[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8811-8817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3542]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA941


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; St. 
George Reef Light Station Restoration and Maintenance at Northwest Seal 
Rock, Del Norte County, CA

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 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 take 
marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to conducting 
aircraft operations, and lighthouse renovation and light maintenance 
activities on the St. George Reef Light Station on Northwest Seal Rock 
(NWSR) in the northeast Pacific Ocean, from the period of February 10, 
2012, through April 30, 2012, or during the period of November 1, 2012, 
through December 31, 2012.

DATES: This authorization is effective from February 10, 2012, through 
April 30, 2012, and during the period of November 1, 2012, through 
December 31, 2012.

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. An electronic 
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: Environmental 
Assessment (EA) prepared by NMFS; and the finding of no significant 
impact (FONSI). Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by 
appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannine Cody, NMFS, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401 or Monica DeAngelis, NMFS 
Southwest Regional Office, (562) 980-3232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection of 1972, as 
amended (MMPA;16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 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, 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, 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 (where relevant). 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 requirements pertaining to the mitigation, 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 establishes 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. NMFS must publish a notice in the Federal Register 
within 30 days of its determination to issue or deny the authorization.
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA

[[Page 8812]]

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 on October 7, 2011, from the SGRLPS 
for the taking by harassment, of marine mammals, incidental to 
conducting aircraft operations and restoration and maintenance 
activities on the St. George Reef Light Station (Station). NMFS 
determined that application complete and adequate on October 21, 2011. 
NMFS made the complete application available for public comment (see 
ADDRESSES) for this IHA.
    The SGRLPS aims to: (1) Restore and preserve the Station on a 
monthly basis (November 1 through April 30, annually); and (2) perform 
periodic, annual maintenance on the Station's optical light system. The 
Station, which is listed in the National Park Service's National 
Register of Historic Places, is located on Northwest Seal Rock (NWSR) 
offshore of Crescent City, California in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
    The specified activities would occur in the vicinity of a possible 
pinniped haul out site located on NWSR. Acoustic and visual stimuli 
generated by: (1) Helicopter landings/takeoffs; (2) noise generated 
during restoration activities (e.g., painting, plastering, welding, and 
glazing); (3) maintenance activities (e.g., bulb replacement and 
automation of the light system); and (4) human presence, may have the 
potential to cause any 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 (Callorhinus 
ursinus) by Level B harassment.
    To date, NMFS has issued two, 1-year IHAs to the SGRLPS for the 
conduct of the same activities from 2009 to 2011. This will be the 
SGRLPS' third IHA.

Description of the Specified Activity

    SGRLPS would conduct the activities (aircraft operations, 
lighthouse restoration, and light maintenance activities) between 
February 10, 2012, through April 30, 2012, and during the period of 
November 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, at a maximum frequency of 
one session per month. The duration for each session would last no more 
than three days (e.g., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Aircraft Operations

    Because NWSR has no safe landing area for boats, the restoration 
activities would require the SGRLPS to transport personnel and 
equipment from the California mainland to NWSR by a small helicopter. 
SGRLPS would transport no more than 15 work crew members and equipment 
to NWSR for each session and estimates that each session would require 
no more than 36 helicopter landings/takeoffs per month.

Lighthouse Restoration Activities

    Restoration activities would include the removal of peeling paint 
and plaster, restoration of interior plaster and paint, refurbishing 
structural and decorative metal, reworking original metal support beams 
throughout the lantern room and elsewhere, replacing glass as 
necessary, and upgrading the present electrical system. The SGRLPS 
expects to complete most of the major restoration work within five 
years.

Light Maintenance Activities

    The SGRLPS will need to conduct maintenance on the Station's beacon 
light at least once or up to two times per year within the work window. 
Scheduled light maintenance activities would coincide with lighthouse 
restoration activities conducted monthly during the period of February 
through April, 2012 and during the period of November through December, 
2012. The SGRLPS expects that maintenance activities would not exceed 
three hours per each monthly session.

