[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 22, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39684-39701]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17718]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 218

[Docket No. 170201135-7754-02]
RIN 0648-BG65


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air Force 86 Fighter 
Weapons Squadron Conducting Long Range Strike Weapons System Evaluation 
Program at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, Hawaii

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Upon application from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) 86 Fighter 
Weapons Squadron (hereinafter referred to as 86 FWS), NMFS is issuing 
regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for the 
taking of marine mammals incidental to Long Range Strike (LRS) Weapons 
System Evaluation Program (WSEP) exercises on the Barking Sands 
Underwater Range Expansion (BSURE) of the Pacific Missile Range 
Facility (PMRF) off Kauai, Hawaii. These regulations allow NMFS to 
issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine 
mammals during the USAF 86 FWS's specified activities carried out 
during the rule's period of effectiveness, set forth the permissible 
methods of taking, set forth other means of effecting the least 
practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their 
habitat, and set forth requirements pertaining to the monitoring and 
reporting of the incidental take. The specific activities are 
classified as military readiness activities.

DATES: Effective on August 21, 2017, through August 22, 2022.

ADDRESSES: To obtain an electronic copy of the USAF 86 FWS's LOA 
application or other referenced documents, visit the Internet at: 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm. Documents 
cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular 
business hours, at 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC III, Silver Spring, MD 
20912.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    A copy of the 86 FWS's LOA application, NMFS proposed rule (82 FR 
21156; May 5, 2017), the 86 FWS's Final Environmental Assessment/
Overseas Environmental Assessment (EA/OEA) for the Long Range Strike 
Weapon Systems Evaluation Program at Kauai, Hawaii, and NMFS Finding of 
No Significant Impact (FONSI) may be obtained by visiting the internet 
at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm. 
Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, 
during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address (see 
ADDRESSES).

Background

    Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(A)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but 
not intentional taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) within a specified geographical region for up to five years 
if, after notice and public comment, the agency makes certain findings 
and issues regulations that set forth permissible methods of taking 
pursuant to that activity, as well as monitoring and reporting 
requirements. Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA and the implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR part 216, subpart I provide the legal basis for 
issuing this rule and any subsequent LOA pursuant to those regulations. 
As directed by this legal authority, this final rule contains 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the Secretary sets forth permissible methods of 
taking and other means of effecting the least practicable impact on the 
species or stock and its habitat. 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.''
    The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 
(Section 319, Pub. L. 108-136, November 24, 2003) (NDAA of 2004) 
removed the ``small numbers'' and ``specified geographical region'' 
limitations indicated earlier and amended the definition of harassment 
as it applies to a ``military readiness activity'' to read as follows 
(Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA, 16 U.S.C. 1362(18)(B)): ``(i) Any act 
that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal 
or marine mammal stock in the wild'' (Level A Harassment); ``or (ii) 
any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine 
mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral 
patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, 
breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral 
patterns are abandoned or significantly altered'' (Level B Harassment).

National Environmental Policy Act

    To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, 
NMFS must review the

[[Page 39685]]

proposed action (i.e., the issuance of regulations and an LOA) with 
respect to potential impacts on the human environment.
    Accordingly, NMFS has adopted the 86 FWS's EA/OEA, after an 
independent evaluation of the document found that it included adequate 
information analyzing the effects on the human environment of issuing 
incidental take authorizations. The 86 FWS made the draft EA/EOA 
available for public comment from July 27 through August 26, 2016; no 
public comments were received. The final EA/EOA is available at http://www.afcec.af.mil/What-We-Do/Environment/Pacific-Range-Strike-Environmental-Assessment/. On August 11, 2017, NMFS issued a Finding of 
No Significant Impact (FONSI) which is available for review at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm.

Summary of Request

    On December 21, 2016, NMFS received an adequate and complete 
application from the 86 FWS for regulations for the taking of 16 
species of marine mammals representing 16 stocks incidental to LRS WSEP 
activities in the BSURE area of the PMRF off Kauai, Hawaii. On January 
6, 2017, we published a notice of receipt of the 86 FWS's application 
in the Federal Register (82 FR 1702), requesting public comment. We 
considered those comments and subsequently published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on May 5, 2017 (82 FR 
21156), again requesting public comments. Since publishing the proposed 
rule, the 86 FWS revised the number of munitions it would deploy 
annually, significantly decreasing the amount of live weapon explosions 
per year. This decreases the number of anticipated and authorized takes 
for this activity (see ``Estimated Take'' section) compared to what was 
presented in the proposed rule. In addition, the USAF 86 FWS has worked 
with NMFS to greatly enhance marine mammal monitoring, resulting in 
increased detection probabilities, and thereby decreasing the 
likelihood of take of marine mammals.
    NMFS previously issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) 
to the 86 FWS authorizing the taking of marine mammal species 
incidental to similar activities in 2016 (81 FR 67971; October 3, 
2016). The 86 FWS complied with all the requirements (e.g., mitigation, 
monitoring, and reporting) of the previous IHA; information regarding 
their monitoring results may be found in the Potential Effects of the 
Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and their Habitat section of 
this final rule.

Summary of Major Provisions Within the Final Rule

    Following is a summary of some of the major provisions applicable 
to 86 FWS's LRS WSEP training missions. We have determined that 86 
FWS's adherence to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures 
included in this rule would achieve the least practicable adverse 
impact on the affected marine mammals. The provisions, which are 
generally designed to minimize the duration and total volume of 
explosive detonations, include:
     Restricting missions to daylight hours, only on weekdays, 
and only during the summer (June through August) or fall (September 
through November) months.
     Limiting activity to one mission per calendar year with 
the 2017 mission limited to one day (dropping 8 small diameter bombs 
only) and the 2018 through 2022 missions limited to 4 days of training 
over a 5-day period. We note the proposed rule stated that training 
would occur for five days per mission; however, the 86 FWS has 
clarified the fifth day is a contingency day and no training will occur 
on the fifth day if the scheduled four days of training are completed.
     Limiting each mission day to four hours of training. This 
training duration limitation was presented in the proposed rule.
     Reducing the number and type of munitions. We note this 
constitutes a 40 to 92 percent reduction in total munitions from the 
proposed rule depending upon mission year.
     Conducting a systematic aerial survey covering 8 miles 
(mi) (13 kilometers (km)) using military aircraft equipped with sensor 
pods (e.g., Sniper advanced targeting pods) before, during and after 
each training day. A helicopter-based survey (i.e., the monitoring 
method presented in the application and proposed rule) will take place 
only as back-up should a sensor not be available. This monitoring plan 
is to be implemented in lieu of the helicopter surveys included in the 
proposed rule.
     Monitoring for marine mammals within the weapon impact 
area using range cameras stationed on Makaha Ridge before, during and 
after training each mission day. This requirement constitutes an 
additional method of monitoring for marine mammals that was not 
included in the proposed rule.
     Delaying mission activities if a marine mammal is observed 
in the designated exclusion zone (2.3 mile (mi) (3,704 m) for all 
missions and delaying missions if a marine mammal is observed within 
the Level A and/or Level B harassment zone but no take is authorized, 
resuming only after the animal is observed exiting the exclusion zone 
or the exclusion zone has been clear of any additional sightings for a 
period of 30 minutes. In the proposed rule, a mitigation measure was 
included that required mission delays if a protected species was 
observed within an impact zone; however, we have authorized the taking 
of marine mammals; therefore, this measure has been altered to a more 
practicable, consistent, and specified distance from the target site, 
which would avoid take in a manner that is not authorized (e.g., 
mortality, slight lung injury, Level A harassment of mid-frequency 
cetaceans).
     Shifting the target site as far from a marine mammal 
observation as possible if it has been determined the mission may 
continue without taking a marine mammal in a manner not authorized. 
This mitigation measure is new to the final rule in an effort to 
further minimize impacts to marine mammals.
     Delaying missions if adverse weather conditions impair the 
ability of aircraft to operate safely. This measure was included in the 
proposed rule.
     Notifying NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) and 
Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network of scheduled 
mission activities at least 72 hours prior to executing training 
exercises, within 24 hours of mission completion, and immediately if a 
dead or injured marine mammal is sighted.
     Submitting a report of marine mammal surveys and LRS WSEP 
activities to the Office of Protected Resources (OPR) and PIRO 90 days 
after expiration of the current authorization. If subsequent 
regulations and LOA are requested, a draft report will be included with 
the incidental take authorization application.
     Collecting passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data using 
the U.S. Navy's hydrophones on the PMRF range before, during, and after 
LRS WSEP missions. These data will be stored at the Space and Naval 
Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and analyzed to better understand the 
effects of WSEP training activities on marine mammals. A report will be 
submitted to NMFS 90 days after expiration of this rule or included 
with an application requesting future MMPA authorizations, whichever is 
first. Please see the Monitoring and Reporting section for more 
details.
     Delaying training if an unauthorized take of a marine 
mammal (i.e., mortality or serious injury; take of marine mammal 
species not authorized) occurs, and reporting the incident to

[[Page 39686]]

OPR, PIRO, and the Pacific Islands Region Stranding Network 
representative immediately followed by a report to NMFS within 24 
hours.
     Notifying OPR, PIRO, and the Pacific Island Region 
Stranding Network immediately, should a marine mammal be sighted that 
is dead or seriously injured, when such mortality or injury is clearly 
not a result of LRS WSEP activities (e.g., exhibiting advanced 
decomposition and/or scavenger wounds).

