[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 19 (Friday, January 29, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4774-4779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-1906]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XT13


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; St. 
George Reef Light Station Restoration and Maintenance on Northwest Seal 
Rock, in the Northeast Pacific Ocean

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of incidental harassment authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given 
that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to 
the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society (SGRLPS), to 
incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, four species of marine 
mammals during the specified activity.

DATES: This authorization is effective from January 27, 2010, through 
April 30, 2010.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and the application are available by 
writing to P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225. A copy 
of the application may be obtained by writing to this address, by 
telephoning the contact listed here (FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) 
or online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications
    Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by appointment, 
during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannine Cody (301) 713-2289, ext. 113 
or Monica DeAngelis, NMFS Southwest Region, (562) 980-3232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1371 (a)(5)(D)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to authorize, upon request, the incidental, 
but not intentional, taking by harassment of small numbers of marine 
mammals of a species or population stock, for periods of not more than 
one year, by United States citizens who engage in a specified activity 
(other than commercial fishing) within a specific geographic region if 
certain findings are made and, a notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a 
negligible impact on the species or stock(s), and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or 
stock(s) for subsistence uses. The authorization must set forth the 
permissible methods of taking, other means of effecting the least 
practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its habitat, and 
monitoring and reporting of such takings. NMFS has defined ``negligible 
impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as ``an impact resulting from the specified 
activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably 
likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on 
annual rates of recruitment or survival.''
    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process 
by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization 
to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment. 
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA establishes a 45-day time limit for 
NMFS' review of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and 
comment period on any proposed authorizations for the incidental 
harassment of small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the 
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny the 
authorization.
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as:
    any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the 
potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the 
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, 
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering 
[Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    NMFS received an application from the SGRLPS for the taking by 
harassment, of marine mammals incidental to conducting helicopter 
operations, lighthouse restoration, and light maintenance activities on 
the St. George Reef Lighthouse Station (Station) in Del Norte County in 
California. SGRLPS aims to restore and preserve the Station which is 
listed in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic 
Places. The group must also perform annual maintenance on the Station's 
optical light system to renew a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Private Aid to 
Navigation (PATON) permit. The Station is located on Northwest Seal 
Rock (NWSR) (41[deg] 50' 24'' N, 124[deg] 22' 06'' W) approximately 
nine kilometers (km) (6.0 miles (mi)) offshore of Crescent City, 
California in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by helicopter landings/
takeoffs, noise generated during restoration activities (e.g., 
painting, plastering, welding, and glazing) and maintenance activities 
(e.g., bulb replacement and automation of the light system), and human 
presence, may have the potential to cause the pinnipeds hauled out on 
NWSR to flush into the surrounding water or to cause a short-term 
behavioral disturbance. These types of disturbances are the principal 
means of marine mammal taking associated with these activities and the 
SGRLPS has requested an authorization to take 204 California sea lions 
(Zalophus californianus); 36 Pacific Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina); 172 
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus); and six northern fur seals

[[Page 4775]]

(Callorhinus ursinus) by Level B harassment.

Description of the Specified Activity

    SGRLPS will conduct the activities (helicopter operations, 
lighthouse restoration and light maintenance activities) on NWSR 
between January 27, 2010 and April 30, 2010, at a maximum frequency of 
one work session per month. The duration of each work session will be 
no more than three days (e.g., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
    NMFS provided a detailed overview of the activity in the notice of 
the proposed IHA (74 FR 49852, September 29, 2009) and in Chapter 3 of 
NMFS' Environmental Assessment (EA). No changes have been made to the 
proposed activities.

Helicopter Operations

    The SGRLPS will transport personnel and equipment from the 
California mainland to NWSR by a small helicopter. The helicopter will 
depart from Crescent City Airport and will transit to NWSR where it 
will land on top of the engine room (caisson). Acoustic tests on the 
helicopter's noise output measured a sound pressure level of 81.9 
decibels (dB) re: 20 Pa (peak) (A-weighted) approximately 150 m from 
the ground. However, the helicopter has two-bladed main and tail rotors 
which are fitted with noise-attenuating blade tip caps that would 
decrease flyover noise.
    The SGRLPS estimates that each work session would require no more 
than 36 helicopter landings. During landing, the work crew members will 
disembark from the helicopter and retrieve their equipment located in a 
basket attached to the underside of the aircraft. The helicopter would 
then return to the mainland to pick up additional personnel and 
equipment.
    As a means of funding support for the restoration activities, the 
SGRLPS will conduct public tours of the Station during the last day of 
the restoration and maintenance activities. SGRLPS will transport 
visitors to the Station on Sunday. Although some of these flights would 
be conducted solely for the transportation of tourists, the SGRLPS will 
conduct those flights later in the day when no pinnipeds are expected 
to be on NWSR due to the animals dispersal from the haulout area caused 
by previous helicopter landings earlier in the day. No additional 
allowance is included for marine mammals that might be affected by 
additional flights for the transportation of tourists.