Emergency Light Maintenance

    If the beacon light fails during the period from February 10, 2012, 
through April 30, 2012, or during the period of November 1, 2012, 
through December 31, 2012, the SGRLPS would send a crew of two to three 
people to the Station by helicopter to repair the 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. The helicopter may remain on site or transit back to shore 
and make a second landing to pick up the repair personnel.
    In the case of an emergency repair between May 1, 2012, and October 
31, 2012, the SGRLPS would consult with the NMFS Southwest Regional 
Office (SWRO) to best determine the timing of the trips to the 
lighthouse, on a case-by-case basis, based upon the existing 
environmental conditions and the abundance and distribution of any 
marine mammals present on NWSR. The SWRO biologists would have real-
time knowledge regarding the animal use and abundance of the NWSR at 
the time of the repair request and would make a decision regarding when 
the trips to the lighthouse can be made during the emergency repair 
time window that would have the least practicable adverse impact to 
marine mammals. The SWRO would also ensure that the SGRLPS' request for 
incidental take during emergency repairs would not exceed the number of 
incidental take authorized in the IHA.
    NMFS has outlined the purpose of the program in a previous notice 
for the proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 2011). The planned 
activities 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 aircraft and acoustic 
source specifications, the reader should refer to the notice for the 
proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 2011).

Comments and Responses

    NMFS published a notice of receipt of the SGRLPS' application and 
proposed IHA in the Federal Register on December 21, 2011 (76 FR 
79157). During the 30-day comment period, NMFS received comments from 
the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) only. The Commission 
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' December 21, 2011 (76 FR 79157) notice of the proposed IHA and 
the application. All measures proposed in the initial Federal Register 
notice are included within the authorization and NMFS has determined 
that they will effect the least practicable impact on the species or 
stocks and their habitats.

[[Page 8813]]

Description of the Specified Geographic Region

    The Station is located on a small, rocky islet (41[deg]50'24'' N, 
124[deg]22'06'' W) approximately nine kilometers (km) (6.0 miles (mi)) 
in the northeast Pacific Ocean, offshore of Crescent City, California 
(Latitude: 41[deg]46'48'' N; Longitude: 124[deg]14'11'' W).

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    The marine mammal species 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 Distinct Population Segment (DPS) 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 Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), 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 
eastern DPS of Steller sea lion, is listed as threatened under the ESA 
and is categorized as depleted under the MMPA.
    NMFS has presented a more detailed discussion of the status of 
these stocks and their occurrence in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, as 
well as other marine mammal species that may occur around NWSR in the 
notice for the proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 2011).

Potential Effects of the Activity on Marine Mammals

    Acoustic and visual stimuli generated by: (1) Helicopter landings/
takeoffs; (2) noise generated during restoration activities (e.g., 
painting, plastering, welding, and glazing); and (3) maintenance 
activities (e.g., bulb replacement and automation of the light system) 
may have the potential to cause Level B harassment of any pinnipeds 
hauled out on NWSR. The effects of sounds from helicopter operations 
and/or restoration and maintenance activities might include one of the 
following: temporary or permanent hearing impairment or behavioral 
disturbance (Southall, et al., 2007).
    There is a dearth of information on acoustic effects of helicopter 
overflights on pinniped hearing and communication (Richardson et al., 
1995) and to NMFS' knowledge, there has been no specific documentation 
of temporary or permanent hearing impairment in free-ranging pinnipeds 
exposed to helicopter operations during realistic field conditions. Any 
noise attributed to the SGRLPS' helicopter operations on NWSR would be 
short-term (approximately five minutes per trip) and NMFS would expect 
the ambient noise levels to return to a baseline state when helicopter 
operations have ceased for the day. NMFS does not expect that the 
increased received levels of sound from the helicopter would cause 
temporary or permanent hearing impairment because the pinnipeds would 
flush before the helicopter approached NWSR; thus increasing the 
distance between the pinnipeds and the received sound levels on NWSR 
during the specified activities.
    Some behavioral disturbance is expected; however NMFS expects the 
disturbance to be localized and short-term. If pinnipeds are present on 
NWSR, Level B behavioral harassment of pinnipeds may occur during 
helicopter landing and takeoff from NWSR due to the pinnipeds 
temporarily moving from the rocks and lower structure of NWSR into the 
sea due to the noise and appearance of helicopter during approaches and 
departures. It is expected that all or a portion of the marine mammals 
hauled out on the island will depart the rock and move into the water 
upon the initial helicopter approach.
    The notice of the proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 2011) 
provided a discussion 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. NMFS refers readers 
to the reader to the SGRLPS' application and NMFS' EA for additional 
information on the behavioral reactions (or lack thereof) by pinnipeds 
to aircraft overflights.