Detailed Description of the Specified Activity

    The proposed rule (82 FR 21156; May 5, 2017) and the 86 FWS EA/OEA 
include a complete description of the USAF's specified training 
activities for which NMFS is authorizing incidental take of marine 
mammals in this final rule. Surface and sub-surface detonations are the 
stressors most likely to result in impacts on marine mammals that could 
rise to the level of harassment. The aforementioned documents can be 
found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm). 
The description of location, delivery aircraft, and weapon types remain 
unchanged, and we incorporate this description by reference, and 
provide a summary below. However, the 86 FWS has reduced the amount of 
live (containing explosive charges) missiles and bombs and duration of 
each mission that would occur under this rule, and we provide more 
detailed information below.
    The LRS WSEP test objective is to conduct operational evaluations 
of long range strike weapons and other munitions as part of LRS WSEP 
operations to properly train units to execute requirements within 
Designed Operational Capability Statements, which describe units' real-
world operational expectations in a time of war. LRS WSEP objectives 
are to evaluate air-to-surface and maritime weapon employment data, 
evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures in an operationally 
realistic environment and to determine the impact of tactics, 
techniques, and procedures on combat Air Force training.
    Mission training will take place on the U.S. Navy's PMFR. The PMRF 
is the world's largest instrumented, multi-dimensional testing and 
training missile range, covering over 1,100 square miles (2,800 km\2\) 
of instrumented underwater range and over 42,000 square miles (109,000 
km\2\) of controlled airspace. Within the PMRF, activities would occur 
only in the BSURE area, which lies in Warning Area 188A (W-188A). 
Specifically, the impact area is in the most northern portion of the 
BSURE approximately 44 nautical miles (nmi) (81 km) offshore of Kauai, 
Hawaii, in a water depth of about 15,240 feet (ft) (4.6 km) (see Figure 
2-2 of 86 FWS's application). The BSURE is outfitted with 41 recently 
installed replacement hydrophones with response of approximately 50 
hertz (Hz) to 48 kHz. The 18 legacy BSURE hydrophones (some not 
operational) have responses of approximately 100 Hz to 19 kHz and are 
located in similar positions to some of the replacement hydrophones. 
Hydrophones spacing ranges from approximately 13,123 ft (4 km) to over 
22,966 ft (7 km), in water depths ranging from 5,577 ft (1.7 km) to 
15,412 ft (4.7 km).
    LRS WSEP training missions, classified as military readiness 
activities, refer to the deployment of live (containing explosive 
charges) missiles and bombs from aircraft toward the water surface. 
Depending on the requirements of a given mission, munitions may be 
inert (containing no explosives or only a ``spotting'' charge) or live 
(containing explosive charges). Live munitions may detonate above, at, 
or slightly below (10 ft (3 m)) the water surface.
    Air-to-surface training missions include testing of the Joint Air-
to-Surface Stand-off Missile/Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile-
Extended Range (JASSM/JASSM-ER), Small Diameter Bomb-I/II (SDB-I/II), 
High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), Joint Direct Attack Munition/
Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM/LJDAM), and Miniature Air-
Launched Decoy (MALD), including detonations above the water, at the 
water surface, and slightly below the water surface (Table 1). The 
JASSM is a stealthy precision cruise missile designed for launch 
outside area defenses against hardened, medium-hardened, soft, and area 
type targets. The JASSM has a range of more than 200 nmi (370 km) and 
carries a 1,000-lb warhead with approximately 300 lbs of 2,4,6-
trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalent net explosive weight (NEW). The 
specific explosive used is AFX-757, a type of plastic bonded explosive 
(PBX). The SDB-I is a 250-lb air-launched GPS-INS guided weapon for 
fixed soft to hardened targets. SDB-II expands the SDB-I capability 
with network enabling and uses a tri-mode sensor infrared, millimeter, 
and semi-active laser to attack both fixed and movable targets. Both 
munitions have a range of up to 60 nmi (111 km). The SDB-I contains 37 
lbs of TNT-equivalent NEW, and the SDB-II contains 23 lbs NEW. The 
explosive used in both SDB-I and SDB-II is AFX-757. The HARM is a 
supersonic air-to-surface missile designed to seek and destroy enemy 
radar-equipped air defense systems. It has a range of up to 80 nmi (148 
km) and contains 45 lbs of TNT-equivalent NEW. The explosive used is 
PBXN-107. The JDAM is a smart GPS-INS weapon that uses an unguided 
gravity bomb and adds a guidance and control kit, converting it to a 
precision-guided munition. The LJDAM variant adds a laser sensor to the 
JDAM, permitting guidance to a laser designated target. Both JDAM and 
LJDAM contain 192 lbs of TNT-equivalent NEW with multiple fusing 
options, with detonations occurring upon impact or with up to a 10-
millisecond delay. The MALD is an air-launched, expendable decoy with 
ranges up to 500 nmi (926 km) to include a 200 nmi (370 km) dash with a 
30-minute loiter mode. It has no warhead, and no detonation would occur 
upon impact with the water surface.
    Mission aircraft may consist of fighter aircraft including F-16, F-
15, A-10, and bombers such as B-1 and B-52. Weapon deployment will 
occur from at least one aircraft. These aircraft will be outfitted with 
sensors (e.g., target sniper pods) capable of observing very small 
targets from high altitudes and multiple miles away. Support aircraft 
associated with range clearance activities before and during the 
mission, air-to-air refueling operation support, and chase aircraft 
will also be outfitted with these sensors. Aircraft supporting LSR WSEP 
missions would primarily operate at high altitudes--only flying below 
3,000 ft for a limited time as needed for escorting non-military 
vessels outside the hazard area or for monitoring the area for 
protected marine species (e.g., marine mammals and sea turtles).
    All munitions would be detonated within a four hour timeframe 
daily. Since the publication of the proposed rule, the USAF clarified 
the five mission days described in the proposed rule actually 
constitute four bombing days and one day set aside as contingency 
(e.g., if weather or logistics prevent detonations on one of the four 
training days). In addition, the 86 FWS revised the extent of their 
mission by greatly reducing the amount of live munitions used each 
year. In total over the life of these regulations, the original amount 
of live munitions dropped would have been 530; however, that is now 
reduced to 220 live bombs and missiles for a total 5-year reduction of 
58 percent. The amount of weapon reduction per year is provided in 
Table 1.

[[Page 39687]]



                                                        Table 1--Maximum Amount of Munitions, by Type, To Be Released by the USAF 86 FWS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                            Number of proposed live weapon releases
                                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Type of munition                  NEW (lb)         Detonation scenario                2017                2018                2019                2020                2021
                                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Original    Final   Original    Final   Original    Final   Original    Final   Original    Final
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JASSM/JASSM-ER................................        300  Surface..........................         6         0         6         2         6         4         6         4         6         4
SDB-I.........................................         37  Surface..........................        30         8        30        14        30        14        30        14        30        14
SDB-II........................................         23  Surface..........................        30         0        30         0        30        10        30        16        30        20
HARM..........................................         45  Surface..........................        10         0        10         6        10         6        10        10        10        10
JDAM/LJDAM....................................        192  Subsurface \1\...................        30         0        30        16        30        16        30        16        30        16
                                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Annual....................................  .........  .................................       106         8       106        38       106        50       106        60       106        64
    Total.....................................
                                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    % Reduction...............................  .........  .................................          92%
                                                                     64%
                                                                     53%
                                                                     43%
                                                                     40%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Releases of live ordnance associated with missions conducted under 
this rule would result in either airbursts, surface detonations, or 
subsurface detonations (10 ft (3 m) water depth). Up to four SDB I/II 
munitions could be released simultaneously, such that each ordnance 
would hit the water surface within a few seconds of each other. Aside 
from the SDB-I/II releases, all other weapons would be released 
separately, impacting the water surface at different times. Prior to 
weapon release, a range sweep of the hazard area would be conducted by 
participating mission aircraft or other appropriate aircraft, 
potentially including S-61N helicopter, C-26 aircraft, fighter aircraft 
(F-15E, F-16, F-22), or the Coast Guard's C-130 aircraft, to clear the 
area of civilian vessels and aircraft. The size and shape of the hazard 
area is determined by the maximum distance a weapon could travel in any 
direction during its descent and typically adjusted for potential wind 
speed and direction, resulting in a maximum composite safety footprint 
for each mission (each footprint boundary is at least 10 nmi from the 
Kauai coastline).
    Proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures are 
described in detail later in this document (please see the Mitigation 
and Monitoring and Reporting sections).

Comments and Responses

    A notice of receipt of USAF 86 FWS's application published in the 
Federal Register on January 6, 2017 (82 FR 1702). NMFS published a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 5, 2017 (82 FR 21156). 
During the 30-day public comment period on the proposed rule, NMFS 
received comments from the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC), Dr. Robin 
Baird from Cascadia Research Collective (CRC), Earthjustice on behalf 
of the Animal Welfare Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, 
Conservation Council for Hawai`i, Natural Resources Defense Council, 
and the Ocean Mammal Institute (herein after ``EarthJustice''), the 
Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE), and 18 members of the 
general public. Following are the comments received and NMFS' 
responses.
    Comment 1: The MMC was concerned that the methods used by the USAF 
to estimate range-to-effects (i.e., distances to various thresholds) 
are overly conservative and do not match the range-to-effects produced 
by the Navy included in the Navy's Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Letter of 
Authorization Application for Training and Research, Development, Test, 
and Evaluation within the Hawaii-Southern California Fleet Training and 
Testing Study Area (HSTT) for Phase II. The MMC recommended NMFS review 
the USAF and Navy's modeling of range-to-effects to ensure the results 
are comparable for similar munitions at the various thresholds, 
including the same trends in range-to-effects based on the same metric 
(i.e., SEL vs SPLpeak). The MMC subsequently recommended 
NMFS revise the estimated numbers of takes based on any changes to the 
range-to-effects, and thus impact areas, after comparison with the Navy 
ranges.
    NMFS Response: The acoustic and take estimate models used by the 
USAF were thoroughly reviewed by NMFS acoustic experts. While we 
understand this approach is more simplistic than the sophisticated 
models used by the Navy and result in more conservative ranges to 
effects and take numbers, the USAF methods are scientifically sound. 
Every depth bin was treated independently; therefore, each has its own 
range-to-effects associated with it. The ranges to which the MMC refers 
(Table 5 in the proposed rule) represent the maximum estimated range, 
or radius, from the detonation point to the point for any depth bin at 
which the various thresholds extend for all munitions proposed to be 
released in a 24-hour time period. Total exposures (takes) were found 
by taking the volume of a disk with a given thickness in depth and 
radius equal to the range-to-effect for that depth bin, multiplied by 
the dive-profile-weighted animal densities, and then summing all of 
those density-weighted disk volumes. The mitigation range is based on 
the maximum range, regardless of which depth that occurs, rather than 
some average range over depth bins or just the near-surface bins. 
Further, instead of assuming equal density throughout the water column, 
they combined marine mammal density (obtained from the Navy's Marine 
Species Density Database (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2016) with depth 
information so that impact estimates are based on three-dimensional 
density distributions. NMFS believes this is an appropriate and 
acceptable approach to determine the number of takes, by species, 
requested and authorized.
    Since development of the proposed rule, 86 FWS has reduced the 
amount of munitions it intends to detonate each year and clarified that 
each mission would only occur for a maximum of four days, annually, 
which represents a reduction from the proposed rule. The five days 
included in the proposed rule included one contingency day (e.g., if 
poor weather or technical difficulty prevents one day of training). 
Further, the 86 FWS confirmed in 2017, the mission consists of dropping 
eight small diameter bombs in one day. However, the 86 FWS will retain 
the same 8 mi (13 km) monitoring zone as in the proposed rule.
    Comment 2: Multiple commenters expressed concern that the proposed 
aerial survey that would occur prior to mission exercises and designed 
to trigger mitigation (e.g., shut down, delay of mission) is 
insufficient to minimize impacts on marine mammals for several reasons, 
including low detection probability in high sea states, especially for 
inconspicuous and elusive animals