Lighthouse Restoration and Light Maintenance

    Restoration activities will involve light construction (e.g., 
sanding, hammering, or use of hand drills) to: remove peeling paint and 
plaster; restore interior plaster and paint; refurbish and replace 
structural and decorative elements; replace glass; upgrade the present 
electrical system; replace the PATON beacon light; and automate the 
light system. Noise generated from these activities have the potential 
to disturb pinnipeds hauled out on NWSR.

Emergency Repair Event

    If the PATON beacon light fails during the period January 27, 2010, 
through April 30, 2010, the SGRLPS would transport a small work crew to 
the Station by helicopter to repair the PATON beacon light. For each 
emergency repair event, the SGRLPS would conduct a maximum of four 
flights (two arrivals and two departures) to transport equipment and 
supplies. As in the case of helicopter operations and lighthouse 
restoration and maintenance conducted during the three-day work 
sessions, flights conducted for emergency repairs would have the 
potential to disturb pinnipeds hauled out on NWSR.

Comments and Responses

    NMFS published a notice of receipt of the SGRLPS application and 
proposed IHA in the Federal Register on September 29, 2009 (74 FR 
49852). During the 30-day comment period, NMFS received a letter from 
the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) which recommended that NMFS 
issue the requested authorization, provided that the required 
monitoring and mitigation measures are carried out (e.g., restrictions 
on the timing and frequency of activities, restrictions on helicopter 
approaches, timing measures for helicopter landings, and measures to 
minimize acoustic and visual disturbances) as described in NMFS' 
September 29, 2009 (74 FR 49852), notice of the proposed IHA and the 
application. All measures proposed in the initial Federal Register 
notice are included in the authorization and NMFS has determined that 
they will effect the least practicable impact on the species or stocks 
and their habitats.

Marine Mammals Affected by the Activity

    The marine mammal species most likely to be harassed incidental to 
helicopter operations, lighthouse restoration, and lighthouse 
maintenance on NWSR are the California sea lion, the Pacific Harbor 
seal, the eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion, and the eastern 
Pacific stock of northern fur seal. California sea lions and Pacific 
harbor seals are not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, 
nor are they categorized as depleted under the MMPA. Northern fur seals 
are not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. However, they 
are categorized as depleted under the MMPA.
    Last, the Steller sea lion, eastern U.S. stock is listed as 
threatened under the ESA and is categorized as depleted under the MMPA. 
General information of these species can be found in the notice of the 
proposed IHA (74 FR 49852, September 29, 2009). The nearest Steller sea 
lion breeding area relative to the project site is at Southwest Seal 
Rock (41 49 00 N, 124 21 00 W) about 4 km (2.49 miles (mi)) south of 
NWSR. Although the rookery is just south of the Station, animals may 
continue to increase their use of NWSR over time; possibly as a pupping 
area, at some point in the future (R. Brown, pers. comm., 2006).
    There are several endangered cetaceans that have the potential to 
transit in the vicinity of NWSR including the blue (Balaenoptera 
musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), north Pacific right 
(Eubalena japonica), sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), and southern 
resident killer (Orcinus orca) whales. These species are typically 
found farther offshore of NWSR and are not considered further in this 
IHA.
    California (southern) sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) usually 
range in coastal waters within two km of shore. However, sea otters are 
not present on NWSR (Crescent Coastal Research (CCR), 2001). This 
species is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is not 
considered further in this IHA.