Mortality

    Sudden movement of large numbers of animals may cause a stampede. 
In order to prevent such stampedes from occurring within the sea lion 
colony, NMFS would require certain mitigation requirements and 
restrictions, such as controlled helicopter approaches and limited 
access period during the pupping season. As such, and because any 
pinnipeds nearby likely would avoid the approaching helicopter, NMFS 
anticipates that there will be no instances of injury or mortality 
during the project.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    The NMFS expects that there will be no long- or short-term physical 
impacts to pinniped habitat on NWSR. NMFS provided a detailed 
discussion of the potential effects of this action on marine mammal 
habitat in the notice of the proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 
2011). The SGRLPS proposes to confine all restoration activities to the 
existing structure which would occur on the upper levels of the Station 
which are not used by marine mammals. The SGRLPS would remove all 
waste, discarded materials and equipment from the island after each 
visit. The activities will not 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 
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 the availability of 
such species or stock for taking for certain subsistence uses.
    The SGRLPS has based the mitigation measures described herein, to 
be implemented for the helicopter operations and restoration 
activities, on the following: (1) Protocols used during the 2010 IHA 
for helicopter operations and restoration activities as approved by 
NMFS; (2) recommended best practices in Richardson et al. (1995); and 
(3) reasonable and prudent measures implemented by the terms and 
conditions of the section 7 ESA Biological Opinion's (BiOp) Incidental 
Take Statement (ITS).
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic and visual 
stimuli associated with the activities, the SGRLPS and/or its designees 
will implement the following mitigation measures for marine mammals:
    (1) Limit the time and frequency of the restoration activities;
    (2) Employ helicopter approach and timing techniques; and
    (3) Avoidance of visual and acoustic contact with marine mammals by 
the SGRLPS and/or its designees.

[[Page 8814]]

    Time and Frequency: Lighthouse restoration activities are to be 
conducted at maximum of once per month between February 10, 2012, 
through April 30, 2012, or between November 1, 2012, through December 
31, 2012. Each restoration session will last no more than three days. 
Maintenance of the light beacon will occur only in conjunction with 
restoration activities.
    Helicopter Approach and Timing Techniques: The SGRLPS shall ensure 
that helicopter approach patterns to the lighthouse will be such that 
the timing techniques are least disturbing to marine mammals. To the 
extent possible, the helicopter should approach NWSR when the tide is 
too high for the marine mammals to haulout on NWSR.
    Since the most severe impacts (stampede) are precipitated by rapid 
and direct helicopter approaches, initial approach to the Station must 
be offshore from the island 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 
condition) such helicopter approach and timing techniques cannot be 
achieved, the SGRLPS must abort the restoration and maintenance 
activities for that day.
    Avoidance of Visual and Acoustic Contact with Marine Mammals: The 
SGRLPS members and restoration crews shall be instructed to avoid 
making unnecessary noise and not expose themselves visually to 
pinnipeds around the base of the lighthouse. Although no impacts from 
these activities were seen during the 2001 CCR study, it is relatively 
simple to avoid this potential impact. The door to the lower platform 
(which is used at times by pinnipeds) shall remain closed and 
barricaded to all tourists and other personnel.

Mitigation Conclusions

    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's 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 mitigation measures, 
NMFS has determined that these 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.

Monitoring

    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.
    At least once during the period between February 10, 2012, through 
April 30, 2012, or during the period of November 1, 2012, through 
December 31, 2012 a qualified biologist shall be present during all 
three workdays at the Station. The biologist hired will be subject to 
approval of NMFS and this requirement may be modified depending on the 
results of the monitoring report from the 2011 season.
    The qualified biologist shall document use of the island by the 
pinnipeds, frequency, (i.e., dates, time, tidal height, species, 
numbers present, and any disturbances), and note any responses to 
potential disturbances. In the event of any observed Steller sea lion 
injury, mortality, or the presence of newborn pup, the SGRLPS will 
notify the NMFS SWRO Administrator and the NMFS Director of Office of 
Protected Resources immediately.
    Aerial photographic surveys may provide the most accurate means of 
documenting species composition, age and sex class of pinnipeds using 
the project site during human activity periods. Aerial photo coverage 
of the island shall be completed from the same helicopter used to 
transport the SGRLPS personnel to the island during restoration trips. 
A skilled photographer shall take photographs of all marine mammals 
hauled out on the island at an altitude greater than 300 m (984 ft), 
prior to the first landing on each visit included in the monitoring 
program. Photographic documentation of marine mammals present at the 
end of each three-day work session shall also be made for a before and 
after comparison. The SGRLPS will forward these 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 original photographs can be 
made available to NMFS or other marine mammal experts for inspection 
and further analysis.