[[Page 39688]]

such as dwarf sperm whales and beaked whales, as well as potentially 
using an inappropriate survey platform which may fly at altitudes and 
survey speeds prohibiting visual detection. They also noted the range 
is not in the lee of the island; therefore, sea states rating higher on 
the Beaufort scale are common.
    NMFS Response: The 86 FWS is required to conduct their missions in 
a variety of sea states and marine conditions that would be 
operationally realistic, while still considering the safety of mission 
personnel. Therefore, no restrictions on sea state are included in the 
proposed or final rule. However, NMFS recognizes the efficacy of aerial 
surveys at detecting marine mammals is reduced as sea surface 
conditions deteriorate, particularly for deep diving and more cryptic 
cetaceans (e.g., beaked whales). Therefore, we re-assessed the survey 
design, in concert with practicability, and worked with the 86 FWS to 
develop a more robust monitoring plan. As a result, the 86 FWS will 
substitute the helicopter survey platform with military aircraft (e.g., 
F-16) equipped with aircraft sensors (e.g., SNIPER target pods) capable 
of operating in high-definition forward-looking infrared (FLIR), high-
definition television modes using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), or 
other operational sensors. The sniper pod hangs from the underbelly of 
the plane and, in this case, the pod would be used to ``target'' 
observations of marine mammals. The capabilities of the instrumentation 
within aircraft far exceeds that of the naked eye. It is believed that 
using these assets in addition to conducting visual surveys will 
provide multiple opportunities to ensure that marine mammals 
potentially on or near the water surface within the required survey 
areas will be identified and can thus be avoided. In addition, because 
pilots are equipped with these sensors while in route to launch the 
bomb or missile, they will be monitoring for marine mammals on the 
flight path to the weapon impact area, allowing for monitoring up until 
right before missile/bomb detonation. Pre- during, and post-mission day 
survey protocol is fully described in the 86 FWS Mitigation and 
Monitoring Plan available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm.
    The 86 FWS will retain the option of using a helicopter to conduct 
the surveys should the target pods malfunction; however, this is not 
the preferred aerial platform.
    Comment 3: Multiple commenters recommended the 86 FWS should 
utilize the Navy's MR3 hydrophones on the FRMP to conduct passive 
acoustic monitoring (PAM) for mitigation purposes. That is, the 
hydrophones should be monitored in real-time and used to call for 
mission delays or shut-downs. One commenter supplemented this 
recommendation by providing information that the instrumented 
hydrophone range at PMRF has frequently been used for real-time 
detection, classification and localization (DCL) of marine mammals on 
the range as part of research activities (Baird et al., 2016; Baird et 
al., 2015; Baird et al., 2012) and that CRC has participated in 10 
different field efforts off PMRF working in conjunction with the Navy 
to respond to marine mammals that are detected acoustically through the 
hydrophone system. Those efforts led the Navy to successfully direct a 
CRC small vessel to a variety of species of marine mammals on the 
range, including sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, false killer 
whales, Blainville's beaked whales, bottlenose dolphins, and rough-
toothed dolphins, demonstrating that groups can be successfully 
localized and classified as to species using this method. The MMC also 
noted Helble et al. (2015) indicated they were able to track multiple 
animals on PMRF hydrophones in real time, including humpback whales, a 
species that can be problematic to localize. The MMC also cited Martin 
and Matsuyama (2015) as support that tracking of baleen whales is 
possible on the range.
    NMFS Response: The efficacy of localizing on marine mammals is 
dependent on multiple factors: (1) Where on the range the animals are 
located (due to differences in hydrophone spacing and bandwidth), (2) 
what species are present and the types and regularity of vocalizations 
produced (echolocation clicks or infrequent whistling are difficult or 
impossible to use for localizations in real time), and (3) the 
capabilities and knowledge of the personnel conducting the 
localizations. The proposed rule described NMFS' efforts to work with 
the 86 FWS and the Navy to investigate using PAM as a mitigation 
support tool and identifies the limitations of this technology at 
detecting, localizing, and identifying marine mammals to a degree that 
would be sufficient to warrant a shut down or delay in mission. The 
proposed rule outlined three primary limiting factors: (1) To develop 
an estimated position for an individual, it must be vocalizing for an 
extended duration and its vocalizations must be detected on at least 
three hydrophones; (2) small odontocetes and deep divers (e.g., beaked 
whales) echolocate with a directed beam that makes detection of the 
call on multiple hydrophones difficult, and (3) the position estimation 
process must occur in an area with hydrophones spaced to allow the 
detection of the same echolocation click on at least three hydrophones 
(a spacing of less than four km in water depths of approximately two km 
is preferred). However, NMFS further investigated using PAM to trigger 
mitigation.
    We reviewed the aforementioned reports cited in the comment letter 
and determined the weapon impact area used for LRS WSEP activities, 
which is located at the very north end of the PMRF underwater range, 
has significant technical differences in PAM capabilities compared to 
the majority of areas where the researchers have been directed to study 
marine mammals for the Navy. The PMRF is comprised of three distinct 
regions: The SWTR, BSURE and Barking Sands Tracking Underwater Range 
(BARSTUR). The SWTR (Shallow Water Test Range) is the closest to shore 
and in the shallowest waters and comprises the smallest physical area 
with hydrophones. The majority of PMRF's hydrophones (118, although 
many are not operational) are at SWTR, and all are high pass filtered 
at ~10 kHz and located relatively close together (hydrophone spacing is 
designed to be a function of depth). The second largest area is the 
BARSTUR at 13.3 percent the size of BSURE, located just south of BSURE 
in shallower waters with 42 hydrophones (some not operational). Thirty 
six of the hydrophones are high pass filtered at ~10 kHz. Six BARSTUR 
hydrophones have lower frequency response (i.e., ~ 100 Hz to ~ 48 kHz).
    The largest and most northern area is the BSURE and is where the 
weapon impact area is located. The BSURE has 41 recently installed 
``replacement'' hydrophones with response ~50 Hz to 48 kHz. The 18 
legacy BSURE hydrophones (some not operational) have response ~100 Hz 
to ~ 19 kHz and are located in similar positions to some of the 
replacement hydrophones. Hydrophones spacing ranges from approximately 
4 km to over 7 km, in water depths ranging from 1.7 km to 4.7 km. In 
summary, the detection and localization capabilities on PMRF are not 
uniform throughout the range due to the number of hydrophones, 
frequency response, spacing, and depth logistics. For example, the 
depth and spacing of hydrophones in the BSURE is much greater (i.e., 
deeper and farther apart) than in the SWTR and BARSTUR where the cited 
marine mammal tagging research effort using PAM detection assistance 
was concentrated. In addition, all hydrophones in the BSURE

[[Page 39689]]

are located south of the weapon impact area; making the ability to 
detect and localize animals off the range (i.e., to the north of the 
impact area) even more improbable. Finally, the process for localizing 
humpback whales in Helble et al. (2015) was fully performed using 
recorded data in the laboratory with Matlab algorithms, not in real-
time at PMRF. The paper did mention the algorithm as being suitable for 
real-time application; however, additional software work is required 
before the algorithm can be implemented into the M3R real-time system. 
The processing speed for localizing humpback whales in Helble et al. 
(2015) was also described as being ``five times faster than real time'' 
but that is describing the ability to process five days of recorded 
data in the laboratory in one day, which is important for processing 
large recorded data sets.
    For these reasons as well as those cited in the proposed rule, NMFS 
has not included a requirement to use PAM to trigger mitigation. We 
note the U.S. Navy also does not use PAM to trigger mitigation on the 
PMRF. However, per the 86 FWS's Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, the 86 
FWS will collect acoustic data and provide a report to NMFS upon 
expiration of the LOA (or concurrent with a future LOA application, 
whichever is first) informing the potential impacts of the missions on 
marine mammals (see the Monitoring and Reporting section). The 86 FWS 
will utilize sensor pods and range cameras capable of detecting marine 
mammals before and during missions to trigger mitigation.
    Comment 4: One commenter offered information with respect to NMFS' 
assumption that marine mammals are expected to exhibit avoidance 
behavior in response to loud sounds within the BSURE, citing findings 
from research on cetaceans off Kauai showing that individuals of four 
different species of odontocetes exposed to relatively high source 
levels of mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar are not leaving the area 
(Baird et al., 2014; Baird et al., 2017). The commenter recommended 
against assuming that the responsive behaviors of animals moving away 
from an initial sound source will reduce the likelihood of repeated 
exposure or repeated TTS leading to PTS may not be correct for all 
species in this area.
    NMFS Response: There is a paucity of data on behavioral responses 
of cetaceans to explosives, although in recent years there has been a 
concentrated effort to better understand the impacts of MFA sonar on 
marine mammals (e.g., Baird et al., 2012, 2014, 2017; Henderson et al., 
2014, Southall et al., 2009, Tyack et al., 2011). It is important to 
note MFA sonar is an intrinsically different source than explosives 
used here by the 86 FWS. The 86 FWS will not use sonar during the LRS 
WSEP missions. MFA is characterized as non-impulsive, narrowband 
sources with center frequencies of 2.6 and 3.3 kHz, while explosives 
are impulsive- noise with high peak sound pressure, short duration, 
fast rise-time, and broad frequency content times. Despite these 
differences, we expect the range of behavioral reactions from both 
sources to be somewhat similar. Henderson et al. (2014) found responses 
included changes in behavioral state or direction of travel, changes in 
vocalization rates and call intensity, or a lack of vocalizations while 
MFA sonar occurred. Similar to the findings noted by the commenter, 43 
percent of focal groups exposed to sonar did not change their behavior, 
possibly due to tolerance and/or habituation. For more sensitive 
species (e.g., beaked whales), avoidance behavior in response to MFA 
sonar has been well documented (Southall et al., 2009, Tyack et al., 
2011).
    As described in the proposed rule, NMFS acknowledges that 
behavioral responses to sound are highly variable and context-specific, 
and that any reactions depend on numerous intrinsic and extrinsic 
factors (e.g., species, state of maturity, experience, current 
activity, reproductive state, auditory sensitivity, and time of day), 
as well as the interplay between factors. NMFS did not limit its 
analysis of potential impacts to avoidance. The proposed rule discusses 
that the onset of surface detonations could result in a number of 
temporary, short term changes in an animal's typical behavior, 
including, changing durations of surfacing and dives; number of blows 
per surfacing; moving direction and/or speed; reduced/increased vocal 
activities; changing/cessation of certain behavioral activities (such 
as socializing or feeding); and visible startle response or aggressive 
behavior (such as tail/fluke slapping or jaw clapping). The proposed 
rule also includes a discussion on potential tolerance and habituation.
    For those animals that do avoid the area, we remain confident this 
behavior will reduce the potential for TTS and PTS. The avoidance 
reaction we predict does not necessarily need to occur on a large 
spatial scale (e.g., moving to the lee side of the island), but could 
likely occur more locally, for example just outside strong received 
levels from the target site. Further, because of the planned reduction 
in number of explosives planned for each mission, the TTS and PTS zones 
are likely an overestimate, making any movement away from the impact 
site helpful in further reducing auditory impacts.
    Comment 5: A marine mammal researcher commented that based on 
relative density and range-to-effects, it is unclear why no takes of 
Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed sperm whales (Physeter 
microcephalus) were requested or proposed to be authorized in the rule 
when sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) density (a species for which 
take is requested and authorized) is lower than sperm whale density.
    NMFS Response: The 86 FWS evaluated the likelihood of taking 
incidental to the specified activities for sperm whales which are 
classified as a mid-frequency cetaceans. The range to effects for the 
sperm whale is less than that of sei whales (a low frequency hearing 
specialist). Considering sperm whale density (0.0016 animals/km\2\), 
the distance to the Level B behavioral isopleth minus the Level B TTS 
isopleth distance (11.95 km-8.01 km), and assuming five training days 
per mission (the original schedule), the number of sperm whales 
possibly exposed to Level B harassment equaled 0.3 animals per year. 
When rounding, this probability becomes zero for sperm whales. For sei 
whales (0.0002 animals/km\2\), the final exposure value was 0.7 per 
year; therefore, it was rounded to one animal. The probability of 
taking both species is also decreased because the 86 FWS will only 
conduct four training days per mission, not the original five days 
included in the application. In summary, NMFS agrees there is a slight 
probability a sperm whale may be within the action area during 
training; however, this probability is very low. The 86 FWS did not 
request take of this species, and the 86 FWS is aware that take of 
sperm whales is not authorized.
    Comment 6: A marine mammal researcher was concerned there is a 
potential for 86 FWS activities to overlap spatially and temporally 
with scientific research activities on the PMRF, and, as a result, 
those researchers may be displaced.
    NMFS Response: The 86 FWS will issue a Notice to Mariners to inform 
the public that a military mission will be conducted and that portions 
of the Pacific Ocean will be temporarily closed for human safety 
concerns. The 86 FWS will also coordinate with NMFS OPR and PIRO once 
mission schedules have been set and no less than 72 hours prior to 
conducting each operation. If a researcher is concerned their planned 
research may be interrupted by 86 FWS activities, they may contact NMFS 
or