Potential Effects of the Activities on Marine Mammals

    Level B harassment of pinnipeds has the potential to occur during 
helicopter approaches and departures from NWSR due to acoustic 
disturbances caused by the helicopters rotors and engine. It is likely 
that the initial helicopter approach to the Station would cause a 
subset, or all of the marine mammals hauled out on NWSR to depart the 
rock and flush into the water. The pinnipeds' movement into the water 
is expected to be gradual due to the required controlled helicopter 
approaches (see Mitigation), the small size of the helicopter, its 
relatively quiet rotors, and behavioral habituation on the part

[[Page 4776]]

of the animals as helicopter trips continue throughout the day.
    According to the CCR Report (2001), while up to 40 percent of the 
California and Steller sea lions present on the rock have been observed 
to enter the water on the first of a series of helicopter landings, as 
few as zero percent have flushed on subsequent landings on the same 
date.
    During the sessions of helicopter activity, some animals may be 
temporarily displaced from the island and either raft in the water or 
relocate to other haul-outs. Sea lions have shown habituation to 
helicopter flight within a day at the project site and most animals are 
expected to return soon after helicopter activities cease for that day. 
By clustering helicopter arrivals and departures within a short time 
period, the pinnipeds are expected to show less response to subsequent 
landings (NMFS, 2010).
    NMFS provided a detailed overview of: (1) the sound levels produced 
by the helicopter; (2) behavioral reactions of pinnipeds to helicopter 
operations and light construction noise; (3) hearing impairment and 
other non-auditory physical effects; (4) behavioral reactions to visual 
stimuli; (5) and specific observations gathered during previous 
monitoring of the marine mammals present on NWSR in the notice of the 
proposed IHA (74 FR 49852, September 29, 2009) and in Chapter 3 of 
NMFS' Environmental Assessment (EA).

Possible Effects of Activities on Marine Mammal Habitat

    The SGRLPS does not anticipate any loss or modification to the 
habitat used by California sea lions, Steller sea lions, Pacific harbor 
seals, and northern fur seals that haul-out on NWSR. The SGRLPS will 
conduct helicopter operations and restoration and maintenance 
activities at elevations high enough to not disturb the geology and the 
water surrounding NWSR.
    NMFS has designated EFH for groundfish species (or species 
assemblages) along more than 130,000 square miles of marine waters off 
the West Coast. EFH consists of both the water column and the 
underlying surface (e.g. seafloor) of a particular area. Although NWSR 
is located adjacent to the EFH (water column), the restoration and 
maintenance activities will occur from 11 m (37 ft) to 44.5m (146 ft) 
above the designated EFH for groundfish species. Hence, the effects of 
restoration and maintenance activities as well as the elevation and 
route of the helicopter operations would not occur in the surrounding 
water column and would not significantly impact fish populations or 
habitat. These activities are not likely to adversely affect EFH.
    NMFS also considered the effects of issuing an IHA on target and 
non-target species, including invertebrates, fish, sea turtles, 
seabirds, sea otters, and marine mammals and their habitats. NMFS does 
not expect the action to affect an animal's susceptibility to 
predation, alter dietary preferences or foraging behavior, or change 
distribution or abundance of predators or prey.

Mitigation and Monitoring

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) under 
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the permissible 
methods of taking pursuant to such activity, and other means of 
effecting the least practicable adverse impact on such species or stock 
and its habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating 
grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the availability of 
such species or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses. To 
reduce the potential for disturbance from visual and acoustic stimuli 
associated with the activities, the SGRLPS and/or its designees will 
undertake the following marine mammal mitigation and monitoring 
measures:
    (1) Conduct restoration and maintenance activities at the St. 
George Reef Light Station at a maximum of one session per month between 
January 27, 2010, and April 30, 2010. Each restoration session would be 
no more than three days in duration. Maintenance of the light beacon 
will occur only in conjunction with the monthly restoration activities;
    (2) Ensure that helicopter approach patterns to the St. George Reef 
Light Station will be such that the timing techniques are least 
disturbing to marine mammals. To the extent possible, the helicopter 
should approach Northwest Seal Rock when the tide is too high for the 
marine mammals to haul-out on Northwest Seal Rock;
    (3) Avoid rapid and direct approaches by the helicopter to the 
Station by approaching Northwest Seal Rock at a relatively high 
altitude (e.g., 800 - 1,000 ft, or 244 - 305 m). Before the final 
approach, the helicopter shall circle lower, and approach from area 
where the density of pinnipeds is the lowest. If for any safety reasons 
(e.g., wind conditions or visibility) such helicopter approach and 
timing techniques cannot be achieved, the SGRLPS must abort the 
restoration and maintenance session for that day;
    (4) Provide instructions to SGRLPS members, the restoration crew, 
and if applicable, to tourists, on appropriate conduct when in the 
vicinity of hauled-out marine mammals. The SGRLPS members, the 
restoration crew, and if applicable, tourists, will avoid making 
unnecessary noise while on Northwest Seal Rock and must not view 
pinnipeds around the base of the Station;
    (5) Ensure that the door to the Station's lower platform shall 
remain closed and barricaded at all times;
    (6) At least once during the period between November 1 and April 30 
annually, a qualified, NMFS-approved biologist shall be present during 
all three workdays at the Station. This requirement may be modified 
depending on the results of the monthly monitoring reports. The 
biologist shall document use of the island by the marine mammals (i.e., 
dates, time, tidal height, species, numbers present, frequency of use, 
weather conditions, and any disturbances), and note any responses to 
potential disturbances;
    (7) In the case of an emergency repair event (i.e., failure of the 
PATON beacon light) between January 27, 2010 and April 30, 2010, the 
SGRLPS must consult with the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for 
Protected Resources, Southwest Region, NMFS, to best determine the 
timing of an emergency repair trip to the Station. The Southwest Region 
NMFS fishery biologist will make a decision regarding when the SGRLPS 
can schedule helicopter trips to the Station during the emergency 
repair time window and will ensure that such operations will have the 
least practicable adverse impact to marine mammals. The ARA for 
Protected Resources, Southwest Region, NMFS will ensure that the 
SGRLPS' request for incidental take during an emergency repair event 
will not exceed the number of incidental take authorized in this IHA;
    (8) The SGRLPS will employ a skilled, aerial photographer to 
document marine mammals hauled out on Northwest Seal Rock for comparing 
marine mammal presence on Northwest Seal Rock pre- and post-
restoration. The photographer will complete a photographic survey of 
Northwest Seal Rock using the same helicopter that will transport 
SGRLPS personnel to the island during restoration trips. For a pre-
restoration survey, photographs of all marine mammals hauled-out on the 
island shall be taken at an altitude greater than 300 m (984 ft) during 
the first arrival flight to Northwest Seal Rock. For the post-
restoration survey, photographs of all marine mammals hauled-out on the 
island shall be taken at an altitude greater than 300 m (984 ft) during 
the

