[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 74 (Thursday, April 16, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21198-21215]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07969]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XR010]


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Site Characterization 
Surveys Off of New York and New Jersey

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given 
that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to 
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC (Atlantic Shores) to incidentally 
harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during marine site 
characterization surveys off the coasts of New York and New Jersey in 
the area of the Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable 
Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A 0499) and 
along potential submarine cable routes to a landfall location in New 
York or New Jersey.

DATES: This authorization is valid from April 20, 2020 through April 
19, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jordan Carduner, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401. Electronic copies of the applications 
and supporting documents, as well as a list of the references cited in 
this document, may be obtained by visiting the internet at: 
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-other-energy-activities-renewable. In case of 
problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed 
above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The MMPA prohibits the ``take'' of marine mammals, with certain 
exceptions. Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 
et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce (as delegated to NMFS) to 
allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of 
small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a 
specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified 
geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations 
are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a 
proposed incidental take authorization may be provided to the public 
for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for taking for subsistence uses 
(where relevant). Further, NMFS must prescribe the permissible methods 
of taking and other ``means of effecting the least practicable adverse 
impact'' on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying 
particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance, and on the availability of such species or stocks for 
taking for certain subsistence uses (referred to in shorthand as 
``mitigation''); and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, 
monitoring and reporting of such takings are set forth.
    The definitions of all applicable MMPA statutory terms cited above 
are included in the relevant sections below.

Summary of Request

    On November 5, 2019, NMFS received a request from Atlantic Shores 
for an IHA to take marine mammals incidental to marine site 
characterization surveys off the coast of New York and New Jersey in 
the area of the Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable 
Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A 0499) and 
along potential submarine cable routes to a landfall location in either 
New York or New Jersey. A revised application was received on December 
30, 2019. NMFS deemed that request to be adequate and complete. 
Atlantic Shores' request is for the take of 12 marine mammal species by 
Level B harassment. Neither Atlantic Shores nor NMFS expects serious 
injury or mortality to result from this activity and the activity is 
expected to last no more than one year, therefore, an IHA is 
appropriate.

Description of the Proposed Activity

    Atlantic Shores proposes to conduct marine site characterization 
surveys, including high-resolution geophysical (HRG) and geotechnical 
surveys, in the area of Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for 
Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf #OCS-A 0499 
(Lease Area) and along potential submarine cable routes to landfall 
locations in either New York or New Jersey.
    The purpose of the planned surveys is to support the preliminary 
site characterization, siting, and engineering design of offshore wind 
project facilities including wind turbine generators, offshore 
substations, and submarine cables within the Lease Area and along 
export cable routes (ECRs). As many as three survey vessels may operate 
concurrently as part of the planned surveys. Underwater sound resulting 
from Atlantic Shores' planned site characterization surveys has the 
potential to result in incidental take of marine mammals in the form of 
behavioral harassment (i.e., Level B harassment only). The estimated 
duration of the surveys is expected to be up to 350 total days 
(including 210 survey days within the Lease Area and 140 survey days 
within the ECR areas; see Table 1) between April 2020 and April 2021. 
This schedule is based on 24-hour operations and includes

[[Page 21199]]

potential down time due to inclement weather.

            Table 1--Summary of Proposed HRG Survey Segments
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Duration
                     Survey segment                        (survey days)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease Area..............................................             210
Northern ECR............................................              80
Southern ECR............................................              60
All areas combined......................................             350
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Atlantic Shores' geotechnical survey activities are described in 
detail in the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020). 
As described in that notice, the geotechnical survey activities not 
expected to result in the take of marine mammals and are therefore not 
analyzed further in this document. The HRG survey activities planned by 
Atlantic Shores are also described in detail in the notice of proposed 
IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020). The HRG equipment that may be used 
by Atlantic Shores are shown in Table 2. The literature sources for the 
sound source levels shown in Table 2 are in Table 2-2 in the IHA 
application.

                                      Table 2--Summary of HRG Survey Equipment Proposed for Use by Atlantic Shores
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                                                                             Operating                                                         Pulse
         HRG equipment category               Specific HRG equipment         frequency     Source level      Beamwidth     Typical pulse    repetition
                                                                            range (kHz)      (dB rms)        (degrees)     duration (ms)       rate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single Beam Echosounders...............  Kongsberg EA 400...............       38 to 200           222.8              31             0.3              10
                                         Teledyne ODOM Echotrac CVM.....              24           224.6              20             0.3              10
Sparker................................  Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark          0.25 to 5           211.4             180             2.5             1.6
                                          240.
Sub-Bottom Profiler....................  Edgetech 2000-DSS..............         2 to 16             178              24             6.3              10
                                         Edgetech 216...................         2 to 16             179   17, 20, or 24              10              10
                                         Edgetech 424...................         4 to 24             180              71               4               2
                                         Edgetech 512i..................       0.5 to 12             180              80              10              10
                                         Teledyne Benthos Chirp III.....          2 to 7             197             100              15              10
                                                                                10 to 20             205              30              15              10
                                         Kongsberg GeoPulse.............         2 to 12             214   30, 40, or 55              16              10
                                         Innomar SES-2000 Medium-100           85 to 115             241               2               2              40
                                          Parametric.
Boomer.................................  Applied Acoustics S-Boom Triple      0.01 to 20             203              80             0.8               3
                                          Plate.
                                         Applied Acoustics S-Boom.......      0.01 to 20             195              98             0.8               3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described above, detailed description of Atlantic Shores' 
planned surveys is provided in the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; 
February 12, 2020). Since that time, no changes have been made to the 
activities. Therefore, a detailed description is not provided here. 
Please refer to that notice for the detailed description of the 
specified activity. Mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures are 
described in detail later in this document (please see Mitigation and 
Monitoring and Reporting below).

Comments and Responses

    A notice of proposed IHA was published in the Federal Register on 
February 12, 2020 (85 FR 7926). During the 30-day public comment 
period, NMFS received comment letters from the Marine Mammal Commission 
(Commission) and the New Jersey Council of Diving Clubs. NMFS has 
posted the comments online at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-other-energy-activities-renewable. Please see the Commission's letter for full 
details regarding their recommendations.
    Comment 1: The Commission recommends that NMFS incorporate the 
actual beamwidth of 100[deg] rather than 180[deg] for the Teledyne 
Benthos Chirp III and 98[deg] rather than 180[deg] for the Applied 
Acoustics S-Boom and re-estimate the Level A and B harassment zones 
accordingly.
    Response: None of the HRG sources specified by the Commission's 
comment were determined to be the dominant source in terms of Level A/B 
harassment zones and therefore were not used for estimating relevant 
ensonified zones. Additionally, the Commission's recommendations would 
result in harassment zone sizes for these particular sources that would 
be equal to, or lesser than, those described in the proposed IHA, and 
therefore would not result in a change to the dominant source used to 
estimate marine mammal exposures. As re-modeling these specific sources 
would not result in any changes to marine mammal exposure estimates, 
Level A or Level B harassment take numbers, or our determinations, we 
have determined that taking these steps is not warranted for this 
authorization. NMFS will take the Commission's comments into 
consideration for future ITAs for similar activities and sources.
    Comment 2: The Commission recommends that NMFS use the out-of-beam 
source level of 187 dB re 1 [mu]Pa at 1 m from Subacoustech (2018) for 
the Innomar SES-2000 Medium-100 parametric SBP and re-estimate the 
Level A and B harassment zones accordingly. Otherwise, the Commission 
states that NMFS should use the in-beam source level and beamwidth to 
revise the harassment zones accordingly for the parametric SBP.
    Response: With respect to the Innomar SES-2000 Medium-100 
parametric SBP, NMFS has determined that, based on the very narrow beam 
width of this source (i.e., 2 degrees), it is extremely unlikely that a 
marine mammal would be exposed to sound emitted from this particular 
source. In addition, baleen whales are unlikely to hear signals from 
this source, which operates at 85-115 kHz. Therefore, we have 
determined the potential for this source to result in take of marine 
mammals is so low as to be discountable, and re-modeling harassment 
isopleths for this source is therefore not warranted.

[[Page 21200]]

    Comment 3: The Commission recommends that NMFS incorporate water 
depth when considering the beam width for all sources, including in 
this instance single-beam echosounders, shallow-penetration SBPs and 
boomers, and revise the Level A and B harassment zones accordingly.
    Response: NMFS agrees with the Commission that water depth should 
be incorporated in acoustic modeling for HRG sources and acknowledges 
that depth was not incorporated in the modeling of HRG sources that was 
used for modeling exposure estimates in the notice of proposed IHA (85 
FR 7926; February 12, 2020). However, NMFS has confirmed using a 
recently-developed spreadsheet tool that accompanies our interim HRG 
guidance (NMFS, 2019),which incorporates water depth, that the 
incorporation of water depth in modeling the HRG sources planned for 
use by Atlantic Shores would result only in smaller harassment zones 
for some sources, and would not result in larger zones for any sources. 
In addition, for the source that was determined to be the dominant 
source in terms of the Level B harassment zone and was therefore used 
to model acoustic exposures (the AA DuraSpark 240), using our interim 
guidance (NMFS, 2019) we determined incorporation of depth resulted in 
no change to the modeled Level B harassment isopleth. As a result, NMFS 
will take the Commission's comments into consideration for future ITAs 
for similar activities and sources to ensure action proponents 
incorporate depth into acoustic modeling (as we agree is appropriate). 
However, as taking this step would not change the modeled distances to 
relevant isopleths for dominant sources, and therefore would result in 
no change to exposure estimates, authorized take numbers, or our 
determinations, NMFS has determined that taking this step for this 
particular authorization is not warranted. We note that the recently-
developed spreadsheet tool that accompanies the NMFS interim HRG 
guidance, referred to above, was not publicly available at the time the 
Atlantic Shores IHA application was submitted, but is now available to 
the public upon request. We also note that the NMFS interim HRG 
guidance did not previously incorporate water depth, but a revised 
version has been developed since the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 
7926; February 12, 2020) was published, and this version will be shared 
with applicants from this point onward. These recent developments will 
ensure water depth will be incorporated in future IHAs issued for HRG 
surveys.
    Comment 4: The Commission recommends that NMFS and BOEM expedite 
efforts to develop and finalize, in the next six months, methodological 
and signal processing standards for HRG sources. Those standards should 
be used by action proponents that conduct HRG surveys and that either 
choose to conduct in-situ measurements to inform an authorization 
application or are required to conduct measurements to fulfill a lease 
condition set forth by BOEM.
    Response: NMFS agrees with the Commission that methodological and 
signal processing standards for HRG sources is warranted and is working 
on developing such standards. However, NMFS cannot ensure such 
standards will be developed within the Commission's preferred time 
frame.
    Comment 5: The Commission recommends that NMFS (1) prohibit 
Atlantic Shores and other action proponents from using the impulsive 
Level A harassment thresholds for estimating the extents of the Level A 
harassment zones for non-impulsive sources (i.e., echosounders, 
shallow-penetration SBPs, pingers, etc.) and (2) require action 
proponents to use the correct Level A harassment thresholds in all 
future applications.
    Response: NMFS concurs with the Commission's recommendation. As 
described in the notice of proposed IHA, NMFS does not agree with 
Atlantic Shores' characterization of certain HRG sources as impulsive 
sources. However, this characterization results in more conservative 
modeling results. Thus, we have assessed the potential for Level A 
harassment to result from the proposed activities based on the modeled 
Level A harassment zones with the acknowledgement that these zones are 
likely conservative. This approach allows us to assess the impacts of 
the proposed activity conservatively and is appropriate in this case. 
Therefore, it is unnecessary to make any changes to the analysis for 
this proposed activity. However, we will proactively work with action 
proponents to require use of the correct Level A harassment thresholds 
in all future applications.
    Comment 6: The Commission recommends that NMFS (1) re-estimate all 
of the Level A and B harassment zones using its user spreadsheet that 
incorporates the operating frequency and beam width and (2) provide the 
spreadsheet to all action proponents that conduct HRG surveys, post it 
on NMFS's website, and require all action proponents to use it for all 
future HRG-related authorizations.
    Response: NMFS appreciates the Commission's comments and concurs 
with this recommendation. However, the current Level A harassment User 
Spreadsheet does not incorporate operating frequency or beam width as 
inputs for assessing Level A harassment zones. The tool referenced by 
the Commission is in development and will not be available for use 
prior to making a decision regarding the issuance of this IHA. In 
addition, re-estimating the isopleth distances for Level A harassment 
with the incorporation of operating frequency and beam width would 
result in smaller Level A zones and would therefore not result in any 
change in our determination as to whether Level A harassment is a 
likely outcome of the activity. Therefore, the Level A harassment zones 
will not be recalculated. Note that the current User Spreadsheet is 
available on our website. The current interim guidance for determining 
Level B harassment zones does incorporate operating frequency and beam 
width. We strongly recommend that applicants employ these tools, as we 
believe they are best currently available methodologies. However, 
applicants are free to develop additional models or use different tools 
if they believe they are more representative of real-world conditions.
    Comment 7: The Commission recommends that NMFS (1) continue to 
prohibit action proponents, including Atlantic Shores, from using a 
100-msec integration time to adjust the SPLrms-based source levels when 
estimating the Level B harassment zones, (2) ensure that the Federal 
Register notice for the final authorization does not incorrectly state 
that pulse duration was considered in the estimation of the Level B 
harassment zones, and (3) require action proponents to omit any related 
discussions regarding integration time from all future applications to 
avoid unnecessary confusion and errors in future Federal Register 
notices.
    Response: As the Commission is aware, NMFS does not have the 
authority to require action proponents to omit the discussion of 
particular topics in ITA applications. We will, however, continue to 
prohibit applicants from using a 100-msec integration time to adjust 
the SPLrms-based source levels when estimating the Level B harassment 
zones, as we have done in this IHA. NMFS has removed references to the 
use of pulse duration for the estimation of Level B harassment zones.
    Comment 8: The Commission recommends that NMFS evaluate the impacts 
of sound sources consistently across all action proponents and deem

