowholes and a

    I       ~~huge lower jaw.  Rooted in the upper jaw are up to 800

     TABLE 1 List of Marine Mammal Species Reported from the Coastal Waters of Washington

    ORDER       SPECIES                                OCCURRENCE   STATUS
                                                                   MMPA ESA

    Carnivora   Sea otter, Enhvdra lutris                  R        x    x

    Pinnipedia  Ca. sea lion, ZaloDhus californianus       C
                N. sea lion, EumetoDias iubatus            C          x
                N. fur seal, Callorhinus ursinus           R        x
                Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina        C        x
                N. elephant seal, Mirounaa anaustirostris R         x

    Cetacea     Ca. gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus      C        x    x
                Right whale, Eubalaena alacialus           A        x    x
                Minke whale, BalaenoDtera acutorostrata   R         x    x
                Fin whale, BalaenoDtera Dhvsalus           A        x    x
                Sei whale, BalaenoDtera borealis           A        x    x
                Blue whale, BalaenoDtera musculus          A        x    x
                Humpback whale, MeaaDtera novaeanaliae    R         x    x
                Sperm whale, Phvseter macroceDhalus        R        x    x
                Pygmy sperm whale, Koaia breviceDs         A        x    x
                N. Pacific beaked whale, MesoDlodon
                                          steineceri       A        x
                Hubb's beaked whale, Mesorlodon
                                          carlhubbsi       A        x
                Cuvier's beaked whale, Ziphius
                                          cavirostris      A        x
                Baird's beaked whale, Berardius bairdii   A         x
                Pilot whale, GlobiceDhala macrorhvnchus   A         x
                Risso's dolphin, Grampus ariseus           A        x
                Killer whale, Orcinus orca                 R        x
                False killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens  A         x
                Common dolphin, DelDhinus delDhis          A        x
                N. right whale dolphin, LissodelDhis
                                          borealis         A        x
                Striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba    A         x
                Pacific white-sided dolphin, Laaenorhvn-
                                 cus obliauidens          A        x
                Dall's porpoise, Phocoenoides dalli        R        x
                Harbor porpoise, Phocoena Dhocoena         C        x

    1. C=Common R=Rare  A=Accidental
    2. MMPA=Marine Mammal Protection Act
       ESP=Endangered Species Act
    3. Sea otters were transplanted to the Oregon and Washington coasts
       from Amchitka Island, Alaska stock in 1969 and 1970.

                                                                              I

          1.

                                                            I Blowholes                       Fin
                                                                                     Dorsal Fin
                             Blowholes

    IMedian Ridge

                                                                                                                                     Notch
      I                           ~

     Baleen;_                                                                                                                    \

                              Throat Groves
                                                                                                                              Flukes

                                                            Pectoral Fin

                             FIG                                            Dorsal Fin

                                                                                   45C z ~~~~~Flukes

           Beak
                                                                    -             /~  ~ MamNotch

                                                                Umbilicus        Uro-Genital Slit

                                         Pectoral Fin

              FIGURE  13    External Anatomy of Cetaceans

                                                                        45

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 46

           plates of baleen, a series of parallel horny plates fringed

           with hairs.  They use these plates to strain their food,I

           which consists of zooplankton and small schooling fish.

           Some species feed by skimming, passing slowly through swarms

           of relatively passive prey. Others feed by distending the

           throat to take in huge quantities of water and staining food

           organisms as the water is forced through the baleen.

           Toothed cetaceans on the other hand, have between 2 and 250I

           teeth, although in the female of some species the teeth

           remain concealed in the gums throughout life. Toothed

           cetaceans include dolphins and porpoises. Their teeth allow3

           them to capture prey, such as fish, squid, small birds and

           marine mammals. In contrast to the paired blowholes on aI

           baleen whale, toothed cetaceans can be recognized by a3

           single blowhole.

           in captivity, dolphins and whales have often surprised

           trainers with an extensive learning capacity.  CetaceansI

           have an exceptionally large brain indicating a high level of

           intelligence. Their most important sense is hearing. They

           communicate with others of their species through a variety3

           of sounds; sound also serves as a way of locating food or

           objects by means of echolocation. Given their dependency onI

           echolocation for finding food and navigating, some

           scientists are concerned that the acoustic pulses

    E GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 47

              released by seismic survey airguns might have a more

              profound impact than previously suspected on their survival.

    I        ~~Much of what we know about these mammals comes from records

              kept during former whaling (hunting) excursions and from

              beach strandings. Although some cetaceans have been studied

              in captivity and others observed during an occasional

    I        ~~surface at sea, there are data gaps -- about breeding,

              migration, and behavior in general. In particular, more

              studies are needed to determine whether the various stages

              of oil and gas development disrupt their feeding, migration,

              and breeding habits, and if so, to what degree.

           U                            ~~~~~~~~~Migration

              Whales migrate individually or in groups called pods. When

    I        ~~seen of f the Washington coast, they usually are migrating

              between southern breeding/calving grounds (winter) and

    U        ~~northern feeding grounds (summer).  Although most sightings

              of whales are in nearshore areas, they likely occur in

              greater numbers in deeper offshore waters.

              Gray whales are most often observed off Washington in early

              spring when migrating north. From their summer feeding

    I        ~~grounds above the Arctic Circle to calving grounds of f Baja

              California, gray whales migrate a longer distance than any

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 48I

           other mammal. Migration routes follow close to shore,

           generally within 20 km of land. Gray whales are most

           commonly observed of f Washington from late October to mid-

           December and from March through June, although each year a

           few individuals may remain in Washington waters as localI

           residents.

           Blue whales and humpbacks may be found off Washington during

           summer months, while sperm whales may be observed during the

           winter.  The orca (killer) whale, Dall's. porpoise, harborI

           porpoise, and minke whale are year round residents (Figure

           14).

           Less is known of the migration habits of dolphins and

           porpoises.  Seasonal shifts in abundance of the harborI

           porpoise and the Pacific white-sided dolphin indicate that

           they do migrate, although mass movements have not been

           observed. Both the harbor porpoise and Pacific white-sided

           dolphins are usually seen close to shore, the latter

           sometimes congregating in large herds of up to a thousand3

           animals.

           Dall's porpoise, a cold water animal, can be found

           throughout the year off Washington. Risso's dolphin seem to

           prefer the offshore waters and are not commonly observed

           north of Vancouver Island.

      If                              i              /EWLUEWHALE

                   of'~-   :J7                       FIN WHALE

                                                    RIGHT WHALE

                                                I WHALE

                                               SPERM WHALE

                     L =~IIIII'" 3            HUMPBACK WHALE

                  ~                 GRAY WHALE

                                            PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN

                             FEET

                   0          20           40

    FIGURE 14  Relative Sizes of Adult Cetaceans

                                 49

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 501

           Population estimates among different species vary

           dramatically. Some species such as the right whale were

          hunted to near extinction in the later parts of the last

           century and never made much of a comeback.  Today only anI

           estimated 200 right whales are thought to inhabit the entire

           North Pacific. In comparison, as many as an estimated

           472,000 sperm whales and 920,000 Dali's porpoise inhabit the

           North Pacific. Therefore, of f the Washington coast,

           sightings of right whales are considered rare occurences.I

           However, sighting pods of Dali's porpoise may occur more

           frequently.

           All marine mammals are protected from being killed, captured

           or harassed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.1

           Seven species of cetaceans are on federal and state

           endangered and threatened lists. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife

           Service maintains a list for the entire United States, and3

          Washington State has its own list maintained by the

          Washington State Department of Game.  These laws prohibit3

           the killing, capture or harassment of these species and any

           harmful alteration of their habitats.I

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 52.