[[Page 4777]]

last departure flight from Northwest Seal Rock;
    (9) The SGRLPS and/or its designees will forward the photographs to 
a biologist capable of discerning marine mammal species. Data shall be 
provided to NMFS in the form of a report with a data table, any other 
significant observations related to marine mammals, and a report of 
restoration activities (see Reporting). The SGRLPS will make available 
the original photographs to NMFS or to other marine mammal experts for 
inspection and further analysis.
    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed mitigation 
measures and considered a range of other measures in the context of 
ensuring that NMFS prescribes the means of effecting the least 
practicable adverse impact on the affected marine mammal species and 
stocks and their habitat. Our evaluation of potential measures included 
consideration of the following factors in relation to one another: (1) 
the manner in which, and the degree to which, the successful 
implementation of the measure is expected to minimize adverse impacts 
to marine mammals; (2) the proven or likely efficacy of the specific 
measure to minimize adverse impacts as planned; and (3) the 
practicability of the measure for applicant implementation.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, as 
well as other measures considered by NMFS or recommended by the public, 
NMFS has determined that the required mitigation measures provide the 
means of effecting the least practicable adverse impacts on marine 
mammals species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance.

Reporting

    In order to issue an ITA for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth ``requirements pertaining to 
the monitoring and reporting of such taking''. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for IHAs 
must include the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary 
monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the 
species and of the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine 
mammals that are expected to be present in the action area.
    The SGRLPS is required to submit an interim report on all 
activities and monitoring results to the ARA for Protected Resources, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, and to the Chief, Permits, Conservation, and 
Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, no later than 
30 days after the conclusion of each monthly work session. This report 
must contain the following information: (1) a summary of the dates, 
times, and weather during all helicopter operations, and restoration 
and maintenance activities; (2) species, number, location, and behavior 
of any marine mammals, observed throughout all monitoring activities; 
(3) an estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that are 
known to have been exposed to visual and acoustic stimuli associated 
with the helicopter operations, restoration and maintenance activities; 
and (4) a description of the implementation and effectiveness of the 
monitoring and mitigation measures of the IHA and full documentation of 
methods, results, and interpretation pertaining to all monitoring.
    The SGRLPS is required to submit a final monitoring report to NMFS 
no later than 90 days after the project is completed to the ARA for 
Protected Resources, Southwest Region, NMFS, and to the Chief, Permits, 
Conservation, and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
NMFS. The report must contain the following information: (1) a summary 
of the dates, times, and weather during all helicopter operations, 
restoration, and maintenance activities; (2) species, number, location, 
and behavior of any marine mammals, observed throughout all monitoring 
activities; (3) an estimate of the number (by species) of marine 
mammals that are known to have been exposed to visual and acoustic 
stimuli associated with the helicopter operations, restoration, and 
maintenance activities; (4) a description of the implementation and 
effectiveness of the monitoring and mitigation measures of the IHA and 
full documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining 
to all monitoring.
    In the event of any observed Steller sea lion injury, mortality, or 
the presence of newborn pup (which is highly unlikely), SGRLPS and/or 
its designees must immediately cease operations and notify the ARA for 
Protected Resources, Southwest Region, NMFS at (562) 980-4020; and the 
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, at (301) 713-2289.