Reporting

    The SGRLPS personnel will record data to document the number of 
marine mammals exposed to helicopter noise and to document apparent 
disturbance reactions or lack thereof. SGRLPS and NMFS will use the 
data to estimate numbers of animals potentially taken by Level B 
harassment.

Interim Monitoring Report

    The SGRLPS will submit interim monitoring reports to the NMFS SWRO 
Administrator and the NMFS Director of Office of Protected Resources no 
later than 30 days after the conclusion of each monthly session. The 
interim report will describe the operations that were conducted and 
sightings of marine mammals near the project. The report will provide 
full documentation of methods, results, and interpretation pertaining 
to all monitoring.
    Each interim report will provide:
    (i) A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all 
helicopter operations, and restoration and maintenance activities.
    (ii) Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals, 
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
    (iii) An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that 
are known to have been exposed to acoustic stimuli associated with the 
helicopter operations, restoration and maintenance activities.
    (iv) 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.

Final Monitoring Report

    In addition to the interim reports, the SGRLPS will submit a draft 
Final Monitoring Report to NMFS no later than 90 days after the project 
is completed to the Regional Administrator and the Director of Office

[[Page 8815]]

of Protected Resources at NMFS Headquarters. Within 30 days after 
receiving comments from NMFS on the draft Final Monitoring Report, the 
SGRLPS must submit a Final Monitoring Report to the Regional 
Administrator and the NMFS Director of Office of Protected Resources. 
If the SGRLPS receives no comments from NMFS on the draft Final 
Monitoring Report, the draft Final Monitoring Report will be considered 
to be the Final Monitoring Report.
    The final report will provide:
    (i) A summary and table of the dates, times, and weather during all 
helicopter operations, and restoration and maintenance activities.
    (ii) Species, number, location, and behavior of any marine mammals, 
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
    (iii) An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that 
are known to have been exposed to acoustic stimuli associated with the 
helicopter operations, restoration and maintenance activities.
    (iv) 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 unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the IHA 
(if issued), such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury or 
mortality (e.g., stampede), the SGRLPS shall immediately cease the 
specified activities and immediately report the incident to the Chief 
of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, at (301) 427-8401 and/or by email to 
[email protected] and [email protected] and to the Southwest 
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3230 
([email protected]).
    The report must include the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    Activities will not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with the SGRLPS to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The SGRLPS may not resume 
their activities until notified by NMFS via letter, email, or 
telephone.
    In the event that the SGRLPS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the biologist (if present) determines that the cause of the 
injury or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (i.e., in 
less than a moderate state of decomposition as described in the next 
paragraph), the SGRLPS will immediately report the incident to the 
Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, at (301) 427-8401 and/or by email to 
[email protected] and [email protected] and to the Southwest 
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3230 
([email protected]). The report must include the same information 
identified in the paragraph above. Activities may continue while NMFS 
reviews the circumstances of the incident. NMFS will work with the 
SGRLPS to determine whether modifications in the activities are 
appropriate.
    In the event that the SGRLPS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead biologist (if present) determines that the injury 
or death is not associated with or related to the activities authorized 
in the IHA (e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to 
advanced decomposition, or scavenger damage), the SGRLPS will report 
the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at (301) 427-8401 and/or by email 
to [email protected] and [email protected] and to the Southwest 
Regional Stranding Coordinator at (562) 980-3230 
([email protected]), within 24 hours of the discovery. The SGRLPS 
will provide photographs or video footage (if available) or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS.

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 and restoration and maintenance 
activities on NWSR.
    Based on pinniped survey counts conducted by CCR on NWSR in the 
spring of 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 (CCR, 2001), NMFS estimates that 
approximately 204 California sea lions (calculated by multiplying the 
average monthly abundance of California sea lions (zero in April, 1997 
and 34 in April,1998) present on NWSR by 6 months of the restoration 
and maintenance activities), 172 Steller sea lions (NMFS' estimate of 
the maximum number of Steller sea lions that could be present on NWSR 
with a 95-percent confidence interval), 36 Pacific harbor seals 
(calculated by multiplying the maximum number of harbor seals present 
on NWSR (6) by 6 months), and 6 northern fur seals (calculated by 
multiplying the maximum number of northern fur seals present on NWSR 
(1) by 6 months) could be potentially affected by Level B behavioral 
harassment over the course of the IHA. Estimates of the numbers of 
marine mammals that might be affected are based on consideration of the 
number of marine mammals that could be disturbed appreciably by 
approximately 51 hrs of aircraft operations during the course of the 
activity. These incidental harassment take numbers represent 
approximately 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. Because of 
the required mitigation measures and the likelihood that some pinnipeds 
will avoid the area, no injury or mortality to pinnipeds is expected 
nor requested.