              Marine Mammals--Order Pinnipedia--seals and Sea Lions

    I        ~~Seals and sea lions -- the fin-footed mammals -- are

              dependent on both oceanic and land habitats. Periodically,

              they must haul out on land to rest and breed. These areas

    3        ~~are usually located on uninhabited islands, offshore rocks,

              or undisturbed portions of coast. Pinnipeds are shy animals

    I        ~~and each species congregates in only a few breeding sites,

    3        ~~so it is important to protect their haul out sites and

              rookeries from human disturbance and development.

              in Washington waters the most common pinniped is the harbor

    I        ~~seal (Figures 15-18 show distributions of pinnepeds and sea

              otters in Washington waters). There are roughly 12, 000 year

              round residents, many of which live in Puget Sound. Harbor

    I        ~~seals are rarely seen very far from a haul out spot.

              Two species of migrating seals are sometimes seen in

              offshore Washington habitats: the northern fur seal and the

              larger and less common northern elephant seal. In contrast

    3        ~~to the harbor seal, the northern elephant seal and the

              northern fur seal, are rarely seen near land during non-

    3        ~~breeding times.  Deep divers, they feed off the continental

              shelf and beyond.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 521

           Two species of sea lions, the California and northern sea

           lion, occur seasonally in Washington waters. Sea lions also

           spend most of their time near shore, but are known to feed

           offshore. Unlike the somnolent harbor seal, sea lions are

           almost always on the move.  Fearful of man, sea lions mayI

           stampede when disturbed, injuring or killing their young, or

           perhaps abandon a breeding ground altogether.

           Marine Mammals--Order Carnivora--Sea otters

           Once hunted to near extinction, the sea otter population is

           making a comeback.  A small population now resides inU

           nearshore waters of f Washington's Olympic Peninsula.  The3

           sea otter is dependent on shallow marine areas since it

           obtains food from the bottom, thus it cannot migrate long5

           distances offshore. The seaward limit of the sea otter's

           habitat is considered to be the 120 foot depth curve.

           The sea otter is rarely seen on land. They are generally

           found in the vicinity of large beds of giant and/or bull

           kelp. Their preferred food organisms are sea urchin,

           abalone, crab and clams, although their diet adjusts to whatI

           food is available.

           The sea otter's dense fur provides its only insulation

           against the cold, in contrast to the protective layer of

                 '   EP~~~~~~~~

            CAPE~ ~

        CAEL

           CAP                                                   I)  Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
    BJOHNO                                                            haul out sites and rookeries

                                                             Z California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
    U~~~~ haul out sites

                GRAVEYARD
                                                               ENorthern Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
                I                                                  ~    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~haul out sites

               I                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EL   Sea Otter  (Enhydra lutris)
                                                                  sightings

     3                ~~~~~ISLAND    Siz
                    D EST RUCT ION

    3E,9 Z,4 P from Cape Flattery
                  to Point Grenville         POINT

    I  FIGURE 15  Pinniped Habitat  -North CoaSt

               1                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~53

               POINT GRENVILLEI

                                                       HOQ'UAMAEDN
                                 GRA YS
                                 HABRE
                                     4.~~~~~~~~CEAI

                                               p~~~~~~~~

             Pacific~~~~ HabrWPPo c  iui

    P   Californiaro  SeeaLio (Zlpho scalvitut iona)

        haul out sites                                WLAf

    E    Northern Se  Lion  (Eumetopias jubatus)        &A    .*
        haul out sites

                                                  p~~~~~~~

                                                              RIVER~~

                                     EAZ    ~~~~cLUMaI p                   'I0

    FIGURE 16  Pinniped Habitat - South CoastI

                                       541

                                                ~~~~~Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
                                          p   *:~~~..* ~haulI out sites and rookeries

          I                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Z California Sea Lion  (Zalophus californianus)
                                                              haul out sites

          I                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E Northern Sea Lion  (Eumetopias jubatus)
                                                              haul out sites

    ~~~~~~~~~SIT

                                              ISLA~~~~~~~~~~~~~ND

                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~POR
                                 ~~~~TOPNEN 0.D

          I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EVEACRET
                 FIGRE 7 Pnnied                      a         biat  NothPueSon
         I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ACX

    PORT ANGELES"                                           PI.....

                                                        * .          '!-.  '..  .I

    P  Pacific Harbor Seal (Phocavitulina)                                  ' "
       haul out sites and rookeries
                                                                                     EVERETT
    Z  California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)                              I
       haul out sites                             .

    E  Northern Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)      !                           V ;
       haul out sites                  ,                    t

                                                                        ; < SET
                                                  *1n~ -'           WA  X-

                                         Op l                         TACOMAC
                    SHELTON t               R \_

    FIGURE 18  Pinniped Habitat - South
                                                    "4.
                                                    i?~   ~'? '~"~~~

                                                                          !~'~    EATTL

                                             � ~ ~:. .~" ~!.~~~~

    IGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 57

             blubber found on whales and seals. Consequently, the sea

              otter is extremely vulnerable to oil or other pollution that

    I        ~~would destroy the insulating properties of its fur.

             Marine birds

              Washington's waters, both nearshore and outer coast, provide

    I        ~~habitat for both nesting and migrating marine birds and

    I ~~shore-based birds. Peak numbers of seabirds are found of f

              the Pacific coast during spring and autumn migrations. in

              addition to migratory periods, the numbers of waterfowl and

              other marine birds in Puget Sound swell during the winter

    I        ~~months, while some marine birds such as gulls and cormorants

    I        ~~can be found year round.

              Populations during fall migration are larger than those in

              spring, since many birds subject to high mortality during

    I        ~~the first year of life are included in the fall population

              count. spring migration is usually shorter in duration,

              while fall migration is accomplished at a more leisurely
              pace. Thus, fall migrants may be more vulnerable to

              environmental impacts since they may be in a given area for

    3        ~~longer periods and in greater numbers.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 58

           The highest density of seabirds occur over the continental

           shelf. The most regularly occurring birds are:

                Albatrosses

                Northern Fulmar

                Shearwaters

                Storm-petrels

                Phalaropes

                Jaegers and Skua

                Gulls

                Terns

                Alcids

           Very high seasonal concentrations of birds are located in

           the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  The southern

           coast also attracts a great many seabirds. Large flocks of

           shearwaters can be found feeding on anchovies just off

           beaches along the southern coast from July to September

           while many other species forage in and near the three

           estuaries (Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, Columbia River) during

           their annual migration.

           There are about 240,000 seabirds known to be nesting along

           the outer coast of Washington. Among them is the largest

           nesting population of Caspian terns in the western United

           States. These terns nest in Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and

    EGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 59

              in the entrance to the Columbia River. The Caspian tern has

              been classified as a species of concern or threatened

    I        ~~species in Washington.   The birds are vulnerable to

              increases in water turbidity which prevents them from seeing

              prey. This can be a critical problem during nesting season

              in nearshore and estuarine habitats where they forage.

    I        ~~The northern coast also has a large population of nesting

    a ~~birds. About 170,000 alcids -- among them tufted puff ins

              and Cassin's auklets -- breed in Washington at many

              locations along the northern coast. Roughly 5,400

              cormorants, 17,000 gulls, and 40,000 storm-petrels also nest

    I        ~~along the ocean coast.

              Some marine birds may live as long as 30 years, however they

              do not mature sexually until they are several years old.

              This, combined with the fact that they only produce a few

    I        ~~eggs at a time, amplifies the effect disturbance of breeding

              colonies has on the long-term viability of a species.

              When adults are frightened into leaving nests, eggs and

              young may be knocked out, and predators may take advantage

    3        ~~of the unguarded nest.  In the extreme case, the nest or the

              colony may be abandoned altogether.

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 601

          The Puget Sound region is extremely important to 124 species

          of marine birds. Many rely on the sheltered bays and inlets

           for winter habitat or for forage during migration periods

          while others are year round residents. In particular, Puget

          Sound provides important habitat for brant, snow geese,I

          peregrine falcons and rhinoceros aukiets.

