[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67797-67802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27661]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC139


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Bird Mitigation Research in the 
Farallon National Wildlife Refuge

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has 
issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, allowing the take of small numbers of marine 
mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to a bird mitigation 
research trial.

DATES: Effective November 7, 2012, through November 6, 2013.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA, application, and Environmental Assessment 
are available by visiting the internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. Documents cited in this notice may also be 
viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the 
aforementioned address.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the 
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain 
findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking 
is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the

[[Page 67798]]

mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of such takings are set forth. 
NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' 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 U.S. can apply for an authorization to 
incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment. 
Section 101(a)(5)(D) 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 marine 
mammals. Within 45 days of the close of the comment period, NMFS must 
either issue or deny the authorization.
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    On April 17, 2012, NMFS received an application from the USFWS 
requesting an IHA for the take, by Level B harassment, of small numbers 
of five marine mammal species incidental to a bird mitigation research 
trial in the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge. In accordance with the 
MMPA and implementing regulations, NMFS issued a notice in the Federal 
Register on August 27, 2012 (77 FR 51773), requesting comments from the 
public on the proposed issuance of an IHA.

Description of the Specified Activity

    A complete description of the specified activity may be found in 
NMFS' Federal Register notice (77 FR 51773, August 27, 2012) and a 
summary is provided here. The USFWS will conduct a research trial to 
assess potential bird hazing methods that could be used to minimize the 
risk of rodent bait ingestion by non-target species, if such an 
alternative action is chosen, during a proposed house mouse 
eradication. Removal of the invasive house mice would protect seabirds, 
assist in the recovery of native plants and endemic species, and 
prevent the spread of disease to marine mammals.
    Potential gull hazing methods--which include pyrotechnics, air 
cannons, helicopters, and trained dogs--may incidentally result in the 
harassment of pinnipeds that haul out on the island. Up to five 
biologists would be present on the islands to implement the research 
trial and monitor any pinniped disturbance. Part of the USFWS' goal 
during this trial is to determine which hazing methods are most 
effective at (1) deterring birds from roosting on the island and (2) 
minimizing the impacts to pinnipeds. Therefore, researchers would 
carefully monitor pinnipeds haul-outs during hazing and adjust the 
research trial to reduce disturbance. Further details regarding the 
different gull hazing techniques are provided in HSWAC's IHA 
application (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm) and 
NMFS' Federal Register notice (77 FR 51773, August 27, 2012).

Dates and Duration of Activity

    The USFWS plans to conduct their research over a 2-4 week period 
between November 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. During this time, gull 
roosts will be visited at least twice a day by researchers for hazing 
or monitoring. Most visits will last about 15 minutes, although human 
presence may last for 2-5 hours per day if necessary. Most hazing will 
take place a few hours before and after sunrise and sunset. Sporadic 
gull hazing may also occur as needed throughout the day and night.

Region of Activity

    The research trial will take place in the Farallon National 
Wildlife Refuge, a group of islands about 30 miles offshore of San 
Francisco, California. The refuge was established in 1909 specifically 
to protect sea birds and pinnipeds and it currently sustains the 
largest sea bird breeding colony south of Alaska, including 30 percent 
of California's nesting sea birds. Five pinniped species also breed or 
haul out on the Farallon Islands. The research trial will be conducted 
in the South Farallon Islands, which are composed of Southeast Farallon 
Island, West End Island, Aulon Islets, and Saddle Rock. Most of the 
gull hazing is expected to occur within Southeast Farallon Island; 
however, hazing may be implemented around other areas of the island if 
gulls attempt to roost. The majority of the island's perimeter is 
considered a potential haul-out for pinnipeds. Species-specific haul-
out and pupping sites were provided in NMFS' Federal Register notice 
(77 FR 51773, August 27, 2012).

