[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19137-19152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07623]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE460


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Sand 
Quality Study Activities at the Children's Pool Beach, La Jolla, 
California

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

ACTION: Notice; proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA); 
request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received an application from the City of San Diego 
for an IHA to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B 
harassment, incidental to the conduct of sand quality study activities 
at the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California. Pursuant to the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its 
proposal to issue an IHA to the City of San Diego to take, by Level B 
harassment only, three species of marine mammals during the specified 
activities.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than May 4, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the IHA application should be addressed to Jolie 
Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email 
comments is [email protected]. NMFS is not responsible for email 
comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments 
sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25-
megabyte size.
    All comments received are a part of the public record and will 
generally be posted to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/ 
without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, 
name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be 
publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    An electronic copy of the IHA application containing a list of the 
references used in this document may be obtained by visiting the 
Internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/. In case 
of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed 
below. Documents cited in this notice, including the IHA application, 
may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at 
the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Youngkin, 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 (Secretary) to allow, upon request, 
the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals, 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 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.

[[Page 19138]]

    Authorization for the 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 mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of such takings 
are set forth. 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's review of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and 
comment period on any proposed authorizations for the incidental 
harassment of small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the 
close of the public comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny the 
authorization.
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    On December 14, 2015, NMFS received an application from the City of 
San Diego, Transportation & Storm Water Department, Storm Water 
Division, requesting an IHA for the taking of marine mammals incidental 
to the conduct of sand quality study activities. NMFS determined that 
the IHA application was adequate and complete on February 25, 2016.
    The City of San Diego would undertake the proposed sand quality 
sampling activities between June 1, 2016 and December 14, 2016 at the 
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California. Visual stimuli due to 
the presence of technicians on the beach and their sand sample 
collection activities during the study has the potential to result in 
the take of marine mammals through behavioral disturbance. The 
requested IHA would authorize the take, by Level B (behavioral) 
harassment, of small numbers of Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina 
richardii), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and northern 
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) incidental to sand quality 
sampling activities of the Children's Pool Beach at La Jolla, CA. 
Additional information on the sand quality sampling activities at the 
Children's Pool Beach is contained in the IHA application, which is 
available electronically (see ADDRESSES).

Description of the Proposed Specified Activity

Overview

    The City of San Diego plans to conduct a sand quality study at the 
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, CA in order to fulfill a special 
condition that was part of a permit issued by the California Coastal 
Commission (Commission). The special provision required a feasibility 
study to analyze the sand quality, and methods for improving sand 
quality, at Children's Pool Beach. Children's Pool Beach is currently 
listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list as impaired for Fecal 
Indicator Bacteria (FIB). Additionally, researchers have identified 
pinniped molting and excrement as a potential source of mercury to the 
environment (McHuron, Harvey et al. 2014, Cossaboon, Ganguli et al. 
2015). The sand quality study will analyze the current extent and 
magnitude of FIB and mercury contamination in the beach sand at 
Children's Pool Beach, and will assess several possible variable 
effects including tidal cycles, wave regimes, sand depth, and seasonal 
variability during the effective dates of the IHA.
    The California Coastal Commission's permit certified the City's 
request to amend its Land Use Plan. Specifically, the City's amendment 
included revisions to allow seasonal closure at Children's Pool Beach 
during the Pacific harbor seal pupping season, generally from December 
15 to May 15 of every year. The amendment applies only to Children's 
Pool Beach, and is intended to allow special protection of the harbor 
seals at Children's Pool Beach during the vulnerable months of their 
pupping season.
    The sand quality sampling activities would involve teams of two to 
three people collecting sand samples for approximately four hours along 
transects parallel to the shoreline between the water line and the 
seawall/bluff railing. Sixteen sampling events are proposed for the 
sand quality study period between June 1 and December 14, 2016. Sand 
sample collection would involve grab samples of surface layer sand 
(surface up to 20 cm of sand to be collected with a sterilized spoon). 
A small subset of samples per event would be collected from the 
subsurface via narrow plastic cores (approximately 5 centimeters [cm] 
by 60 cm) driven into the sand by hand to the extent possible, and then 
sunk to the desired depth with a small rubber mallet. Approximately 21 
samples would be collected per event. Visual stimuli due to the 
presence of researchers on the beach collecting sand samples would 
potentially result in behavioral disturbance of pinnipeds hauled out on 
the beach, which would equate to a take under the MMPA.

Proposed Dates and Duration

    The City of San Diego is planning to begin the project at the 
Children's Pool in La Jolla, CA after the beach is opened to the public 
in May, with completion of the sand sampling activities to be completed 
prior to closure of the beach to the public in December, 2016. The City 
of San Diego and NMFS are requiring a moratorium on all sand sampling 
activities during harbor seal pupping and weaning (i.e., December 15th 
to May 15th). A moratorium on sampling activities would also be 
required for an additional two weeks prior to initiating the sand 
collection activities in order to accommodate late-weaning pups. 
Therefore, work on this project would only be performed between June 
1st and December 14th of 2016.
    Proposed sand sampling activities would occur during daylight hours 
only, as stipulated in the IHA application. In addition, prior to sand 
sampling events, the beach would be surveyed for the presence of 
northern fur seals and/or Guadalupe fur seals. If either of these 
species are observed hauled out or in the water at Children's Pool 
Beach, sand sampling would not commence. This precaution is included 
due to the unusually high number of strandings of fur seals along the 
entire California coast beginning in January, 2015, which has resulted 
in the declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for Guadalupe 
fur seal (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/guadalupefurseals2015.html). In addition, an UME has been declared, and 
has been ongoing since 2013, for California sea lion pups and yearling 
due to elevated strandings of pups in Southern California (http://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/

[[Page 19139]]

californiasealions2013.htm). While there have been relatively high 
numbers of strandings of Guadalupe fur seals coast-wide in California, 
the presence of this species in California, and at Children's Pool 
Beach in particular, would be considered extremely rare due to the fact 
that they prefer isolated rocky haul out sites (Riedman, 1990). As the 
presence of fur seals at this location would be such a rare event, it 
is likely that the animal would be sick or injured if it were to be 
present. Therefore, sand sampling activities would not be conducted and 
coordination with the stranding network and/or a period of observation 
would commence, as described in further detail below. Take of fur seals 
would not be authorized under this IHA.

Proposed Specific Geographic Region

    The La Jolla Children's Pool Beach is located at 850 Coast 
Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037 (32[deg]50'51.18'' North, 
117[deg]16'41.94'' West). All sand quality sampling events will take 
place at Children's Pool Beach. The locations of the beach and the 
study area can be found in the City of San Diego's IHA application.

Detailed Description of the Proposed Specified Activities

    The Children's Pool was created in 1931 by building a breakwater 
wall which created a protected pool for swimming. Although partially 
filled with sand, the Children's Pool still has open water for swimming 
and a beach for sunbathing and beachcombing. The Children's Pool and 
nearby shore areas (i.e., shoreline, beaches, and reefs of La Jolla) 
are used by swimmers, sunbathers, SCUBA divers and snorkelers, shore/
surf fishermen, school classes, tide pool explorers, kayakers, surfers, 
boogie and skim boarders, seal, sea lion, bird and nature watchers, and 
for other activities by the general public. As such, Children's Pool 
Beach is a highly disturbed urban environment, and seals have been 
documented to respond less sensitively to stimuli compared to seals at 
other sites (Hanan, 2004, Hanan & Associates 2011; Hanan and Hanan 
2014; Hahn 2010). Per Dr. Doyle Hanan, who has a long history of work 
with seals at this location, harbor seals hauled out at Children's Pool 
Beach generally are habituated to the environment, and allow approaches 
of up to two to three meters before showing signs of disturbance.
    All sand sampling activities will take place on the sandy beach 
area. Samples will be collected along transects parallel to the 
shoreline between the water's edge and the bluff/railing, while 
ensuring a distance of at least three meters (m) from any pinnipeds on 
the beach. Samples would consist of grab samples from the surface, with 
a subset of samples collected approximately 25 to 50 cm below the sand 
surface by using a hollow tube (approximately 5 cm by 60 cm) driven 
into the sand by hand and/or with a small rubber mallet with minimal 
digging.
    All sand sampling events will be conducted during daylight hours, 
and each sampling event would be approximately four hours in duration. 
Sampling events will be scheduled to the maximum extent practicable to 
occur during the daily period of lowest haul out occurrence (generally 
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Because the City of San Diego already closes the 
Children's Pool Beach during harbor seal pupping season (December 15 
through May 15), work on this project will be performed between June 1 
and December 14, 2016, and up to 16 sampling events would be conducted 
during this timeframe. The first six sand sampling events are planned 
to occur soon after June 1, 2016. The first three sampling events 
(Phase 1a) are designed to maximize sampling area and to capture 
critical conditions when FIB may be at their highest concentrations. 
During each Phase 1a event, three transects parallel to the shoreline 
at the swash zone, the high-tide line, and the supralittoral zone will 
be established relative to the seawall railing and three surface sand 
(SS) FIB samples (top 2 centimeters) will be collected across each of 
the transects at approximately left, middle, and right beach. In 
addition, subsurface sand (SbS) FIB samples will also be collected at 
three of the nine SS sampling location during each event at 
approximately 25-50 centimeters below the surface. A maximum of 21 FIB 
samples, including field replicates, will be collected for each Phase 
1a monitoring event, for an approximate maximum Phase 1a total of 63 
FIB samples. The remaining three sampling events (Phase 1b) will 
consist of biased sampling based on Phase 1a preliminary findings. The 
study design for Phase 1b will be finalized in consultation with the 
City. A maximum of 21 FIB samples, including field replicates, will be 
collected for each Phase 1b monitoring event, for an approximate 
maximum Phase 1b total of 63 FIB samples. These early test results can 
then be compared with additional test results from up to 10 additional 
sampling events that could be collected during the warmer, high-public-
use summer and fall months.