Estimated Take by Incidental Harassment

    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as:
    any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the 
potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the 
wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, 
migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering 
[Level B harassment].
    Only take by Level B harassment is anticipated and authorized as a 
result of the helicopter operations, restoration, and maintenance 
activities. Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by helicopter 
landings/takeoffs; noise generated during restoration activities and 
maintenance activities have the potential to cause the pinnipeds hauled 
out on NWSR to flush into the surrounding water or to cause a short-
term behavioral disturbance. There is no evidence that the planned 
activities could result in serious injury or mortality. The required 
mitigation and monitoring measures will minimize any potential risk to 
injury or mortality.
    NMFS estimates that a maximum of 204 California sea lions, 172 
Steller sea lions, 36 Pacific harbor seals, and 6 northern fur seals 
could be potentially affected by Level B harassment over the course of 
the IHA. Estimates of the numbers of marine mammals that might be 
affected are based on consideration of 100 percent of the pinnipeds 
present on NWSR that could be disturbed by approximately 42 hrs of 
helicopter operations each month, during the course of the activity. 
These estimates are also based on pinniped survey counts conducted by 
CCR on NWSR in the spring of 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 (CCR, 2001), 
calculated for the population variance (Steller sea lions) or for the 
average monthly abundance (California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, 
and northern fur seals) between November 1 and April 30 annually. These 
incidental harassment take numbers represent 0.14 percent of the U.S. 
stock of California sea lion, 0.42 percent of the eastern U.S. stock of 
Steller sea lion, 0.11 percent of the California stock of Pacific 
harbor seals, and 0.06 percent of the San Miguel Island stock of 
northern fur seal.
    NMFS expects that the individual animals hauled out and harassed 
upon exposure to the first helicopter flight of the day will be the 
same animals hauled out on NWSR over the course of each three-day work 
period, due to high site fidelity, which is defined herein as an 
individual animal's continued use of the same haul out area over a 
specific period of time.
    Take estimates for the California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, 
and northern fur seals are based on the average

[[Page 4778]]

monthly abundance (CCR, 2001) of the total number of animals expected 
to be hauled out on NWSR. The average monthly abundance for each 
species is then multiplied by six to account for the monthly sessions 
of restoration and maintenance activities conducted between November 
1st and April 30th to arrive at the total take number for each species. 
Each animal has the potential to be exposed and potentially harassed 
multiple times on the same day (i.e., 12 harassment events on the first 
day, two harassment events on the second day, and 22 harassment events 
on the final day). However, NMFS' take numbers represent the total 
number of individual marine mammals expected to be harassed by the 
helicopter operations, and restoration and maintenance activities, not 
the total number of exposure/harassment events.
    Estimates of the number of Steller sea lions that might be present 
on NWSR during the three-day work period do not exist. Therefore, to 
account for variability of Steller sea lion presence throughout the six 
months of the restoration and maintenance activities, NMFS estimated 
the population variance for Steller sea lions hauled out during the six 
month period by using a two-tailed test statistical test (at a 95 
percent confidence level) to infer the upper range of Steller sea lions 
present on NWSR (i.e., 172 individuals). NMFS expects the haul out 
areas on NWSR to be inundated by waves during the winter months thereby 
reducing the available haul out space and as a result, the number of 
Steller sea lions hauled out. Accordingly, these take estimates are 
likely a gross overestimate of the number of animals expected to be 
hauled out at Northwest Seal Rock, during the six monthly sessions of 
restoration and maintenance activities conducted between November 1st 
and April 30th.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis and Determination

    NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as ``...an 
impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably 
expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the 
species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or 
survival.'' In making a negligible impact determination, NMFS 
considers: (1) the number of anticipated mortalities; (2) the number 
and nature of anticipated injuries; (3) the number, nature, and 
intensity, and duration of Level B harassment; and (4) the context in 
which the takes occur.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that a maximum of 204 
California sea lions, 172 Steller sea lions, 36 Pacific harbor seals, 
and 6 northern fur seals could be potentially affected by Level B 
harassment over the course of the IHA. These incidental harassment take 
numbers represent 0.14 percent of the U.S. stock of California sea 
lion, 0.42 percent of the eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion, 0.11 
percent of the California stock of Pacific harbor seals, and 0.06 
percent of the San Miguel Island stock of northern fur seal. For each 
species, these numbers are small relative to the population size.
    No injuries or mortalities are anticipated to occur as a result of 
the SGRLPS' planned helicopter operations, restoration, and maintenance 
activities, and none are authorized. Takes will be limited to Level B 
behavioral harassment over a three-day period at maximum frequency of 
one session a month.
    NMFS does not expect the activity to impact rates of recruitment or 
survival of the pinnipeds since no mortality (which would remove 
individuals from the population) or injury is anticipated to occur. 
Only short-term Level B harassment is anticipated to occur over a very 
short period of time (maximum of three days), occurring at very limited 
times of the day. Additionally, the activity will occur at a time of 
year when breeding does not occur.
    NMFS has determined, provided that the aforementioned mitigation 
and monitoring measures are implemented, that the impact of conducting 
helicopter operations, restoration, and maintenance activities on St. 
George Reef Light Station located on NWSR may result, at worst, in a 
temporary modification in behavior and/or low-level physiological 
effects (Level B harassment) of small numbers of certain species of 
marine mammals.
    While behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating the 
area during the lighthouse restoration and maintenance period, may be 
made by these species to avoid the resultant helicopter landing/takeoff 
and visual disturbance from human presence, the availability of 
alternate areas within these areas and haulout sites, and the short and 
sporadic duration of the restoration and maintenance activities, have 
led NMFS to determine that this action will have a negligible impact on 
Steller sea lions, California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, and 
northern fur seals.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the mitigation and monitoring 
measures, NMFS finds that the SGRLPS' planned helicopter operations, 
restoration, and maintenance activities will result in the incidental 
take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, 
and that the total taking from helicopter operations, restoration, and 
maintenance activities exercise will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species or stocks.

Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for 
Subsistence Uses

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated 
by this action.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    The Steller sea lion, eastern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) is 
listed as threatened under the ESA and occurs in the planned action 
area. NMFS Headquarters' Office of Protected Resources, Permits, 
Conservation, and Education Division conducted a formal section 7 
consultation under the ESA with the Southwest Region, NMFS. On January 
27, 2010, the Southwest Region issued a Biological Opinion (BiOp) and 
concluded that the issuance of an IHA is likely to adversely affect, 
but not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Steller sea 
lions. NMFS has designated critical habitat for the eastern Distinct 
Population Segment of Steller sea lions in California at Ano Nuevo 
Island, Southeast Farallon Island, Sugarloaf Island and Cape Mendocino, 
California pursuant to section 4 of the ESA (see 50 CFR 226.202(b)). 
Northwest Seal Rock is neither within nor nearby these designated 
areas. Finally, the BiOp included an incidental take statement (ITS) 
for Steller sea lions. The ITS contains reasonable and prudent measures 
implemented by terms and conditions to minimize the effects of this 
take.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    To meet NMFS' NEPA requirements for the issuance of an IHA to the 
SGRLPS, NMFS has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) that is 
specific to conducting aircraft operations and restoration and 
maintenance work on the St. George Reef Light Station. NMFS has 
prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) titled Issuance of an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization to Take Marine Mammals by 
Harassment Incidental to Conducting Aircraft Operations, Lighthouse 
Restoration and Maintenance Activities on St. George Reef Lighthouse 
Station in Del Norte County, California, that evaluates the

[[Page 4779]]

impacts on the human environment of NMFS' authorization of incidental 
Level B harassment resulting from the specified activity in the 
specified geographic region. The NMFS has made a Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) and, therefore, it is not necessary to 
prepare an environmental impact statement for the issuance of an IHA to 
SGRLPS for this activity. A copy of the EA and the NMFS FONSI for this 
activity is available upon request (see ADDRESSES). A copy of the EA 
and the NMFS FONSI for this activity is available upon request (see 
ADDRESSES).

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, NMFS has issued an IHA to the 
SGRLPS to conduct helicopter operations and restoration and maintenance 
work on the St. George Reef Light Station on Northwest Seal Rock in the 
northeast Pacific Ocean during January 27, 2010 through April 30, 2010, 
provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: January 25, 2010.
Helen M. Golde,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-1906 Filed 1-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S