Sound Propagation

    For background, sound is a mechanical disturbance consisting of 
minute vibrations that travel through a medium, such as air or water, 
and is generally characterized by several variables. Frequency 
describes the sound's pitch and is measured in hertz (Hz) or kilohertz 
(kHz), while sound level describes the sound's loudness and is measured 
in decibels (dB). Sound level increases or decreases exponentially with 
each dB of change. For example, 10 dB yields a sound level 10 times 
more intense than 1 dB, while a 20 dB level equates to 100 times more 
intense, and a 30 dB level is 1,000 times more intense. Sound levels 
are compared to a reference sound pressure (micro-Pascal) to identify 
the medium. For air and water, these reference pressures are ``re: 20 
[micro]Pa'' and ``re: 1 [micro]Pa,'' respectively. Root mean square 
(rms) is the quadratic mean sound pressure over the duration of an 
impulse. Rms is calculated by squaring all of the sound amplitudes, 
averaging the squares, and then taking the square root of the average 
(Urick, 1975). Rms accounts for both positive and negative values; 
squaring the pressures makes all values positive so that they may be 
accounted for in the summation of pressure levels (Hastings and Popper, 
2005). This measurement is often used in the context of discussing 
behavioral effects, in part because behavioral effects, which often 
result from auditory cues, may be better expressed through averaged 
units rather than by peak pressures.
    The use of biosonics, pyrotechnics, and zon guns may result in 
elevated sound levels that exceed NMFS' threshold for in-air 
harassment. Current NMFS practice regarding in-air exposure of 
pinnipeds to sound generated from human activity is that the onset of 
Level B harassment for harbor seals and all other pinnipeds is 90 dB 
and 100 dB re: 20[micro]Pa, respectively. The USFWS intends to use bird 
hazing methods that cause the least amount of marine mammal harassment, 
while still preventing birds from settling on the island. Biosonics, 
pyrotechnics, and zon guns will be initially used at distances to avoid 
the onset of Level B harassment. Only if bird hazing methods are still 
unsuccessful from distant locations will these techniques be used 
closer to pinniped haul-outs.

Comments and Responses

    A notice of proposed IHA and request for public comment was 
published on

[[Page 67799]]

August 27, 2012 (77 FR 51773). During the 30-day public comment period, 
the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) provided the only substantive 
comments. The Commission recommended that NMFS issue the IHA, subject 
to inclusion of the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of the Specified Activity

    The following marine mammal species may be present in the project 
area during the research trial: Northern elephant seals (Mirounga 
angustirostris), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), Steller sea 
lions (Eumetopias jubatus), California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). 
Information on species status, distribution, and seasonality was 
provided in NMFS' Federal Register notice (77 FR 51773, August 27, 
2012).

Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    Variable numbers of northern elephant seals, harbor seals, Steller 
sea lions, California sea lions, and northern fur seals typically haul 
out around the perimeter of South Farallon Island. Pinnipeds likely to 
be affected by the bird mitigation trial are those that are hauled out 
on land at or near the location of gull hazing. Incidental harassment 
may result if hauled out animals are disturbed by elevated sound levels 
or the presence of lasers, spotlights, humans, helicopters, or dogs. 
Although pinnipeds would not be deliberately approached by researchers, 
approach may be unavoidable if pinnipeds are hauled out in the 
immediate vicinity of roosting birds. Disturbance may result in 
behavioral reactions ranging from an animal simply becoming alert 
(e.g., turning the head, assuming a more upright posture) to flushing 
from the haul-out site into the water. NMFS does not necessarily 
consider the lesser reactions to constitute Level B behavioral 
harassment, but does assume that pinnipeds that move greater than one 
meter or change the speed or direction of their movement in response to 
the gull hazing methods are behaviorally harassed.
    Typically, even those reactions constituting Level B harassment 
would result at most in temporary, short-term disturbance. Due to the 
limited duration of the research trial (maximum 4 weeks of periodic 
daily hazing methods), disturbance of pinnipeds will only last for 
short periods of time and will not occur continuously over the 4-week 
period. Pinnipeds are unlikely to incur significant impacts to their 
survival because potential harassment will be sporadic and of low 
intensity. Although there is a risk of injury or mortality if pinniped 
pups are crushed during a stampede, the USFWS expects most pups to have 
left the island before November.
    In summary, NMFS believes it highly unlikely that the USFWS' 
activities will result in the injury, serious injury, or mortality of 
pinnipeds. Any harassment resulting from the bird mitigation research 
trial is expected to be in the form of Level B behavioral harassment.