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

    Information on marine mammal species for which take would be 
authorized is included below. Further information on the biology and 
local distribution of these marine mammal species and others in the 
region can be found in the NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports, 
which are available online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.
    Three species of pinnipeds are known to occur in the Children's 
Pool proposed action area and off the Pacific coastline (see Table 1 
below). Pacific harbor seals are the most common species likely to be 
found within the immediate vicinity of the activity area. California 
sea lions and northern elephant seals may also be found within the 
immediate vicinity of the activity area, but are more rare occurrences 
than harbor seals. Northern fur seals and Guadalupe fur seals are even 
more rarely observed at this location (Northern and Guadalupe fur seals 
have been seen observed at nearby beaches on rare occasions, and a 
northern fur seal was observed hauled out at La Jolla Cove, which is 
less than a mile from Children's Pool, per a personal communication 
with Dr. Hanan [February 4, 2016], a scientist with extensive knowledge 
of the area and the species occurring there). Fur seals are not known 
to haul out in such urban mainland beaches, and their presence would 
likely be attributed to sickness or injury if they were observed in 
this location. Therefore, only three species are considered to be 
potentially exposed to effects of the proposed sand sampling 
activities, as sand sampling activities would not be conducted if fur 
seals were present and coordination with the stranding network would 
commence. A variety of other marine mammal species have on occasion 
been reported in the coastal waters off southern California. However, 
none of these species have been reported to occur in the immediate 
proposed action area of the Children's Pool Beach. Therefore, NMFS does 
not expect, and does not propose to authorize, incidental take of 
marine mammal species other than Pacific harbor seals, California sea 
lions, and northern elephant seals from the proposed specified 
activities. Table 1 below provides information on these marine mammal 
species, their habitat, and conservation status in the nearshore area 
of the general region of the proposed project area.

[[Page 19140]]



           Table 1--The Habitat, Abundance, and Conservation Status of Pacific Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Northern Elephant Seals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Best population
             Species                    Habitat           Occurrence              Range           estimate  (minimum)       ESA \2\          MMPA \3\
                                                                                                          \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal (Phoca        Coastal...........  Common              Coastal temperate to   30,968 (27,348)--      NL               NC.
 vitulina richardii).                                                      polar regions in       California stock.
                                                                           Northern Hemisphere.
Northern elephant seal (Mirounga  Coastal, pelagic    Common              Eastern and Central    179,000 (81,368)--     NL               NC.
 angustirostris).                  when not                                North Pacific--        California breeding
                                   migrating.                              Alaska to Mexico.      stock.
California sea lion (Zalophus     Coastal, shelf....  Common              Eastern North Pacific  296,750 (153,337)--    NL               NC.
 californianus).                                                           Ocean--Alaska to       U.S. stock.
                                                                           Mexico.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NA = Not available or not assessed.
\1\ NMFS Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports.
\2\ U.S. Endangered Species Act: EN = Endangered, T = Threatened, DL = Delisted, and NL = Not listed.
\3\ U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act: D = Depleted, S = Strategic, and NC = Not classified.

Pacific Harbor Seal

    Harbor seals are widely distributed in the North Atlantic and North 
Pacific. Two subspecies exist in the Pacific Ocean: P. v. stejnegeri in 
the western North Pacific near Japan, and P. v. richardii in the 
eastern North Pacific. The subspecies in the eastern North Pacific 
Ocean inhabits near-shore coastal and estuarine areas from Baja 
California, Mexico, to the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. These seals do 
not make extensive pelagic migrations, but do travel 300 to 500 
kilometers (km) (162 to 270 nautical miles [nmi]) on occasion to find 
food or suitable breeding areas; (Herder 1986, Harvey and Goley 2011). 
Previous assessments of the status of harbor seals have recognized 
three stocks along the west coast of the continental U.S.: (1) 
California, (2) Oregon and Washington outer coast waters, and (3) 
inland waters of Washington. An unknown number of harbor seals also 
occur along the west coast of Baja California, at least as far south as 
Isla Asuncion, which is about 100 miles south of Punta Eugenia. Animals 
along Baja California are not considered to be a part of the California 
stock because it is not known if there is any demographically 
significant movement of harbor seals between California and Mexico and 
there is no international agreement for joint management of harbor 
seals. Harbor seal presence at haul-out sites is seasonal with peaks in 
abundance during their pupping and molting periods. Pupping and molting 
periods are first observed to the south and progress northward up the 
coast with time (e.g., January to May near San Diego, April to June in 
Oregon and Washington) (Jeffries 1984, Huber, Jeffries et al. 2001); 
Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011).
    In California, approximately 400 to 600 harbor seal haul-out sites 
are distributed along the mainland coast and on offshore islands, 
including intertidal sandbars and ledges, rocky shores and islets, and 
beaches (Harvey et al., 1995; Hanan, 1996; Lowry et al., 2008). 
Preferred haul-out sites are those that are protected from the wind and 
waves, and allow access to deep water for foraging (Perrin, W[uuml]rsig 
et al. 2008). Of the known haul-out sites, 14 locations are rookeries 
(2 locations have multiple sites, for a total of 17 sites) on or near 
the mainland of California. The population of harbor seals has grown 
off the U.S. west coast and has led to new haul-out sites being used in 
California (Hanan, 1996). Harbor seals are one of the most common and 
frequently observed marine mammals along the coastal environment.
    The Children's Pool area is the only rookery in San Diego County 
and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast between the border 
of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA (321.9 km [200 miles]). 
The number of harbor seals in this area has increased since 1979, and 
they have been documented giving birth at the Children's Pool since the 
1990's (Yochem and Stewart, 1998; Hanan & Associates, 2004). Pacific 
harbor seals haul-out year-round on beaches and rocks (i.e., breakwater 
ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa Beach haul-out 
area) below the lifeguard tower at Children's Pool. According to Yochem 
(2005), the Children's Pool beach site is used by harbor seals at all 
hours of the day and at all tides with the exception of occasional high 
tide/high swell events in which the entire beach is awash. Harbor seals 
are documented to give birth on these beaches during December through 
May (Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011). The official start to 
pupping season is December 15 at Children's Pool Beach. Females in an 
advanced stage of pregnancy begin to show up on the Children's Pool 
beach by late October to early November. Several studies have 
identified harbor seal behavior and estimated harbor seal numbers 
including patterns of daily and seasonal area use (Yochem and Stewart, 
1998; Hanan & Associates, 2011; Linder, 2011). Males, females, and pups 
(in season) of all ages and stages of development are observed at the 
Children's Pool and adjacent areas.
    Children's Pool is one of the three known haul-out sites for this 
species in San Diego County. These animals have been observed in this 
area moving to/from the Children's Pool, exchanging with the rocky reef 
directly west of and adjacent to the breakwater and with Seal Rock, 
which is about 150 m (492 ft) west of the Children's Pool. Harbor seals 
have also been reported on the sandy beach just southwest of the 
Children's Pool. At low tide, additional space for hauling-out is 
available on the rocky reef areas outside the retaining wall and on 
beaches immediately southward. Haul-out times vary by time of year, 
from less than an hour to many hours. There have been no foraging 
studies at this site, but harbor seals have been observed in nearshore 
waters and kelp beds nearby, including La Jolla Cove.
    In southern California, a considerable amount of information is 
known about the movements and ecology of harbor seals, but population 
structure in the region is not as well known (Stewart and Yochem, 1994, 
2000; Keper et al., 2005; Hanan & Associates, 2011). Linder (2011) 
suggests that this population moves along the California coast and the 
beach at Children's Pool is part of a ``regional network of 
interconnected'' haul-out and pupping sites. Harbor seals often haul-
out in protected bays, inlets, and beaches (Reeves et al., 1992). At 
and near the Children's Pool, harbor seals