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 injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities;
    (2) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment (all relatively limited);

[[Page 8816]]

    (3) The context in which the takes occur (i.e., impacts to areas of 
significance, impacts to local populations, and cumulative impacts when 
taking into account successive/contemporaneous actions when added to 
baseline data);
    (4) The status of stock or species of marine mammals (i.e., 
depleted, not depleted, decreasing, increasing, stable, impact relative 
to the size of the population);
    (5) Impacts on habitat affecting rates of recruitment/survival; and
    (6) The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures.
    For reasons stated previously in this document and in the notice of 
the proposed IHA (76 FR 79157, December 21, 2011), the specified 
activities associated with the SGRLPS' helicopter operations and 
restoration/maintenance activities are not likely to cause PTS, or 
other non-auditory injury, serious injury, or death because:
    (1) The likelihood that, given sufficient notice through relatively 
slow helicopter approaches, NMFS expects marine mammals to gradually 
move away from a noise source that is annoying prior to its becoming 
potentially injurious; and
    (2) The potential for temporary or permanent hearing impairment is 
relatively low and would likely be avoided through the incorporation of 
the required monitoring and mitigation measures.
    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that four species of marine 
mammals 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 SGRLPS' specified activities, 
and none are authorized. Only short-term behavioral disturbance is 
anticipated to occur due to the brief and sporadic duration of the 
activities; the availability of alternate areas near NWSR for marine 
mammals to avoid the resultant acoustic disturbance; and limited access 
to NWSR during the pupping season. Due to the nature, degree, and 
context of the behavioral harassment anticipated, the activities are 
not expected to impact rates of recruitment or survival.
    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 preliminarily finds that the SGRLPS' planned helicopter 
operations and restoration/maintenance activities, would result in the 
incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B 
harassment only, and that the total taking from the helicopter 
operations and restoration/maintenance activities 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 is listed 
as threatened under the ESA and occurs in the action area. NMFS 
Headquarters' Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation 
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 
IHAs are likely to adversely affect, but not likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of Steller sea lions. NMFS has designated critical 
habitat for the eastern DPS of Steller sea lions in California at 
A[ntilde]o 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 ITS for Steller sea 
lions. The ITS contains reasonable and prudent measures implemented by 
terms and conditions to minimize the effects of this take. NMFS has 
reviewed the 2010 BiOp and determined that there is no new information 
regarding effects to Stellar sea lions; the action has not been 
modified in a manner which would cause adverse effects not previously 
evaluated; there has been no new listing of species or designation of 
critical habitat that could be affected by the action; and, the action 
will not exceed the extent or amount of incidental take authorized in 
the ITS. Therefore, the IHA did not require reinitiation of a Section 7 
consultation.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    To meet NMFS' NEPA requirements for the issuance of an IHA to the 
SGRLPS, NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2010 that was 
specific to conducting aircraft operations and restoration and 
maintenance work on the St. George Reef Light Station. The 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,'' evaluated the 
impacts on the human environment of NMFS' authorization of incidental 
Level B harassment resulting from the specified activity in the 
specified geographic region. At that time, NMFS concluded that issuance 
of an IHA November 1 through April 30, annually would not significantly 
affect the quality of the human environment and issued a Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the 2010 EA regarding the SGRLPS' 
activities. In conjunction with the SGRLPS' 2012 application, NMFS has 
again reviewed the 2010 EA and determined that there are no new direct, 
indirect or cumulative impacts to the human and natural environment 
associated with the IHA requiring evaluation in a supplemental EA and 
NMFS, therefore, reaffirms the 2010 FONSI. An electronic copy of the EA 
and the FONSI for this activity is available upon request (see 
ADDRESSES).

Determinations

    NMFS has determined that the impact of conducting the specific 
helicopter operations and restoration activities described in this 
notice and in the IHA request in the specific geographic region in the 
northwestern 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.

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 from the period of February 10, 2012, through 
April 30, 2012, or during the period of November 1, 2012, through 
December 31, 2012, 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.


[[Page 8817]]


    Dated: February 10, 2012.
James H. Lecky,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-3542 Filed 2-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P