Anticipated Effects on Habitat

    The USFWS' activity is not expected to result in the physical 
alteration of marine mammal habitat. Any impacts resulting from the 
activity (e.g., short periods of ensonification) will be temporary and 
no major breeding habitat will be affected. There are no expected 
impacts to pinniped prey species. Critical habitat has been defined for 
Steller sea lions as a 20 nautical mile buffer around all major haul-
outs and rookeries, as well as associated terrestrial, air, and aquatic 
zones, which includes Southeast Farallon Island. Overall, the activity 
is not expected to cause significant impacts on habitats used by the 
marine mammal species in the project area or on the food sources that 
they utilize.

Mitigation Measures

    In order to issue an incidental take authorization (ITA) under 
section 101(a)(5)(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 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. There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine 
mammals implicated by this action. The following measures are required 
in the USFWS' authorization:

Temporal Restriction

    The USFWS will conduct the bird mitigation research trial at a time 
when there are fewer birds on the island and outside of pinniped 
pupping season. The research schedule will greatly reduce the 
possibility of injury, serious injury, or mortality to pinnipeds 
resulting from pups being crushed during a stampede. Pregnant northern 
elephant seals begin to arrive on the island in late December and early 
January. Remaining pups from the previous breeding season typically 
leave the island by November. While hazing operations are not expected 
to overlap with the presence of northern elephant seal pups, the USFWS 
will actively avoid pregnant females and pups during the research trial 
by having a biologist identify and map where these individuals are 
located.

Limited Use of Pyrotechnics

    The USFWS will place pyrotechnics in locations so as to avoid 
exceeding the hearing threshold of pinnipeds. Researchers will first 
use pyrotechnics as far away as possible from haul-out sites and 
gradually get closer if necessary, while monitoring behavioral 
reactions of pinnipeds. Researchers will not use pyrotechnics directly 
over a major haul-out site.

Limited Use of Air Cannons

    The USFWS will place air cannons in locations so as to avoid 
exceeding the hearing threshold of pinnipeds. Researchers will use the 
lowest detonation volume if haul-outs are close, but may experiment 
with increasing the volume at farther distances. Behavioral response of 
pinnipeds will be monitored and the air cannon volume will be adjusted 
at the first sign of large-scale disturbance.

Slow Sequential Approaches of Helicopters

    To avoid or minimize pinniped disturbance, helicopter flights in 
areas near haul-outs will use a slow sequential approach of decreasing 
altitude in order to habituate marine mammals to the sound.

Slow and Cautious Approaches to Haul-Outs

    Any researchers needed to investigate gull roosting areas, conduct 
hazing, or monitor pinniped responses, will approach haul-outs slowly 
and cautiously in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance to pinnipeds.

Limited Use and Retrieval of Kites and Radio-Controlled Aircraft

    Kites and radio-controlled aircraft will be used sparingly around 
harbor seals, as they may be more easily spooked than other pinniped 
species. If a kite or radio-controlled aircraft falls into a haul-out 
area, then it will either be: (1) Left in place if it could not be 
retrieved safely or without causing major pinniped disturbance; or (2) 
retrieved using a slow methodical approach to avoid major pinniped 
disturbance. Retrieval may also occur at a later time when pinnipeds 
are either absent or in fewer numbers.

[[Page 67800]]

Restricted Use of Trained Dogs

    Dogs will be trained to not harass pinnipeds and will have the 
necessary immunizations and certificates to ensure that no diseases are 
transmittable. Dogs will be kept at least 30 meters away from pinnipeds 
to avoid unnecessary harassment.