[[Page 19141]]

haul-out on the sand, rocks, and breakwater base in numbers of 0 to 15 
harbor seals to a maximum of about 150 to 250 harbor seals depending on 
the time of day, season, and weather conditions (Hanan, 2004, Hanan & 
Associates, 2011; Linder, 2011). Because space is limited behind the 
breakwater at the Children's Pool, Linder (2011) predicted that it is 
unlikely that numbers will exceed 250 harbor seals. Based on monitoring 
from a camera, Western Alliance for Nature (WAN) reported that during 
the month of May 2013 up to 302 harbor seals were documented resting on 
the Children's Pool beach at any given time, with additional harbor 
seals on the rocks and in the water (Wan, personal communication). 
Almost every day, except for weekends, over 250 individual harbor seals 
were present on the beach. During the months of September 2012 to 
January 2013, the average number of harbor seals on the beach varied 
from 83 to 120 animals before people entered the beach or when people 
were behind the rope. During this same period, when people were on the 
beach and/or across the rope, the average number of harbor seals varied 
from 7 to 27. The City of San Diego observed 12 counts totaling more 
than 200 and a maximum of 238 animals during the 2014 to 2015 
construction window. The weather (i.e., wind and/or rain) and the 
proximity of humans to the beach likely affect the presence of harbor 
seals on the beach.
    Radio-tagging and photographic studies have revealed that only a 
portion of seals utilizing a hauling-out site are present at any 
specific moment or day (Hanan, 1996, 2005; Gilbert et al., 2005; Harvey 
and Goley, 2011; and Linder, 2011). These radio-tagging studies 
indicate that harbor seals in Santa Barbara County haul-out about 70 to 
90% of the days annually (Hanan, 1996). The City of San Diego expects 
harbor seals to behave similarly at the Children's Pool. Tagged and 
branded harbor seals from other haul-out sites have been observed by 
Dr. Hanan at the Children's Pool. For example, harbor seals with red-
stained heads and coats, which are typical of some harbor seals in San 
Francisco Bay have been observed at Children's Pool, indicating that 
seals tagged at other locations and haul-out sites visit the site. A 
few seals have been tagged at the Children's Pool and there are no 
reports of these tagged animals at other sites (probably because of 
very low re-sighting efforts and a small sample size [10 individuals 
radio-tagged]), which may indicate a degree of site-fidelity (Yochem 
and Stewart, 1998). These studies further indicate that seals are 
constantly moving along the coast including to/from the offshore 
islands and that there may be as many as 600 individual harbor seals 
using Children's Pool during a year, but certainly not all at one time.
    The City of San Diego has fitted a polynomial curve to the number 
of expected harbor seals hauling-out at the Children's Pool by month 
(see Figure 2 of the IHA application and Figure 1 below) based on 
counts at the Children's Pool by Hanan (2004), Hanan & Associates 
(2011), Yochem and Stewart (1998), and the Children's Pool docents 
(Hanan, 2004).

[[Page 19142]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04AP16.001

    A complete count of all harbor seals in California is impossible 
because some are always away from the haul-out sites. A complete pup 
count (as is done for other pinnipeds in California) is also not 
possible because harbor seals are precocial, with pups entering the 
water almost immediately after birth. Population size is estimated by 
counting the number of seals ashore during the peak haul-out period 
(May to July) and by multiplying this count by a correction factor 
equal to the inverse of the estimated fraction of seals on land. Based 
on the most recent harbor seal counts (2009) and including a revised 
correction factor, the estimated population of harbor seals in 
California is 30,196 individuals (NMFS, 2011), with an estimated 
minimum population of 26,667 for the California stock of harbor seals. 
Counts of harbor seals in California increased from 1981 to 2004. The 
harbor seal is not listed under the ESA and the California stock is not 
considered depleted or strategic under the MMPA (Carretta et al., 
2010).

California Sea Lion

    The California sea lion is a separate species from the Galapagos 
sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) and the extinct Japanese sea lion 
(Zalophus japonicus) (Brunner, 2003; Wolf et al., 2007; Schramm et al., 
2009), and is found from southern Mexico to southwestern Canada. The 
breeding areas of the California sea lion are on islands located in 
southern California, western Baja California, and the Gulf of 
California. A genetic analysis of California sea lions identified five 
genetically distinct geographic populations: (1) Pacific Temperate, (2) 
Pacific Subtropical, (3) Southern Gulf of California, (4) Central Gulf 
of California, and (5) Northern Gulf of California (Schramm et al., 
2009). In that study, the Pacific Temperate population included 
rookeries within U.S. waters and the Coronados Islands just south of 
U.S./Mexico border. Animals from the Pacific Temperate population range 
north into Canadian waters, and movement of animals between U.S. waters 
and Baja California waters has been documented, though the distance 
between the major U.S. and Baja California rookeries is at least 740.8 
km (400 nmi). Males from western Baja California rookeries may spend 
most of the year in the United States.
    The entire California sea lion population cannot be counted because 
all age and sex classes are never ashore at the same time. In lieu of 
counting all sea lions, pups are counted during the breeding season 
(because this is the only age class that is ashore in its entirety), 
and the numbers of births is estimated from the pup count. The size of 
the population is then estimated from the number of births and the 
proportion of pups in the population. Censuses are conducted in July 
after all pups have been born. There are no rookeries at or

[[Page 19143]]

near the Children's Pool, although in the past two years births have 
been reported at La Jolla Cove (about 0.75 km [0.47 miles] east of 
Children's Pool). Population estimates for the U.S. stock of California 
sea lions range from a minimum of 153,337 to an average estimate of 
296,750 animals. The California sea lion is not listed under the ESA 
and the U.S. stock is not considered depleted or strategic under the 
MMPA.
    The rocks and beaches at or near the Children's Pool in La Jolla, 
CA, are almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal hauling-out sites. On 
infrequent occasions, one or two California sea lions have been 
observed on the sand or rocks at or near the Children's Pool (i.e., 
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa 
Beach haul-out area). These sites are not usual haul-out locations for 
California sea lions. The City of San Diego commissioned two studies of 
harbor seal abundance trends at the Children's Pool. Both studies 
reported that appearances of California sea lions are infrequent, but 
not rare at Children's Pool (Yochem and Stewart 1998); Hanan, 2004; 
Hanan & Associates, 2011). During 2013, the City of San Diego observed 
one juvenile and three adult California sea lions at the Children's 
Pool. During 2014, the City of San Diego observed 22 California sea 
lions (during 19 days) at the Children's Pool. Adult sea lions were 
also observed hauling out on rocks and cliffs near the Children's Pool. 
A report from 2015 monitoring is still in process at this time.

Northern Elephant Seal

    Northern elephant seals breed and give birth in California (U.S.) 
and Baja California (Mexico), primarily on offshore islands (Stewart et 
al., 1994) from December to March (Stewart and Huber, 1993). Spatial 
segregation in foraging areas between males and females is evident from 
satellite tag data (Le Beouf et al., 2000). Males migrate to the Gulf 
of Alaska and western Aleutian Islands along the continental shelf to 
feed on benthic prey, while females migrate to pelagic areas in the 
Gulf of Alaska and the central North Pacific to feed on pelagic prey 
(Le Beouf et al., 2000). Adults return to land between March and August 
to molt, with males returning later than females. Adults return to 
their feeding areas again between their spring/summer molting and their 
winter breeding seasons.
    Populations of northern elephant seals in the U.S. and Mexico have 
recovered after being nearly hunted to extinction (Stewart et al., 
1994). Northern elephant seals underwent a severe population bottleneck 
and loss of genetic diversity when the population was reduced to an 
estimated 10 to 30 individuals (Hoelzel et al., 2002). However, 
movement and genetic exchange continues between rookeries when they 
start breeding (Huber et al., 1991). The California breeding population 
is now demographically isolated from the Baja California population. 
The California breeding population is considered in NMFS's stock 
assessment report to be a separate stock.
    A complete population count of elephant seals is not possible 
because all age classes are not ashore simultaneously. Elephant seal 
population size is typically estimated by counting the number of pups 
produced and multiplying by the inverse of the expected ratio of pups 
to total animals (McCann, 1985). Based on counts of elephant seals at 
U.S. rookeries in 2010, Lowry et al. (2014) reported that 40,684 pups 
were born. Lowry et al. (2014) applied a multiplier of 4.4 to 
extrapolate from total pup counts to a population estimate of 
approximately 179,000 elephant seals. This multiplier is derived from 
life tables based on published elephant seal fecundity and survival 
rates, and reflects a population with approximately 23% pups (Cooper 
and Stewart, 1983; Le Boeuf and Reiter, 1988; Hindell 1991; Huber et 
al., 1991; Reiter and Le Boeuf, 1991; Clinton and Le Boeuf, 1993; Le 
Boeuf et al., 1994; Pistorius and Bester, 2002; McMahon et al., 2003; 
Pistorius et al., 2004; Condit et al., 2014). The minimum population 
size for northern elephant seals in 2010 can be estimated very 
conservatively as 81,368, which is equal to twice the observed pup 
count (to account for the pups and their mothers). The population is 
reported to have grown at 3.8% annually since 1988 (Lowry et al., 
2014). Northern elephant seals are not listed under the ESA and are not 
considered as depleted or a strategic stock under the MMPA.
    The rocks and beaches at or near the Children's Pool in La Jolla, 
CA, are almost exclusively Pacific harbor seal hauling-out sites. On 
infrequent occasions, juvenile northern elephant seal have been 
observed on the sand or rocks at or near the Children's Pool (i.e., 
breakwater ledge/rocks haul-out area, reef haul-out area, and Casa 
Beach haul-out area). These sites are not usual haul-out locations for 
northern elephant seals. The City of San Diego commissioned two studies 
of harbor seal abundance trends at the Children's Pool. Both studies 
reported that appearances of northern elephant seals are infrequent, 
but not rare at Children's Pool (Yochem and Stewart 1998); Hanan, 2004; 
Hanan & Associates, 2011). During 2013, the City of San Diego observed 
two juvenile northern elephant seals at the Children's Pool. During 
2014, the City of San Diego observed 30 juvenile elephant seals (during 
29 days) at the Children's Pool. A report from 2015 monitoring is still 
in process at this time.

