[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64996-65005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26547]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XZ60


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Marine Geophysical Survey in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, 
October Through November 2010

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental take authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Scripps Institution of 
Oceanography (SIO), a part of the University of California, to take 
small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to 
conducting a marine geophysical survey in the eastern tropical Pacific 
Ocean (ETP), October through November, 2010.

DATES: Effective October 19, 2010, through November 30, 2010.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and 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 or by 
telephoning the contacts listed here. A copy of the application 
containing a list of the references used in this document may be 
obtained by writing to the above address, telephoning the contact 
listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or visiting the 
Internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. The following associated documents are 
also available at the same Internet address: SIO's application, the 
Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared by NMFS, and the finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI). The NMFS Biological Opinion will be 
available online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultation/opinions.htm. Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by 
appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ben Laws or Candace Nachman, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289.

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 of small numbers of marine mammals of a 
species or population stock, by United States citizens who engage in a 
specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified 
geographical region if certain findings are made and, if the taking is 
limited to harassment, 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].

[[Page 64997]]

Summary of Request

    NMFS received an application on May 28, 2010 from SIO for the 
taking, by harassment, of marine mammals, incidental to conducting a 
marine geophysical survey in the ETP. SIO, with research funding from 
the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), plans to conduct a marine 
seismic survey in the ETP, from October through November 2010.
    SIO plans to use one source vessel, the R/V Melville (Melville), 
with a seismic airgun array to conduct a geophysical survey in the ETP. 
In addition to the operations of the seismic airgun array, SIO intends 
to operate a multibeam echosounder (MBES) and a sub-bottom profiler 
(SBP) continuously throughout the survey. The purpose of this project 
is to better understand how marine sediments record paleo-oceanographic 
information.
    Acoustic stimuli (i.e., increased underwater sound) generated 
during the operation of the seismic airgun array may have the potential 
to cause marine mammals in the survey area to be behaviorally disturbed 
in a manner that NMFS considers to be Level B harassment. This is the 
principal means of marine mammal taking associated with these 
activities and SIO has requested an authorization for the incidental 
take, by Level B harassment only, of up to 21 species of marine 
mammals. These species include: Bryde's whale; blue whale; sperm whale; 
humpback whale; Cuvier's beaked whale; Blainville's beaked whale; pygmy 
beaked whale; gingko-toothed beaked whale; rough-toothed dolphin; 
bottlenose dolphin; pantropical spotted dolphin; spinner dolphin; 
striped dolphin; Fraser's dolphin; short-beaked common dolphin; Risso's 
dolphin; melon-headed whale; pygmy killer whale; false killer whale; 
killer whale; and short-finned pilot whale. Blainville's beaked whale, 
pygmy beaked whale, and gingko-toothed beaked whale are hereafter 
grouped as Mesoplodon sp., as these species are expected to be 
encountered only infrequently and are difficult to distinguish from one 
another.

Description of the Specified Activity

    The Melville is expected to depart Puntarenas, Costa Rica, on 
October 19, 2010, and spend approximately fifteen days conducting 
seismic surveys, ten days collecting water and core samples, and 
approximately two days in transit, arriving at Arica, Chile, on 
November 14, 2010. The proposed survey will encompass the area from 
approximately 8[deg] N-12[deg] S and 80-91[deg] W, off the coasts of 
Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, in the high seas and 
within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Costa Rica, Panama, 
Colombia, and Ecuador. At each of four sites (see Figure 1 of SIO's 
application), seismic operations will be conducted for approximately 
two days, and each water sampling and coring station will be occupied 
for one to two days. SIO will operate the Melville to deploy an airgun 
array and tow a hydrophone streamer to complete the survey. Some minor 
deviation from these dates is possible, depending on logistics and 
weather. Therefore, NMFS plans to issue an authorization that extends 
to November 30, 2010.
    The Melville will deploy a pair of low-energy generator-injector 
(GI) airguns as an energy source at a depth of 2 m (each with a 
discharge volume of 45 in \3\), plus either of two towed hydrophone 
streamers, one 725 m (2,378.6 ft) long with 40 channels, and the other 
350 m (1,148.3 ft) long with 16 channels. Hydrophone streamers are 
towed at adjustable depth to afford best reception of returning seismic 
signals, depending upon surface conditions, but are typically towed at 
approximately 10 m. The energy to the GI airgun is compressed air 
supplied by compressors onboard the source vessel. As the GI airgun is 
towed along the survey lines, the receiving systems will receive the 
returning acoustic signals. The study (e.g., equipment testing, 
startup, line changes, repeat coverage of any areas) will take place in 
waters deeper than 1,000 m (3,280 ft). All planned geophysical data 
acquisition activities will be conducted by SIO with on-board 
assistance by the scientists who have proposed the study. The Chief 
Scientist is Dr. Franco Marcantonio of Texas A&M University. The vessel 
will be self-contained, and the crew will live aboard the vessel for 
the entire cruise.
    NMFS outlined the purpose of the program in a previous notice for 
the proposed IHA (75 FR 54095, September 3, 2010). The activities to be 
conducted have not changed between the proposed IHA notice and this 
final notice announcing the issuance of the IHA. For a more detailed 
description of the authorized action, including vessel and acoustic 
source specifications, the reader should refer to the aforementioned 
proposed IHA notice.
    Several errors found in the notice for the proposed IHA (75 FR 
54095, September 3, 2010) have been corrected in this document. These 
errors are as follows:
     The notice for proposed IHA referenced 40, 16, and 12 
channel hydrophone streamers. The 12 channel streamer was referenced in 
error; 40 and 16 channel streamers will be utilized as discussed in 
this document.
     Several errors were corrected with regard to exposure 
estimates and the resulting take authorization (see Estimated Take of 
Marine Mammals by Incidental Harassment and Table 2 of this document).
    [cir] Take estimate for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) was 
presented as 23 due to a calculation error and has been revised to 22.
    [cir] Take estimate for striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) 
was presented as six, due to the erroneous use of Fraser's dolphin 
(Lagenodelphis hosei) density estimates. Take estimate, as well as 
density estimate, for striped dolphin has been corrected to 192.
    [cir] Exposure estimates and take authorization numbers have been 
corrected for several species by rounding up rather than down. As there 
can be no portion of an individual in estimating take, NMFS has rounded 
up in all cases where exposure estimates have some non-negligible 
portion of a whole (see Table 2 in this document).