          Certain islands are of particular importance to breeding3

          marine birds. Protection Island provides breeding habitat

           for rhinoceros auklets and tufted puff ins. Double-crestedI

           and pelagic cormorants breed on Colville Island.

           Several birds with threatened or endangered status are found3

           in Washington waters. On the endangered list are short-

           tailed albatross, peregrine falcon, Aleutian Canada goose,4

           and brown pelican. The bald eagle has threatened status.

           However, all non-game species of migratory birds are
           protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law

           prohibits hunting, capturing, or interfering with any

           migratory bird, its eggs or nest.3

                              Sensitive HabitatsI

           There are numerous special animal species inhabiting

           primarily marine and marine coastal areas, and site specificI

           habitat data for all of them would encompass virtually all

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 61

    5        ~~of Washington's coastline.  Therefore, the following

              discussion is confined to our knowledge of critically

    I        ~~important habitats for threatened and endangered species.

              species listed as threatened or endangered under Wildlife

    B        ~~Policy .602, that frequent the marine and marine coastal
              areas, and may be impacted by seismic surveys are listed

    I        ~~below:

              loggerhead sea turtle

              3green sea turtle

              leatherback sea turtle

    I        ~~brown pelican

              peregrine falcon

              bald eagle

    j        ~~sea otter

              gray whale

    I        ~~sei whale

              fin whale

              Iblue whale

              hump-backed whale

              black right whale

              sperm whale

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

    Page 62

           Information on sea turtle critical feeding areas of

           migration routes are not known. Brown pelican feeding and

           resting areas are poorly known.

           The remaining known critical areas can be roughly described

           as outlined on the maps and as described below (Figures 19-

           22).

           1. Columbia River mouth - brown pelican concentrations

               during fall, year around bald eagle use.

           2. Willapa Bay - brown pelican concentrations during fall,

               peregrine falcon wintering area.

           3. Grays Harbor - brown pelican concentrations during fall,

               peregrine falcon wintering area.

           4. Coastal Olympic Peninsula - brown pelican concentrations

               during fall, year around bald eagle and peregrine falcon

               use.

           5.  Dungeness Spit, Sequim Bay, Protection Island vicinity -

               peregrine falcon wintering habitat, bald eagle year

               around use.

                         ::i;  ~ ,'tj4. Brown Pelican
                           !X~~t~ ,t~ XBald Eagle
                                             Peregrine Falcon

                      i  OZETTE LAKE

                   ':::~~~~~~~<'!i f:; .:~! :
                                         %A

    I "
                0~~~~~~~~0

       FIGURE 19  Sensitive Bird Habitats - North Coast

                                                     63

                3 . Peregrin e Falcon         ~                     OUA-BRE
                   Brown Pelican              HftO

                                                                      RI VER~~
                    2. Pererin  Eagleo                               O
                       Brown Pelican3

    FIGUE 20Senstiv Bird Habitat -                                              Sot Cos

                                           64U

         6PrernFacon  ~

                           6.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Peregrine Falcon

                                                                                          3Bald Eagle

                              PeregrinNCOTE                              -          .   ergrn  Falcon

                        ~. ~Bald Eagle

                                                      POR
                                                   I  TRISOFWNSENDEFA
                                           5.  Peregrine Falcon  ~ ~ ~   ~     ~      ~     ~     ~     RE.

    FIGURE 21 Sensitive Bird Habitats -North Puget und

                                                           I65

    STRAITS   OF    JUAN   DE   FUCA

      PORT ANGELES

                                                                                      -i  EVERETT

                                                               VI

                                                                            SEATTLE

                                                                    44"i~~~i

                                                                                  TACOMA

                                                                S. Peregrine Falcon

      FIGURE 22  Sensitive Bird Habitats  Sout  t

                                                  3MPIA

    E  GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 67

              6. San Juan Islands, Nooksack estuary - year around bald

                  eagle concentrations, local peregrine use areas.

              S7.  Padilla, Samish, and Skagit Bays and associated

                  estuaries -peregrine falcon wintering use and year

                  around bald eagle use.

              8. Nisqually Delta - peregrine falcon wintering area.

              The above list identifies the most important threatened and
              endangered species habitats. These areas also are important

              jhabitats for a wide variety of other wildlife, some of which

              may be sensitive to the disturbances associated with seismic

              surveys. The bald eagle areas identified herein were chosen

              for their relatively high densities of nesting or wintering

              eagles, or because they overlapped with relatively important
              habitat for another threatened or endangered species. Many

              bald eagle nesting territories and wintering areas are not

    I        ~~included in the designated areas of importance.

    I
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    I  GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

       Page 68

          I                          ~~~~~~~~SEISMIC SURVEYS

    I        ~~oil and gas are hydrocarbons -- chemical compounds once part

    p        ~~of living organisms that have been buried, heated and

              squeezed into new forms. They are located in deposits under

              the sea floor.

    I        ~~since the beginning of the modern petroleum exploration era,

    p        ~~more than 2.5 million oil wells have been drilled in the

              United States. Once the "easy" oil and gas was tapped,

              energy companies turned to the continental shelf to look for

              additional petroleum reserves. Significant reserves of oil

    I        ~~and gas were found and tapped off the coasts of California,

    p        ~~Alaska and the Gulf states.  However, only recently have the

              energy industries exhibited interest in offshore Washington,

    3        ~~ranking it 15 out of 26 on the latest leasing schedule.

    3        ~~seismic surveys are the first step to oil and gas

              development (Figure 23). Seismic surveys provide clues to

    I        ~~the sedimentary structure beneath the seafloor.  This is

              done by bouncing sound energy off rock layers found on the

              ocean floor and recording and analyzing the reflections.

    3        ~~Until recent years, the primary energy source for acoustic

              signals was an explosive, often dynamite. Today, preferred

    I        ~~sources include compressed air, electric spark and propane

                    stabilizing buoys                        srae   al

                                  N~~~~N

                                                   **  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..  ~~V.::.~ ....                                           ..

                                                                                                  ~~~~~~~~I a

    FIGURE  23   Profile of Seismic Survey Operation

      EGEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HAN~DBOOK

      Page 70

    I        ~~gas, all of which are easier to fire accurately and have

              less impact on marine life.

             Acoustic signals generated by compressed air is the energy

              source most used in seismic surveys conducted in outer

              5continental shelf waters off Washington.  What follows is a

             brief description of the process and operations used in the

              Icompressed air type of seismic survey.

    I        ~~The Process

             A survey ship sends out pulsed sound waves, generated by an

    5        ~~acoustic generator array (typically an airgun array).  As

             these sound waves penetrate the seafloor, the various rock

             Ilayers reflect the signals back at different times to a

    I        ~~series of sensitive listening devices that trail behind the

             ship on a streamer up to 9,000 feet long. Special

             3instruments on the ship record the numerous signals on

             magnetic tape, which a computer can process to produce a

             Iprofile of the subsea formations.

             The airgun array is towed directly behind the ship at a

             3depth of 30-40 feet (Figure 24).  Some operators may use a

             device called a paravane to cause the airgun array to tow

    I        ~~out away from the vessel and cable.  The airguns release

             3compressed air in the water, creating a sharp sound pulse.

                  TYPICAL STREAMER TOWING CONFIGURATION

                                                   TAIL BUOY

          SURVEY VESSEL
                            - 70  -  RECORDING CABLE -
                    AIRGUN             2 MILES (10,560')
                     ARRAY                                   l

                             DON'T PASS                  PASS
                                                  AFT OF STREAMER

                                PARAVANE
          MODERN AIRGUN
             AND               ,
           RECEIVERAY
        CONFIGURATION
                         165 ft.

                 SURVEY/~       1.   ~STREAMER
           VESSEL
                       , .000 ft.  10000 ft.ooo .