Potential Effects of the Proposed Specified Activity on Marine Mammals

    A significant body of monitoring data exists for pinnipeds at 
Children's Pool. In addition, pinnipeds have co-existed with heavy 
public use at this location, and are likely habituated to human 
presence and activity. Nevertheless, the City of San Diego's sand 
sampling activities have the potential to disturb pinnipeds present on 
the beach. Past monitoring at this location has revealed that some or 
all of the seals present may move or flush from the beach in response 
to the presence of humans or their pets as well as crew and equipment 
associated with construction, though some may remain hauled-out. No 
stampeding of seals--a potentially dangerous occurrence in which large 
numbers of animals succumb to mass panic and rush away from a 
stimulus--has been documented. While it is likely impossible to conduct 
the proposed sand sampling activities without provoking some response 
in hauled-out animals, precautionary mitigation measures, described 
later in this document, help ensure that this type of disturbance would 
be minimized. Under these conditions, it is anticipated that seals 
would exhibit a continuum of responses, beginning with alert movements 
(e.g., raising the head), which may then escalate to movement away from 
the stimulus and possible flushing into the water. Flushed seals 
typically re-occupy the haul-out within minutes to hours of the 
stimulus.
    In the absence of appropriate mitigation measures, it is possible 
that pinnipeds could be subject to injury, serious injury, or 
mortality, likely through abandonment of pups. However, based on a 
significant body of site-specific data, harbor seals are unlikely to 
sustain any harassment that may be considered biologically significant. 
Individual animals would, at most, flush into the water in response to 
the sand sampling activities, but may also simply become alert or move 
across the beach away from the sand sampling crew.
    California sea lions and northern elephant seals have been observed 
as less sensitive to stimulus than harbor seals during monitoring at 
numerous

[[Page 19144]]

other sites. For example, monitoring of pinniped disturbance as a 
result of abalone research in the Channel Islands showed that while 
harbor seals flushed at a rate of 69 percent, California sea lions 
flushed at a rate of only 21 percent. The rate for elephant seals 
declined to 0.1 percent (VanBlaricom, 2010). In the event that either 
of these species is present during management activities, they would be 
expected to display a minimal reaction to maintenance activities, and 
it is expected that reaction would be less than that expected of harbor 
seals.
    Children's Pool is a rookery for harbor seals, so we have evaluated 
the potential for injury, serious injury, or mortality to pups. Pup 
injury or mortality would be most likely to occur in the event of 
extended separation of a mother and pup, or trampling in a stampede. As 
discussed previously, no stampedes have been recorded at Children's 
Pool. Any California sea lions or northern elephant seals present would 
be independent juveniles or adults; therefore, analysis of impacts on 
pups is not relevant for those species.
    The period of mother-pup bonding, a critical time needed to ensure 
pup survival and maximize pup health, is not expected to be impacted by 
the sand sampling activities. Harbor seal pups are extremely 
precocious, swimming and diving immediately after birth and throughout 
the lactation period, unlike most other phocids which normally enter 
the sea only after weaning (Lawson and Renouf, 1985; Cottrell et al., 
2002; Burns et al., 2005). Lawson and Renouf (1987) investigated harbor 
seal mother-pup bonding in response to natural and anthropogenic 
disturbance. In summary, they found that the most critical bonding time 
is within minutes after birth. As described previously, the peak of 
pupping season is typically concluded by mid-May, and the beach is 
closed to the public until that time. An additional two week period was 
added to that time before sand sampling activities could begin (to 
begin June 1) in order to account for any potentially late-weaning 
pups. As such, it is expected that mother-pup bonding would likely be 
concluded as well. In addition, mitigation measures described later in 
this document further reduce the likelihood of any impacts to pups, 
whether through injury or mortality or interruption of mother-pup 
bonding (which may lead to abandonment).
    In summary, and based on extensive monitoring data, we believe that 
impacts to hauled-out pinnipeds during estuary management activities 
would be behavioral harassment of limited duration (i.e., less than one 
day) and limited intensity (i.e., temporary flushing at most). 
Stampeding, and therefore injury or mortality associated with 
stampeding, is not expected. Further, the continued use of the haul-out 
despite decades of public use at this site indicates that abandonment 
of the haul-out is unlikely.

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    Harbor seals have been observed hauling-out and documented giving 
birth at the Children's Pool since the 1990's (Yochem and Stewart, 
1998; Hanan & Associates, 2004). It is one of the three known haul-out 
sites for this species in San Diego County and is the only rookery in 
San Diego County and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast 
between the border of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura County, CA. In 
addition to Pacific harbor seals, California sea lions and northern 
elephant seals have also been observed at Children's Pool Beach 
occasionally (Yochem and Stewart 1998; Hanan 2004; Hanan & Associates 
2014). More information on this population of Pacific harbor seals can 
be found in the ``Description of Marine Mammals in the Specified 
Geographic Area of the Proposed Specified Activity.''
    The primary anticipated adverse impact upon habitat consists of the 
removal of sand from the beach. This change is minor, temporary, and 
limited in duration to the period of the sand sampling activities. All 
sand sampling activities will take place on the sand beach area 
normally occupied by hauled out seals. Although sand will be collected 
from the beach, the total volume removed over the course of the study 
is estimated to be less than one cubic foot. Additionally, a subset of 
samples will be collected approximately 25 to 50 centimeters (cm) below 
the sand surface. Because of the mechanism of collection (use of a 
hollow plastic tube and rubber mallet with minimal digging), only 
transient sand displacement is anticipated. Therefore, we do not 
anticipate impacts to habitat.
    The area of habitat affected is small and the effects are localized 
and temporary; thus there is no reason to expect any significant 
reduction in habitat available for other habitat uses. No aspect of the 
project is anticipated to have any permanent effect on the location or 
use of pinniped haul-outs or related habitat features in the area. 
Further, the site is already very disturbed by members of the public 
who come to the area during the day and night to view the pinnipeds. 
The City of San Diego and NMFS do not project any loss or modification 
of physical habitat for these species. Any potential temporary loss or 
modification of habitat due to the presence of the sand sampling 
technicians and their activities during the proposed sand quality study 
is expected by the City of San Diego and NMFS to be quickly restored 
after the sand sampling activities end.
    For these reasons, NMFS anticipates that the proposed action would 
result in no impacts to marine mammal habitat beyond rendering the 
areas of Children's Pool Beach immediately around the sand sampling 
activities less desirable. These sampling activities would be temporary 
and would occur relatively infrequently, as they are anticipated to 
occur up to 16 times over the months of May to December for 
approximately four hours at a time. Thus, any impacts to marine mammal 
habitat are not expected to cause significant or long-term consequences 
for individual marine mammals or their populations.

Proposed Mitigation

    In order to issue an Incidental Take Authorization (ITA) under 
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, NMFS must prescribe, where 
applicable, 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 (where relevant).
    The City of San Diego has established the Children's Pool as a 
shared beach for pinnipeds and people except during pupping season, 
when the beach has been closed to the public in order to protect the 
seals. In the past, during the pupping season, a rope was placed along 
the upper part of the beach with signage to inform and designate how 
close people can come to the haul-out area and the pinnipeds. The 
timeframe for the rope has been extended so that it is now present 
year-round.
    The activities proposed by the applicant include a variety of 
measures to minimize potential impacts on marine mammals, including:

Prohibition of Sand Sampling During Pupping Season

    Sand sampling activities shall be prohibited during the Pacific 
harbor seal pupping season (December 15th to May 15th), and for an 
additional two weeks thereafter to accommodate lactation and weaning of 
late season pups. Thus, sand quality study activities shall be 
prohibited until June 1, 2016 and would

[[Page 19145]]

be required to end before December 15, 2016.

Limiting Activity to Daylight Hours

    Sand sampling activities shall be conducted during daylight hours 
only. As Protected Species Observers (PSOs) will be required to monitor 
the sand sampling activities (see discussion below), conducting the 
sampling events during daylight hours with adequate visibility will 
allow observers to adequately observe and record activities.

Daily Sand Sampling Timing

    Sand sampling activities shall be scheduled, to the maximum extent 
practicable, during the daily period of lowest haul-out occurrence, 
from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as harbor seals typically 
have the highest daily or hourly haul-out period during the afternoon 
from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, sand sampling activities may be extended 
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help assure that the project can be completed 
at a time with low numbers of seals hauled out.

Avoidance/Minimization of Interaction with Pinnipeds

    As stated above, per Dr. Doyle Hanan, ongoing observations of 
harbor seals at Children's Pool have indicated a habituation to the 
presence of people and therefore, generally show signs of disturbance 
when people are very close to them on the beach (generally less than 
two to three meters). Sand sampling activities will be conducted such 
that humans remain at least three meters from hauled out pinnipeds at 
all times. While the study calls for taking samples along transects, 
there is enough flexibility to allow for variation from the transect 
line to collect samples and still allow for minimizing approach to 
pinnipeds on the beach. Therefore, hauled out pinnipeds will be 
minimized or avoided, and efforts will be made to avoid disturbing/
alerting/flushing them.

Protected Species Observers

    Trained PSOs would be used to detect, document, and minimize 
impacts to marine mammals. More information about this measure is 
contained in the ``Proposed Monitoring'' section (below).