Visual Observers

    The USFWS will designate at least one NMFS-approved protected 
species observer to monitor pinnipeds and record information before, 
during, and after hazing operations. The observer will be located at 
the peak of the island's center, which provides visibility of about 70 
percent of the island. If hazing operations take place in areas not 
visible from the island's peak, additional observers will be used to 
monitor and record information from other locations. Observers will 
also monitor offshore areas for predators (e.g., white sharks) to avoid 
harassing pinnipeds when predators are in nearshore waters. Observers 
will be equipped to stop hazing operations if they result in unexpected 
pinniped reactions (e.g., stampeding).
    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's proposed mitigation 
measures and considered a range of other measures in the context of 
ensuring that NMFS prescribes the means of effecting the least 
practicable 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, including consideration of personnel safety and 
practicality of implementation.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, as 
well as other measures considered by NMFS, NMFS has determined that the 
above 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, where applicable, 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 ITAs 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.
    The USFWS will designate at least one NMFS-approved protected 
species observer to monitor pinnipeds and collect information before, 
during, and after hazing operations. This observer will be located at 
the peak of the island's center, which provides visibility of about 70 
percent of the island. If hazing operations take place in areas not 
visible from the island's peak, additional observers will be used to 
monitor and record information from other locations. Before hazing 
operations begin, observers will record the number and species of 
animals in the area. During hazing operations, observers will record 
the species that react to hazing operations, any change in behavior 
that occurs, the number of animals that flush (or leave their haul-
out), and the number of flushing events. More specifically, observers 
will record pinniped reactions using a 3-point scale where 1 = a 
reaction not considered harassment (e.g., head raise); 2 = animal moves 
greater than 1 meter or changes direction, but no flushing occurs; and 
3 = flushing occurs. This scale has been used for previous IHAs to 
record pinniped reactions and the monitoring results will be used by 
NMFS to assess the intensity of harassment. After the hazing 
operations, observers will record the number and species of animals 
remaining in the area. Observers will be in communication with the 
hazing trial implementation staff in order to relay information on 
pinniped behavioral responses. Observers will be able to halt hazing 
activities if they result in unexpected pinniped reactions (e.g., 
stampeding).
    While not a required monitoring measure, if funding and personnel 
are available, the USFWS will also monitor sound levels of biosonics, 
pyrotechnics, and zon guns to evaluate the potential exposure levels of 
pinnipeds to these techniques. If practicable, the USFWS will measure 
received sound levels at varying distances from the source to determine 
the distance at which NMFS' in-air thresholds are reached. Results from 
these measurements will potentially allow the USFWS to determine how 
far away they need to conduct certain hazing methods.
    In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the IHA, 
such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or mortality, 
the USFWS will immediately cease the specified activities and 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 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;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all sound source use in the 24 hours preceding 
the incident;
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     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 USFWS to 
determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of further 
prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The USFWS will not resume 
their activities until notified by NMFS via letter, email, or 
telephone.
    In the event that the USFWS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer 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 USFWS 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 the 
Southwest Regional Stranding Coordinator at 562-980-3230 
([email protected]). The report will include the same information 
identified in the paragraph above. Activities could continue while NMFS 
reviews the circumstances of the incident. NMFS will work with the 
USFWS to determine whether modifications in the activities are 
appropriate.
    In the event that the USFWS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer determines that the injury or death is

[[Page 67801]]

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 USFWS 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 the 
Southwest Regional Stranding Coordinator at 562-980-3230 
([email protected]), within 24 hours of the discovery. The USFWS 
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].
    Current NMFS practice regarding in-air exposure of pinnipeds to 
sound generated from human activity is that the onset of Level B 
harassment for harbor seals and all other pinnipeds is 90 dB and 100 dB 
re: 20[micro]Pa, respectively. These threshold levels are based on 
monitoring of marine mammal reactions to rocket launches at Vandenberg 
Air Force Base. In those studies, not all harbor seals left a haul-out 
during a launch unless the sound exposure level was 100 dB or above and 
only short-term effects were detected.
    The USFWS estimated take by using the maximum pinniped counts from 
weekly censuses in November 2006-2011. These numbers represent the 
highest count ever recorded for each species during the month of 
November since 2006. November typically has the highest pinniped counts 
compared to December and January (the period when the activity would 
take place). These numbers provide the best available information on 
haul-outs in the action area. The USFWS' proposed take estimates were 
simply the maximum weekly counts (Northern elephant seal = 328; harbor 
seal = 81; Steller sea lion = 224; California sea lion = 3,538; 
Northern fur seal = 109. However, in order to estimate the maximum 
number of takes over the length of the trial, NMFS multiplied these 
numbers by four to account for the maximum 4-week trial period. NMFS' 
take estimates are shown in Table 1.