                       PARAVANE         SUB-ARRAY

                              DON'T PASS                 PASS

    FIGURE 24 Seismic Streamer Towing Configuration

    I GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOK

      Page 72

    5        ~~Typically, the array consists of six subarrays, each of

              which contains seven airguns.

    g        ~~The sound detectors, or hydrophones, are housed in a long

              streamer cable which is up to two miles in length. Towed

    5        ~~behind the ship at depths of 20-40 feet, the streamer cable

              collects signals from the sound detector in groups,

    I        ~~generating a sound record.  Then the information is

    5        ~~transferred and recorded on a digital magnetic tape.

    3        ~~operations

    3        ~~The ship starts near one end of the first line by deploying

              the 2-mile long streamer. A tail buoy connected to the
              streamer with a rope 100 to 170 feet long is also dropped

    3        ~~off.  The buoy may have a light and a radar corner reflector

              to facilitate spotting. To minimize streamer damage and to

    I        ~~maintain uniform running depths, a winged device called a

              bird is attached to the streamer every 980 to 1650 feet.

              The birds not only help keep the streams fairly level, but
    5        ~~they have remote depth control, which permits the streamer

              to be raised-to avoid bottom obstructions and to be lowered

              3for a crossing ship.

              UThe ship travels at a speed of about five knots along a pre-

    3        ~~plotted seismic line while spreading the airgun array out

    GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HANDBOOKI

    Page 73

          from the ship. A sound pulse which penetrates the

          rocklayers is released every 80 feet or so by the airgun3

          array. The resulting echoes or reflections from the rock

          layers are sensed by the detectors in the streamer,1

          amplified by the seismic amplifiers, and recorded on5

          magnetic tape.

          Fishermen should be aware that maneuverability of the slow-

          moving ship is severely limited.  Quick turns and evasive3

          actions are difficult to accomplish without losing org

          damaging gear. in addition, the vessel's course is pre-

          plotted in order to correctly interpret the rock layers;3

          deviations from the pre-plotted course may require over two

          hours circling time to get properly realigned to resumeI

          recording.  To avoid gear conflict it is suggested that an

          avoidance distance of 2-1/2 miles be allowed behind the

          vessel.3

          Lights/Day ShapesI

          The lights and day shapes (Figures 25 and 26) used by

          geophysical vessels when they are surveying with equipment

          under tow are the same as used by all co~mmercial shipping.

          As illustrated, the day shapes are black in color and3

          typically two feet in diameter. They are placed equidistant

          and are visible from all directions. The night lights are

                                                                GEOPHYSICAL VESSEL LIGHT POSITIONS

    m
            I.................

            ~iii::i::i: :.iy E  .LLOW   - TO W IZN G   LIGHT    ::::::H::  T            .::::::::::::                                                                                  .
                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...................:...
                   M   ~   ~     ~      fil::::::::::'~:'':j::,7'.*.'....'.'.'.. ..iii:"x                                                                                         ,di...:"

                               ::;..:::R:E:D:H:TE                                                                                                    MA::::::::SE: DW     H I T E- IGHTS

                              WHITE  STN LGT    WHITE
            :i:::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::: ��;;:
                                                                                        --- ..::::::::::::::::::::::
                                                       .............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i.... i.r                                        �;;;;;�
                                                        . ..�:��;��:��:�. i?.......1..... .�_.

            (Iiiiiiii5l~iliiiiiilil                iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii:l~::t:   ::::::~i~~i~~iiiii. OXii'':iii..:O�::iiiiii:�:�
                     ~ ~~~~~~~iii:!,.............

      ::
            .................... ::i!
                     ~~~~~~~.;�:.::::.:.:.:.:.:.:.::.:.:,,::%   S RI'E                                                 E I @ W BI IY LEGPS"'::i:::::�                                    :::���
                  ::ii::iiii:iii:i�iP                                                                                                                                     IY3:bt8 .:.:.::.;.:.: .:..:.:..:..:...:.a: ::
    CD~i~ij YELLOW  - TOW IN G  LI[G"  jS)~~~as:::::::::::                                            �~                 ..

                              i!~,iiiii'~iiii ~ ~ ~ ~ ~    ~      ~    ~ ~ :::1~133  ~..i.'"i' :ii',11'~i!~,~,iiiiiii::iiiiiii~iiiiiiiiiiii;:''''�p:�~i~~i:f::iiij~~

            i::i~::ij~::!~i~!i::::::i!i:iiiiii::iii
                 ~1 ~ .   T [ :--    i: ~~...... [.... . I- .....:_ _   ~- *- *...   .  - -I       I    ~   I,-i.....
                                                                                          RED I

                                       o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~HT MATEAD  SDLIGHT

                                                  GTREN  SIDLIHG
             s                                        ~:li~i:I:I:1:ii:~:;i1B1::::::::li:............. X,;�.~ji::::::::::::

            SOURCE::::::: American~~ Petroleum:                                                                                                              ; Institute~i.............

                                                         GREEN This figure shows  International  lights  for a typical geophysical  vessel, with a tow exceeding  200  meters and  restricted in ability
            to maneuver. Thered-white-redall-roundlightswillbelocatedonvessels where they can bes be. seen. (Adapted from USCGNavigation
            Rules,�:�:�:����:;��:�a::i~i~i~i:~ 23  Aug::::~:::::�:�:;:ii::i.. .982)
                         �  :::::::::::::::::~~~~~:::ii:.#.,:.:.:::i~~~~~i~i                         i:::/:i~~~l:::::::i::::~~~~::j::�::   WHITE   - MASTHEAD   ]LI.... ... .. .......... . ....... ........... .

                                                 :::::::::::::::::j:::::::i::WHITE- STERN   LIGHT   ~ ~ ~     ~     �,�.�;..                   nI:;rwi~a:~:~:::~w~i::j::::::::::::::::::,:.:.:.,1........... ........�
                                                                          ...............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:::::::~:::::::::::j:::::;.;::;::::::?::::
                                                                                                                                      ~~�:�:�:;:�:::::::~~~~~~~~~::�: ::::88  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~-.~~�;���::eimiate
                                                   ....  . . . .. .~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.�c:c:������i;��                                                    :"::::::ij~:~:~::.:::     ::t:~:::j:I
                                                   :~:::::tj i~l~f~t:~ti8:3i~i~i:#::   ~ i~l~E          ':~~:~:~   Il~i    ~:::j:::~:~:~::~"~w::::i~j:::�:::�:iPPli:~:~:I:�:�::�:-:-~�-�:c..........:
                                                                ...............5:~~~1~~'~''i ::::r::��                                                      ���::���:�.I��-:~::::::::::
            .......    . . .               . .          . . . . . . . . . ...                                 .      .....:::   �:-�:�:�::�,�:�
       SOURCE:  American Petroleum Institute811B~cs
            NOTE:   This   figure  shows  International lights for a typical geophysical vessel, with a tow exceeding 200 meters and restricted in ability:::::::::�:
                                          to aneve. Te ed-hil-rd  al-oun   liht   wil  e  lcatd  n  vssls  her tey anbes besen. Adpte frm SCGNaigaio
       Rules,  23 Aug. 1982)                       .~..":                      ~�                                                                                                ::'::~::~~:::iI:~:1:I~:8

                                       GEOPHYSICAL VESSEL

          Towing Day Shapes, Night Lights and Flags

                              5000 M. CABLE IN TOW

                                           A. BANNER
           __ 'RED,

                                                                         3600
                                                                         NIGHT
                                                                         LIGHTS

                          K                                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~WHI1TE1-

         21

         "7  'RED'

                  0~

               B. FLAGS                         C. DAY SHAPES
                                                                                TAIL BUOY

    A. BANNER   Banner to be exhibited on port and starboard side of geophysical vessel. Black block letters will be 36"
       high on yellow background for maximum visibility. Not all geophysical vessels carry this banner.