[[Page 21201]]

sources de minimis in a consistent manner for all proposed incidental 
harassment authorizations and rulemakings. This has the potential to 
reduce burdens on both action proponents and NMFS.
    Response: NMFS concurs with the Commission's recommendation and 
agrees that sound sources should be analyzed in a consistent manner and 
agrees that sources determined to result in de minimis impact should 
generally be considered unlikely to result in take under the MMPA. As 
an example, NMFS has determined that most types of geotechnical survey 
equipment are generally unlikely to result in the incidental take of 
marine mammals (in the absence of site-specific or species-specific 
circumstances that may warrant additional analysis). NMFS has not made 
such a determination with respect to all HRG sources. As NMFS has not 
made a determination that sound from all HRG sources would be 
considered de minimis we cannot rule out the potential for these 
sources to result in the incidental take of marine mammals.
    Comment 9: The Commission recommends that NMFS consider whether, in 
such situations involving HRG surveys, incidental harassment 
authorizations are necessary given the small size of the Level B 
harassment zones, the proposed shut-down requirements, and the added 
protection afforded by the lease-stipulated exclusion zones. 
Specifically, the Commission states that NMFS should evaluate whether 
taking needs to be authorized for those sources that are not considered 
de minimis, including sparkers and boomers, and for which 
implementation of the various mitigation measures should be sufficient 
to avoid Level B harassment takes.
    Response: NMFS has evaluated whether taking needs to be authorized 
for those sources that are not considered de minimis, including 
sparkers and boomers, factoring into consideration the effectiveness of 
mitigation and monitoring measures, and we have determined that 
implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures cannot ensure that 
all take can be avoided during all HRG survey activities under all 
circumstances at this time. If and when we are able to reach such a 
conclusion, we will re-evaluate our determination that incidental take 
authorization is warranted for these activities.
    Comment 10: The Commission recommends that NMFS authorize up to two 
Level B harassment takes of sei whales based on group size.
    Response: Based on survey data from 2010 through 2018 from the 
Annual Reports of Comprehensive Assessments of Marine Mammal, Marine 
Turtle, and Seabird Abundance and Spatial Distribution in U.S. waters 
of the Western North Atlantic Ocean (AMAPPS), published by the NOAA 
Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers, the mean 
group size for sei whales was determined to be 1.3 whales (NOAA 
Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers, 2019, 
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011). However, to be 
conservative, we have authorized two takes of sei whales to account for 
the fact that sei whales may be encountered in pairs.
    Comment 11: The Commission recommends that NMFS authorize up to 30 
Level B harassment takes of Risso's dolphins for Atlantic Shores based 
on group size.
    Response: Based on AMAPPS survey data from 2010 through 2018, the 
mean group size for Risso's dolphins was determined to be 5.9 dolphins 
(NOAA Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers, 
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011). We have 
therefore not followed the recommendation of the Commission and have 
authorized 6 takes of Risso's dolphins based on group size as proposed 
in our notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020).
    Comment 12: The Commission recommends that NMFS require Atlantic 
Shores to report as soon as possible and cease project activities 
immediately in the event of an unauthorized injury or mortality of a 
marine mammal from a vessel strike until the NMFS Office of Protected 
Resources and the NMFS New England/Mid-Atlantic Regional Stranding 
Coordinator determine whether additional measures are necessary to 
minimize the potential for additional unauthorized takes.
    Response: NMFS has imposed a suite of measures in this IHA to 
reduce the risk of vessel strikes and has not authorized any takes 
associated with vessel strikes. However, NMFS does not concur and does 
not adopt the recommendation. NMFS does not agree that a blanket 
requirement for project activities to cease would be practicable for a 
vessel that is operating on the open water, and it is unclear what 
mitigation benefit would result from such a requirement in relation to 
vessel strike. The Commission does not suggest what measures other than 
those prescribed in this IHA would potentially prove more effective in 
reducing the risk of strike. Therefore, we have not included this 
requirement in the authorization. NMFS retains authority to modify the 
IHA and cease all activities immediately based on a vessel strike and 
will exercise that authority if warranted.
    Comment 13: The Commission recommends that NMFS refrain from 
issuing renewals for any authorization and instead use its abbreviated 
Federal Register notice process. That process is similarly expeditious 
and fulfills NMFS's intent to maximize efficiencies, and that NMFS (1) 
stipulate that a renewal is a one-time opportunity (a) in all Federal 
Register notices requesting comments on the possibility of a renewal, 
(b) on its web page detailing the renewal process, and (c) in all draft 
and final authorizations that include a term and condition for a 
renewal and, (2) if NMFS refuses to stipulate a renewal being a one-
time opportunity, explain why it will not do so in its Federal Register 
notices, on its web page, and in all draft and final authorizations.
    Response: NMFS does not agree with the Commission and, therefore, 
does not adopt the Commission's recommendations. NMFS believes IHA 
renewals can be appropriate in certain limited circumstances. NMFS will 
provide a more detailed response within 120 days, as required by 
section 202(d) of the MMPA.
    Comment 14: The Commission recommends that, for all authorizations 
and rulemakings, NMFS provide separate, detailed explanations for not 
following or adopting any Commission recommendation.
    Response: NMFS agrees that section 202(d) of the MMPA requires that 
any recommendations made by the Commission be responded to within 120 
days of receipt, and that response to recommendations that are not 
followed or adopted must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of 
the reasons why. Therefore, NMFS concurs with the Commission's 
recommendation that NMFS provide detailed explanations for not 
following or adopting any Commission recommendation.
    However, NMFS disagrees with the Commission's underlying allegation 
that we have not provided the necessary responses, as required by the 
MMPA. Section 202(d) requires NMFS to provide detailed explanations of 
the reasons why recommendations are not adopted within 120 days, 
however it does not provide the Commission with the authority to assess 
the adequacy of NMFS' response, and NMFS believes that the explanations 
provided are sufficient. Regarding certain examples where NMFS does 
acknowledge having yet to provide the requisite detailed explanation, 
the Commission notes that it has been ``over a month'' with no

[[Page 21202]]

response. However, as noted accurately by the Commission, the statute 
requires only that the explanation be provided within 120 days.
    Comment 15: The New Jersey Council of Diving Clubs recommended that 
Atlantic Shores take steps to safeguard sport divers that are in the 
area of proposed surveys.
    Response: The commenter's letter focused on specific issues that 
are not germane to our consideration of requested action under the 
MMPA, and provided recommendations relating to mitigation of potential 
impacts to recreational divers. NMFS's proposed action--the issuance of 
an IHA authorizing incidental take of marine mammals--necessarily 
results in impacts only to marine mammals and marine mammal habitat. 
Therefore, the comments are not relevant to NMFS's proposed action. 
Although NMFS does not have the authority to require measures specific 
to diver safety, we have provided the commenter's letter to Atlantic 
Shores for their consideration.

Changes From the Proposed IHA to Final IHA

    As described above, the following revision has been made to 
authorized take numbers:
     Authorized Level B harassment takes of sei whales has been 
revised from one to two.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activity

    Sections 3 and 4 of the IHA application summarize available 
information regarding status and trends, distribution and habitat 
preferences, and behavior and life history, of the potentially affected 
species. Additional information regarding population trends and threats 
may be found in NMFS' Stock Assessment Reports (SARs; 
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessments) and more general information about these species 
(e.g., physical and behavioral descriptions) may be found on NMFS' 
website (www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species).
    Table 3 summarizes information related to the population or stock, 
including regulatory status under the MMPA and ESA and potential 
biological removal (PBR), where known. For taxonomy, we follow 
Committee on Taxonomy (2019). PBR is 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 (as described in NMFS' 
SARs). While no mortality is anticipated or authorized here, PBR is 
included here as a gross indicator of the status of the species and 
other threats.
    Marine mammal abundance estimates presented in this document 
represent the total number of individuals that make up a given stock or 
the total number estimated within a particular study or survey area. 
NMFS' stock abundance estimates for most species represent the total 
estimate of individuals within the geographic area, if known, that 
comprises that stock. For some species, this geographic area may extend 
beyond U.S. waters. All managed stocks in this region are assessed in 
NMFS' U.S. Atlantic SARs. All values presented in Table 3 are the most 
recent available at the time of publication and are available in the 
2019 draft Atlantic SARs (Hayes et al., 2019), available online at: 
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessment-reports-region.