Comments and Responses

    A notice of receipt of the SIO application and proposed IHA was 
published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2010 (75 FR 54095). 
During the comment period, NMFS received comments from the Marine 
Mammal Commission (Commission). The public comments can be found online 
at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. Following are 
their comments and NMFS' responses.
    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that NMFS require the 
applicant to use location-specific environmental parameters to re-
estimate safety zones and then recalculate associated exposures. The 
Commission further suggests that the applicant should be required to 
use in-situ measurements to verify and, if need be, refine the safety 
zones prior to or at the beginning of the survey, and that the 
applicant should be required to determine actual exposures based on 
refined safety zones, sightability, and relevant detection functions.
    Response: NMFS is confident in the peer-reviewed results of the 
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory seismic equipment calibration studies 
which, although viewed as conservative, are used to determine cruise-
specific exclusion zones and which factor into exposure estimates. With 
the expected low density of marine mammals, combined with the remote, 
deep-water survey location, NMFS has determined that the exclusion 
zones identified in

[[Page 64998]]

the IHA are appropriate for the survey and that additional field 
measurement is not necessary at this time. While exposures of marine 
mammals to acoustic stimuli are difficult to estimate, NMFS is 
confident that the levels of take authorized herein are estimated based 
upon the best available scientific information and estimation 
methodology. The safety zones used to estimate exposure are appropriate 
and sufficient.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that NMFS provide additional 
justification for its preliminary determination that the planned 
monitoring program will be sufficient to detect, with a high level of 
confidence, all marine mammals within or entering the identified safety 
zones.
    Response: As discussed in the proposed rule, combined with the fact 
that a portion of marine mammals would be expected to avoid exposure to 
the higher levels of sound present within the designated safety zone, 
as well as the comparatively small size of the safety zone, NMFS 
believes that the planned monitoring program will be sufficient to, 
with reasonable certainty, minimize the exposure of marine mammals to 
sound within the identified exclusion zones (EZ). This monitoring, 
along with the required mitigation measures, will help ensure the 
authorized taking effects the least practicable adverse impact on the 
affected species or stocks and will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species or stocks. Until proven technological advances are 
made, nighttime mitigation measures during operations include 
combinations of the use of protected species observers (PSOs) and night 
vision devices. In the event of a complete shut-down of the airgun 
array, for mitigation or repairs, airgun operations will be suspended 
until nautical twilight-dawn (when PSOs are able to clear the EZ). 
Airgun operations will not begin until the entire EZ radius is visible 
for at least 30 minutes.
    Comment 3: The Commission recommends that NMFS propose to SIO that 
it revise its study design to include collection of meaningful baseline 
data on the distribution and behavior of marine mammals.
    Response: The purpose of this cruise is for marine geophysical 
research, not to conduct a dedicated marine mammal research survey. 
Extending or altering the survey is not practicable from either an 
operational or research standpoint for the applicant. Due to the remote 
location of the survey and the length of time needed to conduct the 
requested research, there may be little time left for the vessel to 
operate without the need for refueling and servicing.
    During the cruise, there will be significant amounts of transit 
time pre- and post-survey during which PSOs will be on watch (e.g., 
prior to and after the seismic portions of the survey). The collection 
of this observational data by PSOs may provide meaningful baseline data 
on marine mammals, but it is unlikely that the information would result 
in any statistically robust conclusions for this particular seismic 
survey. As the monitoring program is currently devised, one PSO (at 
minimum) will be on watch not only during all daylight airgun 
operations, or start-up of airguns at any time, but at all times when 
effective observation is possible. Any further revisions of study 
design are impractical.
    In addition, SIO is not responsible for the study design. Through a 
cooperative agreement with the NSF, SIO is the operator of the 
Melville, which hosts the field research program. The study is designed 
by the Principal Investigator and is submitted to NSF as a proposal for 
funding consideration and subsequently reviewed by a merit review 
panel. This study was selected based on its scientific merits, and 
extension or modification of the field component would require 
scientific justification and NSF approval and potentially further merit 
review.
    Comment 4: The Commission recommends that NMFS extend the 
monitoring period to at least one hour before initiation of seismic 
activities and at least one hour before the resumption of airgun 
activities after a power-down because of a marine mammal sighting 
within a safety zone.
    Response: As the Commission points out, several species of deep-
diving cetaceans are capable of remaining underwater for more than 30 
minutes, however, for the following reasons NMFS believes that 30 
minutes is an adequate length for the monitoring period prior to the 
start-up of airguns: (1) In most cases PSOs are making observations 
during times when seismic sources are not being operated and will 
actually be observing prior to the 30 min observation period anyway, 
(2) the majority of the species that may be exposed do not stay 
underwater more than 30 minutes, and (3) if deep-diving individuals 
happened to be in the area in the short time immediately prior to the 
pre-start-up monitoring and if an animal's maximum underwater time is 
45 min, there is only a one in three chance that the last random 
surfacing would be prior to the beginning of the required 30 min 
monitoring period.
    Also, seismic vessels are moving continuously (because of the long, 
towed array) and NMFS believes that unless the animal submerges and 
follows at the speed of the vessel (highly unlikely, especially when 
considering that a significant part of their movements is vertical 
[deep-diving]), the vessel will be far beyond the length of the safety 
radii within 30 min, and therefore it will be safe to resume 
acquisition. Finally, due to the nature of the seismic source to be 
used during the survey, power-down (as mentioned in the Commission's 
comment) will not be used as a mitigation measure.
    In addition, mitigation measures are required to be 
``practicable.'' NMFS believes that the framework for visual monitoring 
will (1) be effective at spotting almost all species for which take is 
requested; and (2) that imposing additional requirements, such as those 
suggested by the Commission, would not meaningfully increase the 
effectiveness of observing marine mammals approaching or entering the 
exclusion zones. The Commission's recommendation would cause additional 
impact on the science mission, limiting acquisition opportunity without 
dramatically increasing overall effectiveness of visual monitoring.
    Comment 5: The Commission recommends that NMFS continue to require 
ramp-up and power-down procedures as a mitigation measure pending the 
outcome of a meeting to discuss these procedures.
    Response: NMFS will continue to require ramp-up and power-down 
procedures as mitigation measures, when applicable, unless or until 
these measures are proven to be ineffective or other measures are 
proven to be more effective.
    Comment 6: The Commission recommends that NMFS not include detailed 
information and analyses for species that are not expected to be in the 
proposed survey area in future Federal Register notices.
    Response: NMFS agrees that detailed information and analyses for 
species that are not expected to be in the proposed survey area should 
not be included in Federal Register notices. NMFS considers the 
information included in the Federal Register notice of proposed IHA (75 
FR 54095, September 3, 2010) in this case to be necessary justification 
for determinations to not authorize take for certain species.
    In closing, NMFS is planning to meet with the Commission to further 
discuss the broad issues raised in their