Proposed Mitigation Conclusions

    NMFS has carefully evaluated the applicant's 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. NMFS's 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, 
practicality of implementation, and impact on the effectiveness of the 
activity.
    Any mitigation measure(s) prescribed by NMFS should be able to 
accomplish, have a reasonable likelihood of accomplishing (based on 
current science), or contribute to the accomplishment of one or more of 
the general goals listed below:
    (1) Avoidance or minimization of injury or death of marine mammals 
wherever possible (goals 2, 3, and 4 may contribute to this goal).
    (2) A reduction in the numbers of marine mammals (total number or 
number at biologically important time or location) exposed to visual or 
auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality study, or 
other activities expected to result in the take of marine mammals (this 
goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing harassment takes only).
    (3) A reduction in the number of times (total number or number at 
biologically important time or location) individuals would be exposed 
to visual or auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality 
study, or other activities expected to result in the take of marine 
mammals (this goal may contribute to 1, above, or to reducing 
harassment takes only).
    (4) A reduction in the intensity of exposures (either total number 
or number at biologically important time or location) to visual or 
auditory stimuli associated with the proposed sand quality study, or 
other activities expected to result in the take of marine mammals (this 
goal may contribute to a, above, or to reducing the severity of 
harassment takes only).
    (5) Avoidance of minimization of adverse effects to marine mammal 
habitat, paying special attention to the food base, activities that 
block or limit passage to or from biologically important areas, 
permanent destruction of habitat, or temporary destruction/disturbance 
of habitat during a biologically important time.
    (6) For monitoring directly related to mitigation--an increase in 
the probability of detecting marine mammals, thus allowing for more 
effective implementation of the mitigation.
    Based on NMFS's 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.

Proposed 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) 
require that requests for ITAs 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 proposed action area.
    Monitoring measures prescribed by NMFS should accomplish one or 
more of the following general goals:
    (1) An increase in the probability of detecting marine mammals, 
both within the mitigation zone (thus allowing for more effective 
implementation of the mitigation) and in general to generate more data 
to contribute to the analyses mentioned below;
    (2) An increase in our understanding of how many marine mammals are 
likely to be exposed to visual or auditory stimuli associated with the 
proposed sand quality study that we associate with specific adverse 
effects, such as behavioral harassment;
    (3) An increase in our understanding of how marine mammals respond 
to stimuli expected to result in take and how anticipated adverse 
effects on individuals (in different ways and to varying degrees) may 
impact the population, species, or stock (specifically through effects 
on annual rates of recruitment or survival) through any of the 
following methods:
     Behavioral observations in the presence of stimuli 
compared to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to 
accurately predict distance from source, and other pertinent 
information);

[[Page 19146]]

     Physiological measurements in the presence of stimuli 
compared to observations in the absence of stimuli (need to be able to 
accurately predict distance from the source, and other pertinent 
information);
     Distribution and/or abundance comparisons in times or 
areas with concentrated stimuli versus times or areas without stimuli;
    (4) An increased knowledge of the affected species;
    (5) An increase in our understanding of the effectiveness of 
certain mitigation and monitoring measures; and
    (6) An increase in our level of knowledge regarding the overall 
health of the monitored species, particularly in light of recent local 
UMEs and observations of malnutrition increases in the area.

Proposed Monitoring

    The City of San Diego has developed a monitoring plan based on 
discussions between the City of San Diego and NMFS, as well as review 
of past IHAs granted to the City of San Diego. The plan is also 
included as an Appendix to our draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for 
issuance of the IHA for the sand quality study activities (see National 
Environmental Policy Act section below), which is available for public 
review along with the draft EA.
    The monitoring plan involves PSOs surveying and conducting hourly 
visual counts beginning prior to sand sampling activities (beginning at 
least 30 minutes prior to sampling activities), monitoring during 
sampling activities, and post-sand sampling monitoring (continuing for 
at least 30 minutes after sand sampling activities have ended). During 
each sample collection event, the PSO will conduct continuous 
monitoring from a vantage point along the seawall (weather permitting) 
or along the bluff above the beach, such that the full study area is in 
view. During the proposed sand sampling activities, monitoring shall 
assess behavior and potential behavioral responses to noise and visual 
stimuli due to the proposed activities. As noted above, if northern fur 
seals or Guadalupe fur seals are observed prior to commencement of 
activities, the activities will not occur and coordination with the 
stranding network will be initiated.
    Counts will be performed by species for three zones: Pinnipeds 
hauled out on the sandy beach area, pinnipeds observed in the water 
within approximately 30 meters of the beach, and pinnipeds hauled out 
on the reef/rocks just off the beach (including Seal Rock). Total 
counts, counts of juveniles (yearlings and pups), and counts of males/
females (when possible) will be recorded. In addition to counts, 
continuous behavioral monitoring will be conducted for the duration of 
the sampling event to document any behavioral responses to visual (or 
other) stimuli, as noted in Table 2 below. When responses are observed, 
the type of take (i.e., alert and flush, movement of more than one 
meter, or change in direction of movement) and the assumed cause 
(whether related to sample collection activities or not) will be noted 
by species. Photographs and/or video will be taken to document these 
responses.

                  Table 2--Seal Response to Disturbance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Level         Type of response               Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................  Alert.............  Seal head orientation or brief
                                        movement in response to
                                        disturbance, which may include
                                        turning head towards the
                                        disturbance, craning head and
                                        neck while holding the body
                                        rigid in a u-shaped position,
                                        changing from a lying to a
                                        sitting position, or brief
                                        movement of less than twice the
                                        animal's body length. Alerts
                                        would be recorded, but not
                                        counted as a `take'.
2................  Movement..........  Movements away from the source of
                                        disturbance, ranging from short
                                        withdrawals at least twice the
                                        animal's body length to longer
                                        retreats over the beach
                                        including changing direction of
                                        travel, or movement along the
                                        beach from a resting position.
                                        These movements would be
                                        recorded and counted as a
                                        `take'.
3................  Flush.............  All retreats (flushes) to the
                                        water. Flushing into the water
                                        would be recorded and counted as
                                        a `take'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional parameters will be recorded during the first and last 
count of each sampling event including Beaufort sea state; atmospheric 
conditions; cloud cover; visibility conditions; air and water 
temperature; tide height; and number of public visitors present by 
location at Children's Pool.
    Field observations will be documented on Field Monitoring Forms, 
and all observations and associated data, including daily monitoring 
reports, would be maintained on City of San Diego computers. A report 
summarizing mitigation and monitoring for the duration of the 
Children's Pool Beach sand quality study will be prepared and submitted 
by the City of San Diego to NMFS following completion of sand sampling 
activities for the 2016 sampling season.
    The following marine mammal monitoring and reporting shall be 
performed for the proposed action:
    (1) The PSO shall be selected prior to sand sampling activities.
    (2) The NMFS-approved PSO shall attend the project site prior to, 
during, and after sand sampling activities cease each day that the sand 
sampling activities occur.
    (3) The PSO shall search for marine mammals within the Children's 
Pool area.
    (4) The PSO shall be present during sand sampling activities to 
observe for the presence of marine mammals in the vicinity of the 
specified activity. All such activity would occur during daylight hours 
(i.e., 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset). If 
inclement weather limits visibility within the area of effect, the PSO 
would perform visual scans to the extent conditions allow.
    (5) If marine mammals are sighted by the PSO, the PSO shall record 
the number of marine mammals and the duration of their presence while 
the sand sampling activity is occurring. The PSO would also note 
whether the marine mammals appeared to respond to the noise/visual 
stimuli and, if so, the nature of that response. The PSO shall record 
the following information: Date and time of initial sighting, tidal 
stage, weather conditions, Beaufort sea state, species, behavior 
(activity, group cohesiveness, direction and speed of travel, etc.), 
number, group composition, distance between sampling personnel and 
pinniped(s), number of animals impacted, sampling activities occurring 
at time of sighting (walking, taking surface sample, or pounding core 
sampler), and monitoring and mitigation measures implemented (or not 
implemented). The observations would be reported to NMFS.

[[Page 19147]]

    (6) To avoid takes of Guadalupe fur seals, if fur seals are 
observed to be hauled out on the beach, or in the water/rocks at the 
Children's Pool Beach prior to the initiation of sand collection 
activities, sand sampling activities will not commence. PSOs will alert 
the stranding network, as the occurrence of these species would 
typically indicate a sick/injured animal. Recommendations of the 
stranding coordinator will be followed, which may include a 24-hour or 
48-hour waiting and observation period, and sand sampling would not 
commence until the animal(s) either vacated the area on its own, or was 
collected by the stranding network
    (7) A final report would be submitted summarizing all effects from 
sand sampling activities and marine mammal monitoring during the time 
of the authorization.
    A written log of dates and times of monitoring activity will be 
kept. The log shall report the following information:
     Time of observer arrival on site;
     Time of the commencement of sand sampling activities;
     Distances to all marine mammals relative to the stimuli;
     For harbor seal, northern elephant seal, and California 
sea lion observations, notes on behavior during sand sampling activity, 
as described above, and on the number and distribution observed in the 
project vicinity;
     For observations of all marine mammals other than harbor 
seals, northern elephant seals, and California sea lions, the time and 
duration of each animal's presence in the project vicinity; the number 
of animals observed; the behavior of each animal, including any 
response to sand sampling activities;
     Time of the cessation of sand sampling activities; and
     Time of observer departure from site.
    All monitoring data collected during sand sampling events would be 
included in the biological monitoring notes to be submitted. A final 
report summarizing the sand sampling monitoring and any general trends 
observed would also be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after 
monitoring has ended during the period of the sand quality study or 45 
days prior to the date by which any subsequent IHA is requested by the 
City of San Diego, whichever comes first.