                       Table 3--Marine Mammals Known To Occur in the Survey Area That May Be Affected by Atlantic Shores' Activity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Stock
                                                     MMPA and  ESA  abundance (CV,
                                                        status;       Nmin,  most      Predicted                     Annual  M/SI      Occurrence  in
 Common name  (scientific name)        Stock        strategic  (Y/      recent      abundance (CV)      PBR \4\           \4\           project area
                                                        N) \1\         abundance          \3\
                                                                      survey) \2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Toothed whales (Odontoceti)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sperm whale (Physeter            North Atlantic...            E; Y    4,349 (0.28;    5,353 (0.12)             6.9             0.0  Rare.
 macrocephalus).                                                       3,451; n/a)
Long-finned pilot whale          W North Atlantic.            -; N    39,215 (0.3;      \5\ 18,977             306              21  Rare.
 (Globicephala melas).                                                30,627; n/a)          (0.11)
Atlantic white-sided dolphin     W North Atlantic.            -; N   93,233 (0.71;   37,180 (0.07)             544              26  Common.
 (Lagenorhynchus acutus).                                             54,443; n/a)
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops     W North Atlantic,             -;N   62,851 (0.23;      \5\ 97,476             519              28  Common offshore.
 truncatus).                      Offshore.                          51,914; 2011)          (0.06)
                                 W North Atlantic,             -;N    6,639 (0.41;                              48        6.1-13.2  Common nearshore.
                                  Northern Coastal                    4,759; 2015)
                                  Migratory.
Common dolphin (Delphinus        W North Atlantic.             -;N         172,825   86,098 (0.12)           1,452             419  Common.
 delphis).                                                                  (0.21;
                                                                    145,216; 2011)
Atlantic spotted dolphin         W North Atlantic.             -;N   39,921 (0.27;   55,436 (0.32)             320               0  Common.
 (Stenella frontalis).                                               32,032; 2012)
Risso's dolphin (Grampus         W North Atlantic.             -;N   35,493 (0.19;    7,732 (0.09)             303            54.3  Rare.
 griseus).                                                           30,289; 2011)

[[Page 21203]]

 
Harbor porpoise (Phocoena        Gulf of Maine/Bay             -;N   95,543 (0.31;        * 45,089             851             217  Common.
 phocoena).                       of Fundy.                          74,034; 2011)          (0.12)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Baleen whales (Mysticeti)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale       W North Atlantic.            E; Y  428 (0; 418; n/   * 535 (0.45)             0.8            6.85  Occur seasonally.
 (Eubalaena glacialis).                                                         a)
Humpback whale (Megaptera        Gulf of Maine....             -;N       1,396 (0;  * 1,637 (0.07)              22           12.15  Common year round.
 novaeangliae).                                                        1,380; n/a)
Fin whale (Balaenoptera          W North Atlantic.            E; Y    7,418 (0.25;    4,633 (0.08)              12            2.35  Year round in
 physalus).                                                            6,025; n/a)                                                   continental shelf
                                                                                                                                     and slope waters.
Sei whale (Balaenoptera          Nova Scotia......            E; Y   6,292 (1.015;    * 717 (0.30)             6.2             1.0  Year round in
 borealis).                                                            3,098; n/a)                                                   continental shelf
                                                                                                                                     and slope waters.
Minke whale (Balaenoptera        Canadian East                 -;N    24,202 (0.3;  * 2,112 (0.05)             8.0             7.0  Year round in
 acutorostrata).                  Coast.                              18,902; n/a)                                                   continental shelf
                                                                                                                                     and slope waters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Earless seals (Phocidae)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gray seal \6\ (Halichoerus       W North Atlantic.             -;N   27,131 (0.19;  ..............           1,389           5,410  Common.
 grypus).                                                             23,158; n/a)
Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)...  W North Atlantic.             -;N   75,834 (0.15;  ..............           2,006             350  Common.
                                                                     66,884; 2012)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 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\ Stock abundance as reported in NMFS marine mammal stock assessment reports (SAR) except where otherwise noted. SARs available online at:
  www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessments. 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 2019 draft Atlantic SARs (Hayes et al., 2019).
\3\ This information represents species- or guild-specific abundance predicted by recent habitat-based cetacean density models (Roberts et al., 2016,
  2017, 2018). These models provide the best available scientific information regarding predicted density patterns of cetaceans in the U.S. Atlantic
  Ocean, and we provide the corresponding abundance predictions as a point of reference. Total abundance estimates were produced by computing the mean
  density of all pixels in the modeled area and multiplying by its area. For those species marked with an asterisk, the available information supported
  development of either two or four seasonal models; each model has an associated abundance prediction. Here, we report the maximum predicted abundance.
\4\ Potential biological removal, 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). Annual M/SI, found in NMFS' SARs,
  represent annual levels of human-caused mortality plus serious injury from all sources combined (e.g., commercial fisheries, subsistence hunting, ship
  strike). Annual M/SI values often cannot be determined precisely and is in some cases presented as a minimum value. All M/SI values are as presented
  in the draft 2019 SARs (Hayes et al., 2019).
\5\ Abundance estimates are in some cases reported for a guild or group of species when those species are difficult to differentiate at sea. Similarly,
  the habitat-based cetacean density models produced by Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018) are based in part on available observational data which, in
  some cases, is limited to genus or guild in terms of taxonomic definition. Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018) produced density models to genus level
  for Globicephala spp. and produced a density model for bottlenose dolphins that does not differentiate between offshore and coastal stocks.
\6\ NMFS stock abundance estimate applies to U.S. population only, actual stock abundance is approximately 505,000.


[[Page 21204]]

    Four marine mammal species that are listed under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) may be present in the survey area and are included in 
the take request: The North Atlantic right whale, fin whale, sei whale, 
and sperm whale. We consulted under section 7 of the ESA with the NMFS 
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) on our authorization 
of take for these species; please see the Endangered Species Act 
section below.
    A detailed description of the species likely to be affected by 
Atlantic Shores' surveys, including brief introductions to the species 
and relevant stocks as well as available information regarding 
population trends and threats, and information regarding local 
occurrence, were provided in the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; 
February 12, 2020). Since that time, we are not aware of any changes in 
the status of these species and stocks; therefore, detailed 
descriptions are not provided here. Please refer to that notice for 
these descriptions. Please also refer to NMFS' website 
(www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species) for generalized species accounts.

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    The effects of underwater noise from Atlantic Shores' survey 
activities have the potential to result in behavioral harassment of 
marine mammals in the vicinity of the survey area. The notice of 
proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020) included a discussion of 
the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals and the potential 
effects of underwater noise from Atlantic Shores' survey activities on 
marine mammals and their habitat. That information and analysis is 
incorporated by reference into this final IHA determination and is not 
repeated here; please refer to the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; 
February 12, 2020).

Estimated Take

    This section provides an estimate of the number of incidental takes 
authorized through this IHA, which will inform both NMFS' consideration 
of ``small numbers'' and the negligible impact determination.
    Harassment is the only type of take expected to result from these 
activities. Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent 
here, section 3(18) of the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as any act of 
pursuit, torment, or annoyance, which (i) has the potential to injure a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); 
or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal 
stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, 
including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, 
feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).
    Authorized takes would be by Level B harassment only, in the form 
of disruption of behavioral patterns for individual marine mammals 
resulting from exposure to HRG sources. Based on the nature of the 
activity and the anticipated effectiveness of the mitigation measures 
(i.e., exclusion zones and shutdown measures), discussed in detail 
below in the Mitigation section, Level A harassment is neither 
anticipated nor authorized.
    As described previously, no mortality is anticipated or authorized 
for this activity. Below we describe how the take is estimated.
    Generally speaking, 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. We note that while these basic 
factors can contribute to a basic calculation to provide an initial 
prediction of takes, additional information that can qualitatively 
inform take estimates is also sometimes available (e.g., previous 
monitoring results or average group size). Below, we describe the 
factors considered here in more detail and present the take estimate.

Acoustic Thresholds

    Using the best available science, NMFS has developed acoustic 
thresholds that identify the received level of underwater sound above 
which exposed marine mammals would be reasonably expected to be 
behaviorally harassed (equated to Level B harassment) or to incur PTS 
of some degree (equated to Level A harassment).
    Level B Harassment--Though significantly driven by received level, 
the onset of behavioral disturbance from anthropogenic noise exposure 
is also informed to varying degrees by other factors related to the 
source (e.g., frequency, predictability, duty cycle), the environment 
(e.g., bathymetry), and the receiving animals (hearing, motivation, 
experience, demography, behavioral context) and can be difficult to 
predict (Southall et al., 2007, Ellison et al., 2012). Based on what 
the available science indicates and the practical need to use a 
threshold based on a factor that is both predictable and measurable for 
most activities, NMFS uses a generalized acoustic threshold based on 
received level to estimate the onset of behavioral harassment. NMFS 
predicts that marine mammals are likely to be behaviorally harassed in 
a manner we consider Level B harassment when exposed to underwater 
anthropogenic noise above received levels of 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) 
for impulsive and/or intermittent sources (e.g., impact pile driving) 
and 120 dB rms for continuous sources (e.g., vibratory driving). 
Atlantic Shores' proposed activity includes the use of impulsive and 
intermittent sources (geophysical survey equipment) therefore use of 
the 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) threshold is applicable.
    Level A harassment--NMFS' Technical Guidance for Assessing the 
Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0) 
(Technical Guidance, 2018) identifies dual criteria to assess auditory 
injury (Level A harassment) to five different marine mammal groups 
(based on hearing sensitivity) as a result of exposure to noise from 
two different types of sources (impulsive or non-impulsive). The 
components of Atlantic Shores' proposed activity that may result in the 
take of marine mammals include the use of impulsive sources. We note 
that sources that operate with a repetition rate greater than 10 Hz 
were assessed by Atlantic Shores with the non-impulsive (intermittent) 
source criteria and sources with a repetition rate equal to or less 
than 10 Hz were assessed with the impulsive source criteria. This 
resulted in all echosounders, sparkers, boomers and sub-bottom 
profilers (with the exception of one: The Innomar SES-2000 Medium-100 
parametric sub-bottom profiler) being categorized as impulsive for 
purposes of modeling Level A harassment zones.
    These thresholds are provided in Table 4 below. The references, 
analysis, and methodology used in the development of the thresholds are 
described in NMFS 2018 Technical Guidance, which may be accessed at: 
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-acoustic-technical-guidance.