[[Page 64999]]

comments, which relate to more than just the IHA contemplated here.

Description of the Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    Forty-three species of marine mammals, including 29 odontocetes, 7 
mysticetes, 6 pinnipeds, and the marine sea otter (Enhydra lutris), are 
known to occur in the ETP. Of these, 21 cetacean species are likely to 
occur in the proposed survey areas in the ETP during October-November 
(see Table 2 in this document), and are considered further here. Three 
of these cetacean species are listed under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) as Endangered: The sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), humpback 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), and blue (Balaenoptera musculus) whales.
    NMFS has presented a more detailed discussion of the status of 
these stocks and their occurrence in the ETP in the notice of the 
proposed IHA (75 FR 54095, September 3, 2010).

Potential Effects on Marine Mammals

Summary of Potential Effects of Airgun Sounds

    Level B harassment of cetaceans has the potential to occur during 
the seismic survey due to acoustic stimuli caused by the firing of 
airguns, which introduces sound into the marine environment. The 
effects of sounds from airguns might include one or more of the 
following: tolerance, masking of natural sounds, behavioral 
disturbance, temporary or permanent hearing impairment, or non-auditory 
physical or physiological effects (Richardson et al., 1995; Gordon et 
al., 2004; Nowacek et al., 2007; Southall et al., 2007). Permanent 
hearing impairment, in the unlikely event that it occurred, would 
constitute injury, but temporary threshold shift (TTS) is not an injury 
(Southall et al., 2007). Although the possibility cannot be entirely 
excluded, it is unlikely that the project would result in any cases of 
temporary or permanent hearing impairment, or any significant non-
auditory physical or physiological effects. Some behavioral disturbance 
is expected, but NMFS expects the disturbance to be localized and 
short-term.
    The notice of the proposed IHA (75 FR 54095, September 3, 2010) 
included a discussion of the effects of sounds from airguns on 
mysticetes and odontocetes, including tolerance, masking, behavioral 
disturbance, hearing impairment, and other non-auditory physical 
effects. Additional information on the behavioral reactions (or lack 
thereof) by all types of marine mammals to seismic vessels can be found 
in SIO's application and NMFS' EA. The notice of the proposed IHA also 
included a discussion of the potential effects of the multibeam 
echosounder (MBES) and the sub-bottom profiler (SBP). Because of the 
shape of the beams of these sources and their power, NMFS believes it 
unlikely that marine mammals will be exposed to either the MBES or the 
SBP at levels at or above those likely to cause harassment. Further, 
NMFS believes that the brief exposure of cetaceans to a few signals 
from the multi-beam bathymetric sonar system is not likely to result in 
the harassment of marine mammals.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    A detailed discussion of the potential effects of this action on 
marine mammal habitat, including physiological and behavioral effects 
on marine fish and invertebrates was included in the proposed IHA (75 
FR 54095, September 3, 2010). Based on the discussion in the proposed 
IHA notice and the nature of the activities (limited duration), the 
authorized operations are not expected to result in any permanent 
impact on habitats used by marine mammals, including the food sources 
they use. The main impact associated with the activity will be 
temporarily elevated noise levels and the associated direct effects on 
marine mammals.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) under 
sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA, NMFS must, where applicable, 
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 (where relevant).
    Mitigation and monitoring measures to be implemented for the 
seismic survey have been developed and refined during previous SIO 
seismic studies and associated EAs, IHA applications, and IHAs. The 
mitigation and monitoring measures described herein represent a 
combination of procedures required by past IHAs for other similar 
projects and on best practices recommended in Richardson et al. (1995), 
Pierson et al. (1998), and Weir and Dolman (2007). The measures are 
described in detail below.
    Mitigation measures to be implemented by SIO during the survey 
include (1) visual monitoring by protected species observers (discussed 
later in this document), (2) establishment of an exclusion zone (EZ), 
(3) speed or course alteration, provided that doing so will not 
compromise operational safety requirements, (4) GI airgun shut down 
procedures, and (5) ramp-up procedures. Although power-down procedures 
are often standard operating practice for seismic surveys, they will 
not be used here because powering down from two airguns to one airgun 
would make only a small difference in the 180-dB safety radius. The 
difference is not enough to allow continued one-airgun operations if a 
mammal came within the safety radius for two airguns.
    Exclusion Zones--As discussed previously in this document, NMFS has 
determined that for acoustic effects, using acoustic thresholds in 
combination with corresponding safety radii is an effective way to 
consistently apply measures to avoid or minimize the impacts of an 
action. Thresholds are used to establish a mitigation shut-down, or 
exclusion, zone, i.e., if an animal enters an area calculated to be 
ensonified above the level of an established threshold, a sound source 
is shut down.
    As a matter of past practice and based on the best available 
information at the time regarding the effects of marine sound, NMFS 
estimates that Level A harassment from acoustic sources may occur when 
cetaceans are exposed to levels above 180 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) level. 
NMFS also considers 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) as the criterion for 
estimating the onset of Level B harassment from acoustic sources 
producing impulse sounds, as in this seismic survey.
    Empirical data concerning the 180- and 160-dB distances have been 
acquired based on measurements during the acoustic verification study 
conducted by L-DEO in the northern Gulf of Mexico from May 27-June 3, 
2003 (Tolstoy et al., 2004). The empirical data indicate that, for this 
survey, the assumed 180- and 160-dB radii are 40 m (131.2 ft) and 400 m 
(1,312.3 ft), respectively (see Table 1 in this document).