         Table 1--Authorized Take of Pinnipeds for the Activity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Species                               Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern elephant seal.......................................      1,312
Harbor seal..................................................        324
Steller sea lion.............................................        224
California sea lion..........................................     14,152
Northern fur seal............................................        436
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NMFS believes these take estimates are conservative because the 
USFWS used maximum counts of hauled out pinnipeds during the months of 
the activity and these numbers do not take mitigation measures into 
consideration. Furthermore, NMFS expects many of the same animals to 
haul out throughout the month; so these take estimates likely 
overestimate the number of individuals to be harassed during the trial. 
Researchers will make every effort to minimize the take of pinnipeds 
(e.g., by using hazing methods at the farthest possible distance from 
haul-outs); moreover, many pinnipeds do not haul out near typical gull 
roosts. Frequency of harassment will depend upon the location of gulls 
and the success of hazing operations. Pinnipeds may be disturbed as 
much as twice per day for the duration of the 2-4 week trial. Table 1 
shows the maximum number of animals that may be harassed during the 
activity; however, the USFWS' required mitigation measures will likely 
result in fewer takes.

Negligible Impact and Small Numbers Analysis and Determinations

    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 a number of factors which include, but are not limited 
to, number of anticipated injuries or mortalities (none of which would 
be authorized here), number, nature, intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment, and the context in which takes occur.
    As described above, marine mammals will not be exposed to 
activities or sound levels which will result in injury (PTS), serious 
injury, or mortality. Rather, NMFS expects that some marine mammals may 
be exposed to elevated sound levels or visual stimuli that will result 
in Level B behavioral harassment. Marine mammals may avoid the area or 
temporarily change their behavior (e.g., move towards the water) in 
response to research presence or elevated sound levels. No impacts to 
marine mammal reproduction are expected because the activity will not 
take place during pinniped pupping season.
    Required mitigation and monitoring measures are expected to lessen 
the potential impacts to marine mammals (e.g., avoiding pinniped haul-
outs). NMFS expects any impacts to pinnipeds to be temporary, Level B 
behavioral harassment. Marine mammal injury or mortality is unlikely 
because of the expected sound levels, avoidance of pinniped haul outs, 
and avoidance of pupping season. The amount of take NMFS authorizes is 
considered small relative to the estimated stock sizes. Less than two 
percent of the stock will be harassed for Northern elephant seals, 
harbor seals, and Steller sea lions; and less than five percent of the 
stock will be harassed for California sea lions and Northern fur seals. 
There is no anticipated effect on annual rates of recruitment or 
survival of affected marine mammals.
    Based on the analysis contained in this notice, the proposed IHA 
notice (77 FR 51773, August 27, 2012), and the IHA application, and 
taking into consideration the implementation of the mitigation and 
monitoring measures, NMFS has determined that the USFWS' research trial 
may result in the incidental take of small numbers of marine mammals, 
by Level B harassment only, and that the total taking 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 only marine mammal species listed as endangered under the ESA 
with confirmed or possible occurrence in the study area is the eastern 
DPS of Steller sea lion. On April 18, 2012 (77 FR 23209), NMFS 
published a proposed rule to delist the eastern DPS. A public comment 
period was open through June 18, 2012. No final determination has been 
made. Under section 7 of the ESA, the USFWS consulted NMFS on the bird 
mitigation research trial. NMFS also consulted internally on the 
issuance of an IHA under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for this 
activity. A Biological

[[Page 67802]]

Opinion was issued in November 2012 and concluded that the USFWS' 
project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any 
listed species or adversely modify or destroy critical habitat. The 
mitigation measures included in the final IHA have also been included 
in the Incidental Take Statement provided with the Biological Opinion.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as implemented by the regulations published 
by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and 
NOAA Administrative Order 216-6, NMFS prepared an Environmental 
Assessment (EA) to consider the direct, indirect, and cumulative 
effects to marine mammals resulting from issuance of a 1-year IHA and 
the potential issuance of future authorizations for incidental 
harassment for the ongoing project. NMFS made a finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) and the EA and FONSI are available on the 
NMFS Web site listed in the beginning of this document (see ADDRESSES).

    Dated: November 7, 2012.
Helen M. Golde,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27661 Filed 11-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P