[[Page 21205]]



                     Table 4--Thresholds Identifying the Onset of Permanent Threshold Shift
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    PTS onset acoustic thresholds *  (received level)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Hearing group                        Impulsive                         Non-impulsive
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-Frequency (LF) Cetaceans...........  Cell 1: Lpk,flat: 219 dB;   Cell 2: LE,LF,24h: 199 dB.
                                          LE,LF,24h: 183 dB.
Mid-Frequency (MF) Cetaceans...........  Cell 3: Lpk,flat: 230 dB;   Cell 4: LE,MF,24h: 198 dB.
                                          LE,MF,24h: 185 dB.
High-Frequency (HF) Cetaceans..........  Cell 5: Lpk,flat: 202 dB;   Cell 6: LE,HF,24h: 173 dB.
                                          LE,HF,24h: 155 dB.
Phocid Pinnipeds (PW) (Underwater).....  Cell 7: Lpk,flat: 218 dB;   Cell 8: LE,PW,24h: 201 dB.
                                          LE,PW,24h: 185 dB.
Otariid Pinnipeds (OW) (Underwater)....  Cell 9: Lpk,flat: 232 dB;   Cell 10: LE,OW,24h: 219 dB.
                                          LE,OW,24h: 203 dB.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Dual metric acoustic thresholds for impulsive sounds: Use whichever results in the largest isopleth for
  calculating PTS onset. If a non-impulsive sound has the potential of exceeding the peak sound pressure level
  thresholds associated with impulsive sounds, these thresholds should also be considered.
Note: Peak sound pressure (Lpk) has a reference value of 1 [mu]Pa, and cumulative sound exposure level (LE) has
  a reference value of 1[mu]Pa\2\s. In this Table, thresholds are abbreviated to reflect American National
  Standards Institute standards (ANSI 2013). However, peak sound pressure is defined by ANSI as incorporating
  frequency weighting, which is not the intent for this Technical Guidance. Hence, the subscript ``flat'' is
  being included to indicate peak sound pressure should be flat weighted or unweighted within the generalized
  hearing range. The subscript associated with cumulative sound exposure level thresholds indicates the
  designated marine mammal auditory weighting function (LF, MF, and HF cetaceans, and PW and OW pinnipeds) and
  that the recommended accumulation period is 24 hours. The cumulative sound exposure level thresholds could be
  exceeded in a multitude of ways (i.e., varying exposure levels and durations, duty cycle). When possible, it
  is valuable for action proponents to indicate the conditions under which these acoustic thresholds will be
  exceeded.

Ensonified Area

    Here, we describe operational and environmental parameters of the 
activity that will feed into identifying the area ensonified above the 
acoustic thresholds, which include source levels and transmission loss 
coefficient.
    The proposed survey would entail the use of HRG equipment. The 
distance to the isopleth corresponding to the threshold for Level B 
harassment was calculated for all HRG equipment with the potential to 
result in harassment of marine mammals. NMFS has developed an interim 
methodology for determining the rms sound pressure level 
(SPLrms) at the 160-dB isopleth for the purposes of 
estimating take by Level B harassment resulting from exposure to HRG 
survey equipment (NMFS, 2019). This methodology incorporates frequency 
and some directionality to refine estimated ensonified zones. Atlantic 
Shores used the methods specified in the interim methodology (NMFS, 
2019) with additional modifications to incorporate a seawater 
absorption formula and a method to account for energy emitted outside 
of the primary beam of the source. For sources that operate with 
different beam widths, the maximum beam width was used. The lowest 
frequency of the source was used when calculating the absorption 
coefficient. The formulas used to apply the methodology are described 
in detail in Appendix B of the IHA application. As described above, 
NMFS acknowledges that water depth should also be incorporated in 
modeling of HRG sources but was not incorporated in the modeling of HRG 
sources in the notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020). 
However, also as noted above, NMFS has confirmed using a recently-
developed spreadsheet tool that accompanies the NMFS interim HRG 
guidance (NMFS, 2019), which incorporates water depth, that the 
incorporation of water depth in modeling the HRG sources proposed for 
use by Atlantic Shores would result only in smaller harassment zones 
for some sources, and would not result in larger zones for any sources.
    NMFS considers the data provided by Crocker and Fratantonio (2016) 
to represent the best available information on source levels associated 
with HRG equipment and therefore recommends that source levels provided 
by Crocker and Fratantonio (2016) be incorporated in the method 
described above to estimate isopleth distances to the Level B 
harassment threshold. In cases when the source level for a specific 
type of HRG equipment is not provided in Crocker and Fratantonio 
(2016), NMFS recommends that either the source levels provided by the 
manufacturer be used, or, in instances where source levels provided by 
the manufacturer are unavailable or unreliable, a proxy from Crocker 
and Fratantonio (2016) be used instead. Table 1 shows the HRG equipment 
types that may be used during the planned surveys and the sound levels 
associated with those HRG equipment types. Table 2-2 in the IHA 
application shows the literature sources for the sound source levels 
that are shown in Table 2 and that were incorporated into the modeling 
of isopleth distances to the Level B harassment threshold.
    Results of modeling using the methodology described above indicated 
that, of the HRG survey equipment planned for use by Atlantic Shores 
that has the potential to result in harassment of marine mammals, sound 
produced by the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 sparker would 
propagate furthest to the Level B harassment threshold (Table 5); 
therefore, for the purposes of the exposure analysis, it was assumed 
the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 would be active during the entire 
duration of the surveys. Thus the distance to the isopleth 
corresponding to the threshold for Level B harassment for the Applied 
Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 (estimated at 372 m; Table 5) was used as the 
basis of the take calculation for all marine mammals. Note that this 
results in a conservative estimate of the total ensonified area 
resulting from the proposed activities as Atlantic Shores may not 
operate the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 during the entire survey, 
and for any survey segments in which it is not ultimately operated the 
distance to the Level B harassment threshold would be less than 372 m 
(Table 5). However, as Atlantic Shores cannot predict the precise 
number of survey days that will require the use of the Applied 
Acoustics Dura-Spark 240, it was assumed that it would operated during 
the entire duration of the planned surveys.

[[Page 21206]]



Table 5--Modeled Radial Distances From HRG Survey Equipment to Isopleths Corresponding to Level A Harassment and
                                          Level B Harassment Thresholds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Radial distance to Level A harassment threshold  (m) *          Radial
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------   distance to
                                                                                                      Level B
                                                                                                    harassment
          Sound source             Low frequency   Mid frequency       High           Phocid      threshold  (m)
                                     cetaceans       cetaceans       frequency       pinnipeds   ---------------
                                                                     cetaceans     (underwater)     All marine
                                                                                                      mammals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kongsberg EA 400................              <1               2             213              <1             172
Teledyne ODOM Echotrac CVM......              <1               1             220              <1             173
Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240               1              <1               9               1             372
Edgetech 2000-DSS...............              <1              <1              <1              <1               4
Edgetech 216....................              <1              <1              <1              <1               5
Edgetech 424....................              <1              <1              <1              <1               6
Edgetech 512i...................              <1              <1              <1              <1               7
Teledyne Benthos Chirp III......             n/a             n/a             n/a             n/a              71
Kongsberg GeoPulse..............             n/a             n/a             n/a             n/a             231
Innomar SES-2000 Medium-100                   <1              <1              60              <1             116
 Parametric.....................
Applied Acoustics S-Boom Triple               <1              <1              38              <1              97
 Plate..........................
Applied Acoustics S-Boom........              <1              <1              13              <1              56
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Distances to the Level A harassment threshold based on the larger of the dual criteria (peak SPL and SELcum)
  are shown. For the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 the peak SPL metric resulted in larger isopleth distances;
  for all other sources the SELcum metric resulted in larger isopleth distances.

    Predicted distances to Level A harassment isopleths, which vary 
based on marine mammal functional hearing groups (Table 4), were also 
calculated. The updated acoustic thresholds for impulsive sounds (such 
as HRG survey equipment) contained in the Technical Guidance (NMFS, 
2018) were presented as dual metric acoustic thresholds using both 
cumulative sound exposure level (SELcum) and peak sound 
pressure level metrics. As dual metrics, NMFS considers onset of PTS 
(Level A harassment) to have occurred when either one of the two 
metrics is exceeded (i.e., the metric resulting in the largest 
isopleth). The SELcum metric considers both level and 
duration of exposure, as well as auditory weighting functions by marine 
mammal hearing group.
    Modeling of distances to isopleths corresponding to the Level A 
harassment threshold was performed for all types of HRG equipment 
proposed for use with the potential to result in harassment of marine 
mammals. Atlantic Shores used a new model developed by JASCO to 
calculate distances to Level A harassment isopleths based on both the 
peak SPL and the SELcum metric. For the peak SPL metric, the 
model is a series of equations that accounts for both seawater 
absorption and HRG equipment beam patterns (for all HRG sources with 
beam widths larger than 90[deg], it was assumed these sources were 
omnidirectional). For the SELcum metric, a model was 
developed that accounts for the hearing sensitivity of the marine 
mammal group, seawater absorption, and beam width for downwards-facing 
transducers. Details of the modeling methodology for both the peak SPL 
and SELcum metrics are provided in Appendix A of the IHA 
application. This model entails the following steps:
    1. Weighted broadband source levels were calculated by assuming a 
flat spectrum between the source minimum and maximum frequency, 
weighted the spectrum according to the marine mammal hearing group 
weighting function (NMFS 2018), and summed across frequency.
    2. Propagation loss was modeled as a function of oblique range.
    3. Per-pulse SEL was modeled for a stationary receiver at a fixed 
distance off a straight survey line, using a vessel transit speed of 
3.5 knots and source-specific pulse length and repetition rate. The 
off-line distance is referred to as the closest point of approach (CPA) 
and was performed for CPA distances between 1 m and 10 km. The survey 
line length was modeled as 10 km long (analysis showed longer survey 
lines increased SEL by a negligible amount). SEL is calculated as SPL + 
10 log10 T/15 dB, where T is the pulse duration.
    4. The SEL for each survey line was calculated to produce curves of 
weighted SEL as a function of CPA distance.
    5. The curves from Step 4 above were used to estimate the CPA 
distance to the impact criteria.
    We note that in the modeling methods described above and in 
Appendix A of the IHA application, sources that operate with a 
repetition rate greater than 10 Hz were assessed with the non-impulsive 
(intermittent) source criteria while sources with a repetition rate 
equal to or less than 10 Hz were assessed with the impulsive source 
criteria. This resulted in all echosounders, sparkers, boomers and sub-
bottom profilers (with the exception of one: The Innomar SES-2000 
Medium-100 parametric sub-bottom profiler) being categorized as 
impulsive for purposes of modeling Level A harassment zones. As noted 
above, NMFS does not agree with this step in the modeling assessment, 
which results in nearly all HRG sources being classified as impulsive. 
However, we note that the classification of the majority of HRG sources 
as impulsive results in more conservative modeling results. Therefore, 
we are retaining the analysis of Level A harassment zones from the 
notice of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020), though this 
analysis does incorporate a 10 Hz repetition rate as a cutoff between 
impulsive and non-impulse sources. We acknowledge that this modeling 
approach results in zones are likely conservative for some sources.
    Modeled isopleth distances to Level A harassment thresholds for all 
types of HRG equipment and all marine mammal functional hearing groups 
are shown in Table 5. The dual criteria (peak SPL and 
SELcum) were applied to all HRG sources using the modeling 
methodology as described above, and the largest isopleth distances for 
each functional hearing group were then carried forward in the exposure 
analysis to be conservative. For the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240 
the peak SPL metric resulted in larger isopleth distances; for all HRG 
sources other than the Applied Acoustics Dura-Spark 240, the 
SELcum metric resulted in larger isopleth distances. 
Distances to the Level A harassment threshold based on the larger of 
the dual criteria (peak SPL and SELcum) are shown in Table 
5.