[[Page 65000]]



    Table 1--Predicted Distances to Which Sound Levels [gteqt]190, 180 and 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) Might Be
   Received From Two 45 in\3\ GI Airguns That Will Be Used During the Seismic Surveys in the Eastern Tropical
                                   Pacific Ocean During October-November 2010
                            [Distances are based on model results provided by L-DEO.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Estimated Distances at Received Levels
                                                                                            (m)
        Source and volume            Tow depth (m)        Water depth    ---------------------------------------
                                                                                180 dB              160 dB
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two GI airguns, 45 in\3\ each...                  2   Deep (>1,000 m)                    40                 400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Speed or Course Alteration--If a marine mammal is detected outside 
the EZ but is likely to enter it based on relative movement of the 
vessel and the animal, and if safety and scientific objectives allow, 
the vessel speed and/or course will be adjusted to minimize the 
likelihood of the animal entering the EZ. In the event that safety and/
or scientific objectives do not allow for alteration of speed and/or 
course as a needed mitigation measure, shut-down procedures will still 
be utilized (see below). Major course and speed adjustments are often 
impractical when towing long seismic streamers and large source arrays 
but are possible in this case because only a small source and short 
streamers will be used.
    Shut-down Procedures--If a marine mammal is detected by PSOs 
outside the EZ but is likely to enter the EZ, and if the vessel's speed 
and/or course cannot be changed to avoid having the animal enter the 
EZ, the airgun array, MBES, and SBP will be shut down before the animal 
is within the EZ. Likewise, if a marine mammal is already within the EZ 
when first detected, the airgun array, MBES, and SBP will be shut down 
immediately. Following a shut down, seismic activity will not resume 
until the marine mammal has cleared the EZ. The animal will be 
considered to have cleared the EZ if it (a) is visually observed to 
have left the EZ, or (b) has not been seen within the EZ for 15 min in 
the case of small odontocetes, or has not been seen within the EZ for 
30 min in the case of mysticetes and large odontocetes, including sperm 
and beaked whales.
    Ramp-up Procedures--A ramp-up procedure will be followed when the 
GI airguns begin operating after a specified period without GI airgun 
operations. It is proposed that, for the present cruise, this period 
would be approximately 1-2 min. This period is based on the 180-dB 
radii for the GI airguns (see Table 1 in this document) in relation to 
the planned speed of the Melville while shooting. Ramp-up will begin 
with a single GI airgun (45 in\3\). The second GI airgun (45 in\3\) 
will be added after 5 min. During ramp up, the PSOs will monitor the 
exclusion zone, and, if marine mammals are sighted, a shut-down will be 
implemented as though both GI airguns were operational.
    If the complete EZ has not been visible for at least 30 min prior 
to the start of operations in either daylight or nighttime, ramp-up 
will not commence. If one GI airgun has operated, ramp-up to full power 
will be permissible at night or in poor visibility on the assumption 
that marine mammals will be alerted to the approaching seismic vessel 
by the sounds from the single GI airgun and could move away if they 
choose. A ramp-up from a shut-down may occur at night, but only when 
the entire EZ is visible, and it has been determined from the pre-ramp 
up watch that the EZ is clear of marine mammals. Ramp-up of the GI 
airguns will not be initiated if a marine mammal is sighted within or 
near the applicable EZ during day or night.
    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed mitigation 
measures in the context of ensuring that NMFS prescribes the means of 
effecting the least practicable 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:
     The manner in which, and the degree to which, the 
successful implementation of the measure is expected to minimize 
adverse impacts to marine mammals;
     The proven or likely efficacy of the specific measure to 
minimize adverse impacts as planned; and
     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, NMFS has preliminarily determined 
that the proposed mitigation measures provide the means of effecting 
the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and 
their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating 
grounds, and areas of similar significance.