[[Page 39690]]

the 86 FWS directly to determine when missions are scheduled. In 
addition, we do not anticipate a conflict with researchers, not only 
because of these alert requirements, but also because the weapon impact 
area is in the most northern part of the BSURE range in very deep water 
where small boat operations do not typically occur, and missions are to 
be conducted for only one day in 2017 and one to four days for the 
remainder of the effective period of this rule.
    Comment 7: The MMC acknowledged the USAF would archive the PAM 
recordings for analysis when funding is available at a later time, but 
recommended fulfilling the monitoring requirements under section 
101(a)(5) of the MMPA should be made a priority.
    NMFS Response: The final rule contains monitoring and reporting 
requirements that fully comply with section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA. 
The purpose of analyzing acoustic data is to better understand the 
effects of the missions on marine mammals using acoustic recordings 
from PMRF hydrophones. Because the year one mission will occur only for 
one day (eight small diameter bombs) and year two through five missions 
will occur for a maximum of four days (maximum of four hours per day), 
NMFS finds that requiring an assessment of animal behavior for each 
mission year would yield a data poor analysis because the amount of 
acoustic data collected in any given year is likely to be minimal, if 
any at all. Therefore, the 86 FWS will combine all data over the course 
of 5 years and provide NMFS a final report within 90 days after the 
rule expires. However, if 86 FWS applies for a subsequent rule prior to 
expiration of this rule, a draft acoustic monitoring report shall be 
submitted with that application.
    Comment 8: Comments received from individual citizens who opposed 
harming animals can be summarized in four general statements: (1) The 
activities will kill animals or make them deaf, (2) the USAF should 
conduct activities in areas where marine life will not be harmed or 
should conduct ``virtual'' training, (3) the mitigation and monitoring 
are ineffective, and (4) a warning should be provided to marine mammals 
prior to the exercises to give them time to leave the area.
    NMFS Response: The following responses correspond to the numbered 
statements above: (1) NMFS did not propose to authorize, nor are we 
authorizing, death or serious injury of marine mammals incidental to 
the specified activity in this rule, because take in this manner was 
not requested, and, for reasons provided in this rule and associated 
documents, we do not believe it will occur. While NMFS does believe 
there is potential for PTS, experiencing PTS does not mean an animal 
will become deaf to the degree they are unable to communicate and 
perform other vital life functions. In addition, our thresholds are 
conservative in that they anticipate the accumulated energy at which 
animal may experience any level of PTS, not complete deafness. The 
distances also represent where the animal would have to remain relative 
to the detonation site for the duration of the exercise each day as 
described in the proposed rule. Because the amount of live weapons has 
been greatly reduced and marine mammal monitoring would occur up until 
weapon detonation, we believe the chance of PTS, while it still may 
exist slightly, is also greatly reduced. We do not expect animals to 
remain stationary; instead we expect them to move away from the source, 
not toward it, thereby reducing the potential for PTS. (2) NMFS must 
evaluate a proposed activity and is required to prescribe mitigation to 
affect the least practicable adverse impact. We do not have the 
authority to require the USAF to conduct missions elsewhere or use 
virtual training. (3) Please see our responses to the other public 
comments regarding mitigation and monitoring. (4) NMFS, in consultation 
with the USAF, considered a mitigation measure that involved conducting 
inert munition training or detonating small weapons prior to larger 
weapons. The 86 FWS indicated it is not known at this time in what 
order munitions will be detonated; however, NMFS has required that this 
mitigation measure be followed if the Project Engineer/Commanding 
Officer determines doing so will not interfere with the mission.
    Comment 9: CRE does not oppose NMFS' issuance of the rule, but they 
do oppose NMFS' use of our ``Technical Guidance for Assessing the 
Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing--Acoustic 
Threshold Levels for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold 
Shifts'' (Technical Guidance) (NMFS 2016) in our analysis of the 
potential impacts of the USAF's military readiness activities on marine 
mammals. CRE commented that it is questionable whether NMFS has the 
authority to use the Technical Guidance until the Commerce Secretary 
has completed his review required by Executive Order (EO) 13795. They 
further recommend NMFS remove any claim that the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) had approved an Information Collection Request for the 
Technical Guidance, and NMFS should correct information disseminations 
that suggest or require that the Technical Guidance may be used for any 
regulatory purpose.
    NMFS Response: EO 13795 does not state the Technical Guidance 
cannot be used during the Secretary's review process; therefore, the 
Technical Guidance remains applicable during this time. Prior to its 
release, the Technical Guidance was subject to an internal review, 
three external peer reviews, as well as a follow-up peer review, three 
public comment periods, and received informal input from key Federal 
partners. As such, it represents the best available science. However, 
in accordance with EO 13795, NMFS solicited additional public comment 
on the Technical Guidance (82 FR 24950, May 31, 2017). NMFS will also 
consult the appropriate Federal agencies to assist the Secretary of 
Commerce in reviewing the Technical Guidance for consistency with the 
policy in section 2 of EO 13795. As mandated by the EO, at the 
conclusion of the review, the Secretary will make a determination on 
how to proceed. At that point, NMFS will determine what information 
will be provided on our information disseminations. Further, the 
Technical Guidance explicitly states it is a guidance document and that 
ITA applicants are not required to use it. An applicant may propose an 
alternative approach if it is likely to produce a more accurate 
estimate of auditory impact for the project being evaluated. Finally, 
as explicitly explained in the Guidance, the scientific data compiled 
therein do not mandate any particular policy or regulatory choice, 
rather, they are used in the analyses that inform regulatory decisions 
and, as is appropriate in the case of the MMPA, the regulatory 
decisions are subject to notice and comment.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities

    There are 25 marine mammal species with potential or confirmed 
occurrence in the proposed activity area. Not all of these species 
occur in this region during the project timeframe, or the likelihood of 
occurrence is very low. The ``Description of Marine Mammals in the Area 
of the Specified Activities'' section included in the proposed rule (82 
FR 21156; May 5, 2017) and sections 3 and 4 of the USAF's application 
summarize available information regarding status and trends, 
distribution and habitat preferences, and behavior and life history, of 
the potentially affected species. These descriptions have not

[[Page 39691]]

changed and are incorporated here by reference. Additional information 
regarding population trends and threats may be found in NMFS's Stock 
Assessment Reports (SAR; www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/) and more general 
information about these species (e.g., physical and behavioral 
descriptions) may be found on NMFS's Web site (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/). Additional information may be found in the USAF 86 
FWS EA/EOA for LRS WSEP training exercises in the BSURE of the PMRF, 
which is available online at http://www.afcec.af.mil/What-We-Do/Environment/Pacific-Range-Strike-Environmental-Assessment/.
    Of the 25 species that may occur in Hawaiian waters, 16 species 
occur in densities great enough during the seasons the training 
exercises may occur (summer or fall) to warrant inclusion in this rule 
(Table 2). The final list of species is based on summer density 
estimates, a conservative range-to-effects, and duration of the 
activity.

       Table 2--Marine Mammal Species and Stocks Likely To Be Exposed to 86 FWS LRS WSEP Training Missions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Stock abundance
                                                ESA/MMPA status;  (CV, Nmin, most
           Species                  Stock         strategic (Y/        recent         PBR \3\     Occurrence in
                                                      N)\1\          abundance                      BSURE area
                                                                    survey) \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Order Cetartiodactyla--Cetacea--Superfamily Mysticeti (baleen whales)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Family: Balaenopteridae
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humpback whale (Megaptera      Central North    N; Y............  10,103 (0.300;   83..........  Seasonal;
 novaeangliae) \4\.             Pacific.                           7,890; 2006).                  throughout
                                                                                                  known breeding
                                                                                                  grounds during
                                                                                                  winter and
                                                                                                  spring (most
                                                                                                  common
                                                                                                  November
                                                                                                  through
                                                                                                  April).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sei whale (Balaenoptera        Hawaii.........  Y; Y............  178 (0.90; 93;   0.2.........  Rare; limited
 borealis).                                                        2010).                         sightings of
                                                                                                  seasonal
                                                                                                  migrants that
                                                                                                  feed at higher
                                                                                                  latitudes.
Minke whale (Balaenoptera      Hawaii.........  -; N............  n/a (n/a; n/a;   Undet.......  Regular but
 acutorostrata).                                                   2010).                         seasonal
                                                                                                  (October-
                                                                                                  April).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Order Cetartiodactyla--Cetacea--Superfamily Odontoceti (toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Family: Kogiidae
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia       Hawaii.........  -; N............  n/a (n/a; n/a;   Undet.......  Widely
 breviceps).                                                       2010).                         distributed
                                                                                                  year round;
                                                                                                  more likely in
                                                                                                  waters > 1,000
                                                                                                  m depth.
Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia       Hawaii.........  -; N............  n/a (n/a; n/a;   Undet.......  Widely
 sima).                                                            2010).                         distributed
                                                                                                  year round;
                                                                                                  more likely in
                                                                                                  waters > 500 m
                                                                                                  depth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Family: Delphinidae
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pygmy killer whale (Feresa     Hawaii.........  -; N............  3,433 (0.52;     23..........  Year-round
 attenuata).                                                       2,274; 2010).                  resident.
Short-finned pilot whale       Hawaii.........  -; N............  12,422 (0.43;    70..........  Commonly
 (Globicephala macrorhynchus).                                     8,872; 2010).                  observed
                                                                                                  around Main
                                                                                                  Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands and
                                                                                                  Northwestern
                                                                                                  Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands.
Melon headed whale             Hawaii Islands   -; N............  5,794 (0.20;     4...........  Regular.
 (Peponocephala electra).       stock.                             4,904; 2010).
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops   Hawaii pelagic.  -; N............  5,950 (0.59;     38..........  Common in deep
 truncatus).                                                       3,755; 2010).                  offshore
                                                                                                  waters.
Pantropical spotted dolphin    Hawaii pelagic.  -; N............  15,917 (0.40;    115.........  Common; primary
 (Stenella attenuata).                                             11,508; 2010).                 occurrence
                                                                                                  between 100
                                                                                                  and 4,000 m
                                                                                                  depth.
Striped dolphin (Stenella      Hawaii.........  -; N............  20,650 (0.36;    154.........  Occurs
 coeruleoala).                                                     15,391; 2010).                 regularly year
                                                                                                  round but
                                                                                                  infrequent
                                                                                                  sighting
                                                                                                  during survey.
Spinner dolphin (Stenella      Hawaii pelagic.  -; N............  n/a (n/a; n/a;   Undet.......  Common year-
 longirostris).                                                    2010).                         round in
                                                                                                  offshore
                                                                                                  waters.
Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno  Hawaii stock...  -; N............  6,288 (0.39;     46..........  Common
 bredanensis).                                                     4,581; 2010).                  throughout the
                                                                                                  Main Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands and
                                                                                                  Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands EEZ.
Fraser's dolphin               Hawaii.........  -; N............  16,992 (0.66;    102.........  Tropical
 (Lagenodelphis hosei).                                            10,241; 2010).                 species only
                                                                                                  recently
                                                                                                  documented
                                                                                                  within
                                                                                                  Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands EEZ
                                                                                                  (2002 survey).

