[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 8887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03132]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R7-ES-2019-N138; FF07CAMM00-FX-ES111607MRG01]


Endangered Species; Marine Mammals; Seismic Survey Design and 
Impacts to Maternal Polar Bear Dens

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript 
and associated model; notice of public webinars; and request for public 
comments.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
availability of a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript and associated 
model regarding seismic survey design and potential impacts to maternal 
polar bear dens. This manuscript contains information, including a 
methodology and model that may be used for evaluating the effects of 
future seismic survey proposals for their potential impacts to maternal 
polar bear dens. We are also announcing public webinars that will 
provide an overview of the manuscript and model and respond to 
questions. We request public comments on the value of the model and the 
associated methodology described in the peer-viewed scientific 
manuscript in assisting in the evaluation of the effects of future 
seismic survey proposals for their potential impacts to maternal polar 
bear dens.

DATES: Comments will be accepted on or before April 20, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the publication by any of the 
following methods:
    Internet: View or download the document at https://www.fws.gov/alaska/pages/marine-mammals/polar-bear.
    U.S. mail: Send a request via mail to Marine Mammals Management, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 341, 
Anchorage, Alaska 99503.
    Email: Send a request via email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marine Mammals Management via the U.S. 
mail or email address above, by telephone at 1-800-362-5148, or via the 
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service), announce the availability of the following peer-reviewed 
scientific manuscript regarding seismic survey design and impacts to 
maternal polar bear (Ursus maritimus) dens:
    Wilson, R.R. and G.M. Durner. Seismic survey design and impacts to 
maternal polar bear dens.
    This manuscript contains scientific information, including a 
methodology that may be used for evaluating the effect of future 
seismic survey proposals for their potential impacts to maternal polar 
bear dens. Polar bears are currently protected by both the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). When evaluating 
applications for incidental take authorization under the MMPA and when 
conducting section 7 consultations on proposed Federal actions under 
the ESA, the Service uses the best available scientific data. 
Typically, the analysis of a proposed action includes consideration of 
any overlap between the proposed action and marine mammals and 
threatened and endangered species, available information on the effects 
of the proposed action on the species and the species' habitat, and 
measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts. The scientific 
methodology and model contained in the manuscript, made available here, 
is one piece of information being evaluated for use in such an 
analysis.
    It is important to note that the specific analytical approach and 
inputs for any given analysis will be driven by the proposed action or 
application submitted to the Service. The referenced manuscript 
includes a model that was developed to analyze the spatial and temporal 
overlap between a hypothetical terrestrial seismic survey and denning 
polar bears. The potential use of this model should be of interest to 
individuals and entities considering or monitoring activities that may 
affect polar bears.
    We will hold two webinars that will provide an overview of the 
publication and respond to questions, Thursday, March 19, 2020, from 
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Alaska Standard Time, and Friday, March 20, 
2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Alaska Standard Time. Information 
on electronically accessing the webinars will be posted on the 
Service's Alaska Region Marine Mammals Management program website at: 
https://www.fws.gov/alaska/pages/marine-mammals. We request public 
comments on the value of the methodology and model in the peer-reviewed 
scientific manuscript to assist in evaluating the effects of seismic 
survey or other proposals for their potential impacts to maternal polar 
bear dens.

    Dated: February 7, 2020.
Gregory E. Siekaniec,
Regional Director, Alaska Region.
[FR Doc. 2020-03132 Filed 2-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P