Monitoring and 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.
    SIO will sponsor marine mammal monitoring during the present 
project, in order to implement the mitigation measures that require 
real-time monitoring, and to satisfy the monitoring requirements of the 
IHA. SIO's Monitoring Plan is described below this section and was 
planned as a self-contained project independent of any other related 
monitoring projects that may be occurring simultaneously in the same 
regions. SIO is prepared to discuss coordination of its monitoring 
program with any related work that might be done by other groups 
insofar as this is practical.

Vessel-Based Visual Monitoring

    Three protected species observers (PSOs) will be based aboard the 
seismic source vessel for the duration of the cruise and will watch for 
marine mammals near the vessel during daytime airgun operations and 
during start-up of airguns at any time. Watches will be conducted by at 
least one observer 100% of the time during seismic surveys in daylight 
hours. Daylight observation by at least one observer will continue 
during non-seismic periods, as long as weather conditions make 
observations meaningful, for comparison of sighting rates and animal 
behavior during periods with vs. without airgun operations. PSOs will 
be appointed by SIO with NMFS concurrence after a review of their 
qualifications.

[[Page 65001]]

    The Melville is a suitable platform for marine mammal observations. 
The observer platform is located one deck below and forward of the 
bridge (12.46 meters (40.88 ft) above the waterline), affording a 
relatively unobstructed 180-degree forward view. Aft views can be 
obtained along the port and starboard decks. During daytime hours, the 
observer(s) will scan the area systematically using reticulated 25 x 
150 big-eye binoculars and 7 x 50 hand-held binoculars to determine 
bearing and distance of sightings. A clinometer is used to determine 
distances of animals in close proximity to the vessel. Hand-held fixed 
rangefinders and distance marks on the ship's side rails are used to 
measure the exact location of the safety zone. Laser rangefinders, 
which have proven to be less reliable for open water sighting, are also 
provided. During darkness, night-vision equipment will be available. 
The PSOs will be in wireless communication with ship's officers on the 
bridge and scientists in the vessel's operations laboratory, so they 
can advise promptly of the need for avoidance maneuvers or GI airgun 
shut down.
    Before commencing seismic operations during daylight hours, two 
observers will maintain a 360-degree watch for all marine mammals for 
at least 30 minutes prior to the start of seismic operations after an 
extended shutdown of the airguns (1-2 minutes, depending on vessel 
speed). If no marine mammals are observed within the EZ during this 
time, the observers will notify the seismic personnel of an ``all 
clear'' status. Watch periods are scheduled as a 2-hour rotation. The 
observers continually scan the water from the horizon to the ship's 
hull, and forward of 90 degrees from the port and starboard beams. 
Based on PSO observations, the GI airgun(s) will be shut down (as 
described earlier in this document) when marine mammals are detected 
within or about to enter a designated EZ that corresponds to the 180-dB 
re 1 [micro]Pa (rms) isopleth. The PSOs will continue to maintain watch 
to determine when the animal(s) are outside the EZ, and airgun 
operations will not resume until the animal has left that EZ. The 
predicted distance for the 180-dB EZ is listed in Table 1 earlier in 
this document. Seismic operations will resume only after the animals 
are seen to exit the safety radius or after no further visual detection 
of the animal for 15 minutes (for small odontocetes and pinnipeds) or 
30 minutes (for mysticetes and large odontocetes, including beaked 
whales).
    The bridge officers and other crew will be instructed to alert the 
observer on watch of any suspected marine mammal sighting. If needed, 
the bridge will be contacted in order to maneuver the ship to avoid 
interception with approaching marine mammals.

PSO Data and Documentation

    PSOs will record data to estimate the numbers of marine mammals 
exposed to various received sound levels and to document reactions or 
lack thereof. Data will be used to estimate numbers of animals 
potentially ``taken'' by harassment (as defined in the MMPA). They will 
also provide information needed to order a shutdown of the seismic 
source when a marine mammal is within or near the EZ. When a sighting 
is made, the following information about the sighting will be recorded:
     Species, group size, and age/size/sex categories (if 
determinable); behavior when first sighted and after initial sighting; 
heading (if consistent), bearing and distance from seismic vessel; 
sighting cue, apparent reaction to the seismic source or vessel (e.g., 
none, avoidance, approach, paralleling, etc.); and behavioral pace; and
     Time, location, heading, speed, activity of the vessel, 
sea state, visibility, cloud cover, and sun glare.

The data will also be recorded at the start and end of each observation 
watch and during a watch whenever there is a change in one or more of 
the variables.
    All observations, as well as information regarding seismic source 
shutdown, will be recorded in a standardized format. Data collection 
procedures are adapted from the line-transect protocols developed by 
the SWFSC for their marine mammal abundance research cruises. A laptop 
computer is located on the observer platform for ease of data entry. 
The computer is connected to the ship's Global Positioning System, 
which allows a record of time and position to be made at 3-minute 
intervals and for each event entered (such as sightings, weather 
updates and effort changes). Data accuracy will be verified by the PSOs 
at sea and preliminary reports will be prepared during the field 
program and summaries forwarded to the SIO's shore facility and to NSF 
weekly or more frequently. PSO observations will provide the following 
information:
     The basis for decisions about shutting down the airgun 
arrays;
     Information needed to estimate the number of marine 
mammals potentially ``taken by harassment'', which will be reported to 
NMFS;
     Data on the occurrence, distribution, and activities of 
marine mammals in the area where the seismic study is conducted; and
     Data on the behavior and movement patterns of marine 
mammals seen at times with and without seismic activity.
    A report will be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after the end of 
the cruise. The report will describe the operations that were conducted 
and sightings of marine mammals near the operations. The report will be 
submitted to NMFS, providing full documentation of methods, results, 
and interpretation pertaining to all monitoring. The 90-day report will 
summarize the dates and locations of seismic operations and all marine 
mammal sightings (dates, times, locations, activities, associated 
seismic survey activities). The report will also include estimates of 
the amount and nature of potential ``take'' of marine mammals by 
harassment or in other ways.
    All injured or dead marine mammals (regardless of cause) will be 
reported to NMFS as soon as practicable. The report should include 
species or description of animal, condition of animal, location, time 
first found, observed behaviors (if alive), and photo or video, if 
available.