Proposed Reporting

    A draft final report must be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after 
the conclusion of the final sand sampling activities of the Children's 
Pool Beach. The report would include a summary of the information 
gathered pursuant to the monitoring requirements set forth in the IHA, 
including dates and times of operations and all marine mammal sightings 
(dates, times, locations, species, behavioral observations [activity, 
group cohesiveness, direction and speed of travel, etc.], tidal stage, 
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state and wind force, associated sand 
sampling activities). A final report must be submitted within 30 days 
after receiving comments from NMFS on the draft final report. If no 
comments are received from NMFS, the draft final report would be 
considered to be the final report.
    While the IHA does not authorize injury (i.e., Level A harassment), 
serious injury, or mortality, should the applicant, contractor, monitor 
or any other individual associated with the sand quality study observe 
an injured or dead marine mammal, the incident (regardless of cause) 
will immediately be reported to NMFS stranding coordinator. 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.
    In the unanticipated event that the City of San Diego discovers a 
live stranded marine mammal (sick and/or injured, or if any fur seals 
are observed) at Children's Pool, they shall immediately contact Sea 
World's stranded animal hotline at 1-800-541-7235. Sea World shall also 
be notified if a dead stranded pinniped is found so that a necropsy can 
be performed. In all cases, NMFS stranding coordinator shall be 
notified as well, but for immediate response purposes, Sea World shall 
be contacted first.
    Reporting Prohibited Take--In the unanticipated event that the 
specified activity clearly causes the take of a marine mammal in a 
manner prohibited by this IHA, such as an injury (Level A harassment), 
serious injury, or mortality, the City of San Diego 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, and the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The 
report must include the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     The type of activity involved;
     Description of the circumstances during and leading up to 
the incident;
     Water depth; environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed 
and direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of marine mammal observations in the 24 hours 
preceding the incident; species identification or description of the 
animal(s) involved;
     The fate of the animal(s); and photographs or video 
footage of the animal (if equipment is available).
    Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS shall work with the City of 
San Diego to determine the action necessary to minimize the likelihood 
of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The City of San 
Diego may not resume its activities until notified by NMFS via letter, 
email, or telephone.
    Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal with an Unknown Cause of 
Death--In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or 
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO 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 City of San Diego would immediately report the incident 
to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, and the West Coast Regional Stranding 
Coordinator. The report must include the same information identified 
above. Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of 
the incident. NMFS would work with the City of San Diego to determine 
whether modification of the activities is appropriate.
    Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal Not Related to the 
Activities--In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an 
injured or dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the 
injury or death is not associated with or related to the activities 
authorized (e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to 
advanced decomposition, or scavenger damage), the City of San Diego 
shall report the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS , and the West Coast 
Regional Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours of the discovery. The 
City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if 
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to 
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue 
while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident.

[[Page 19148]]

Monitoring Results From Previously Authorized Activities

2013 to 2014
    Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of the City of San Diego, 
conducted marine mammal and in-air sound monitoring at six locations 
during demolition and construction activities at the Children's Pool 
Lifeguard Station in La Jolla, California from June 3, 2013 to February 
12, 2014. Demolition and construction activities began on July 10, 2013 
and were halted for the Pacific harbor seal pupping season (December 
15, 2013 to May 30, 2014). During 115 days of visual and acoustic 
observations, Hanan & Associates counted a total of 61,631 Pacific 
harbor seals and 26,037 people. During the 2013 demolition and 
construction activities, Hanan & Associates observed a total of 15,673 
takes by Level B harassment (i.e., alerts, movements, and flushes) that 
could be attributed to demolition and construction activities (5,095 
takes), the general public (8,639 takes), and other sources (1,939 
takes). As of April 15, 2014, at least 60 harbor seal pups (including 2 
still births) have been born at the Children's Pool and there has been 
no indication of abandonment. In addition to the Pacific harbor seal 
sightings, PSOs recorded three sightings of California sea lions (1 
juvenile, 3 adult), and 2 northern elephant seals (both juveniles) at 
the Children's Pool.
2014 to 2015
    Hanan & Associates, Inc., on behalf of the City of San Diego, 
conducted marine mammal monitoring at seven locations during demolition 
and construction activities at the Children's Pool Lifeguard Station in 
La Jolla, California from August 6, 2014 to March 15, 2015. 
Construction activities began on August 6, 2014 and were halted for the 
Pacific harbor seal pupping season (December 15, 2014 to May 30, 2015). 
During 127 days of visual and acoustic observations, Hanan & Associates 
counted a total of 63,598 Pacific harbor seals and 27,844 people. 
During the 2014 demolition and construction activities, Hanan & 
Associates observed a total of 20,259 takes by Level B harassment 
(i.e., alerts, movements, and flushes) that could be attributed to 
demolition and construction activities (7,424 takes), the general 
public (10,000 takes), and other sources (2,835 takes). As of March 13, 
2015, at least 60 harbor seal pups (including 6 still or premature 
births) have been born at the Children's Pool and there has been no 
indication of abandonment. In addition to the Pacific harbor seal 
sightings, 366 sightings of California sea lions (93 at Children's Pool 
beach; others were at Seal Rock, South Casa Beach, and on the reef), 
and 1 northern elephant seal (juvenile). One dead adult and one dead 
juvenile California sea lion were sighted on the Children's Pool beach 
after the start of the beach closure and after the construction 
activities stopped for the pupping season. These strandings were 
reported to NMFS.
    More information on the monitoring results from the City of San 
Diego's previous demolition and construction activities at the La Jolla 
Children's Pool Lifeguard Station can be found in the final monitoring 
reports. The 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 monitoring reports can be 
found online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/construction.htm#childrenspool.

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].
    The City of San Diego and NMFS anticipate takes of Pacific harbor 
seals, California sea lions, and northern elephant seals by Level B 
(behavioral) harassment only incidental to visual disturbance 
associated with the sand quality study sand sampling activities at the 
Children's Pool Beach. No takes by injury (Level A harassment), serious 
injury, or mortality are expected. NMFS will consider pinnipeds 
behaviorally reacting to the sand sampling activities by flushing into 
the water, moving more than twice the animal's body length but not into 
the water; becoming alert and moving more than twice its body length; 
and changing direction of current movements by individuals as 
behavioral criteria for take by Level B harassment.
    With proposed sand sampling activities scheduled to begin in May 
2016, the City of San Diego expects a range of harbor seals to be 
present daily during June with a maximum of up to 190 individuals and a 
seasonal decline through November to about 0 to 50 harbor seals present 
daily. As not all of the sampling activities have been planned, and 
there is uncertainty regarding the timing and number of all activities, 
we have assumed the maximum number of authorized sampling activities 
(16) occurring during the maximum haul out month (June) in order to 
estimate take numbers. If all of the estimated harbor seals present are 
taken by incidental harassment each day, there could be a maximum of 
3,040 incidences of take (i.e., approximately 896 adult males and 672 
juvenile males, 864 adult females and 608 juvenile females based on age 
and sex ratios presented in Harkonen et al., 1999) over the entire 
duration of the activities. An unknown portion of the incidental takes 
will be from repeated exposures as harbor seals leave and return to the 
Children's Pool area.
    Very few California sea lions or northern elephant seals are ever 
observed at the Children's Pool Beach. As noted above, Children's Pool 
is almost exclusively a harbor seal haul-out site and on rare 
occasions, one or two California sea lions or a single juvenile 
elephant seal have been observed on the sand or rocks at, or near, 
Children's Pool. However, as noted above, an UME has been in place 
since 2013 for California sea lions. According to the NMFS West Coast 
Region, California sea lion strandings in January-May of 2015 were over 
10 times the average stranding level for the same five-month period 
during 2004-2012. The City of San Diego has requested take for these 
species due to their potential occurrence at this location and past 
monitoring experience at this location. As the previous IHA authorized 
take of two individual sea lions incidental to construction activities 
at Children's Pool, and numbers of sea lion sightings have been over 10 
times the average, we estimate that up to 20 individuals may be 
incidentally taken by Level B harassment equating to 320 exposures 
(conservatively assuming 20 x 16 sampling events). As only one or two 
northern elephant seals are known to occur rarely at Children's Pool 
Beach, it was conservatively estimated that 16 individuals would be 
exposed to Level B harassment for a total of 16 takes (assuming one 
present for each of the 16 sampling events). Therefore, NMFS proposes 
authorizing the following numbers of incidental takes (i.e., Level B 
harassment): 3,040 Pacific harbor seals (600 individuals), 320 
California sea lions (20 individuals), and 16 northern elephant seals 
(16 individuals). More information on the number of takes authorized, 
and the approximate percentage of the stock for the three species in 
the proposed action area can be found in Table 3 (below).