    B. LENGTH-OF-TOW (International) FLAGS   Length-of-tow flags to be flown as indicated on main mast forward of tow-
       ing shapes as prescribed in H.O. Pub. 102 (1969) International Code of Signals. These flags denote a submerged object
       in tow and the length of tow is 2730 fathoms (5000 M or 16,400 ft.) aft of the vessel, which is adequate to safeguard
       all current geophysical cables. Flags will remain constant for all towed cables up to 2730 fathoms (500 M). Thus clearance
       aft should be this distance at all times while cables are under tow.

    C. TOWING SUBMERGED OBJECTS Towing shapes to be flown as indicated on main mast aft as prescribed in USCG
       Bulletin COMDTINT M16672.2 (1982). These shapes indicate a submerged cable is being towed at or near the surface.

    D. TAIL BUOY Typical tail buoy for all geophysical vessels attached to end of towed cable. Usually highly visible, of 12
       foot average length, with radar reflector. Some buoys have radar transponders. USCG rules require an all-round white
       light. Other vessels should not pass between tail buoy and geophysical vessel. These buoys are normally marked un-
       manned with name of owner and vessel.

    FIGURE  26    Geophysical Vessel Towing Day Shapes, Night Lights and Flags

                                                     75

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    I APPENDICES
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                  I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I
    I

                                         Chapter 173-15 WAC

         PERMITS FOR OIL OR NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION

             ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED FROM STATE MARINE

                                                    WATERS

    WAC                                                               (1) Applicability.
    173-15-010 Authority and purpose.                                 (a) A  person desiring to perform oil or natural gas
    173-15-020   Definitions.                                      exploration activities by vessel located on or within ma-
    173-15-030   Exploration activity permit system.
    173-15-040   Penalties.                                        rine waters of the state shall first obtain a permit from
                                                               the department.
       WAC  173-15-010   Authority  and  purpose. These               (b) An exploration activity permit obtained under (a)
    rules are promulgated pursuant to RCW  90.58.550(6)            of this subsection shall be the sole permit required to be
    for the purpose of establishing the basic requirements for     obtained for exploration activity under chapter 90.58
    the exploration activity permit system. [Statutory Au-         RCW.
    thority: RCW 90.58.550, 90.58.560 and 1983 c 138. 84-             (c) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, noth-
    01-028  (Order  DE  83-35),  �  173-15-010,  filed             ing herein shall modify any powers of local governments
    12/12/83.1                                                     set forth in chapter 90.58 RCW.
                                                                  (2) Exploration activity permit application.
       WAC  173-15-020  Definitions. The following defi-              (a) Applications for an exploration activity permit
    nitions shall apply:                                           shall be supplied by the department.
       (1) "Department" means the department of ecology.              (b) Applications shall be filed with the Shorelands
       (2) "Exploration activity" means  reconnaissance or          Division, Department of Ecology, Headquarters Office,
    survey work related to gather information about geologic       Olympia, WA  98504.
    features and formations underlying or adjacent to ma-             (c) No  application shall be processed until it is
    rine waters. Such  activities include sonic, ultrasonic,       deemed complete by the department.
    seismic, sparker, side-scan sonar, infrared, heat sensor,         (d) Each application for an exploration activity permit
    chemical  analysis (sniffer), or other remote sensing          shall be accompanied  by a completed  environmental
    techniques which do not disturb the surface of the             checklist as provided in Title 197 WAC.
    aquatic lands, as well as drilling, core sampling, or other       (3) Processing of complete application.
    exploratory techniques which penetrate the beds under-            (a) A complete application will be forwarded to state
    lying or adjacent to marine waters.                            natural resource management agencies and local govern-
      (3) "Marine waters"  includes the waters of Puget            ments and Indian tribes affected by the proposed explo-
    Sound north to the Canadian border, the waters of the          ration activity.
    Strait of Juan de Fuca, the waters between the western            (b) Comments will be requested regarding the pro-
    boundary of the state and the ordinary high water mark,        posed exploration activity and its compatibility with the
    and related bays and estuaries. RCW 90.58.550 (1)(b).          criteria established under RCW 90.58.550(2). Normally,
      (4) "Normal public use of the marine waters of the           reviewing agencies will be allowed fifteen days, from re-
    state" means those activities generally enjoyed by mem-        ceipt of the application as provided by the department,
    bers of the public including, but not limited to, recre-       in which to submit comments to the department.
    ation, fishing (commercial and sports), navigation and            (4) Public notice.
    commerce.                                                         (a) Upon receipt of a completed application, the de-
      (5) "Vessel" includes ships, boats, barges, or any           partment shall instruct the applicant to publish notice
    other floating craft. RCW 90.58.550 (1)(c).                    thereof.
      (6) "Director" means the director of the department            (b) Notices of the proposed exploration activity shall
    of ecology.                                                    be published in the newspaper of the largest general cir-
      (7) "Person" means any individual, public or private         culation within each of the counties in which the activity
    corporation, agency, or other entity whatsoever, except        is proposed.
    for state ur federal agencies.  [Statutory Authority:             (c) Any person wishing to express views on the pro-
    RCW  90.58.550, 90.58.560 and 1983 c 138. 84-01-028            posed exploration activity will be given fifteen days to
    (Order DE 83-35), � 173-15-020, filed 12/12/83.]               comment to the department.
                                                                 (d) All notices of applications for exploration activity
      WAC  173-15-030  Exploration activity permit sys-            permits shall contain, as a minimum,  the information
    tern. The permit system established by RCW  90.58.550          called for in the following form:
    shall be as follows:

    (12/12/83) 77 [Ch. 173-15 WAC-p II

    173-15-030                             Oil or Natural gas Exploration Activities

                    Notice of Application for                        (a) The department shall place terms and conditions
                   Exploration Activity Permit                     in the exploration activity permit as necessary to assure
    Notice is hereby given that (company name or institu-          that the permitted activity meets the requirements of
    jion) has filed an application for an exploration activity     RCW 90.58.550(2).
    permit for oil and/or natural gas survey and reconnais-          (b) Such terms a nd conditions may include but are
    sance work in (list major bodies of water)                     not limited to:
                                                                        (i) Geographic limits on the area of operation;
                                                                        (ii) Timing of the operation;
    The exploration activity consists of (describe survey            (iii) Limitations on hours of operation
    gear, vessel, and other equipment in sufficient detail to        (iv) Placement of on-board observers;
    inform public of the nature of the operation)                    (v) Use of lead boats;
                                                                       (vi) Insurance or bond; and/or
    The exploration activity is proposed to commence on              (vii) Fishermen (or other users group) notification
        (date)   and end    (date)    .                            procedures.
    Any person desiring to express views or to be notified of        (8) Modifications of exploration activity permits.
    thacintknothsapiaineWhe  a                                              permittee seeksn to modify an explorication  acshould notiv-fy the
                    t~~~~~~~~~~~~~heacin take nti plcto hudntf ht permitdtie ascat n etdsrbn h
    department of ecology in writing of his/her interest           ity permit, de       mascatsal         e    s bi   the
    within fifteen days of the final date of publication of this   nature of the  odificatione    mit                  e de
    notice which is   (date)    . Written comments should          partment. Mown               the prmt m        e  a
    be mailed or delivered to the Washington Department of         the departme                    amin                   at
    Ecology,  Shorelands  Division,  Mail  Stop  PV-I I,    such changes .
                     Ecoloy, Sorelnds   Dvisin,  Mil Stp PVI  1,      (9) Request for review. All requests for review of anyI
    Olympia, WA  98504, (206) 459-6272. Comment period             final permit decision under RCW  90.58.550(2) and
    deadline is   (date)
                                                                     these rules are governed by the procedures established in
      (e) An  affidavit that the notice has been properly         chapter 43.21B RCW and its implementing rules. 1Stat-
    published pursuant to this section shall be provided to        utory Authority: RCW 90.58.550, 90.58.560 and 1983 c
    the department by the applicant.                               138. 84-01-028 (Order DE 83-35), � 173-15-030, filed
      (5) Public hearing. A public hearing on the proposed        12/12/83.]
    exploration activity permit will be held by the depart-
    ment if it detcrmines, upon consideration of such factors        WAC  173-15-040   Penalties. Any  person violating
    as location, timing, duration, method of operation, and        RCW 90.58.550, or the provisions of ths  ruls, is sub-
    public comments, that a hearing would assist it in im-        ject to a civil penalty issued by the department in an
    plementing the intent of RCW 90.58.550(2).                     amount of up to five thousand dollars a day. See RCW
      (6) Department exploration activity permit decision.        90.58.560 (1) and (2). [Statutory Authority: RCW  90-
      (a) The department will approve an exploration activ-       .58.550, 90.58.560 and 1983 c 138. 84-01-028 (Order
    ity permit application if it determines that the proposed      DE 83-35), �173-15-040, filed 12/12/83.1
    activity  meets  the  criteria  set  forth  in  RCWI
    90.58.550(2). Exploration activities may not:
      (i) Interfere materially with the normal public uses of
    the marine waters of the state;
      (ii) Interfere with activities authorized by a permit is-
    sued under RCW 90.58.140(2);,
      (iii) Injure the marine biota or other fish and wildlife,
    beds, or tidelands of the waters,
      (iv) Violate water quality standards established by the
    department;
      (v) Create a public nuisance; or
      (vi) Conflict with a shoreline master program ap-I
    proved by the department under RCW 90.58.090 or
    90.58.190,
      (b) The department, as lead agency, will comply withI
    the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act as
    governed by the procedures established under chapter
    43.21 RCW and its implementing rules.
      (c) No application for an exploration activity permitI
    shall be approved by the department under this section
    which relates to surface drilling for oil or gas in the wa-
    ters of Puget Sound north to the Canadian boundary or
    the Strait of Juan de Fuca seaward of the ordinary high
    water mark. RCW 90.58.160.
      (7) Exploration activity permit terms and conditions.