Estimated Take of Marine Mammals by Incidental Harassment

    With respect to the activities described 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].

    All anticipated takes will be by Level B harassment, involving 
temporary changes in behavior. The mitigation and monitoring measures 
described herein are expected to minimize the possibility of injurious 
or lethal takes such that take by Level A harassment, serious injury or 
mortality is considered remote. However, as noted earlier, there is no 
specific information demonstrating that injurious or lethal ``takes'' 
would occur even in the absence of the planned mitigation and 
monitoring measures. The sections here describe methods to estimate 
``take by Level B harassment'' and present estimates of the numbers of 
marine mammals that might be affected during the proposed seismic 
program. The estimates of ``take'' are based on data collected in the 
ETP by NMFS SWFSC during 12 ship-based cetacean and ecosystem 
assessment surveys

[[Page 65002]]

conducted during July-December from 1986-2006.
    It is assumed that, during simultaneous operations of the seismic 
sources and the other sources, any marine mammals close enough to be 
affected by the MBES or SBP would already be affected by the seismic 
sources. However, whether or not the seismic sources are operating 
simultaneously with the other sources, marine mammals are expected to 
exhibit no more than short-term and inconsequential responses to the 
MBES and SBP given their characteristics (e.g., narrow downward-
directed beam) and other considerations described above, such as the 
unlikelihood of being exposed to the source at higher levels and the 
fact that it would likely only be for one or two pulses. Such reactions 
are not considered to constitute ``taking'' (NMFS, 2001). Therefore, no 
additional allowance is included for animals that might be affected by 
sound sources other than the seismic sources (i.e., airguns).
    Extensive systematic ship-based surveys have been conducted by NMFS 
SWFSC for marine mammals in the ETP. SWFSC has recently developed 
habitat modeling as a method to estimate cetacean densities on a finer 
spatial scale than traditional line-transect analyses by using a 
continuous function of habitat variables, e.g., sea surface 
temperature, depth, distance from shore, and prey density (Barlow et 
al., 2009). The models have been incorporated into a web-based 
Geographic Information System (GIS) developed by Duke University's 
Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development 
Program (SERDP) team in close collaboration with the SWFSC SERDP team 
(Read et al., 2009). The GIS was used to obtain densities for the 10 
cetaceans in the model (Bryde's whale, blue whale, Mesoplodon spp., 
rough-toothed, bottlenose, pantropical spotted, spinner, striped, and 
short-beaked common dolphins, and short-finned pilot whale) in each of 
eight areas: The four proposed survey areas (see Figure 1 in SIO's 
application), and corridors 1[deg] wide and centered on the tracklines 
between the survey areas and from the southernmost survey area to the 
EEZ of Peru. For species sighted in SWFSC surveys whose sample sizes 
were too small to model density (sperm whale, humpback whale, Cuvier's 
beaked whale, Fraser's dolphin, Risso's dolphin, melon-headed, pygmy 
killer, false killer, and killer whales), SIO used densities from the 
surveys conducted during summer and fall 1986-1996, as summarized by 
Ferguson and Barlow (2001). Densities were calculated from Ferguson and 
Barlow (2003) for 5[deg] x 5[deg] blocks that include the proposed 
survey areas and corridors. Those blocks included 27,275 km (16,947.9 
mi) of survey effort in Beaufort sea states 0-5 and 2,564 km (1,593.2 
mi) of survey effort in Beaufort sea states 0-2. Densities were 
obtained for an additional eight species that were sighted in one or 
more of those blocks.
    Oceanographic conditions, including occasional El Nino and La Nina 
events, influence the distribution and numbers of marine mammals 
present in the ETP, resulting in considerable year-to-year variation in 
the distribution and abundance of many marine mammal species (Escorza-
Trevino, 2009). Thus, for some species, the densities derived from 
recent surveys may not be representative of the densities that will be 
encountered during the proposed seismic survey.
    Table 3 in SIO's application gives the average (or ``best'') and 
maximum densities for each species of cetacean likely to occur in the 
study area, i.e., species for which densities were obtained or 
assigned. These densities have been corrected for both detectability 
and availability bias by the study authors. Detectability bias is 
associated with diminishing sightability with increasing lateral 
distance from the trackline. Availability bias refers to the fact that 
there is less than 100 percent probability of sighting an animal that 
is present along the survey trackline. The estimated numbers of 
individuals potentially exposed are presented next based on the 160-dB 
re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) Level B harassment criterion for all cetaceans. It is 
assumed that marine mammals exposed to airgun sounds at that level 
might change their behavior sufficiently to be considered ``taken by 
harassment''.
    It should be noted that the following estimates of ``takes by 
harassment'' assume that the surveys will be undertaken and completed; 
in fact, the planned number of line-kilometers has been increased to 
accommodate lines that may need to be repeated, equipment testing, etc. 
As is typical on offshore ship surveys, inclement weather and equipment 
malfunctions are likely to cause delays and may limit the number of 
useful line-kilometers of seismic operations that can be undertaken. 
Furthermore, any marine mammal sightings within or near the designated 
EZ will result in the shutdown of seismic operations as a mitigation 
measure. Thus, the following estimates of the numbers of marine mammals 
potentially exposed to 160-dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) sounds are 
precautionary and probably overestimate the actual numbers of marine 
mammals that might be taken. These estimates assume that there will be 
no weather, equipment, or mitigation delays, which is highly unlikely. 
There is some uncertainty about the representativeness of the data and 
the assumptions used in the calculations presented here. However, the 
approach used here is believed to be the best available approach.
    The number of different individuals that may be exposed to GI 
airgun sounds with received levels >=160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) on one or 
more occasions was estimated by considering the total marine area that 
would be within the 160-dB radius around the operating airgun array on 
at least one occasion, along with the expected density of animals in 
the area. The proposed seismic lines do not run parallel to each other 
in close proximity, which minimizes the number of times an individual 
mammal may be exposed during the survey; in this case, an individual 
could be exposed 1.01 times on average. The numbers of different 
individuals potentially exposed to >=160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) were 
calculated by multiplying the expected species density, times the 
anticipated area to be ensonified to that level during GI airgun 
operations.
    The area expected to be ensonified was determined by entering the 
planned survey lines into a MapInfo GIS, using the GIS to identify the 
relevant areas by ``drawing'' the applicable 160-dB buffer (see Table 1 
in this document) around each seismic line, and then calculating the 
total area within the buffers. Areas where overlap occurred (because of 
intersecting lines) were included only once when estimating the number 
of individuals exposed.
    Applying the approach described here, approximately 4,340 km\2\ 
(1,675.7 mi\2\) would be within the 160-dB isopleth on one or more 
occasions during the surveys. In calculating exposure estimates, this 
figure was increased by 25% (i.e., to 5,425 km\2\) in order to account 
for the potential need to re-survey lines or other contingency. This 
approach does not allow for turnover in the mammal populations in the 
study area during the course of the survey. That might underestimate 
actual numbers of individuals exposed, although the conservative 
distances used to calculate the area may offset this. In addition, the 
approach assumes that no cetaceans will move away or toward the 
trackline as the Melville approaches in response to increasing sound 
levels prior to the time the levels reach 160 dB. Another way of 
interpreting the estimates that follow (Table 2 in this document) is 
that they