[[Page 19149]]



    Table 3--Summary of the Authorized Incidental Take by Level B Harassment of Pinnipeds for the City of San
  Diego's Proposed Sand Quality Study Activities Generating Visual and Auditory Stimuli at the Children's Pool
                                             Beach in La Jolla, CA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Approximate
                                    Take          Estimated                      percentage  of
                                authorization     number of                         estimated       Population
           Species               (number of      individuals       Abundance      stock (takes        trend
                                 exposures)         taken                          authorized/
                                                                                   population)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal..........           3,040             600  30,968--Californ              10  Increased in
                                                                ia stock.                         California
                                                                                                  1981 to 2004.
California sea lion..........             320              20  296,750--U.S.                0.1  Increasing.
                                                                stock.
Northern elephant seal.......              16              16  179,000--Califor           <0.01  Increasing 3.8%
                                                                nia breeding                      annually since
                                                                stock.                            1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis and Preliminary Determinations

Negligible Impact

    Negligible impact is ``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'' (50 CFR 216.103). A 
negligible impact finding is based on the lack of likely adverse 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival (i.e., population-
level effects). An estimate of the number of Level B harassment takes, 
alone, is not enough information on which to base an impact 
determination. In addition to considering estimates of the number of 
marine mammals that might be ``taken'' through behavioral harassment, 
NMFS must consider other factors, such as the likely nature of any 
responses (their intensity, duration, etc.), the context of any 
responses (critical reproductive time or location, migration, etc.), as 
well as the number and nature of estimated Level A harassment takes, 
the number of estimated mortalities, and effects on habitat.
    In making a negligible impact determination, NMFS evaluated factors 
such as:
    (1) The number of anticipated injuries, serious injuries, or 
mortalities;
    (2) The number, nature, and intensity, and duration of Level B 
harassment; and
    (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 the 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.
    Behavioral disturbance may potentially occur incidental to the 
visual presence of humans and sand sampling activities; however, 
pinnipeds at this site have likely adapted or become acclimated to 
human presence at this site. The City of San Diego has designated 
Children's Pool Beach as a shared use beach. Many activities currently 
take place at Children's Pool Beach and the surrounding shoreline areas 
including swimming, SCUBA diving, surfing, kayaking, tide pooling, and 
nature watching. These ``urbanized'' harbor seals do not exhibit 
sensitivity at a level similar to that noted in harbor seals in some 
other regions affected by human disturbance (Allen et al., 1984; Suryan 
and Harvey, 1999; Henry and Hammil, 2001; Johnson and Acevedo-
Gutierrez, 2007; Jansen et al., 2006; Hanan & Associates, 2011). For 
example, during monitoring for construction for the Children's Pool 
Lifeguard Station, equipment noise and visual cues at times have caused 
seals to alert/flush, while at other times the same stimuli have 
produced no reaction (City of San Diego, 2015). Per the City of San 
Diego (2015), ``[a]t the individual level, a newly arrived seal (which 
swam in from another area) may not have habituated to humans and noise 
as have seals that have been onsite for a while. These recent arrivals 
may alert to visual stimuli, perhaps flushing to the water. But after a 
few days using this beach during the non-pupping season (when humans 
are also present on the beach), we would expect them to habituate and 
generally not react to humans unless very close to them (Hanan 2004, 
Hanan & Associates 2011, Hanan and Hanan 2014).'' Therefore, there is a 
high likelihood that many of the harbor seals present during the 
proposed sand sampling activities would not be flushed off of the beach 
or rocks, as pinnipeds at this site are conditioned to human presence 
(Hanan, 2004; Hanan & Associates, 2011) (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IRUYVTULsg), and it is anticipated that takes would likely be 
of lesser intensity than would be expected at other locations.
    No injuries (Level A harassment), serious injuries, or mortalities 
are anticipated to occur as a result of the City of San Diego's sand 
sampling activities, and none are proposed for authorization by NMFS. 
The proposed activities are not expected to result in the alteration of 
reproductive behaviors because of the moratorium on access to the beach 
during the pupping season, and the potentially affected species would 
be subjected to only temporary and minor behavioral impacts.
    As discussed in detail above, the proposed project scheduling 
avoids sensitive life stages for Pacific harbor seals. Proposed project 
activities will commence June 1 and end by December 15. The 
commencement date occurs after the end of the pupping season, affords 
additional time to accommodate lactation and weaning of late-season 
pups, and takes into account periods of lowest haul-out occurrence. The 
end date falls approximately two weeks prior to January 1, the time 
after which most births occur, providing protection for pregnant and 
nursing harbor seals that may give birth before January 1.
    Table 3 of this document outlines the number of Level B harassment 
takes that are anticipated as a result of these proposed activities. 
Due to the nature, degree, and context of Level B (behavioral) 
harassment anticipated and described (see ``Potential Effects on Marine 
Mammals'' section above) in this notice, this activity is not expected 
to impact rates of annual recruitment or survival for the affected 
species or stock (i.e., California stock of Pacific harbor seals, U.S. 
stock of California sea lions, and California breeding stock of 
northern elephant seals), particularly given the proposed mitigation,

[[Page 19150]]

monitoring, and reporting measures that would be implemented to 
minimize impacts to marine mammals.
    The Children's Pool is one of the three known haul-out sites for 
Pacific harbor seal in San Diego County and the only rookery in San 
Diego County and the only mainland rookery on the U.S. west coast for 
this species between the border of Mexico and Point Mugu in Ventura 
County, CA. For the other marine mammal species that may occur within 
the action area (i.e., California sea lions and northern elephant 
seals), there are no known designated or important feeding and/or 
reproductive areas at the project site. Many animals perform vital 
functions, such as feeding, resting, traveling, and socializing, on a 
diel cycle (i.e., 24 hour cycle). Behavioral reactions (such as 
disruption of critical life functions, displacement, or avoidance of 
important habitat) are more likely to be significant if they last more 
than one diel cycle or recur on subsequent days (Southall et al., 
2007). However, Pacific harbor seals have been hauling-out at 
Children's Pool during the year for many years (including during 
pupping season and while females are pregnant) while being exposed to 
anthropogenic sound sources such as vehicle traffic, human voices, etc. 
and other stimuli from human presence. The Pacific harbor seals have 
repeatedly hauled-out to pup over many years and the NMFS Stock 
Assessment Reports for this stock have shown that the population is 
increasing and is considered stable (NMFS, 2014). Additionally, the 
proposed sand sampling activities would generally not take place on 
subsequent days for long durations, as a maximum of up to 16 sampling 
events (lasting approximately 4 hours each) are planned for the sand 
quality study, which would take place over the six-months of the study.
    None of the potentially affected marine mammal species under NMFS 
jurisdiction in the action area (Pacific harbor seals, California sea 
lions, and northern elephant seals) are listed as threatened or 
endangered under the ESA. To protect these animals (and other marine 
mammals in the action area), the City of San Diego shall schedule sand 
sampling activities during the daily period of lowest haul-out 
occurrence; limit activities to the hours of daylight; ensuring that 
technicians performing sand sampling remain at least three meters from 
any hauled out pinnipeds; use PSOs, prohibit sand sampling activities 
in the unlikely event that fur seals are present, and prohibit sand 
sampling activities during harbor seal pupping season.
    Although behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating 
the area during the proposed sand sampling activities, may be made by 
these species, the sand quality sampling activities would be fairly 
sporadic and would be of relatively short duration. NMFS believes that 
the time period of the proposed sand sampling activities, the 
requirement to implement mitigation measures (e.g., prohibiting sand 
sampling activities during pupping season, scheduling operations to 
periods of the lowest haul-out occurrence, and ensuring a buffer of at 
least three meters between sampling technicians and hauled out 
pinnipeds), and the inclusion of the monitoring and reporting measures, 
will reduce the amount and severity of the potential impacts from the 
activity.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
proposed specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and 
taking into consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring 
and mitigation measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that the total marine 
mammal take from the City of San Diego's activities would have a 
negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks.

Small Numbers

    As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that three species of 
marine mammals under its jurisdiction could be potentially affected by 
Level B harassment over the course of the IHA. It is conservatively 
estimated that the instances of take by Level B harassment (amounting 
to 3,040 for Pacific harbor seals, 320 for California sea lions, and 16 
for northern elephant seals) would be approximately 10%, 0.1%, and less 
than 0.01% of the respective California, U.S., and California breeding 
stocks. The population estimates for the marine mammal species that may 
be taken by Level B harassment were provided in Table 3 of this 
document.
    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 proposed mitigation and 
monitoring measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that small numbers of 
marine mammals will be taken relative to the populations of the 
affected species or stocks. See Table 3 for the proposed authorized 
take numbers of marine mammals.

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

    Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA requires NMFS to determine that 
the authorization will not have an unmitigable adverse effect on the 
availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence use. 
There are not relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated by 
this action. Therefore, NMFS has determined that the total taking of 
affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact 
on the availability of such species or stocks for subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act

    NMFS (Permits and Conservation Division) has determined that an ESA 
section 7 consultation for the issuance of an IHA under section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for this activity is not necessary for the 
Guadalupe fur seal. This species is rare at Children's Pool Beach. Due 
to the fact that sightings have occurred in the area, and due to the 
declaration of a UME for this species in the area, ESA consultation was 
considered. However, it was determined that the sand sampling 
activities would have no potential to affect the Guadalupe fur seal 
because these activities would not occur if this species were present 
at Children's Pool Beach. No other ESA-listed species are expected to 
occur in the proposed project area.

National Environmental Policy Act

    To meet NMFS's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) requirements for the issuance of an IHA to the City of 
San Diego, NMFS prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) titled 
Draft Environmental Assessment of the Issuance of an Incidental 
Harassment Authorization to the City of San Diego to Take Marine 
Mammals by Harassment Incidental to Sand Quality Study Activities at 
the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, California to comply with the 
Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and NOAA 
Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6. NMFS will evaluate public comments on 
the proposed action to determine whether a Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FONSI) is warranted, or if an Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) would be required.