[[Page 21207]]

    Modeled distances to isopleths corresponding to the Level A 
harassment threshold are very small (< 3 m) for three of the four 
marine mammal functional hearing groups that may be impacted by the 
proposed activities (i.e., low frequency and mid frequency cetaceans, 
and phocid pinnipeds; see Table 5). Based on the very small Level A 
harassment zones for these functional hearing groups, the potential for 
species within these functional hearing groups to be taken by Level A 
harassment is considered so low as to be discountable. These three 
functional hearing groups encompass all but one of the marine mammal 
species listed in Table 3 that may be impacted by the proposed 
activities. There is one species (harbor porpoise) within the high 
frequency functional hearing group that may be impacted by the proposed 
activities. The largest modeled distance to the Level A harassment 
threshold for the high frequency functional hearing group was 220 m 
(Table 5). However, as noted above, modeled distances to isopleths 
corresponding to the Level A harassment threshold are assumed to be 
conservative. Level A harassment would also be more likely to occur at 
close approach to the sound source or as a result of longer duration 
exposure to the sound source, and mitigation measures--including a 100-
m exclusion zone for harbor porpoises--are expected to minimize the 
potential for close approach or longer duration exposure to active HRG 
sources. In addition, the two HRG sources with the large calculated 
Level A zones are highly directional (Table 5), which lessens 
significantly the likelihood of exposure. Finally, harbor porpoises are 
a notoriously shy species which is known to avoid vessels, and would 
also be expected to avoid a sound source prior to that source reaching 
a level that would result in injury (Level A harassment). Therefore, we 
have determined that the potential for take by Level A harassment of 
harbor porpoises is so low as to be discountable. As NMFS has 
determined that the likelihood of take of any marine mammals in the 
form of Level A harassment occurring as a result of the planned surveys 
is so low as to be discountable, we therefore do not propose to 
authorize the take by Level A harassment of any marine mammals.

Marine Mammal Occurrence

    In this section we provide the information about the presence, 
density, or group dynamics of marine mammals that will inform the take 
calculations.
    The habitat-based density models produced by the Duke University 
Marine Geospatial Ecology Laboratory (Roberts et al., 2016, 2017, 2018) 
represent the best available information regarding marine mammal 
densities in the proposed survey area. The density data presented by 
Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018) incorporates aerial and shipboard 
line-transect survey data from NMFS and other organizations and 
incorporates data from 8 physiographic and 16 dynamic oceanographic and 
biological covariates, and controls for the influence of sea state, 
group size, availability bias, and perception bias on the probability 
of making a sighting. These density models were originally developed 
for all cetacean taxa in the U.S. Atlantic (Roberts et al., 2016). In 
subsequent years, certain models have been updated on the basis of 
additional data as well as certain methodological improvements. Our 
evaluation of the changes leads to a conclusion that these represent 
the best scientific evidence available. More information is available 
online at seamap.env.duke.edu/models/Duke-EC-GOM-2015/. Marine mammal 
density estimates in the project area (animals/km\2\) were obtained 
using these model results (Roberts et al., 2016, 2017, 2018). The 
updated models incorporate additional sighting data, including 
sightings from the NOAA Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for 
Protected Species (AMAPPS) surveys from 2010-2014 (NEFSC & SEFSC, 2011, 
2012, 2014a, 2014b, 2015, 2016).
    For the exposure analysis, density data from Roberts et al. (2016, 
2017, 2018) were mapped using a geographic information system (GIS). 
The density coverages that included any portion of the survey areas 
were selected for all potential survey months. For each of the survey 
areas (i.e., Lease Area, CER North and ECR South), the densities of 
each species as reported by Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018) were 
averaged by season; thus, a density was calculated for each species for 
spring, summer, fall and winter. To be conservative, the greatest 
seasonal density calculated for each species was then carried forward 
in the exposure analysis. Estimated seasonal densities (animals per 
km\2\) of all marine mammal species that may be taken by the planned 
survey, for all survey areas are shown in Tables B-1, B-2 and B-3 in 
Appendix C of the IHA application. The maximum seasonal density values 
used to estimate take numbers are shown in Table 6 below.
    For bottlenose dolphin densities, Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018) 
does not differentiate by stock. The Western North Atlantic northern 
migratory coastal stock only occurs in coastal waters from the 
shoreline to approximately the 20-m isobath (Hayes et al. 2018). As the 
Lease Area is located within depths exceeding 20-m, where the offshore 
stock would typically be expected to occur, all calculated bottlenose 
dolphin exposures within the Lease Area were assigned to the offshore 
stock. However, both stocks have the potential to occur in the ECR 
North and ECR South survey areas. To account for the potential for 
mixed stocks within ECR North and South, the survey areas ECR North and 
South were divided approximately along the 20-m depth isobath, which 
roughly corresponds to the 10-fathom contour on NOAA navigation charts. 
As approximately 33 percent of ECR North and ECR South are 20-m or less 
in depth, 33 percent of the estimated take calculation for bottlenose 
dolphins was applied to the Western North Atlantic northern migratory 
coastal stock and the remaining 67 percent was applied to the offshore 
stock. Similarly, Roberts et al. (2018) produced density models for all 
seals and did not differentiate by seal species. Because the 
seasonality and habitat use by gray seals roughly overlaps with that of 
harbor seals in the survey areas, it was assumed that modeled takes of 
seals could occur to either of the respective species, thus the total 
number of modeled takes for seals was applied to each species. This 
approach represents a double-counting of expected total seal takes and 
is therefore conservative.

      Table 6--Maximum Seasonal Marine Mammal Densities (Number of Animals per 100 km2) in the Survey Areas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Species                                Lease area       ECR North       ECR South
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale......................................           0.087           0.068           0.073
Humpback whale..................................................           0.076           0.082           0.103
Fin whale.......................................................           0.100           0.080           0.057
Sei whale.......................................................           0.004           0.004           0.002
Minke whale.....................................................           0.055           0.017           0.019
Sperm Whale.....................................................           0.013           0.005           0.003

[[Page 21208]]

 
Long-finned pilot whale.........................................           0.036           0.012           0.009
Bottlenose dolphin (W. N. Atlantic Coastal Migratory)...........  ..............          21.675          58.524
Bottlenose dolphin (W. N. Atlantic Offshore)....................          21.752          21.675          58.524
Common dolphin..................................................           3.120           1.644           1.114
Atlantic white-sided dolphin....................................           0.487           0.213           0.152
Atlantic spotted dolphin........................................           0.076           0.059           0.021
Risso's dolphin.................................................           0.010           0.001           0.002
Harbor porpoise.................................................           2.904           7.357           2.209
Gray seal.......................................................           4.918           9.737           6.539
Harbor seal.....................................................           4.918           9.737           6.539
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All density values derived from Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018). Densities shown represent the maximum
  seasonal density values calculated.

Take Calculation and Estimation

    Here we describe how the information provided above is brought 
together to produce a quantitative take estimate.
    In order to estimate the number of marine mammals predicted to be 
exposed to sound levels that would result in harassment, radial 
distances to predicted isopleths corresponding to harassment thresholds 
are calculated, as described above. Those distances are then used to 
calculate the area(s) around the HRG survey equipment predicted to be 
ensonified to sound levels that exceed harassment thresholds. The area 
estimated to be ensonified to relevant thresholds in a single day is 
then calculated, based on areas predicted to be ensonified around the 
HRG survey equipment and the estimated trackline distance traveled per 
day by the survey vessel.
    Atlantic Shores estimates that planned surveys will achieve a 
maximum daily track line distance of 85 km per day. This distance 
accounts for the vessel traveling at approximately 3.5 kn and accounts 
for non-active survey periods. Based on the maximum estimated distance 
to the Level B harassment threshold of 372 m (Table 5) and the maximum 
estimated daily track line distance of 85 km, an area of 63.675 km\2\ 
would be ensonified to the Level B harassment threshold per day during 
Atlantic Shores' planned surveys. As described above, this is a 
conservative estimate as it assumes the HRG source that results in the 
greatest isopleth distance to the Level B harassment threshold would be 
operated at all times during the entire survey, which may not 
ultimately occur.
    The number of marine mammals expected to be incidentally taken per 
day is then calculated by estimating the number of each species 
predicted to occur within the daily ensonified area (animals/km\2\), 
incorporating the estimated marine mammal densities as described above. 
Estimated numbers of each species taken per day are then multiplied by 
the total number of survey days (i.e., 350). The product is then 
rounded, to generate an estimate of the total number of instances of 
harassment expected for each species over the duration of the survey. A 
summary of this method is illustrated in the following formula:
    Estimated Take = D x ZOI x # of days

Where: D = average species density (per km\2\) and ZOI = maximum daily 
ensonified area to relevant thresholds.

     Table 7--Numbers of Potential Incidental Take of Marine Mammals Authorized and Takes as a Percentage of
                                                   Population
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Total
                                  Takes by Level     Estimated    Takes by Level                   instances of
             Species               A  harassment     takes by      B  harassment    Total takes      take as a
                                    authorized        Level B       authorized      authorized    percentage  of
                                                    harassment                                    population \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic right whale......               0              18               9               9             2.2
Humpback whale..................               0              18              18              18             1.1
Fin whale.......................               0              20              20              20             0.4
Sei whale \2\...................               0               1               2               2             0.3
Minke whale.....................               0               9               9               9             0.4
Sperm whale \2\.................               0               2               3               3             0.1
Long-finned pilot whale.........               0               6               6               6             0.0
Bottlenose dolphin (W.N.                       0           1,102           1,102           1,102            16.6
 Atlantic Coastal Migratory)....
Bottlenose dolphin (W.N.                       0           5,113           5,113           5,113             8.1
 Atlantic Offshore).............
Common dolphin..................               0             544             544             544             0.6
Atlantic white-sided dolphin....               0              82              82              82             0.2
Atlantic spotted dolphin \2\....               0              14             100             100             0.2
Risso's Dolphin \2\.............               0               2               6               6             0.1
Harbor porpoise.................               0             115             115             115             0.3
Harbor seal.....................               0           1,404           1,404           1,404             1.9

[[Page 21209]]

 
Gray seal.......................               0           1,404           1,404           1,404             0.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Calculations of percentage of stock taken are based on the best available abundance estimate as shown in
  Table 3. In most cases the best available abundance estimate is provided by Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018),
  when available, to maintain consistency with density estimates derived from Roberts et al. (2016, 2017, 2018).
  For North Atlantic right whales the best available abundance estimate is derived from the North Atlantic Right
  Whale Consortium 2019 Annual Report Card (Pettis et al., 2019). For bottlenose dolphins and seals, Roberts et
  al. (2016, 2017, 2018) provides only a single abundance estimate and does not provide abundance estimates at
  the stock or species level (respectively), so abundance estimates used to estimate percentage of stock taken
  for bottlenose dolphins, gray and harbor seals are derived from NMFS SARs (Hayes et al., 2019).
\2\ The number of authorized takes (Level B harassment only) for these species has been increased from the
  estimated take number to mean group size (i.e., Risso's dolphin, sperm whale and Atlantic spotted dolphin) or
  to account for the fact that the species may be encountered in pairs despite estimated mean group size being
  less than two (i.e., sei whale). Sources for mean group size estimates are as follows: Risso's dolphin: (NOAA
  Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012,
  2011); Atlantic spotted dolphin: Herzing and Perrin (2018); sperm whale: Barkaszi and Kelly (2019).