[[Page 65003]]

represent the number of individuals that are expected (in the absence 
of a seismic program) to occur in the waters that will be exposed to 
>=160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms). The take estimates presented here do not 
take the proposed mitigation measures into consideration and thus are 
likely to be overestimates.

 Table 2--The Estimates of the Possible Numbers of Marine Mammals Exposed to Sound Levels Greater Than or Equal
    to 160 dB During SIO's Proposed Seismic Survey in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean in Oct-Nov 2010. The
 Proposed Sound Source is a Pair of GI Airguns. Received Levels Are Expressed in dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) (Averaged
  Over Pulse Duration), Consistent With NMFS' Practice. Not All Marine Mammals Will Change Their Behavior When
Exposed to These Sound Levels, But Some May Alter Their Behavior When Levels Are Lower (see text). See Tables 2-
                                   4 in SIO's Application for Further Detail.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Number of         Approx. %
                                                               individuals        regional            Take
                          Species                            exposed (best)      population       authorization
                                                                   \1\           (best) \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Mysticetes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni)........................                 3              0.02                 3
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)........................               **2              0.05                 2
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)...................               **2            \3\ NA                 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Odontocetes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)......................                22              0.09                22
Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris)...............                10              0.05                10
Mesoplodon sp. (unidentified).............................               **2             <0.01               **2
Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis).................                 9              0.01               *15
Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata)..........              **68              0.01              *131
Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)...................                21             <0.01              *109
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)...................              **83              0.02              **83
Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)...................               192             <0.01               192
Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)....................                 6             <0.01              *440
Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)...........               777              0.02               777
Pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata).....................               **4              0.01               *30
Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra)................              **16              0.03              *258
Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus).........................              **56              0.05              **56
False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens).................               **3              0.01               *11
Killer whale (Orcinus orca)...............................                 5              0.05                 5
Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus).....              **35              0.01             **35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Requested take authorization increased from `best' exposure estimate to mean group size as reported in
  Ferguson et al. (2006).
** Rounded-up, where proposed IHA (75 FR 54095, September 3, 2010) presented figures rounded down. See
  Description of the Specified Activity in this document for discussion.
\1\ Best (mean) estimate density are from Table 3 of SIO's application. Humpback whale estimates calculated
  independently using methodology described previously.
\2\ Regional population size estimates are from Table 2 in the proposed IHA (75 FR 54095, September 3, 2010).
\3\ Southern Hemisphere population sizes are poorly understood. However, the number of individuals potentially
  exposed is low relative to regional population.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis

    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 21 species of marine 
mammals (including three species categorized as Mesoplodon sp.) could 
be potentially affected by Level B harassment over the course of the 
IHA. For each species, these numbers are small (each, less than one 
percent) relative to the population size.
    No takes by (Level A harassment), serious injury, or mortality are 
anticipated to occur as a result of the SIO's marine geophysical 
survey, and none are authorized. Only short-term behavioral disturbance 
is anticipated to occur due to the brief and sporadic duration of the 
survey activities, and these takes are not expected to occur in a place 
that is of specific biological importance to marine mammals, such as in 
a known breeding, calving, or feeding area, as no such times or places 
are known for the project location or time. If such a place, previously 
unknown, does exist in the project area, NMFS would still anticipate 
that the impacts would be negligible due to their temporary nature in 
space and time. Due to the nature, degree, and context of the 
behavioral harassment anticipated, the activity is not expected to 
impact rates of recruitment or survival.
    For reasons stated previously, the specified activities associated 
with the survey are not likely to cause TTS, PTS or other non-auditory 
injury, serious injury, or death to affected marine mammals because:
    (1) The likelihood that, given sufficient notice through relatively 
slow ship speed, marine mammals are expected to move away from a noise 
source that is annoying prior to its becoming potentially injurious;
    (2) The fact that cetaceans would have to be closer than 40 m 
(0.025 mi) in deep water when the full array is in use at a 2 m (6.6 
ft) tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of sound