[[Page 39692]]

 
Risso's dolphin (Grampus       Hawaii.........  -; N............  7,256 (0.41;     42..........  Previously
 griseus).                                                         5,207; 2010).                  considered
                                                                                                  rare but
                                                                                                  multiple
                                                                                                  sightings in
                                                                                                  Hawaiian
                                                                                                  Islands EEZ
                                                                                                  during various
                                                                                                  surveys
                                                                                                  conducted from
                                                                                                  2002-2012.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Family: Ziphiidae
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Longman's beaked whale         Hawaii.........  -; N............  4,571 (0.65;     28..........  Considered
 (Indopacetus pacificus).                                          2,773; 2010).                  rare; however,
                                                                                                  multiple
                                                                                                  sightings
                                                                                                  during 2010
                                                                                                  survey.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Endangered Species Act (ESA) status: Endangered (E), Threatened (T)/MMPA status: Depleted (D). A dash (-)
  indicates that the species is not listed under the ESA or designated as depleted under the MMPA. Under the
  MMPA, a strategic stock is one for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds PBR (see footnote
  3) or which is determined to be declining and likely to be listed under the ESA within the foreseeable future.
  Any species or stock listed under the ESA is automatically designated under the MMPA as depleted and as a
  strategic stock.
\2\ CV is coefficient of variation; Nmin is the minimum estimate of stock abundance. In some cases, CV is not
  applicable. For certain stocks, abundance estimates are actual counts of animals and there is no associated
  CV. The most recent abundance survey that is reflected in the abundance estimate is presented; there may be
  more recent surveys that have not yet been incorporated into the estimate. All values presented here are from
  the 2015 Pacific SARs, except humpback whales- see comment 4.
\3\ Potential biological removal (PBR), defined by the MMPA as the maximum number of animals, not including
  natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal stock while allowing that stock to reach or
  maintain its optimum sustainable population size (OSP).
\4\Values for humpback whales are from the 2015 Alaska SAR.

Marine Mammal Hearing

    Hearing is the most important sensory modality for marine mammals 
underwater, and exposure to anthropogenic sound can have deleterious 
effects. To appropriately assess the potential effects of exposure to 
sound, it is necessary to understand the frequency ranges marine 
mammals are able to hear. Current data indicate that not all marine 
mammal species have equal hearing capabilities (e.g., Richardson et 
al., 1995; Wartzok and Ketten, 1999; Au and Hastings, 2008). To reflect 
this, Southall et al. (2007) recommended that marine mammals be divided 
into functional hearing groups based on directly measured or estimated 
hearing ranges on the basis of available behavioral response data, 
audiograms derived using auditory evoked potential techniques, 
anatomical modeling, and other data. Note that no direct measurements 
of hearing ability have been successfully completed for mysticetes 
(i.e., low-frequency cetaceans).
    Subsequently, NMFS (2016) described generalized hearing ranges for 
these marine mammal hearing groups. Generalized hearing ranges were 
chosen based on the approximately 65 dB threshold from the normalized 
composite audiograms, with the exception for lower limits for low-
frequency cetaceans where the lower bound was deemed to be biologically 
implausible and the lower bound from Southall et al. (2007) retained. 
The functional groups and the associated frequencies are indicated in 
Table 3; note that these frequency ranges correspond to the range for 
the composite group, with the entire range not necessarily reflecting 
the capabilities of every species within that group (please refer to 
the proposed rule (82 FR 21156; May 5, 2017) for more detail.

                  Table 3--Marine Mammal Hearing Groups
                              [NMFS, 2016]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Hearing group                 Generalized hearing range *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-frequency (LF) cetaceans (baleen       7 Hz to 35 kHz.
 whales).
Mid-frequency (MF) cetaceans (dolphins,    150 Hz to 160 kHz.
 toothed whales, beaked whales,
 bottlenose whales).
High-frequency (HF) cetaceans (true        275 Hz to 160 kHz.
 porpoises, Kogia, river dolphins,
 cephalorhynchid, Lagenorhynchus cruciger
 & L. australis).
Phocid pinnipeds (PW) (underwater) (true   50 Hz to 86 kHz.
 seals).
Otariid pinnipeds (OW) (underwater) (sea   60 Hz to 39 kHz.
 lions and fur seals).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Represents the generalized hearing range for the entire group as a
  composite (i.e., all species within the group), where individual
  species' hearing ranges are typically not as broad. Generalized
  hearing range chosen based on ~65 dB threshold from normalized
  composite audiogram, with the exception for lower limits for LF
  cetaceans (Southall et al., 2007) and PW pinniped (approximation).

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    In the Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals 
section of the proposed rule (82 FR 21156; May 5, 2017), we included a 
qualitative discussion of the different ways that the USAF 86 FWS LRS 
WSEP training activities may potentially affect marine mammals without 
consideration of mitigation and monitoring measures. These effects are 
incorporated here by reference; however, we note the new information on 
decreased munition amount likely further reduces the chance and 
severity of these effects.

Estimated Take

    This section provides the number of incidental takes, by stock, 
authorized

[[Page 39693]]

through this final rule, which informs both NMFS' consideration of the 
negligible impact determination.
    Harassment is the only type of take expected to result from these 
activities. For this military readiness activity, the MMPA defines 
``harassment'' as: (i) Any act that injures or has the significant 
potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
(Level A Harassment); or (ii) Any act that disturbs or is likely to 
disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited 
to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to 
a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly 
altered (Level B Harassment).
    Authorized takes primarily cover Level B harassment, as explosive 
detonations have the potential to result in disruption of behavioral 
patterns and/or TTS for individual marine mammals. There is also some 
potential for auditory injury (Level A harassment) to result, primarily 
for mysticetes and high frequency species due to the size of the 
predicted auditory injury zones. Auditory injury is unlikely to occur 
for mid-frequency species. The proposed mitigation and monitoring 
measures are expected to minimize the severity of such taking to the 
extent practicable. No mortality or serious injury is authorized for 
this activity. Below we describe how the take is estimated.
    Described in the most basic way, we estimate take by considering: 
(1) Acoustic thresholds above which NMFS believes the best available 
science indicates marine mammals will be behaviorally harassed or incur 
some degree of permanent hearing impairment; (2) the area or volume of 
water that will be ensonified above these levels in a day; (3) the 
density or occurrence of marine mammals within these ensonified areas; 
and, (4) and the number of days of activities. These elements and the 
method by which takes were calculated are described in detail in the 
proposed rule for this action. While some aspects have not changed 
(e.g., acoustic thresholds and modeling approach), we are reducing the 
amount of authorized take proposed from the proposed rule based on the 
significant reduction of explosives employed annually. Here, we again 
provide NMFS acoustic thresholds for explosives for reference and 
discuss the manner by which takes were estimated for a reduced number 
of munitions.
    Based on the best available science, NMFS uses the acoustic and 
pressure thresholds indicated in Table 4 to predict the onset of 
behavioral harassment, PTS, tissue damage, and mortality.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22AU17.000

    Based on the thresholds in Table 4, the USAF calculated the 
distances to each based on the amount of ordnance that could be dropped 
on any given day per the munition amounts included in the application. 
We also note that for sources that are detonated at shallow depths such 
as is the case here, explosions may breach the surface with some of the 
acoustic energy escaping the water column. The source levels used in 
the acoustic model were not adjusted for this possible venting nor did 
subsequent analysis attempt to take this into account; therefore, this 
is another reason to identify the resulting analysis as conservative.
    Although the amount of munitions included in each mission has been 
significantly reduced, the USAF was unable to recalculate these 
distances using the original modeling due to time and funding 
constraints. Therefore, the reduction in impacts (i.e., take) was 
estimated using the correction factor discussed below Table 5. Although 
the prior calculations (Table 5) overestimate the range-to-effects, in 
the absence of mitigation, we continue to use these distances to 
conservatively inform the mitigation and monitoring measures. If during 
the course of this rule, the USAF is able to recalculate these zones 
based

[[Page 39694]]

on the actual amount of munitions dropped per day, NMFS will 
reconsider, pursuant to the adaptive management provisions (see 
Adaptive Management section), the extent of the mitigation zones after 
review of the model.

                                       Table 5--Distances (m) to Explosive Thresholds Based on the Originally Proposed Amount of Munitions per Mission Day
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Level A harassment                                      Level B harassment
                                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     GI tract                   PTS                     TTS                 Behavioral
                             Species                               Mortality \1\    Slight lung       injury     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      injury     ----------------
                                                                                                    237 dB SPL          SEL             SPL             SEL             SPL             SEL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Low-Frequency Cetaceans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humpback Whale..................................................              99             200             204           5,415           1,241          55,464           2,266          59,039
Blue Whale......................................................              74             149
Fin Whale.......................................................              76             157
Sei Whale.......................................................             101             204
Bryde's Whale...................................................              99             200
Minke Whale.....................................................             138             268
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Mid-Frequency Cetaceans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sperm Whale.....................................................              91             177             204           1,575             413           8,019             763          11,948
Killer Whale....................................................             149             287
False Killer Whale (MHI Insular stock)..........................             177             340
False Killer Whale (all other stocks)...........................             177             340
Pygmy Killer Whale..............................................             324             604
Short-finned Pilot Whale........................................             217             413
Melon-headed Whale..............................................             273             502
Bottlenose Dolphin..............................................             273             509
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin.....................................             324             604
Striped Dolphin.................................................             324             604
Spinner Dolphin.................................................             324             604
Rough-toothed Dolphin...........................................             273             509
Fraser's Dolphin................................................             257             480
Risso's Dolphin.................................................             207             384
Cuvier's Beaked Whale...........................................             131             257
Blainville's Beaked Whale.......................................             195             368
Longman's Beaked Whale..........................................             133             261
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    High-Frequency Cetaceans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pygmy Sperm Whale...............................................             248             457             204          20,058           4,879          71,452           7,204          74,804
Dwarf Sperm Whale...............................................             273             509
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To determine the final amount of take authorized in the proposed 
rule, we considered the amount of take proposed based on the original 
amount of munitions released versus the final amount of munitions and 
the fact the 86 FWS would only conduct one day of training in 2017 and 
up to four days, annually, in 2018 through 2022 (the proposed rule 
considered five days of activity for each year). The amount of munition 
reduction ranges from 40 to 92 percent based on year. Based on these 
factors, we adjusted takes to be more realistic but also conservative 
to allow for adequate coverage (Table 6). For those species where take 
was equal to fewer than five animals, annually, we maintained this 
amount of take to account for random occurrence on any given day. For 
all other species, we reduced the amount of take by 20 percent (or one 
half of the lowest reduction for any given year (i.e., 40 percent).

                                          Table 6--Annual Original and Final Authorized Take Numbers by Species
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Level A harassment (PTS only      Level B harassment (TTS)           Level B harassment
                                            Mortality/                  *)               --------------------------------          (behavioral)
                 Species                   tissue damage --------------------------------                                -------------------------------
                                                             Original          Final         Original          Final         Original          Final
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humpback whale..........................               0               4               4              54              44              38              30
Sei whale...............................               0               0               0               0               0               3               3
Minke whale.............................               0               1               1              11               9              19              15
Pygmy sperm whale.......................               0               9               7              83              66              36              29
Dwarf sperm whale.......................               0              22              18             203             162              87              70
Pygmy killer whale......................               0               0               0               1               1              25            * 25
Short-finned pilot whale................               0               0               0               5               5              36            * 36
Melon-headed whale......................               0               0               0               1               1             152           * 152
Bottlenose dolphin......................               0               0               0               2               2              32              26
Pantropical spotted dolphin.............               0               0               0               3               3              40            * 40
Striped dolphin.........................               0               0               0               2               2              51            * 51

[[Page 39695]]

 
Spinner dolphin.........................               0               0               0               1               1              29            * 29
Rough-toothed dolphin...................               0               0               0               3               3              22            * 22
Fraser's dolphin........................               0               0               0              10               8             273           * 273
Risso's dolphin.........................               0               0               0               2               2              25            * 25
Longman's beaked whale..................               0               0               0               1               1              59            * 59
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................               0              36              30             382             310             927             885
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Denotes average group size.