    The numbers of takes authorized are shown in Table 7. Atlantic 
Shores did not request take authorization for four marine mammal 
species for which takes by Level B harassment were calculated based on 
the modeling approach described above: North Atlantic right, fin, sei, 
and sperm whale. Though the modeling resulted in estimates of take for 
these species as shown in Table 7, Atlantic Shores determined that take 
of these species could be avoided due to mitigation. However, given the 
size of the modeled Level B harassment zone, the duration of the 
planned surveys, and the fact that surveys will occur 24 hours per day, 
NMFS is not confident that all takes of these species could be avoided 
due to mitigation, and we therefore authorize the number of Level B 
harassment takes shown in Table 7. For fin whales we authorize the 
number of takes modeled. For sei and sperm whales we authorize takes 
based on the numbers modeled but increased the numbers based on mean 
group size for the species (described further below). For North 
Atlantic right whale, we authorize one half of the takes modeled, as we 
expect that mitigation measures, including a 500-m exclusion zone for 
right whales (which exceeds the Level B harassment zone by over 100-m 
and will be implemented during daylight hours) will be at least that 
effective in reducing the potential for takes by Level B harassment.
    As described above, Roberts et al. (2018) produced density models 
for all seals and did not differentiate by seal species. The take 
calculation methodology as described above resulted in an estimate of 
1,404 total seal takes. Based on this estimate, Atlantic Shores 
requested 1,404 takes each of harbor and gray seals, based on an 
assumption that the modeled takes could occur to either of the 
respective species. Although this is a conservative approach, we 
authorize the requested take numbers for seals as shown in Table 7.
    Using the take methodology approach described above, the take 
estimates for Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin and sperm whale were 
less than the average group sizes estimated for these species (Table 
7). However, information on the social structures of these species 
indicates these species are likely to be encountered in groups. 
Therefore it is reasonable to conservatively assume that one group of 
each of these species will be taken during the planned survey. We 
therefore authorize the take of the average group size for these 
species to account for the possibility that the planned survey 
encounters a group of either of these species (Table 7).
    Using the take methodology approach described above, the take 
estimate for sei whale resulted in an estimate of one take. While the 
mean group size estimate from AMAPPS survey data from 2010 through 2018 
was 1.3 whales (NOAA Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries 
Science Centers, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), 
to be conservative we have authorized the take of two sei whales to 
account for the fact that the species may be encountered in pairs (NOAA 
Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers, 2019, 
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011) (Table 7).
    As described above, NMFS has determined that the likelihood of take 
of any marine mammals in the form of Level A harassment occurring as a 
result of the planned surveys is so low as to be discountable; 
therefore, we do not authorize the take of any marine mammals by Level 
A harassment.

Mitigation

    In order to issue an IHA under Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, 
NMFS must set forth the permissible methods of taking pursuant to such 
activity, and other means of effecting the least practicable 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). 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)).
    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;

[[Page 21210]]

    (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.

Mitigation Measures

    NMFS has required that the following mitigation measures be 
implemented during Atlantic Shores' planned marine site 
characterization surveys.

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zones, Buffer Zone and Monitoring Zone

    Marine mammal exclusion zones (EZ) would be established around the 
HRG survey equipment and monitored by protected species observers (PSO) 
during HRG surveys as follows:
     A 500-m EZ would be required for North Atlantic right 
whales; and
     A 100-m EZ would be required for all other marine mammals.
    If a marine mammal is detected approaching or entering the EZs 
during the survey, the vessel operator would adhere to the shutdown 
procedures described below. In addition to the EZs described above, 
PSOs would visually monitor a 200 m Buffer Zone. During use of acoustic 
sources with the potential to result in marine mammal harassment (i.e., 
anytime the acoustic source is active, including ramp-up), occurrences 
of marine mammals within the Buffer Zone (but outside the EZs) would be 
communicated to the vessel operator to prepare for potential shutdown 
of the acoustic source. The Buffer Zone is not applicable when the EZ 
is greater than 100 meters. PSOs would also be required to observe a 
500-m Monitoring Zone and record the presence of all marine mammals 
within this zone. In addition, observation of any marine mammals within 
the Level B harassment zone will be documented. The zones described 
above would be based upon the radial distance from the active equipment 
(rather than being based on distance from the vessel itself).

Visual Monitoring

    A minimum of one NMFS-approved PSO must be on duty and conducting 
visual observations at all times during daylight hours (i.e., from 30 
minutes prior to sunrise through 30 minutes following sunset) and 30 
minutes prior to and during nighttime ramp-ups of HRG equipment. Visual 
monitoring would begin no less than 30 minutes prior to ramp-up of HRG 
equipment and would continue until 30 minutes after use of the acoustic 
source ceases or until 30 minutes past sunset. PSOs would establish and 
monitor the applicable EZs, Buffer Zone and Monitoring Zone as 
described above. Visual PSOs must ensure 360[deg] visual coverage 
around the vessel from the most appropriate observation posts, and 
would conduct visual observations using binoculars and the naked eye 
while free from distractions and in a consistent, systematic, and 
diligent manner. PSOs would estimate distances to marine mammals 
located in proximity to the vessel and/or relevant using range finders. 
It would be the responsibility of the Lead PSO on duty to communicate 
the presence of marine mammals as well as to communicate and enforce 
the action(s) that are necessary to ensure mitigation and monitoring 
requirements are implemented as appropriate. Position data would be 
recorded using hand-held or vessel global positioning system (GPS) 
units for each confirmed marine mammal sighting.

Pre-Clearance of the Exclusion Zones

    Prior to initiating HRG survey activities, Atlantic Shores would 
implement a 30-minute pre-clearance period. During pre-clearance 
monitoring (i.e., before ramp-up of HRG equipment begins), the Buffer 
Zone would also act as an extension of the 100 m EZ in that 
observations of marine mammals within the 200 m Buffer Zone would also 
preclude HRG operations from beginning. During this period, PSOs would 
ensure that no marine mammals are observed within 200 m of the survey 
equipment (500 m in the case of North Atlantic right whales). HRG 
equipment would not start up until this 200 m zone (or, 500 m zone in 
the case of North Atlantic right whales) is clear of marine mammals for 
at least 30 minutes. The vessel operator would notify a designated PSO 
of the planned start of HRG survey equipment as agreed upon with the 
lead PSO; the notification time should not be less than 30 minutes 
prior to the planned initiation of HRG equipment order to allow the 
PSOs time to monitor the EZs and Buffer Zone for the 30 minutes of pre-
clearance. A PSO conducting pre-clearance observations would be 
notified again immediately prior to initiating active HRG sources.
    If a marine mammal were observed within the relevant EZs or Buffer 
Zone during the pre-clearance period, initiation of HRG survey 
equipment would not begin until the animal(s) has been observed exiting 
the respective EZ or Buffer Zone, or, until an additional time period 
has elapsed with no further sighting (i.e., minimum 15 minutes for 
small odontocetes and seals, and 30 minutes for all other species). The 
pre-clearance requirement would include small delphinoids that approach 
the vessel (e.g., bow ride). PSOs would also continue to monitor the 
zone for 30 minutes after survey equipment is shut down or survey 
activity has concluded.

Ramp-Up of Survey Equipment

    When technically feasible, a ramp-up procedure would be used for 
geophysical survey equipment capable of adjusting energy levels at the 
start or re-start of survey activities. The ramp-up procedure would be 
used at the beginning of HRG survey activities in order to provide 
additional protection to marine mammals near the survey area by 
allowing them to detect the presence of the survey and vacate the area 
prior to the commencement of survey equipment operation at full power. 
Ramp-up of the survey equipment would not begin until the relevant EZs 
and Buffer Zone has been cleared by the PSOs, as described above. HRG 
equipment would be initiated at their lowest power output and would be 
incrementally increased to full power. If any marine mammals are 
detected within the EZs or Buffer Zone prior to or during ramp-up, the 
HRG equipment would be shut down (as described below).

Shutdown Procedures

    If an HRG source is active and a marine mammal is observed within 
or entering a relevant EZ (as described above) an immediate shutdown of 
the HRG survey equipment would be required. When shutdown is called for 
by a PSO, the acoustic source would be immediately deactivated and any 
dispute resolved only following deactivation. Any PSO on duty would 
have the authority to delay the start of survey operations or to call 
for shutdown of the acoustic source if a marine mammal is detected 
within the applicable EZ. The vessel operator would establish and 
maintain clear lines of communication directly between PSOs on duty and 
crew controlling the HRG source(s) to ensure that shutdown commands are 
conveyed swiftly while allowing PSOs to maintain watch. Subsequent 
restart of the HRG equipment would only occur after the marine mammal 
has either been observed exiting the relevant EZ, or, until an 
additional time period has elapsed with no further sighting of the 
animal within the relevant EZ (i.e., 15 minutes for small odontocetes 
and seals, and 30 minutes for large whales).
    Upon implementation of shutdown, the HRG source may be reactivated 
after the marine mammal that triggered the shutdown has been observed 
exiting the

[[Page 21211]]

applicable EZ (i.e., the animal is not required to fully exit the 
Buffer Zone where applicable), or, following a clearance period of 15 
minutes for small odontocetes and seals and 30 minutes for all other 
species with no further observation of the marine mammal(s) within the 
relevant EZ. If the HRG equipment shuts down for brief periods (i.e., 
less than 30 minutes) for reasons other than mitigation (e.g., 
mechanical or electronic failure) the equipment may be re-activated as 
soon as is practicable at full operational level, without 30 minutes of 
pre-clearance, only if PSOs have maintained constant visual observation 
during the shutdown and no visual detections of marine mammals occurred 
within the applicable EZs and Buffer Zone during that time. For a 
shutdown of 30 minutes or longer, or if visual observation was not 
continued diligently during the pause, pre-clearance observation is 
required, as described above.
    The shutdown requirement would be waived for certain genera of 
small delphinids (i.e., Delphinus, Lagenorhynchus, Stenella, and 
Tursiops) under certain circumstances. If a delphinid(s) from these 
genera is visually detected approaching the vessel (i.e., to bow ride) 
or towed survey equipment, shutdown would not be required. If there is 
uncertainty regarding identification of a marine mammal species (i.e., 
whether the observed marine mammal(s) belongs to one of the delphinid 
genera for which shutdown is waived), PSOs would use best professional 
judgment in making the decision to call for a shutdown.
    If a species for which authorization has not been granted, or, a 
species for which authorization has been granted but the authorized 
number of takes have been met, approaches or is observed within the 
area encompassing the Level B harassment isopleth (372 m), shutdown 
would occur.