    [Chi. 173-15 WAC-p 21                                     78                                                   (21/3

    B         ~~~slate of
            aIIit-gtofI                                           Application No.

             If ll eflt                                            Permit No.

                              APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT OIL OR
                                 NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN
                                          STATE MARINE WATERS

               This application is required under RCW 90.58.550 and Chapter 173-15 WAC

                         Name of Applicant

                                   Address

                                 Telephone

                            Contact Person

               Name of Geophysical Operator

                                   Address

                                 Telephone   /

                            Contact Person

               Purpose of activity:        0  Mineral Exploration
                                          0 Scientific Research

               Number of days needed to conduct exploration activity

                    Beginning date requested        /    /
                    Ending date requested           /   /

               Vessel name
                       call number
                       size
                       color

               Lead boat employed     0  Yes
                                      [0  No

               MECY 056                             79

    Exploratory equipment to be used (check appropriate boxes)

             o    airgun*
             o]   sparker*
             o]   sniffer
             o]   magnetometer
             o]   explosives
             O    other

    * If seismic signal sources are to be operated during the survey, will
      they be towed in a wide array?      0  Yes
                                         0 No

    Also, please indicate the length of seismic steamer             and depth
    to be towed

    General location (check appropriate boxes)

              [] Puget Sound
              El Strait of Juan de Fuca
              o    Quter Coast

    Nature and location, if any, of onshore support facilities required.

    This application must be accompanied by:

         (1) Two sets of nautical charts showing exact location of all
              proposed seismic lines or seabed disturbing activities.

         (2) A completed environmental checklist as required under Chapter
              197.10 WAC.

    For proposed oil and/or gas exploration activities involving drilling
    operations, the applicant is advised to contact the Washington Department
    of Natural Resources, Marine Lands Management Division, Olympia, Washington
    98504 for compliance with the provisions of RCW 78.52.

    The applicant agrees that operation shall be conducted in conformance with
    applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations now, or hereafter,
    in effect during the life of any permit issued to this application.

         Signature                                         Date

         Printed Name

         Title

                                      80

                                MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
                                      between the
         3                       ~~~~~~~STATE OF WASHINGTON
                                        and the
                       UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

             The State of Washington and the United States Department of
             the interior (DOI), Minerals Management Service (MMS),
    I      ~~Pacific OCS Region, wish to establish a coordinated
             procedure for the issuance of Federal geological and
             geophysical (G&G) permits for offshore seismic surveys in a
    I      ~~manner which will avoid or minimize adverse impacts to
             Washington's coastal resources. The authority for the
             parties to reach this agreement is Section 19(e) of the
             outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978, 43
             U.S.C. 1345(e).
             Past seismic survey operations by U.S. permittees in waters
    I      ~~overlying the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) have, on
             occasion, resulted in the loss of and damage to fixed
             fishing gear of individual fishermen and to state-managed
              fisheries resources. Previous notification of seismic
             survey operations via the U.S. Coast Guard's "Notice to
             Mariners" has not always been effective to avoid the
    3        ~~offshore conflicts.

             Enhanced coordination between DOI-MMS, the State of
             Washington, fishermen, and the offshore industry will prove
    I      ~~valuable in avoiding future conflicts.  For planning
             purposes, this Memorandum of Agreement outlines specific
             time periods pertaining to fishing activities offshore
              Washington. By~ planning for and conducting seismic survey
             operations during periods of low fishing activity, conflicts
             can be avoided or minimized early on.

    I        ~~This Memorandum of Agreement also outlines a process by
             which DOI-MMS will notify the state of proposed surveys and
             provide for the incorporation of state recoimmendations, to
             reduce conflicts, into the permit prior to issuance. This
             process assures the state that concerns regarding coastal
             resources are considered and impacts minimized.

    I        ~~I.   Schedulina of Seismic Activities
                  Three offshore fishing periods have been identified for
     I          ~~~planning purposes.  These periods have been tailored to
                  the fixed-gear Dungeness crab fishing and crab
                  concentrations, but also reflect considerations of
     I           ~~~other important fisheries.
                  The Dungeness crab fishery is the activity and resource
                  most directly affected by seismic surveys of f
                  Washington. The state has management responsibilities
           3                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~81

    Geophysical Survey MOA3

     Pag 2for the protection and enhancement of the DungenessI
           crab resource on both the nearshore and offshore areas.
           The state also manages an active commercial, charter,
           and recreational salmon fishery of f the coast.  InI
           addition, the sablefishery, under both the long-line
           and pot methods, is becoming an increasingly important
          part of the state's offshore fishing industry and3
          management responsibilities.
          A.   Period of Low Fishing Activity - September 15
               through November 25.I
               The Dungeness crab fishery is closed during this
               time frame.  There is a small sablefishery duringI
               the early part of this period. Sablefish are
               pursued in waters in excess of 300 fathoms through
               the use of both pots and long-lines. Seismic
               operators are encouraged to plan operations for
               this time period since there are virtually no crab
               pots present. State review will reflect efforts
               to avoid conflicts with the sablefishery.  PermitI
               review can be expedited during this period due to
               the relatively low fixed-gear fishing activity.
          B.   Period of Moderate Fishing Activity - March 16I
               through September 14.
               Approximately 60 crab vessels fish during thisU
               period, utilizing as many as 18,000 crab pots.
               Crab gear is generally located inside the 20
               fathom line.I
               The salmon fishery generally begins in May and
               runs through August. As many as 1,000 offshore
               trawlers may work the Washington coast during this
               period, running out to 100 fathoms. Charter boats
               and smaller fishing boats operate closer to shore
               and combined, may number over 1,000 vessels.  TheI
               sablefishery is also active during this period,
               with pots and long-lines working areas out to 350
               fathoms.
               With the emphasis on avoiding fixed fishing gear
               conflicts, operators are encouraged to plan any
               surveys during this period for the area outside
               the 20 fathom line. State review will consider
               impacts to both the salmon and sablefish resources
               and recommended measures will reflect these
               concerns. Proposals for surveys inside the 20
               fathom line could likely result in time consuming
               pot relocations.I