[[Page 65004]]

believed to have even a minimal chance of causing PTS;
    (3) The fact that marine mammals would have to be closer than 400 m 
(0.25 mi) in deep water when the full array is in use at a 2 m (6.6 ft) 
tow depth from the vessel to be exposed to levels of sound (160 dB) 
believed to have even a minimal chance at causing TTS; and
    (4) The likelihood that marine mammal detection ability by trained 
observers is high at that short distance from the vessel;
    (5) The incorporation of other required mitigation measures (i.e., 
ramp-up, shut-down, temporal and spatial avoidance, and additional 
mitigation measures); and
    (7) The relatively limited duration and geographically widespread 
distances of the seismic survey (approximately 15 days).
    As a result, no take by injury, serious injury, or death is 
anticipated or authorized, and the potential for temporary or permanent 
hearing impairment is very low and will be avoided through the 
incorporation of the monitoring and mitigation measures.
    While the number of marine mammals potentially incidentally 
harassed will depend on the distribution and abundance of marine 
mammals in the vicinity of the survey activity, the number of potential 
Level B incidental harassment takings (see Table 2) is estimated to be 
small, less than one percent of any of the estimated population sizes 
based on the data disclosed in Table 2 of this notice, and has been 
mitigated to the lowest level practicable through incorporation of the 
monitoring and mitigation measures mentioned previously in this 
document. Also, there are no known important reproductive or feeding 
areas in the action area.
    NMFS has determined, provided that the aforementioned mitigation 
and monitoring measures are implemented, that the impact of conducting 
a marine geophysical survey in the ETP, October through November 2010, 
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 operation of the airgun(s), may be made by these 
species to avoid the resultant acoustic disturbance, the availability 
of alternate areas within these areas and the short and sporadic 
duration of the research activities, have led NMFS to determine that 
this action will have a negligible impact on the species in the 
specified geographic region.
    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 SIO's planned research activities, will 
result in the incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals, by 
Level B harassment only, and that the total taking from the marine 
geophysical survey 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

    Of the 21 species of marine mammals that may occur in the survey 
area, three are listed as endangered under the ESA, including the 
humpback, blue, and sperm whales. Under Section 7 of the ESA, NSF had 
initiated formal consultation with the NMFS, Office of Protected 
Resources, Endangered Species Division, on this seismic survey. NMFS' 
Office of Protected Resources, Permits, Conservation and Education 
Division, also initiated formal consultation under Section 7 of the ESA 
with NMFS' Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species Division, 
to obtain a Biological Opinion (BiOp) evaluating the effects of issuing 
the IHA on threatened and endangered marine mammals and, consistent 
with the requirements for mitigation and monitoring set forth in the 
IHA, authorizing incidental take. On October 15, 2010, NMFS concluded 
formal Section 7 consultation with itself and issued a BiOp which 
concluded that the proposed action and issuance of the IHA are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the humpback, blue, and 
sperm whales and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia 
mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys 
imbricata), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. The 
BiOp also concluded that designated critical habitat for these species 
does not occur in the action area and would not be affected by the 
survey. SIO must comply with the Relevant Terms and Conditions of the 
Incidental Take Statement corresponding to NMFS' BiOp issued to both 
NSF and NMFS' Office of Protected Resources.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    To meet NMFS' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) requirements for the issuance of an IHA to SIO, NMFS has 
prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) titled ``Issuance of an 
Incidental Harassment Authorization to the Scripps Institution of 
Oceanography to Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a 
Marine Geophysical Survey off of Central and South America in the 
Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, October-November 2010''. This EA 
incorporates by reference the NSF's Environmental Analysis Pursuant To 
Executive Order 12114 (NSF, 2010) and an associated report (Report) 
prepared by LGL Limited Environmental Research Associates (LGL) for 
NSF, titled, ``Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical Survey 
by the R/V Melville in the Pacific Ocean off Central and South America, 
October-November 2010'' (LGL, 2010) by reference pursuant to 40 Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) 1502.21 and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 
216-6 Sec.  5.09(d). NMFS' EA analyzes the direct, indirect and 
cumulative environmental impacts of the specified activities on marine 
mammals including those listed as threatened or endangered under the 
ESA. NMFS also evaluated and considered comments provided by the public 
in finalizing the EA and addressing the intensity of impacts to marine 
mammals
    The NMFS has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and, 
therefore, will not prepare an environmental impact statement for the 
issuance of an IHA to SIO for this activity. The EA and the NMFS FONSI 
for this activity are available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Determinations

    NMFS has determined that the impact of conducting the specific 
seismic survey activities described in this notice and the IHA request 
in the specific geographic region in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean 
may result, at worst, in a temporary modification in behavior (Level B 
harassment) of small numbers of marine mammals. Further, this activity 
is expected to result in a negligible impact on the affected species or 
stocks of marine mammals. The provision requiring that the activity not 
have an unmitigable impact on the availability of the affected species 
or stock of marine mammals for subsistence uses is not implicated for 
this action.

[[Page 65005]]

Authorization

    As a result of these determinations, NMFS proposes to issue an IHA 
to SIO for conducting a marine geophysical survey in the eastern 
tropical Pacific Ocean, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, 
monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. The duration 
of the IHA would not exceed one year from the date of its issuance.

    Dated: October 15, 2010.
Helen M. Golde,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26547 Filed 10-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P