Vessel Strike Avoidance

    Vessel strike avoidance measures would include, but would not be 
limited to, the following, except under circumstances when complying 
with these requirements would put the safety of the vessel or crew at 
risk:
     All vessel operators and crew will maintain vigilant watch 
for cetaceans and pinnipeds, and slow down or stop their vessel to 
avoid striking these protected species;
     All survey vessels, regardless of size, must observe a 10-
knot speed restriction in specific areas designated by NMFS for the 
protection of North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes: Any 
Dynamic Management Areas (DMA) when in effect, and the Mid-Atlantic 
Seasonal Management Area (SMA) off the entrance to New York harbor 
(from November 1 through April 30);
     All vessel operators will reduce vessel speed to 10 knots 
(18.5 km/hr) or less when any large whale, any mother/calf pairs, large 
assemblages of non-delphinoid cetaceans are observed near (within 100 m 
(330 ft)) an underway vessel;
     All survey vessels will maintain a separation distance of 
500 m (1640 ft) or greater from any sighted North Atlantic right whale;
     If underway, vessels must steer a course away from any 
sighted North Atlantic right whale at 10 knots (18.5 km/hr) or less 
until the 500 m (1640 ft) minimum separation distance has been 
established. If a North Atlantic right whale is sighted in a vessel's 
path, or within 100 m (330 ft) to an underway vessel, the underway 
vessel must reduce speed and shift the engine to neutral. Engines will 
not be engaged until the North Atlantic right whale has moved outside 
of the vessel's path and beyond 100 m. If stationary, the vessel must 
not engage engines until the North Atlantic right whale has moved 
beyond 100 m;
     All vessels will maintain a separation distance of 100 m 
(330 ft) or greater from any sighted non-delphinoid cetacean. If 
sighted, the vessel underway must reduce speed and shift the engine to 
neutral, and must not engage the engines until the non-delphinoid 
cetacean has moved outside of the vessel's path and beyond 100 m. If a 
survey vessel is stationary, the vessel will not engage engines until 
the non-delphinoid cetacean has moved out of the vessel's path and 
beyond 100 m;
     All vessels will maintain a separation distance of 50 m 
(164 ft) or greater from any sighted delphinoid cetacean. Any vessel 
underway remain parallel to a sighted delphinoid cetacean's course 
whenever possible, and avoid excessive speed or abrupt changes in 
direction. Any vessel underway reduces vessel speed to 10 knots (18.5 
km/hr) or less when pods (including mother/calf pairs) or large 
assemblages of delphinoid cetaceans are observed. Vessels may not 
adjust course and speed until the delphinoid cetaceans have moved 
beyond 50 m and/or the abeam of the underway vessel;
     All vessels will maintain a separation distance of 50 m 
(164 ft) or greater from any sighted pinniped; and
     All vessels underway will not divert or alter course in 
order to approach any whale, delphinoid cetacean, or pinniped. Any 
vessel underway will avoid excessive speed or abrupt changes in 
direction to avoid injury to the sighted cetacean or pinniped.
    Atlantic Shores will ensure that vessel operators and crew maintain 
a vigilant watch for marine mammals by slowing down or stopping the 
vessel to avoid striking marine mammals. Project-specific training will 
be conducted for all vessel crew prior to the start of survey 
activities. Confirmation of the training and understanding of the 
requirements will be documented on a training course log sheet. Signing 
the log sheet will certify that the crew members understand and will 
comply with the necessary requirements throughout the survey 
activities.

Seasonal Operating Requirements

    As described above, the section of the survey area partially 
overlaps with a portion of a North Atlantic right whale SMA off the 
port of New York/New Jersey. This SMA is active from November 1 through 
April 30 of each year. All survey vessels, regardless of length, would 
be required to adhere to vessel speed restrictions (<10 kn) when 
operating within the SMA during times when the SMA is active. In 
addition, between watch shifts, members of the monitoring team would 
consult NMFS' North Atlantic right whale reporting systems for the 
presence of North Atlantic right whales throughout survey operations. 
Members of the monitoring team would also monitor the NMFS North 
Atlantic right whale reporting systems for the establishment of DMA. If 
NMFS should establish a DMA in the survey area while surveys are 
underway, Atlantic Shores would contact NMFS within 24 hours of the 
establishment of the DMA to determine whether alteration of survey 
activities was warranted to avoid right whales to the extent possible.
    The mitigation measures are designed to avoid some instances of 
Level B harassment, and to minimize the potential for vessel strikes. 
Further, we believe the mitigation measures are practicable for the 
applicant to implement. Atlantic Shores plans to implement mitigation 
measures in addition to the measures described above; for information 
on these additional measures, see Section 11 of the IHA application.
    There are no known marine mammal rookeries or mating or calving 
grounds in the survey area that would otherwise potentially warrant 
increased mitigation measures for marine mammals or their habitat (or 
both). The survey would occur in an area that has been identified as a 
biologically important area for

[[Page 21212]]

migration for North Atlantic right whales. However, given the small 
spatial extent of the survey area relative to the substantially larger 
spatial extent of the right whale migratory area, the survey is not 
expected to appreciably reduce migratory habitat nor to negatively 
impact the migration of North Atlantic right whales, thus mitigation to 
address the survey's occurrence in North Atlantic right whale migratory 
habitat is not warranted.
    Based on our evaluation of the required measures, as well as other 
measures considered by NMFS, NMFS has determined that the mitigation 
measures provide the means effecting the least practicable impact on 
the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular 
attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance.

Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an IHA for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(D) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth requirements pertaining to the 
monitoring and reporting of such taking. The MMPA implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that requests for 
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 
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.

Monitoring Measures

    As described above, visual monitoring would be performed by 
qualified and NMFS-approved PSOs. Atlantic Shores would use 
independent, dedicated, trained PSOs, meaning that the PSOs must be 
employed by a third-party observer provider, must have no tasks other 
than to conduct observational effort, collect data, and communicate 
with and instruct relevant vessel crew with regard to the presence of 
marine mammals and mitigation requirements (including brief alerts 
regarding maritime hazards), and must have successfully completed an 
approved PSO training course appropriate for their designated task. 
Atlantic Shores would provide resumes of all proposed PSOs (including 
alternates) to NMFS for review and approval.
    During survey operations (e.g., any day on which use of an HRG 
source is planned to occur), a minimum of one PSO must be on duty and 
conducting visual observations at all times on all active survey 
vessels during daylight hours (i.e., from 30 minutes prior to sunrise 
through 30 minutes following sunset) and nighttime ramp-ups of HRG 
equipment. Visual monitoring would begin no less than 30 minutes prior 
to initiation of HRG survey equipment and would continue until one hour 
after use of the acoustic source ceases or until 30 minutes past 
sunset. PSOs would coordinate to ensure 360[deg] visual coverage around 
the vessel from the most appropriate observation posts, and would 
conduct visual observations using binoculars and the naked eye while 
free from distractions and in a consistent, systematic, and diligent 
manner. PSOs may be on watch for a maximum of 4 consecutive hours 
followed by a break of at least 2 hours between watches and may conduct 
a maximum of 12 hours of observation per 24-hour period. In cases where 
multiple vessels are surveying concurrently, any observations of marine 
mammals would be communicated to PSOs on all survey vessels.
    PSOs would be equipped with binoculars and have the ability to 
estimate distances to marine mammals located in proximity to the vessel 
and/or exclusion zone using range finders. Reticulated binoculars will 
also be available to PSOs for use as appropriate based on conditions 
and visibility to support the monitoring of marine mammals. Position 
data would be recorded using hand-held or vessel GPS units for each 
sighting. Observations would take place from the highest available 
vantage point on the survey vessel. General 360-degree scanning would 
occur during the monitoring periods, and target scanning by the PSO 
would occur when alerted of a marine mammal presence.
    During good conditions (e.g., daylight hours; Beaufort sea state 
(BSS) 3 or less), to the maximum extent practicable, PSOs would conduct 
observations when the acoustic source is not operating for comparison 
of sighting rates and behavior with and without use of the acoustic 
source and between acquisition periods. Any observations of marine 
mammals by crew members aboard any vessel associated with the survey 
would be relayed to the PSO team.
    Data on all PSO observations would be recorded based on standard 
PSO collection requirements. This would include dates, times, and 
locations of survey operations; dates and times of observations, 
location and weather; details of marine mammal sightings (e.g., 
species, numbers, behavior); and details of any observed marine mammal 
take that occurs (e.g., noted behavioral disturbances).

Reporting Measures

    Within 90 days after completion of survey activities, a final 
technical report will be provided to NMFS that fully documents the 
methods and monitoring protocols, summarizes the data recorded during 
monitoring, summarizes the number of marine mammals estimated to have 
been taken during survey activities (by species, when known), 
summarizes the mitigation actions taken during surveys (including what 
type of mitigation and the species and number of animals that prompted 
the mitigation action, when known), and provides an interpretation of 
the results and effectiveness of all mitigation and monitoring. Any 
recommendations made by NMFS must be addressed in the final report 
prior to acceptance by NMFS.
    In addition to the final technical report, Atlantic Shores will 
provide the reports described below as necessary during survey 
activities. In the unanticipated event that Atlantic

[[Page 21213]]

Shores' activities lead to an injury (Level A harassment) of a marine 
mammal, Atlantic Shores would immediately cease the specified 
activities and report the incident to the NMFS Office of Protected 
Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division and the NMFS New 
England/Mid-Atlantic Stranding Coordinator. The report would include 
the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Name and type of vessel involved;
     Vessel's speed during and leading up to the incident;
     Description of the incident;
     Status of all sound source use in the 24 hours preceding 
the incident;
     Water depth;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, and visibility);
     Description of all marine mammal observations in the 24 
hours preceding the incident;
     Species identification or description of the animal(s) 
involved;
     Fate of the animal(s); and
     Photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if 
equipment is available).
    Activities would not resume until NMFS is able to review the 
circumstances of the event. NMFS would work with Atlantic Shores to 
minimize reoccurrence of such an event in the future. Atlantic Shores 
would not resume activities until notified by NMFS.
    In the event that Atlantic Shores personnel discover an injured or 
dead marine mammal, Atlantic Shores would report the incident to the 
OPR Permits and Conservation Division and the NMFS New England/Mid-
Atlantic Stranding Coordinator as soon as feasible. The report would 
include the following information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the first 
discovery (and updated location information if known and applicable);
     Species identification (if known) or description of the 
animal(s) involved;
     Condition of the animal(s) (including carcass condition if 
the animal is dead);
     Observed behaviors of the animal(s), if alive;
     If available, photographs or video footage of the 
animal(s); and
     General circumstances under which the animal was 
discovered.
    In the unanticipated event of a ship strike of a marine mammal by 
any vessel involved in the activities covered by the IHA, Atlantic 
Shores would report the incident to the NMFS OPR Permits and 
Conservation Division and the NMFS New England/Mid-Atlantic Stranding 
Coordinator as soon as feasible. The report would include the following 
information:
     Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the 
incident;
     Species identification (if known) or description of the 
animal(s) involved;
     Vessel's speed during and leading up to the incident;
     Vessel's course/heading and what operations were being 
conducted (if applicable);
     Status of all sound sources in use;
     Description of avoidance measures/requirements that were 
in place at the time of the strike and what additional measures were 
taken, if any, to avoid strike;
     Environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, 
Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, visibility) immediately preceding the 
strike;
     Estimated size and length of animal that was struck;
     Description of the behavior of the marine mammal 
immediately preceding and following the strike;
     If available, description of the presence and behavior of 
any other marine mammals immediately preceding the strike;
     Estimated fate of the animal (e.g., dead, injured but 
alive, injured and moving, blood or tissue observed in the water, 
status unknown, disappeared); and
     To the extent practicable, photographs or video footage of 
the animal(s).