                                  82I

           Geophysical Survey MQA
    I      ~~Page 3

                   C.   Period of Peak Fishing Activity - November 26
                        through March 15.
                        During this brief period, as many as 165 crab
       I              ~~~~~fishing vessels operate off Washington, fishing
                        approximately 42,000 pots. The gear is located in
                        waters to depths of 65 fathoms and cannot be
       I              ~~~~~readily moved to shallower waters due to storm-
                        inflicted damage. Winter storms, frequent of f the
                        Washington coast, also prevent fishermen from
       I              ~~~~~moving crab pots quickly, often necessitating in
                        excess of two weeks to bring crab pots to shallow
                        water or to port.
                        Because of the high numbers of crab fishermen and
                        associated fixed gear and the winter storm
                        conditions, seismic surveys should be planned to
                        avoid this peak fishing period. State review and
       I              ~~~~~recommendations will reflect the importance of the
                        Dungeness crab fishery and the time constraints
                        associated with the relocation of fixed gear.

    3        ~~II.  Notification of Particiuatincr Aaencies
                   When the Minerals Manager, DOI-MMS, Pacific OCS region,
                   determines that an application for a G&G permit for
     I          ~~~offshore Washington is complete, a copy will be
                   forwarded to the state agency contacts listed below.
                   The authority for the Department of Ecology's review
                   rests with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
                   amended. The Department of Ecology has been designated
                   as the lead agency for the Washington Coastal Zone
                   Management Program and the state OCS Participation
     I          ~~~Program.  The Department of Fisheries is the state
                   agency responsible for fisheries management.
                   Transmitted information will contain a description of
     I          ~~~the proposed survey in enough detail to enable the
                   state to determine the extent of potential conflicts.
                   in instances where the survey is speculative, or for a
                   "group shoot," a detailed map, to be be held
                   confidential upon request by the applicant, will be
                   furnished:
        3                   ~~~~~~Washington Department of Ecology
                             Shorelands & CZM Program
                             Mail Stop PV-11
                             Olympia, WA 98504
                             Attn: Brian Walsh - OCS Program Manager
                             (206) 459-6782

            3                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~83

    Geophysical Survey MOA
    Page 4

                    Washington State Department of Fisheries
                    115 General Administration Building
                    Olympia, WA  98504I
                    Attn: Ron Westley - Assistant Director,
                    Shellfish
                    (206) 753-6749I

      Ill. State Review - ScoDe and Time Limitations
          The state, through coordination with field agents and
          fishermen, will review the G&G permit application to
          determine the extent of potential conflicts with state-I
          managed resources. If necessary, the state will
          contact the seismic operator for additional
          information. Within 14 days of receipt of the
          necessary survey information, the state will submit
          comments to:

                    Minerals Manager, Pacific 005 Region
                    Minerals Management Service
                    1340 W. Sixth Street, Suite 244I
                    Los Angeles, CA 90017

          The state will inform DOI-MKS of the location and
          general description of any fishing areas or locations
          of fixed gear that may be in conflict with the proposed
          operations, or that there are no conflicts. Comments
          will also include recommendations deemed necessary byI
          the state to avoid or minimize potential conflicts
          between the survey and state resources. The state
          response will also include a listing of WashingtonI
          State fishermen (or their associations) identified as
          having an interest in the survey.

      IV.  Federal Permit IssuanceI
          A copy of the permit will be forwarded to the
          Departments of Ecology and Fisheries. Where
          recommendations suggested by the state are not
          incorporated, written justification will be provided to
          the state.3
          Fishermen contacts (or their associations), as provided
          by the state, will be listed by DOI-MKS in the "Special
          Provisions" section of the permit to enhanceU
          coordination between the operator and potentially
          impacted fishermen. The permit will require the
          permittee to contact these designated fishermen (orI
          their associations) and the state agency contacts at
          least 72 hours in advance of the survey operation.

                                 84g

            Geophysical Survey MOA

    I      ~~Page 5

    5        ~~V.   Fishermen Notification

                    The Department of Fisheries will notify identified
                    fishermen (or their associations) of the permitted
      I           ~~~~survey.  This notification will include a posting of a
                    notice at appropriate port locations as well as
      p            ~~~~telephone contacts.

              VI. General Provisions

                    1.   Direct contact between the DOI-MMS and other state
       I               ~~~~~agencies are in no way limited by the Memorandum
                         of Agreement. Such contacts are encouraged to
                         promote more effective communication and
                         coordination.
                    2.   Nothing herein will be construed as obligating
                         DOI-MKS or the State of Washington to violate any
                         laws or regulations.

                    3.   This Memorandum of Agreement will be reviewed at
                         least annually by DOI-MIMS and the participating
                         state agencies, as to current adequacy and need.

      I            ~~~4.   This Memorandum of Agreement will become effective
                         on the date of signatures as evidenced below, and
                         will remain in effect until mutually revised in
                         writing or until 30 days-after notice of
                         termination by either DOI-MMS or the State of
                         Washington.

     5        ~~THIS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WAS REVIEWED AND REAFFIRMED BY
              THE PARTIES SHOWN BELOW:

     I        ~~Director for the Department of Ecolo gy
              State of Washington

              Donald Moos
     5        ~~~6-01-82

            5                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~85

    Geophysical Survey MOA                                                   I
    Page 6
      Director for the Department of Fisheries
      State of Washington                                                    3

      Rolland Schmitten
       6-01-82                                                              I
      Minerals Manager, Pacific OCS Region                                   I
      Minerals Management Service
      U.S. Department of the Interior

      Reid Stone
       5-18-82

                                                                          8

                                                                          i

                                                                          I

                                                                          I

                                                                          I

                                                                          I

                                                                          I

                                                                          I

                                                                          I
                                  86

           I  ti  t
                        W&4V1,X1         ~         ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

            Purpose of Checklist:
              The Statle rEnvironmental Policy Act (SEP1A), chapter 43.21C RCW. requires all governmental agencies to consider
           te vil   ronl nelliaIe implacts ol a proposal beflore making decisions. An environmiential  impact statement ([FIS) luist bc
           prepaire-cd lor .ll proposils with probal)le signilficanl adversc imnpacts on ilhe qullalily of tihle einvirollniim. Thec purpose oi
           thllis checklIisl is to providec inlforilnalion to helip you and tilhe age ncy idenify inmpacts from your prolposal (anid lo reduce
           or avoid illp;acts froil tlhe proposal, if it call bc done) and to help the agency decidc whether an I IS is required.
           Insitrtioii is br .4Applicalnts:
              iThis environimenltal checklist asks you to describc somie basic inlorrmatlion about your proposal. (Governmental agcn-
           c ic  use this checklist to determline whether the environmental imipacts of your proposal are significant, requiring
           preparation of an EIS. Answer the qucstions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best dc-
           scription you can.
              You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should
            be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without thc need to hire experts. If you
           really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or "does not ap-
           ply". Complete answers to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later.
             Sonic questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answcr
           these questions if you can. If you havc problems, the governmental agencies can assist you.
             The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do thcm over a period of time or on
           different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help dcscribe your proposal or its environmental
           effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist nmay ask you to explain your answers or provide additional in-
           formation reasonably related to dcitermining if thcrc may bc significant adverse impact.
           I Is. of hleckli.s! ftor nonlprojct proposals:
              ( oniplete this checklist Ifor nonproject proposals, even though questions nmay be answered "does not apply." IN Al)-
           Ill'IN, coMpIcte the SII'PI IMI-MNTAI SUil IT FOR NONPR()JI ( 1 A( 'TIONS (part I)).
              t:or nonproject actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site"
           should be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively.
            A. .A, CKG;RO)t;NI)
           1. Namic of proposed projcct, if applicable:

           . Naime of applicant:
              \ddrcss and phone n.umber of applicant and contact person:

           4. I)DateC checklisl prepared:
           5. .Agcncy requesting checklist:
           6. Proposed l iniing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):

    I

           7. )o you lhave any plans for futuire additions, expansion, or furtlher activily related io or conniected with Ithis proposal'?
           11' , cs. explain.