    We expect the amount of take we are authorizing to be a very 
conservative estimate and the likelihood of the 86 FWS reaching or 
exceeding that level of take is unlikely given the reduced amount of 
munitions proposed each year, the reduction of training duration, and 
the mitigation and monitoring measures. NMFS expects that Level A 
harassment is unlikely to occur at the numbers proposed to be 
authorized because NMFS is authorizing (and analyzing) the modeled 
number of Level A harassment takes, which does not take the mitigation 
or avoidance measures into consideration.

Mitigation

    In order to issue regulations and a LOA under Section 101(a)(5)(A) 
of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the permissible methods of taking 
pursuant to such activity, ``and other means of effecting the least 
practicable impact on such species or stock and its habitat, paying 
particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance, and on the availability of such species or stock for 
taking'' for certain subsistence uses (latter not applicable for this 
action because there are no subsistence uses in Hawaii). NMFS 
regulations require applicants for incidental take authorizations to 
include information about the availability and feasibility (economic 
and technological) of equipment, methods, and manner of conducting such 
activity or other means of effecting the least practicable adverse 
impact upon the affected species or stocks and their habitat (50 CFR 
216.104(a)(11)). The NDAA for FY 2004 amended the MMPA as it relates to 
military readiness activities and the incidental take authorization 
process such that ``least practicable impact'' shall include 
consideration of personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and 
impact on the effectiveness of the military readiness activity.
    In evaluating how mitigation may or may not be appropriate to 
ensure the least practicable adverse impact on species or stocks and 
their habitat, as well as subsistence uses where applicable, we 
carefully consider two primary factors:
    (1) The manner in which, and the degree to which, the successful 
implementation of the measure(s) is expected to reduce impacts to 
marine mammals, marine mammal species or stocks, and their habitat. 
This considers the nature of the potential adverse impact being 
mitigated (likelihood, scope, range). It further considers the 
likelihood that the measure will be effective if implemented 
(probability of accomplishing the mitigating result if implemented as 
planned) the likelihood of effective implementation (probability 
implemented as planned), and;
    (2) The practicability of the measures for applicant 
implementation, which may consider such things as cost, impact on 
operations, and, in the case of a military readiness activity, 
personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the 
effectiveness of the military readiness activity.
    The primary means of mitigating for impacts to marine mammals is 
mission delay if marine mammals are observed within certain distances 
from the weapon impact site during pre-mission surveys, during 
missions, or via range camera monitoring. Since promulgation of the 
proposed rule, the 86 FWS identified that the 2017 missions would be 
limited to one day involving only eight small diameter bombs (23 to 37 
lb NEW). The 2018 through 2022 missions include more explosives than 
2017 constituting all possible munitions types; however, in 
substantially less amount than included in the proposed rule. The 
range-to-effects distances modeled by the USAF includes 24 explosives 
ranging from 300 to 23 lb NEW. The USAF did not have the capability to 
remodel range to effects based on the reduced amount of munitions; 
therefore, we have outlined circumstances that conservatively accounts 
for this reduction separately for 2017 and jointly for 2018 through 
2022. In the final rule, we identify an ``exclusion zone'' as 
absolutely triggering a delay while a ``harassment zone'' may or may 
not trigger a delay based on species observed and distance from the 
weapon impact site. The following circumstances apply to the 
implementation of exclusion zones and mitigation zones.
    For all mission years, training shall be delayed if a marine mammal 
is observed within a 2.3 mi (3,704 m) exclusion zone. In the 86 FWS's 
2016 IHA, this was the monitoring and mitigation zone established based 
on eight small diameter bombs (37 lb NEW) and one JASSM/JASSM-ER (300 
lb NEW). This distance also greatly exceeds the maximum calculated 
range-to-effects for mortality and tissue injury when considering the 
original amount and type of munitions (Table 5). This exclusion zone 
will avoid any mortality or tissue damage, avoid PTS of mid-frequency 
cetaceans, and reduce the potential for severe PTS and TTS in low-
frequency and high-frequency cetaceans. A standard minimum 2.3 mi 
(3,704 m) exclusion zone also allows for consistency in mitigation 
throughout each year for implementation ease. Therefore, NMFS has 
applied this exclusion zone as the threshold for mission delay 
mitigation for all training conducted during the effective dates of the 
regulations.
    For all missions, delay of mission is to be triggered based on the 
location of an observed marine mammals relative to the weapon impact 
site. If a species is observed within a harassment zone identified in 
Table 5 (based on hearing group) and take is not authorized for that 
species or the 86 FWS has exceeded take for that species, mission delay 
mitigation would be triggered.
    The USAF has also committed to delaying deployment of munitions if 
an animal is sighted anywhere within the

[[Page 39696]]

8 mi (13 km) monitoring area (see Monitoring and Reporting section 
below). However, delaying missions until an animal leaves the entire 
monitoring area may not be practicable or necessarily warranted because 
we have authorized take for select species. If an animal is observed 
within the 8 mi (13 km) monitoring area and the USAF 86 FWS has 
determined missions may resume without exceeding authorized take, the 
USAF may carry on with training. However, the 86 FWS will shift the 
target impact site (i.e., the x, y coordinates of the detonation site) 
away from an animal sighting should mission delay mitigation not be 
triggered. The target site will be shifted to the farthest distance 
possible from the sighting but is confined to the two-mile wide weapon 
impact area.
    If adverse weather conditions impair the ability of aircraft to 
operate safely, missions will either be delayed until the weather 
clears or cancelled for the day.

Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue regulations authorizing take incidental to a 
specified activity, Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA states that NMFS 
must set forth, ``requirements pertaining to the monitoring and 
reporting of such taking.'' The MMPA implementing regulations at 50 CFR 
216.104(a)(13) indicate that requests for authorizations must include 
the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and 
reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the species and of 
the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine mammals that 
are expected to be present in the proposed action area. Effective 
reporting is critical both to compliance as well as ensuring that the 
most value is obtained from the required monitoring.
    Monitoring and reporting requirements prescribed by NMFS should 
contribute to improved understanding of one or more of the following:
     Occurrence of marine mammal species or stocks in the area 
in which take is anticipated (e.g., presence, abundance, distribution, 
density).
     Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure 
to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or 
chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment 
(e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2) 
affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) co-occurrence 
of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) biological or 
behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas).
     Individual marine mammal responses (behavioral or 
physiological) to acoustic stressors (acute, chronic, or cumulative), 
other stressors, or cumulative impacts from multiple stressors.
     How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1) 
Long-term fitness and survival of individual marine mammals; or (2) 
populations, species, or stocks.
     Effects on marine mammal habitat (e.g., marine mammal prey 
species, acoustic habitat, or other important physical components of 
marine mammal habitat).
     Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness.
    During the proposed rulemaking stage, the USAF 86 FWS proposed 
using a helicopter as a marine mammal survey platform and conducting 
such surveys before and after each day of training as this was the 
survey method used during the 2016 mission for which NMFS issued an 
IHA. However, in consideration of public comment and additional 
available methods, NMFS recommended monitoring enhancements intended to 
better address the increased duration and amount of activity covered in 
this rule as compared to the one-day activity in the IHA. As a result, 
the USAF 86 FWS, in consultation with NMFS, modified their Mitigation 
and Monitoring Plan to increase marine mammal detection probability and 
more clearly articulate the protocols followed for the survey. The 
Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm, provides detailed information. Here we 
summarize the major provisions; however, the USAF 86 FWS is responsible 
for implementing the full plan.
    A pre-mission and post-mission survey will be conducted by a chase 
aircraft (e.g., F-16, F-15) at altitudes ranging from 1,000 ft to 
25,000 ft. The aircraft will be equipped with a sensor pod (e.g., 
Sniper or Litening advanced targeting pods). Pre-mission surveys begin 
no less than 30 minutes prior to the start of a mission, primarily 
using visual lookouts who will scan the water surface in closely-spaced 
line-transect patterns as the aircraft circles above the monitoring 
area. In addition to having a dedicated marine mammal visual lookout, 
the aircraft's targeting pods, or comparable sensor, will supplement 
the visual lookout surveys of the same area. Targeting pods have the 
ability to use high-definition forward looking infrared (FLIR) and 
high-definition television modes, both of which are displayed in real-
time to the aircrew in the cockpit. Using thermal signatures, such as 
warm-blooded marine mammals in a comparatively cooler marine 
environment, it is expected that marine mammals at or near the water 
surface would be prominent and easy to identify in FLIR mode.
    Advanced targeting pods are most frequently used by the USAF and 
are currently installed on F-16, F-15C/E, A-10, B-1, and B-52 aircraft. 
Combat aircrews receive extensive training and have gained combat 
experience using advanced targeting pods to track and identify targets 
that are similar in size, and in some cases smaller than, marine 
mammals. For example, the USAF was able to detect sharks from an AC-130 
aircraft conducting a 3-mi (5-km) orbit at 15,000 ft altitude using an 
electro-optical/infrared sensor in the Gulf of Mexico within the Eglin 
Gulf Test and Training Range (see Figure 2 in the Mitigation and 
Monitoring Plan). Even though the aircraft and survey location are 
different than what is proposed under Long Range Strike WSEP 
activities, the capabilities to detect marine life near the water 
surface are expected to be similar.
    Mission aircraft are capable of flying at various altitudes and 
airspeeds. As part of operational procedures, aircrew must conduct 
aerial surveillance of a potential impact or target area prior to 
releasing any weapons to confirm the location of the target and ensure 
the human safety zone around the impact area is clear. In order to 
accomplish this, the aircraft must operate at an appropriate altitude 
and airspeed that is operationally safe while meeting mission 
objectives. The range of altitudes and airspeeds at which this occurs 
varies across all aerial platforms; therefore, a specific altitude and 
airspeed requirement cannot be determined because each LRSWSEP event 
will not have the same types of aircraft participating each year. 
However, regardless of aircraft type, the pre-mission aircraft will be 
equipped with a sensor pod to survey for marine mammals.
    In addition to aerial surveys, there are other assets on the PMRF 
Range that will also be used to supplement the aerial surveys. Range 
cameras are installed on Makaha Ridge, at an elevation between 1,500 
and 1,700 ft, and are able to see out to 50 nmi from the shore. Since 
the weapon impact area is approximately 44 nm from shore, it would be 
within the line of sight of the cameras. The optical lenses of the 
cameras have the zoom capability to see marine life if they are at or 
near the surface. The camera feed will be monitored by personnel within 
the

[[Page 39697]]

mission control room at PMRF. Since these cameras will be used to track 
weapon impacts, they will be available to supplement aerial survey 
efforts by providing opportunistic sighting information. Therefore, 
during pre-mission surveys, the range cameras on Makaha Ridge will be 
zoomed in on the weapon impact area and will be monitored in real-time 
for at least 30 minutes prior to weapon release.
    During the mission (i.e., as aircraft are inbound to release 
weapons), aircrew of the plane carrying the weapon, the chase aircraft, 
and the range camera operator will observe for protected species. If a 
protected species is observed, weapon release will be delayed per the 
mitigation requirements. The mission aircraft pilot will divert effort 
to following the protected species until it is confirmed to be outside 
the mitigation zone and on a path away from the area (i.e., on a 
heading and swim speed suggesting it is outside the mitigation zone).
    NMFS may modify and augment the existing mitigation, monitoring, or 
reporting measures (after consulting with the 86 FWS regarding the 
practicability of the modifications) if doing so creates a reasonable 
likelihood of more effectively accomplishing the goals of the 
mitigation and monitoring. Possible sources of data that could 
contribute to the decision to modify the mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting measures in an LOA include, but is not limited to:
    (i) Results of new range-to-effects models based on maximum amount 
of weapons, by type, utilized during each mission;
    (ii) Results from 86 FWS's monitoring from the previous year(s);
    (iii) Results from other marine mammal and/or sound research or 
studies; or
    (iv) Any information that reveals marine mammals may have been 
taken in a manner, extent, or number not authorized by the regulations 
or subsequent LOA.