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).
    To avoid repetition, our analysis applies to all the species listed 
in Table 3, given that NMFS expects the anticipated effects of the 
planned survey to be similar in nature. NMFS does not anticipate that 
serious injury or mortality would occur as a result of Atlantic Shores' 
survey, even in the absence of mitigation. Thus the authorization does 
not authorize any serious injury or mortality. As discussed in the 
Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and their 
Habitat section, non-auditory physical effects and vessel strike are 
not expected to occur. Additionally and as discussed previously, given 
the nature of activity and sounds sources used and especially in 
consideration of the required mitigation, Level A harassment is neither 
anticipated nor authorized. We expect that all potential takes would be 
in the form of short-term Level B behavioral harassment in the form of 
temporary avoidance of the area, reactions that are considered to be of 
low severity and with no lasting biological consequences (e.g., 
Southall et al., 2007).
    Effects on individuals that are taken by Level B harassment, on the 
basis of reports in the literature as well as monitoring from other 
similar activities, will likely be limited to reactions such as 
increased swimming speeds, increased surfacing time, or decreased 
foraging (if such activity were occurring). Most likely, individuals 
will simply move away from the sound source and temporarily avoid the 
area where the survey is occurring. We expect that any avoidance of the 
survey area by marine mammals would be temporary in nature and that any 
marine mammals that avoid the survey area during the survey activities 
would not be permanently displaced. Even repeated Level B harassment of 
some small subset of an overall stock is unlikely to result in any 
significant realized decrease in viability for the affected 
individuals, and thus would not result in any adverse impact to the 
stock as a whole.

[[Page 21214]]

    In addition to being temporary and short in overall duration, the 
acoustic footprint of the survey is small relative to the overall 
distribution of the animals in the area and their use of the area. 
Potential impacts to marine mammal habitat were discussed in the notice 
of proposed IHA (85 FR 7926; February 12, 2020). Marine mammal habitat 
may be impacted by elevated sound levels, but these impacts would be 
temporary. There are no areas of notable biological significance for 
marine mammal feeding known to exist in the project area. Feeding 
behavior is not likely to be significantly impacted, as prey species 
are mobile and are broadly distributed throughout the project area; 
therefore, marine mammals that may be temporarily displaced during 
survey activities are expected to be able to resume foraging once they 
have moved away from areas with disturbing levels of underwater noise. 
Because of the temporary nature of the disturbance and the availability 
of similar habitat and resources in the surrounding area, the impacts 
to marine mammals and the food sources that they utilize are not 
expected to cause significant or long-term consequences for individual 
marine mammals or their populations.
    There are no rookeries, mating areas or calving areas known to be 
biologically important to marine mammals within the survey area. The 
survey area overlaps a portion of a biologically important migratory 
area for North Atlantic right whales (effective March-April and 
November-December) that extends from Massachusetts to Florida 
(LaBrecque, et al., 2015). Off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, 
this biologically important migratory area extends from the coast to 
beyond the shelf break. Due to the fact that that the survey is 
temporary and the spatial extent of sound produced by the survey would 
be very small relative to the spatial extent of the available migratory 
habitat in the area, right whale migration is not expected to be 
impacted by the survey. There is no designated critical habitat for any 
ESA-listed marine mammals in the survey area.
    North Atlantic right, humpback, and minke whales, and gray and 
harbor seals are experiencing ongoing UMEs. For North Atlantic right 
whales, as described above, no injury as a result of the survey is 
expected or authorized, and Level B harassment takes of right whales 
are expected to be in the form of avoidance of the immediate area of 
the survey. In addition, the number of takes authorized above the Level 
B harassment threshold are minimal (i.e., 9). As no injury or mortality 
is expected or authorized, and Level B harassment of North Atlantic 
right whales will be reduced to the level of least practicable adverse 
impact through use of mitigation measures, the authorized takes of 
right whales would not exacerbate or compound the ongoing UME in any 
way.
    Similarly, no injury or mortality is expected or authorized for any 
of the other species with UMEs, Level B harassment will be reduced to 
the level of least practicable adverse impact through use of mitigation 
measures, and the authorized takes would not exacerbate or compound the 
ongoing UMEs. For minke whales, although the ongoing UME is under 
investigation (as occurs for all UMEs), this event does not provide 
cause for concern regarding population level impacts, as the likely 
population abundance is greater than 20,000 whales. Even though the PBR 
value is based on an abundance for U.S. waters that is negatively 
biased and a small fraction of the true population abundance, annual M/
SI does not exceed the calculated PBR value for minke whales. With 
regard to humpback whales, the UME does not yet provide cause for 
concern regarding population-level impacts. Despite the UME, the 
relevant population of humpback whales (the West Indies breeding 
population, or distinct population segment (DPS)) remains healthy. The 
West Indies DPS, which consists of the whales whose breeding range 
includes the Atlantic margin of the Antilles from Cuba to northern 
Venezuela, and whose feeding range primarily includes the Gulf of 
Maine, eastern Canada, and western Greenland, was delisted. The status 
review identified harmful algal blooms, vessel collisions, and fishing 
gear entanglements as relevant threats for this DPS, but noted that all 
other threats are considered likely to have no or minor impact on 
population size or the growth rate of this DPS (Bettridge et al., 
2015). As described in Bettridge et al. (2015), the West Indies DPS has 
a substantial population size (i.e., approximately 10,000; Stevick et 
al., 2003; Smith et al., 1999; Bettridge et al., 2015), and appears to 
be experiencing consistent growth. With regard to gray and harbor 
seals, although the ongoing UME is under investigation, the UME does 
not yet provide cause for concern regarding population-level impacts to 
any of these stocks. For harbor seals, the population abundance is over 
75,000 and annual M/SI (345) is well below PBR (2,006) (Hayes et al., 
2018). For gray seals, the population abundance in the United States is 
over 27,000, with an estimated abundance including seals in Canada of 
approximately 505,000, and abundance is likely increasing in the U.S. 
Atlantic EEZ as well as in Canada (Hayes et al., 2019).
    The mitigation measures are expected to reduce the number and/or 
severity of takes by giving animals the opportunity to move away from 
the sound source before HRG survey equipment reaches full energy and by 
establishing zones that will prevent animals from being exposed to 
higher sound levels that may otherwise result in injury or more severe 
behavioral responses. No Level A harassment, which involves the 
potential for injury, has been authorized. Additional vessel strike 
avoidance requirements will further mitigate potential impacts to 
marine mammals during vessel transit to and within the survey area.
    NMFS concludes that exposures to marine mammal species and stocks 
due to Atlantic Shores' survey would result in only short-term 
(temporary and short in duration) effects to individuals exposed. 
Marine mammals may temporarily avoid the immediate area, but are not 
expected to permanently abandon the area. Major shifts in habitat use, 
distribution, or foraging success are not expected. NMFS does not 
anticipate the authorized takes to impact annual rates of recruitment 
or survival.
    In summary and as described above, the following factors primarily 
support our determination that the impacts resulting from this activity 
are not expected to adversely affect the species or stock through 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival:
     No mortality, serious injury, or Level A harassment is 
anticipated or authorized;
     The anticipated impacts of the activity on marine mammals 
would primarily be in the form of temporary behavioral changes due to 
avoidance of the area around the survey vessel;
     The availability of alternate areas of similar habitat 
value (for foraging, etc.) for marine mammals that may temporarily 
vacate the survey area during the survey to avoid exposure to sounds 
from the activity;
     The survey area does not contain known areas of 
significance for mating or calving;
     Effects on species that serve as prey species for marine 
mammals from the survey would be minor and temporary and would not be 
expected to reduce the availability of prey or to affect marine mammal 
feeding;
     The mitigation measures, including visual and acoustic 
monitoring, exclusion zones, and shutdown measures, are expected to 
minimize potential impacts to marine mammals.

[[Page 21215]]

    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 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.

Small Numbers

    As noted above, only small numbers of incidental take may be 
authorized under Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA for 
specified activities other than military readiness activities. The MMPA 
does not define small numbers and so, in practice, where estimated 
numbers are available, NMFS compares the number of individuals taken to 
the most appropriate estimation of abundance of the relevant species or 
stock in our determination of whether an authorization is limited to 
small numbers of marine mammals. Additionally, other qualitative 
factors may be considered in the analysis, such as the temporal or 
spatial scale of the activities.
    The numbers of marine mammals that we authorize to be taken, for 
all species and stocks, would be considered small relative to the 
relevant stocks or populations (less than one third of the best 
available population abundance for all species and stocks) (see Table 
7). Based on the analysis contained herein of the activity (including 
the mitigation and monitoring measures) and the anticipated take of 
marine mammals, NMFS finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be 
taken relative to the population size of the affected 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.

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 evaluate our proposed action (i.e., the promulgation of 
regulations and subsequent issuance of incidental take authorization) 
and alternatives with respect to potential impacts on the human 
environment.
    This action is consistent with categories of activities identified 
in Categorical Exclusion B4 of the Companion Manual for NAO 216-6A, 
which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for 
significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for 
which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would 
preclude this categorical exclusion. Accordingly, NMFS has determined 
that the proposed action qualifies to be categorically excluded from 
further NEPA review.

Endangered Species Act

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 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 IHAs, NMFS 
consults internally, in this case with the NMFS GARFO, whenever we 
propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species.
    The NMFS OPR Permits and Conservation Division is authorizing the 
incidental take of four species of marine mammals which are listed 
under the ESA: The North Atlantic right, fin, sei and sperm whale. We 
requested initiation of consultation under Section 7 of the ESA with 
NMFS GARFO on February 12, 2020, for the issuance of this IHA. BOEM 
consulted with NMFS GARFO under section 7 of the ESA on commercial wind 
lease issuance and site assessment activities on the Atlantic Outer 
Continental Shelf in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New 
Jersey Wind Energy Areas. The NMFS GARFO issued a Biological Opinion 
concluding that these activities may adversely affect but are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the North Atlantic 
right, fin, and sperm whale. The Biological Opinion can be found online 
at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-other-energy-activities-renewable. Upon 
request from the NMFS Office of Protected Resources, NMFS GARFO issued 
an amended incidental take statement associated with this Biological 
Opinion to include the takes of the ESA-listed marine mammal species 
authorized through this IHA in April, 2020.

Authorization

    NMFS has issued an IHA to Atlantic Shores for conducting marine 
site characterization surveys offshore of New Jersey and New York, for 
a period of one year, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, 
monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated.

    Dated: April 10, 2020.
Donna Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07969 Filed 4-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P