            ECY 050-45

                                                                          87

     8. L.ist any environmental informaltion you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to
    this proposal.

    9. I)o you know whether applications are pending for governmcntal approvals of other proposals directly affecting the
    property covered by your proposal'  If yes, explain.

    10. L.ist any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, it known.

    I 1. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site.
    There are several questions later in this checklist thalt ask you to describe certain aspects of' your proposal. You do not
    need to repeat those answers on Ihllis page. (I.ead agencies may modify this form It, include additional specil'ic infor-
    mation on project description.)

    12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your pro-             U
    posed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur
    over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map,
    and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not
    required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist.

    raO BEi- (C)MPI.I:TII) T BY AF'I' IC(AN1                                                                liVAI.IATION FO:R

    B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELiME'NTS                                                                            A(;IiNCY tIt ONI Y
    I. Earth
    a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous,                                  J
    other

    b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?                                                             3

                                                                                                                                    I

     'r  B131 (COMFI1'1.'T'I) BY API't'ICANT                                                                   I'VA.IUJArTIN FOR
                                                                                                           A(iN('Y JUSE ONl.Y

    c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay. sand, gravel, peal,
    muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime
    farmland.

    d. Arc there surface indications or history olf tiustable soils in the immediate vicinity'! If so.
    describe.

    e Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading pro-
    posed. Indicate source of fill.

    f. ('oulId cl rosion occnr as a result of clearing, construction, or' use' If' so, genera;lly describe.

    g  Aboul what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
    construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?

    h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:

    '. Air
    a. What types ol' emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile,
    odors. industrial wood snioke) during construction and whenI the project is completed'! 11'
    ;Iny. gcnerally describe anld give approximate quantities if known.

    b. Are there any off site sources of emissions or odor that may al'eclt your proposall'  If so,
    generally describe.

    c  I 'rop  ed ica su res to rednec or conlrotl eilissions or' otiher i pacs to air, i   ii y:

                                                           89

    TO lIE COMPI.I:TII) BY Al'l'PPI.CANr                                                                   EVAl.UATIO)N FOR
     3. Water                                                                                             A(;I{Nt' tlSF: ON! '
    a. Surface:              "
      l) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
    year round and seasonal streams, saltwater. lakes. ponds. wetlands)? If' yes, describe type
    and provide n;nCes. If approprial�. slalle whall sirca';ll or river it flows inlo.

      2) Will the project require any work over, in. or adjacent to (within 200 feelt) the described
    watcrs?'! If yes, pleasc describe and attach available plans.

       3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
    from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would bc affected. In-
    dicatc the source of fill material.

      4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions'? Give gencral de-
    scription. purpose, and approximate quantitics if known.

      5) DIoes tilhe proposal lie within a 100 year floodplain? If so, note location on the site
    plan.

      6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters?'! If so,
    describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.

    b. Ground:                                                                                                                        I
      1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water'? Give
    general description, purpose. and approximate quantities if known.                                                               |

     2) lDescribe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
    olther sources, if any (fo0r example: I)Domestic sewage: industrial, containing the following
    chlmcic;ls .  . agricuhltural: etc.). I)cscribc the general size of the system, the number of
    such systems, the number ol' houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or
    humans the system(s) are expected to serve.

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    c. Water Runoff (including storm water):
      I) Describe the source of' runoff (including storm walter) and method of collection and
    disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow'? Will this water
     flow into other waters? If so, describe.

      2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.

    d. IProposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if
    any:

    4. Plants
    a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
    _ deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
    _ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
        shrubs
    _ grass
        pasture
    _ crop or grain
    _  wet soil plants: cattail. buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
     _  water plants: water lily, cclgrass, milfoil, other
    _  other types of vegetation
    b. Whal kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered'!

    c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.

    d. Proposed lan dscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhaice
    vegetation on the site, if any:

    5. Animals
    a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
    to be on or near the site:
          birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:   .................................
          mammials: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:   ...................................
          fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: ............................
    b. lis anlly threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.

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    c. Is the site part of a migration roule? If so, explain.

    d. Proposed measures to prcserve or enhance wildlife, if any:

    6. Energy and Natural Resources
    a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
    the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manu-
    faicltring, etc.

    b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
    generally describe.

    c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
    I.ist other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:

    7. Environmental Health
    a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
    of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
    If so, describe.

      I ) Describe special emergency services that might be required.

      2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:

    b. Noise
      I) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
    traffic, equipment, operation, other)?

      2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
    short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
    cate what hours noise would come from the site.

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             1() Bl3 ( ()MPI I:TIl) BY APPI.I('ANT                                                                    INVALUATION l-OR
                                                                                                                 A(iENfY USE ONI.Y

               3) Proposed mncasures to reduce or control noise impacts. if ally:

         S. Iand and Shoreline I Ise
            a  What is the current use ofl' the site and adjacent properties'?

            b. tlas the site been used for agriculture'? If so, describe.

    I

        . Describe any structures on the site.

            d. \Vill anv structuries be demlolished'? If so, what'?

            c. What is the current zoning classification of the site?

            1f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?

            g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?

            h. tlas any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area'! If so,
            specify.

            i Applroximately how many people would reside or work in tile completed project?

           j .1. Approximllicly how malny people would the comipleled project displae?

           k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:

           I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
           uses and plans, if any:

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    9. Htousing
    a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if' any'? Indicate whether high, mid-
    dle, or low-income housing.

    b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
    middle, or low--income housing.

    c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:

    10. Aesthetics
    a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
    the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?

    b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed'?

    c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:

    11. Light and Glare
    a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
    occur?

    b. Could light or glarc from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views'?

    c. What existing ofl'f site sontres of' light or glare may affect your proposal?

    d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:                                                         I

    12. Recreation
    a. What designated and inf1ormIal recrealional opportunities are in'the immediate vicinity?

                                                                                                                                 I
    b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.

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    I

             c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation op-
             portunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:

             13. Ilistoric and ('ultural Preservation
             a. Arc there any places or objects listed on. or proposed for, national, slate. or local preser-
             vation registers known to be on or next to the site'? If so, generally describe.

             b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or
             cultural importance known to be on or next to the site.

            c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:

             14. Transportation
            a. Identcify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the
            existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.

            b. Is sit e currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the
            nearest transit stop'?

            c. tlow miany parking spaces would the completed project have'? I low many would the
            project eliminate'?

            d. W ill the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvemenls to existing roads or
            slreets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicatle whether public or
            privatlc).

            c. WVill the projecc use (or occur in te immedi;ate vicinity of) water, rail. or air tra:lsportia-
            tioll  If so, generally describe.

            '. How  many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If
            known, indicate when peak volumes would occur.

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    g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:

    15. Public Services
    a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire pro-
    lection, police protection, health care. schools, other)? If so, gencrally describe.

    b. I'roposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, il any.

    16. Utilities
    a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: clectricity, natural gas, water, refuse serv-
    ice, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.

    b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
    and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
    be needed.

    (. SIlNAT'  RII
      The alhove answers ar  Iruc land conplete 1 tolhe best of my knowledge. I undersland th;ai
      thc lacd agenIIy is relying on Ihem Io m;ake its decision.
      Signature:    ...............................................................
      I)ale Submitted:   ..........................................................

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