Proposed Authorization

    As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to 
issue an IHA to the City of San Diego for conducting sand quality study 
activities

[[Page 19151]]

at the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla, CA, provided the previously 
mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are 
incorporated. The proposed IHA language is provided below:
    The City of San Diego,, is hereby authorized under section 
101(a)(5)(D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 
1371(a)(5)(D)), to harass small numbers of marine mammals incidental to 
the sand quality study activities at the Children's Pool Beach, June 1 
through December 14, 2016, contingent upon the following conditions:
    1. Effective Dates
    This Authorization is valid from June 1, 2016 through June 30, 
2017.
    2. Specified Geographic Region
    This Authorization is valid only for the sand sampling activities 
at the Children's Pool Beach that shall occur in the following 
specified geographic area:
    The La Jolla Children's Pool Beach at 850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla 
California 92037 (32[deg] 50'51.18'' North, 117[deg] 16'41.94'' West), 
as specified in the City of San Diego's IHA application.
    3. Species Authorized and Level of Takes
    (a) The incidental taking of marine mammals, by Level B harassment 
only, is limited to the following species in the La Jolla, California 
area:
    (i) Pinnipeds--see Table 3 (above) for authorized species and take 
numbers.
    (ii) If any marine mammal species are encountered during sand 
sampling activities that are not listed in Table 3 (above) and are 
likely to be taken by the sand quality study activities, then the City 
of San Diego must shut-down operations to avoid take.
    (b) The taking by injury (Level A harassment), serious injury, or 
death of any of the species listed in Condition 3(a) above, or the 
taking of any kind of any other species of marine mammal, is prohibited 
and may result in the modification, suspension or revocation of this 
Authorization.
    The methods authorized for taking by Level B harassment are limited 
to visual stimuli associated with sand sampling activities (walking 
beach transects, taking sand surface samples, and taking subsurface 
samples, including hammering core samples with a rubber mallet) without 
an amendment to this Authorization:
    4. Prohibited Take
    The taking of any marine mammal in a manner prohibited under this 
Authorization must be reported immediately to the Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), at 301-427-8401.
    5. Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements
    The City of San Diego is required to implement the following 
mitigation and monitoring requirements when conducting the specified 
activities:

Sand Sampling Activities Prohibited During Pupping Season

    (a) The sand sampling activities shall be prohibited until June 1, 
2016 and shall be completed prior to December 15, 2016.

Daily Sand Sampling Timing

    (b) To the maximum extent practicable, sand sampling activities 
shall be conducted from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,; however, 
sand sampling activities may be extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (i.e., 
daylight hours).

Protected Species Observers

    (c) A trained Protected Species Observer (PSO) shall attend the 
project site 30 minutes prior until 30 minutes after sand sampling 
activities cease each day throughout the sand quality study window. The 
PSO shall be approved by NMFS prior to commencement of activities. The 
PSO shall search for marine mammals using binoculars and/or the naked 
eye within the study area. The PSO will observe from a station along 
the breakwater wall (weather permitting) as well as the base of the 
cliff.
    (d) In the event that fur seals are observed either on the rocks, 
beach, or in the water at Children's Pool Beach prior to commencement 
of sand collection activities, these activities will be postponed until 
coordination with the stranding network is complete (including any 
potential 24-hour or 48-hour wait/observation period) and/or the animal 
either leaves, or is collected by the stranding network.
    (e) The PSO shall use visual digital recordings and photographs to 
document individuals and behavioral responses to the sand sampling 
activities. The PSO shall make hourly counts of the number of pinnipeds 
present and record events that result in behavioral responses and 
changes, whether due to sand sampling activities or from public 
stimuli. During these events, pictures and videos will be taken when 
possible to document individuals and behavioral responses.
    (f) A PSO shall record the following information when a marine 
mammal is sighted:
    (i) Species, group size, age/size/sex categories (if determinable), 
behavior when first sighted and after initial sighting, heading (if 
consistent), distribution, bearing and distance relative to the 
sampling technicians (stimuli), group cohesiveness, duration of 
presence, apparent reaction to sand sampling activities (e.g., none, 
avoidance, approach, etc.), direction and speed of travel, duration of 
presence, and if there are other causes of potential disturbance 
occurring;
    (ii) Date, time, location, sand sampling activity (walking; surface 
sampling; subsurface sampling [hammering], etc), monitoring and 
mitigation measures implemented (or not implemented), tidal stage, 
weather conditions, Beaufort sea state, wind speed, visibility, and sun 
glare; and
    (iii) The data listed under Condition 6(g)(ii) shall 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 variables.
    (g) A PSO shall also record the time of arrival and departure on 
site, commencement and cessation of sand sampling activities, and 
presence of humans on the beach. Whenever possible, the PSO should 
determine as to whether or not the harassment of pinnipeds is 
attributable to the sand sampling activities and/or the presence of the 
public on the beach and around the Children's Pool area. A PSO shall 
record the number of people on the beach and surrounding areas as well 
as their location relative to the animals.

Approach Buffer Zones

    (h) Buffer zones shall be established such that sand sampling 
technicians will remain at least three meters from any hauled out 
pinniped at all times.
    6. Reporting Requirements
    The City of San Diego is required to:
    (a) Submit a draft report on all activities and monitoring results 
to the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, within 90 days of the 
completion of the sand sampling activities at the Children's Pool 
Beach. This report must contain and summarize the following 
information:
    (i) Dates, times, locations, weather, sea conditions (including 
Beaufort sea state and wind speed), and associated activities during 
all sand sampling activities and marine mammal sightings;
    (ii) Species, number, location, distance from the PSO, and behavior 
of any marine mammals, as well as associated sand sampling activities, 
observed throughout all monitoring activities.
    (iii) An estimate of the number (by species) of marine mammals that 
are known to have been exposed to the sand sampling activities (based 
on visual observation) with a discussion of any specific behaviors 
those individuals

[[Page 19152]]

exhibited. NMFS will consider pinnipeds flushing into the water; moving 
more than twice their body length, but not into the water; and changing 
direction of current movement by individuals as behavioral criteria for 
take by Level B harassment.
    (iv) A description of the implementation and effectiveness of the 
monitoring and mitigation measures of the IHA.
    (b) Submit a final report to the Chief, Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, within 30 days after 
receiving comments from NMFS on the draft report. If NMFS decides that 
the draft report needs no comments, the draft report shall be 
considered to be the final report.
    7. In the unanticipated event that the City of San Diego discovers 
a live stranded marine mammal (sick and/or injured, or if any fur seals 
are observed) at Children's Pool, they shall immediately contact Sea 
World's stranded animal hotline at 1-800-541-7235. Sea World shall also 
be notified for dead stranded pinnipeds so that a necropsy can be 
performed. In all cases, the NMFS stranding coordinator shall be 
notified as well, but for immediate responses purposes, Sea World shall 
be contacted first.

Reporting Prohibited Take

    8. In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by this 
Authorization, such as an injury (Level A harassment), serious injury 
or mortality, the City of San Diego 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 and the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The 
report must include the following information:
    (a) Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the incident; 
the type of activity involved; description of the circumstances during 
and leading up to the incident; water depth; environmental conditions 
(e.g., wind speed and direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and 
visibility); description of marine mammal observations in the 24 hours 
preceding the incident; species identification or description of the 
animal(s) involved; the fate of the animal(s); and photographs or video 
footage of the animal (if equipment is available).
    Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS shall work with the City of 
San Diego to determine what is necessary to minimize the likelihood of 
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The City of San 
Diego may not resume their activities until notified by NMFS via letter 
or email, or via telephone.

Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal With an Unknown Cause of 
Death

    In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or 
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO 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 City of San Diego will immediately report the incident 
to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS and the NMFS West Coast Regional Office and/
or the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator. The report must 
include the same information identified in the Condition 8(a) above. 
Activities may continue while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the 
incident. NMFS will work with the City of San Diego to determine 
whether modifications in the activities are appropriate.

Reporting an Injured or Dead Marine Mammal Not Related to the 
Activities

    In the event that the City of San Diego discovers an injured or 
dead marine mammal, and the lead PSO determines that the injury or 
death is not associated with or related to the activities authorized in 
Condition 2 to 4 of this Authorization (e.g., previously wounded 
animal, carcass with moderate to advanced decomposition, or scavenger 
damage), the City of San Diego shall report the incident to the Chief 
of the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS and the NMFS West Coast Regional Office and/or the West 
Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator within 24 hours of the discovery. 
The City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if 
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to 
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue 
while NMFS reviews the circumstances of the incident.

Reporting Any Presence of Fur Seals

    In the event that the City of San Diego discovers any fur seals 
hauled out on the rocks or in sand at Children's Pool Beach prior to 
commencing sand sampling activities for the day, the City of San Diego 
shall contact the West Coast Regional Stranding Coordinator and sand 
sampling activities will not commence until the animal(s) either leave 
or are collected by the stranding network. The City will also report 
the incident to the Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS within 24 hours of the discovery. 
The City of San Diego shall provide photographs or video footage (if 
available) or other documentation of the stranded animal sighting to 
NMFS and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Activities may continue 
after the animal(s) are no longer present while NMFS reviews the 
circumstances of the incident.
    9. A copy of this Authorization must be in the possession of all 
contractors and PSOs operating under the authority of this IHA.

Request for Public Comments

    NMFS requests comment on our analysis, the draft authorization, and 
any other aspect of the preliminary determinations and notice of the 
proposed IHA for the City of San Diego's sand quality study activities 
at the La Jolla Children's Pool Beach. Please include with your 
comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our 
final decision on the City of San Diego's request for an MMPA 
authorization.

    Dated: March 29, 2016.
Wanda L. Cain,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07623 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P