Adaptive Management

    The final regulations governing the take of marine mammals 
incidental to 86 FWS training activities on the BSURE area of the PMRF 
contain an adaptive management component. The reporting requirements 
associated with this final rule are designed to provide NMFS with 
monitoring data from the previous year to allow NMFS to consider 
whether any changes are appropriate. NMFS and the 86 FWS would meet to 
discuss the monitoring reports, activities, any updated modeling 
efforts, and current science and whether mitigation or monitoring 
modifications are appropriate. The use of adaptive management allows 
NMFS to consider new information from different sources to determine 
(with input from the 86 FWS regarding practicability) on an annual or 
biennial basis if mitigation or monitoring measures should be modified 
(including additions or deletions). Mitigation measures could be 
modified if new data suggests that such modifications would have a 
reasonable likelihood of reducing adverse effects to marine mammal 
species or stocks and their habitat and if the measures are 
practicable.
    The following are some of the possible sources of applicable data 
to be considered through the adaptive management process: (1) Results 
of new range-to-effects models based on maximum amount of weapons, by 
type, utilized during each mission; (2) results from 86 FWS's 
monitoring from the previous year(s); (3) Results from other marine 
mammal and/or sound research or studies; or (4) Any information that 
reveals marine mammals may have been taken in a manner, extent, or 
number not authorized by the regulations or subsequent LOA.

Negligible Impact Analysis and Determination

    NMFS has defined negligible impact as ``an impact resulting from 
the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is 
not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival'' (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 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 harassment, NMFS considers other factors, such as the 
likely nature of any responses (e.g., intensity, duration), the context 
of any responses (e.g., critical reproductive time or location, 
migration), as well as effects on habitat, and the likely effectiveness 
of the mitigation. We also assess the number, intensity, and context of 
estimated takes by evaluating this information relative to population 
status. Consistent with the 1989 preamble for NMFS's implementing 
regulations (54 FR 40338; September 29, 1989), the impacts from other 
past and ongoing anthropogenic activities are incorporated into this 
analysis via their impacts on the environmental baseline (e.g., as 
reflected in the regulatory status of the species, population size and 
growth rate where known, ongoing sources of human-caused mortality, or 
ambient noise levels).
    Behavioral disruption due to Level B harassment would be limited to 
reactions such as startle responses, movements away from the area, and 
short-term changes to behavioral state. These impacts are expected to 
be temporary and of short duration because the specified activity would 
be limited to 4 hours per day for no more than 4 days per year. We do 
not anticipate that the effects would be detrimental to rates of 
recruitment and survival because we do not expect serious or extended 
behavioral responses that would result in energetic effects at the 
level to impact fitness.
    In terms of what is analyzed for the potential PTS (Level A 
harassment) in marine mammals as a result of 86 FWS's LRS WSEP 
operations, the ranges-to-effects identified are conservative (i.e., 
the longest distance for any given depth bin) and, in some cases, 
include more energy than would be released per day due to reduced 
munition expenditure. The 86 FWS would also maintain an exclusion zone 
extending 2.3 mi from the target site and shift the target site away 
from an animal should it be observed (and delay mitigation is not 
triggered). In addition, marine mammals would likely begin to move away 
from the immediate area once bombing begins, decreasing exposure to the 
full amount of acoustic energy used to calculate ranges-to-effects. 
Therefore, we anticipate that, because of the mitigation measures, 
conservative range-to-effects analysis, and the likely short duration 
of exposures, any PTS incurred would be in the form of only a small 
degree of PTS, rather than total deafness.
    While animals may be impacted in the immediate vicinity of the 
activity, because of the short duration of the actual individual 
explosions themselves (versus continual sound source operation) 
combined with the short duration of the LRS WSEP operations (i.e., 
maximum of four hours per day over a maximum of four days per year), 
NMFS has determined there will not be a substantial impact on marine 
mammals or their habitat. We do not expect the activity would impact 
rates of recruitment or survival of marine mammals due to mortality 
(which would remove individuals from the population) or serious injury 
because we do not expect those impacts to occur not are we authorizing 
that manner of take. In addition, the activity would occur only in a 
small part of a stock's

[[Page 39698]]

overall range, and would not occur in any areas known to be 
specifically important or unique for feeding or reproductive behaviors 
when compared to overall range. Therefore, the impact of any potential 
temporary displacement would be negligible and animals would be 
expected to return to the area after the cessation of activities. In 
addition, although the activity could result in Level A harassment (PTS 
only, as opposed to slight lung injury or gastrointestinal tract 
injury) and Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance and TTS), the 
number of exposed animals is expected to be low due to the short-term 
and site-specific nature of the activity. Therefore, we do not 
anticipate the level of harassment to impact rates of recruitment or 
survival of marine mammals.
    In past missions (October 2016), the 86 FWS completed pre- and 
post-aerial surveys. The 86 FWS did not observe any marine mammals 
during the pre-mission aerial survey before missions occurred, and did 
not observe any marine mammals after missions were completed. The 86 
FWS was authorized for Level A and Level B harassment takes of five 
species, but the ordinance failed to detonate therefore, in addition to 
no marine mammal sightings, no take was documented.
    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 monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS finds that the total marine mammal take from 
the proposed activity will have a negligible impact on all affected 
marine mammal species or stocks.

Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine 
mammal stocks or species 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 taking for subsistence purposes.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires 
that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, 
or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 
any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA 
compliance for the issuance of the final rule and LOA, NMFS consults 
internally, in this case with the ESA Interagency Cooperation Division, 
whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened 
species.
    There is one marine mammal species under NMFS' jurisdiction that is 
listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA with confirmed or 
possible occurrence in the Study Area, the sei whale. The USAF 86 FWS 
consulted with NMFS pursuant to section 7 of the ESA, and NMFS also 
consulted internally on the issuance of a rule and LOA under section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA for LRS WSEP training activities. NMFS issued 
a Biological Opinion concluding that the issuance of the rule and 
subsequent LOA are likely to adversely affect, but are not likely to 
jeopardize, the continued existence of the threatened and endangered 
species under NMFS' jurisdiction and are not likely to result in the 
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat in the PMRF. 
The Biological Opinion for this action is available on NMFS' Web site 
(http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/military.htm).

Classification

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this final 
rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. This 
rule is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because this 
rule is not significant under Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Chief Counsel 
for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration at the 
proposed rule stage that this rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The USAF 86 
FWS is the sole entity that would be affected by this rulemaking, and 
the USAF 86 FWS is not a small governmental jurisdiction, small 
organization, or small business, as defined by the RFA. Because this 
action directly affects the USAF 86 FWS and not a small entity, NMFS 
concluded the action will not result in a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. No comments were received 
regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility 
analysis is not required and none has been prepared.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries has determined that there 
is good cause under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C 
553(d)(3)) to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of the 
measures contained in the final rule. NMFS is unable to accommodate the 
30-day delay of effectiveness due to delays resulting from: Late 
changes in the action (reductions in activity levels and increased 
monitoring protocol that would improve protections for marine mammals), 
and the resulting need for new take analysis to address decreased 
munitions in both this rule and the accompanying Biological Opinion. 
The USAF 86 FWS is the only entity subject to the regulations, and it 
has requested that NMFS issue the LOA prior to the scheduled August 24, 
2017, training to avoid mission delays. A waiver of the 30-day delay of 
the effective date of the final rule will allow the USAF 86 FWS to 
finalize operational procedures to ensure compliance with required 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements, and have MMPA 
authorization in place to support of the training exercise. Any delay 
of enacting the final rule would result in either: (1) A suspension of 
planned USAF training, which would disrupt vital training essential to 
national security; or (2) the USAF's procedural non-compliance with the 
MMPA (should the USAF conduct training without an LOA), thereby 
resulting in the potential for unauthorized takes of marine mammals. 
For these reasons, the Assistant Administrator finds good cause to 
waive the 30-day delay in the effective date.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 218

    Exports, Fish, Imports, Incidental take, Indians, Labeling, Marine 
mammals, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seafood, 
Transportation.

    Dated: August 16, 2017.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 218 is amended 
as follows:

PART 218--REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS 
INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 218 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Add subpart F to part 218 to read as follows:
Subpart F--Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air Force 86 
Fighter Weapons Squadron Conducting Long Range Strike Weapons System 
Evaluation Program at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, 
Hawaii
Sec.

[[Page 39699]]

218.50 Specified activity and specified geographical region.
218.51 Effective dates.
218.52 Permissible methods of taking.
218.53 Prohibitions.
218.54 Mitigation requirements.
218.55 Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
218.56 Letters of Authorization.
218.57 Renewals and Modifications of Letters of Authorization.
218.58 [Reserved]
218.59 [Reserved]

Subpart F--Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Air 
Force 86 Fighter Weapons Squadron Conducting Long Range Strike 
Weapons System Evaluation Program at the Pacific Missile Range 
Facility at Kauai, Hawaii


Sec.  218.50  Specified activity and specified geographical region.

    (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the 86 Fighter 
Weapons Squadron (86 FWS) and those persons it authorizes to conduct 
activities on its behalf, for the taking of marine mammals as outlined 
in paragraph (b) of this section and incidental to Long Range Strike 
Weapons System Evaluation Program (LRS WSEP) missions.
    (b) The taking of marine mammals by 86 FWS pursuant to a Letter of 
Authorization (LOA) is authorized only if it occurs at the Barking 
Sands Underwater Range Expansion (BSURE) area of the Pacific Missile 
Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauai, Hawaii.


Sec.  218.51  Effective dates.

    Regulations in this subpart are effective August 21, 2017, through 
August 22, 2022.


Sec.  218.52  Permissible methods of taking.

    Under a LOA issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 
Sec.  218.56, the Holder of the LOA (herein after 86 FWS) may 
incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by Level A and 
Level B harassment associated with LRS WSEP activities within the area 
described in Sec.  218.50, provided the activities are in compliance 
with all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations in 
this subpart and the associated LOA.


Sec.  218.53  Prohibitions.

    Notwithstanding takings contemplated in Sec.  218.50 and authorized 
by an LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  218.56, 
no person in connection with the activities described in Sec.  218.50 
may:
    (a) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and 
requirements of this subpart or the LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  218.56.
    (b) Take a marine mammal species or stock not specified in the LOA; 
and
    (c) Take a marine mammal species or stock specified in the LOA in 
any manner other than as specified.


Sec.  218.54  Mitigation requirements.

    When conducting activities identified in Sec.  218.50, the 
mitigation measures contained in the LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  218.56 must be implemented. These mitigation 
measures shall include but are not limited to the following general 
conditions:
    (a) Execute missions during day-light hours only, no more than four 
hours per day, no more than one day during 2017, no more than four days 
per year for 2018 through 2022 over a five-day period, on weekdays, and 
only during summer (June through August) or fall (September through 
November) months.
    (b) Delay live munition detonations if a marine mammal is observed 
within the designated exclusion zone (2.3 mile (mi) (3,704 m) from the 
weapon impact site), resuming only after the animal is observed exiting 
the exclusion zone or the exclusion zone has been clear of any 
additional sightings for a period of 30 minutes.
    (c) Delay live munition detonations if a marine mammal is observed 
in an impact zone but outside of the 2.3 mi exclusion zone and if the 
manner of taking is not authorized (e.g., animal is observed in Level A 
impact zone for that species and no Level A take is authorized), 
resuming only after the animal is observed exiting the zone.
    (d) Shift the target site as far as possible from an observed 
marine mammal's location (but within the two-mile wide weapon impact 
area) if a marine mammal is observed during the pre-mission survey or 
during missions and continuing the mission will not result in an 
unauthorized take of a marine mammal.
    (e) Suspend live munition detonations if an unauthorized take of a 
marine mammal occurs, and report the incident to NMFS Office of 
Protected Resources (OPR), NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), 
and the Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network 
representative immediately followed by a report to NMFS within 24 
hours.
    (f) Implement a best management practice, on a daily basis, of 
conducting inert munition training or small bomb detonations prior to 
detonating large bombs if the Project Engineer/Commanding Office 
determines this practice does not interfere with mission training.
    (g) Additional mitigation measures as contained in an LOA.


Sec.  218.55  Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

    (a) Holders of LOAs issued pursuant to Sec.  218.56 for activities 
described in Sec.  218.50(a) are required to cooperate with NMFS, and 
any other Federal, state, or local agency with authority to monitor the 
impacts of the activity on marine mammals. Unless specified otherwise 
in the LOA, the Holder of the LOA must notify the Pacific Islands 
Region Stranding Coordinator, NMFS, by email, at least 72 hours prior 
to LRS WSEP missions.
    (b) All marine mammal monitoring will be carried out in compliance 
with the 86 FWS Marine Mammal Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, dated 
August 2017.
    (c) Aerial Surveys: The 86 FWS will conduct pre-, during, and post-
training surveys each mission day.
    (1) The marine mammal survey monitoring area will extend no less 
than approximately 8 mi (13 kilometers (km)) from the designated impact 
site.
    (2) Surveys will utilize military aircraft equipped with advanced 
targeting sensor pods (e.g., SNIPER pods) at altitudes and speeds ideal 
for detecting marine mammals using such equipment; aircraft will fly 
transect lines covering the entire eight mi monitoring area. A 
helicopter-based survey may substitute the military aircraft survey 
platform and use of sensor pods only if a sensor pod is not be 
available.
    (3) A pre-mission marine mammal survey will commence no later than 
30 minutes prior to beginning training activities.
    (4) Aircraft personnel will also observe for marine mammals during 
training (e.g., on approach to weapon launch location).
    (5) Aircraft personnel will conduct a post-mission survey for 
marine mammals immediately following the end of training each mission 
day. A helicopter may be used in lieu of mission aircraft only if 
sensor pod is not available.
    (d) Range Camera Surveys: 86 FWS personnel will use the Makaha 
Ridge range cameras to monitor for marine mammals within the weapon 
impact area at least 30 minutes prior to, during, and immediately after 
training activities.
    (e) Helicopter surveys: If military aircraft equipped with a sensor 
pod cannot be used for marine mammal surveys, the 86 FWS may substitute 
a

[[Page 39700]]

helicopter as the survey platform. The helicopter will fly at an 
approximately 200 feet altitude and will cover the 8 mi monitoring 
area. If adverse weather conditions preclude the ability for aircraft 
to safely operate, missions would either be delayed until the weather 
clears or cancelled for the day.
    (f) Acoustic Monitoring:
    (1) The 86 FWS will comply with all acoustic monitoring as 
described in the 86 FWS Mitigation and Monitoring Plan.
    (2) Acoustic data from the PRMF hydrophones will be collected and 
stored by the 86 FWS. Data will be analyzed to better understand the 
effects of LRS WSEP missions. The results of the analysis will 
accompany any subsequent LOA request or, if no request is made, no 
later than 90 after expiration of the LOA.
    (g) The 86 FWS will contact the Pacific Islands Region stranding 
coordinator, NMFS, by email, at least 72 hours prior to mission onset 
and one business day after completion of missions to declare that 
missions are complete.
    (h) The Holder of the LOA is required to:
    (1) Submit a draft report to NMFS OPR on all monitoring conducted 
under the LOA within 90 days of the completion of marine mammal 
monitoring or accompanying a subsequent application for regulations. A 
final report shall be prepared and submitted within 30 days following 
resolution of comments on the draft report from NMFS. This report must 
contain the informational elements described in the Monitoring Plan, 
and shall also include:
    (i) Date and time of each LRS WSEP mission;
    (ii) A complete description of the pre-exercise, exercise, and 
post-exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the 
effects of LRS WSEP missions on marine mammals; and;
    (iii) Results of the monitoring program, including numbers by 
species/stock of any marine mammals noted injured or killed as a result 
of the LRS WSEP mission and number of marine mammals (by species if 
possible) that may have been harassed due to presence within the 
designated harassment zones.
    (iv) The draft report will be subject to review and comment by 
NMFS. Any recommendations made by NMFS must be addressed in the final 
report prior to acceptance by NMFS. The draft report will be considered 
the final report for this activity under the LOA if NMFS has not 
provided comments and recommendations within 90 days of receipt of the 
draft report.
    (2) Report injured or dead marine mammals:
    (i) In the unanticipated event that the specified activity clearly 
causes the take of a marine mammal in a manner prohibited by the LOA, 
such as an injury for species not authorized (Level A harassment), 
serious injury, or mortality, the 86 FWS shall immediately cease the 
specified activities and immediately report the incident to Pacific 
Islands Regional Stranding Coordinator (888-256-9840), NMFS followed by 
a report submitted to NMFS Office of Protected Resources and the 
Pacific Islands Regional Office within 24 hours. The report must 
include the following information:
    (A) Time and date of the incident;
    (B) Description of the incident;
    (C) Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
    (D) Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 hours 
preceding the incident;
    (E) Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
    (F) Fate of the animal(s); and
    (G) Photographs or video footage of the animal(s).
    (ii) Activities shall not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the prohibited take. NMFS will work with 86 FWS to 
determine what measures are necessary to minimize the likelihood of 
further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. The 86 FWS may not 
resume their activities until notified by NMFS.
    (iii) In the event that 86 FWS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer determines that the cause of the injury 
or death is unknown and the death is relatively recent (e.g., in less 
than a moderate state of decomposition), 86 FWS shall immediately 
report the incident to the Pacific Islands Regional Stranding 
Coordinator, followed by a report to NMFS Office of Protected Resources 
and the Pacific Island Regional Office within 24 hours of the 
discovery. The report must include the same information identified in 
paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section. Activities may continue while NMFS 
reviews the circumstances of the incident. NMFS will work with 86 FWS 
to determine whether additional mitigation measures or modifications to 
the activities are appropriate.
    (iv) In the event that 86 FWS discovers an injured or dead marine 
mammal, and the lead observer determines that the injury or death is 
not associated with or related to the activities authorized in the LOA 
(e.g., previously wounded animal, carcass with moderate to advanced 
decomposition, scavenger damage), 86 FWS shall report the incident to 
the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the Pacific Islands 
Regional Stranding Coordinator, NMFS, within 24 hours of the discovery. 
The 86 FWS shall provide photographs or video footage or other 
documentation of the stranded animal sighting to NMFS.
    (3) Additional Conditions:
    (i) The Holder of the LOA must inform the Director, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, (301-427-8400) or designee (301-427-8401) 
prior to the initiation of any changes to the monitoring plan for a 
specified mission activity.
    (ii) A copy of the LOA must be in the possession of the safety 
officer on duty each mission day.
    (iii) The LOA may be modified, suspended or withdrawn if the holder 
fails to abide by the conditions prescribed herein, or if NMFS 
determines the authorized taking is having more than a negligible 
impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammals.


Sec.  218.56  Letters of Authorization.

    (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these 
regulations, 86 FWS must apply for and obtain an LOA.
    (b) An LOA, unless suspended or revoked, may be effective for a 
period of time not to exceed the expiration date of these regulations.
    (c) If an LOA expires prior to the expiration date of these 
regulations, 86 FWS must apply for and obtain a renewal of the LOA.
    (d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to 
mitigation and monitoring measures required by an LOA, 86 FWS must 
apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA as described in Sec.  
218.57.
    (e) The LOA will set forth:
    (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;
    (2) The number of marine mammals, by species and stock, authorized 
to be taken;
    (3) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., 
mitigation) on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking, on 
its habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence 
uses; and
    (4) Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
    (f) Issuance of an LOA shall be based on a determination that the 
level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total 
taking allowable under these regulations.

[[Page 39701]]

    (g) Notice of issuance or denial of an LOA will be published in the 
Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.


Sec.  218.57  Renewals and Modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) An LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  
218.56 for the activity identified in Sec.  218.50(a) will be renewed 
or modified upon request by the applicant, provided that:
    (1) The proposed specified activity and mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting measures, as well as the anticipated impacts, are the same as 
those described and analyzed for these regulations (excluding changes 
made pursuant to the adaptive management provision in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section), and
    (2) NMFS determines that the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
measures required by the previous LOA under these regulations were 
implemented.
    (b) For an LOA modification or renewal request by the applicant 
that include changes to the activity or the mitigation, monitoring, or 
reporting (excluding changes made pursuant to the adaptive management 
provision in paragraph (c)(1) of this section) that do not change the 
findings made for the regulations or result in no more than a minor 
change in the total estimated number of takes (or distribution by 
species or years), NMFS may publish a notice of proposed LOA in the 
Federal Register, including the associated analysis illustrating the 
change, and solicit public comment before issuing the LOA.
    (c) An LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  
218.56 for the activity identified in Sec.  218.50(a) may be modified 
by NMFS under the following circumstances:
    (1) Adaptive Management--NMFS may modify and augment the existing 
mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures (after consulting with 
the 86 FWS regarding the practicability of the modifications) if doing 
so creates a reasonable likelihood of more effectively accomplishing 
the goals of the mitigation and monitoring.
    (i) Possible sources of data that could contribute to the decision 
to modify the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures in an LOA 
include, but is not limited to:
    (A) Results of new range-to-effects models based on maximum amount 
of weapons, by type, utilized during each mission;
    (B) Results from 86 FWS's monitoring from the previous year(s);
    (C) Results from other marine mammal and/or sound research or 
studies; or
    (D) Any information that reveals marine mammals may have been taken 
in a manner, extent, or number not authorized by the regulations or 
subsequent LOA.
    (ii) If, through adaptive management, the modifications to the 
mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures are substantial, NMFS 
will publish a notice of proposed LOA in the Federal Register and 
solicit public comment.
    (2) Emergencies--If NMFS determines that an emergency exists that 
poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of 
marine mammals specified in the LOA issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  218.50, an LOA may be modified without prior 
notice or opportunity for public comment. Notice would be published in 
the Federal Register within 30 days of the action.


Sec.  218.58   [Reserved]


Sec.  218.59   [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 2017-17718 Filed 8-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P