[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 129 (Monday, July 6, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40143-40153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14225]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

15 CFR Part 922

[Docket No. 200617-0162]
RIN 0648-BI01


Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations

AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean 
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal of notice of intent to prepare an 
environmental impact statement; notice of availability of a draft 
management plan and draft environmental assessment.

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[[Page 40144]]

SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
proposing revised regulations, a revised management plan, and a draft 
environmental assessment for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
(MBNMS or sanctuary). The proposed rule includes four modifications to 
existing MBNMS regulations, the modification of an appendix to the 
MBNMS regulations that describes sanctuary zone boundaries, and the 
addition of one new definition to the MBNMS regulations. A draft 
environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared for this proposed 
action. NOAA is soliciting public comments on the proposed rule, draft 
revised management plan, and draft EA.

DATES: NOAA will consider all comments received by September 4, 2020. 
NOAA will hold a virtual public meeting at the following date and time: 
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT. In addition, NOAA will 
accept public comments on this proposed rule during the Monterey Bay 
National Marine Sanctuary virtual advisory council meeting on Friday, 
August 21, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. PT and at the Greater Farallones National 
Marine Sanctuary virtual advisory council meeting on Monday, August 24, 
2020 at 11:00 a.m. PT.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, the draft 
management plan, and/or the draft EA, identified by NOAA-NOS-2020-0094, 
by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2020-0094, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Written comments may also be mailed to: Paul Michel, 
Superintendent, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 99 Pacific 
Street, Suite 455A, Monterey, California 93940.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NOAA. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personally identifiable 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in 
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
    To participate in the virtual public meetings, online registration 
is requested in advance via the following links. When joining the 
session, if possible, select the option to use your computer's audio. 
If you cannot use computer audio it is possible to select the phone 
audio option upon joining the event. In GoToWebinar, The phone number 
and audio PIN will show up in the audio pane when you select phone 
audio.

(1) Virtual Public Hearing--Thursday, July 23, 2020, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 
p.m. PT
    Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/398908723113760523.
(2) Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary virtual advisory council 
meeting--Friday, August 21, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. PT
    Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3876637613490216459.
(3) Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary virtual advisory 
council meeting--Monday, August 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. PT
    This meeting will be held on Google Meet. Link: https://meet.google.com/tyr-enfp-cet. To participate by phone only, dial: 1 
(641) 821-2321, PIN: 135 736 466#

    If you would like to comment during the virtual public meetings, 
please sign up in advance by selecting ``yes'' during the online 
registration. The order of comments will be based on your date and time 
of registration. If you will be participating by phone, send an email 
to [email protected] to add your name to the speaker list. Please 
note, no public comments will be audio or video recorded. If you would 
like to provide public comment anonymously during the virtual public 
hearing, email your comment to [email protected] or type your comment 
into the question box and ask for it to be read anonymously during the 
assigned time.
    For more details on the virtual public meetings, visit https://montereybay.noaa.gov/.
    Copies of the proposed rule, draft management plan and draft EA can 
be downloaded or viewed on the internet at www.regulations.gov (search 
for docket #NOAA-NOS-2020-0094) or at https://montereybay.noaa.gov/intro/mp/2015review/welcome.html.
    Important Note for All Participants: No portion of the virtual 
public meetings, including any public comments, will be audio or video 
recorded. All public comments received, including any associated names, 
will be captured and included in the written meeting minutes, will be 
public, and will be maintained by NOAA as part of its administrative 
record. All public comments received will be publicly available at 
www.regulations.gov under docket #NOAA-NOS-2020-0094.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Michel, Monterey Bay National 
Marine Sanctuary Superintendent, at [email protected] or 831-647-
4201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. Introduction

    NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) serves as the 
trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 
600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington 
state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The 
network includes a system of 14 national marine sanctuaries and 
Papah[amacr]naumoku[amacr]kea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

B. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

    NOAA established MBNMS in 1992 for the purposes of protecting and 
managing the conservation, ecological, recreational, research, 
educational, historical, and aesthetic resources and qualities of the 
area, including the submarine Monterey Canyon and, subsequently, 
Davidson Seamount. MBNMS is located offshore of California's central 
coast, encompassing a shoreline length of approximately 276 statute 
miles (240 nmi) between Rocky Point (Marin County) and Cambria (San 
Luis Obispo County). With the inclusion of the Davidson Seamount 
Management Zone (DSMZ) in 2008, the sanctuary spans approximately 6,094 
square statute miles (4,602 square nautical miles) of ocean and coastal 
waters, and the submerged lands thereunder, extending an average 
distance of 30 statute miles (26 nmi) from shore. Supporting some of 
the world's most diverse and productive marine ecosystems, it is home 
to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates, sea turtles and 
plants.

C. Need for Action

    The primary purpose of the proposed action is to fulfill section 
304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16

[[Page 40145]]

U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) (NMSA). Section 304(e), 16 U.S.C 1434(e), requires 
periodic review of sanctuary management plans to ensure that site-
specific management techniques and strategies: (1) Effectively address 
changing environmental conditions and threats to protected resources 
and qualities of the sanctuaries; and (2) fulfill the purposes and 
policies of the NMSA. Accordingly, ONMS conducted a review of the 
management plan and regulations for MBNMS that has resulted in a 
proposed new management plan for the sanctuary, and proposed changes to 
sanctuary regulations.
    The management plan review process includes, among other things, an 
assessment of existing sanctuary regulations to determine if any 
regulatory changes are needed to support management plan objectives. 
NOAA is proposing to make four modifications to existing MBNMS 
regulations, to modify Appendix E to the MBNMS regulations, and to add 
one new definition to the MBNMS regulations. These changes will support 
more efficient and effective program management and enhanced 
stewardship of the sanctuary's natural resources. The need for each 
individual regulatory action is described in greater detail in section 
II (Summary of the Proposed Changes to MBNMS Regulations) below.
    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), on 
August 27, 2015, NOAA published a notice of intent to prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in order to identify and analyze 
potential impacts associated with a review of the 2008 management plan 
for MBNMS (80 FR 51973). Preliminary analysis of this revised 
management plan and the proposed regulatory changes indicates no 
significant impacts are expected. Accordingly, NOAA determined the 
preparation of an EIS would not be necessary, and instead prepared an 
EA, which is available for public review. NOAA is therefore withdrawing 
the portion of the Federal Register Notice published on August 27, 
2015, that provided notice of intent to prepare an EIS.
    NOAA has conducted an analysis of the revised management plan and 
the regulatory changes in compliance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its 
implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508). As required by the 
Council on Environmental Quality, NEPA, and NEPA's implementing 
regulations, all reasonable alternatives to the proposed Federal action 
that meet the purpose and need for the action are considered in the EA. 
These alternatives include no action and a range of reasonable 
alternatives for managing MBNMS according to the objectives of the 
National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

D. Process

    The process for this action is composed of four major stages: (1) 
Information collection and characterization via development and 
issuance of a sanctuary condition report that describes the status and 
trends of driving forces and pressures on the ecosystem and natural and 
archaeological resource conditions in MBNMS, and public scoping to 
further identify issues associated with revising the management plan 
(scoping was completed on October 30, 2015); (2) preparation and 
release of a proposed rule, draft revised management plan, and draft EA 
in accordance with NEPA; (3) public review and comment on the proposed 
rule, draft management plan, and draft EA; and (4) preparation and 
release of a final management plan and final EA, and any final 
amendments to the MBNMS regulations, if appropriate. With the 
publication of this proposed rule, NOAA completes the second phase of 
this process and enters the third phase.
    Together with this proposed rule, NOAA is releasing the draft 
management plan and draft EA. The draft management plan describes 
proposed strategies and action plans for future conservation and 
management of the sanctuary, and the draft EA contains more detailed 
information on the considerations of this proposal, including an 
assessment of alternatives, analysis of potential environmental 
impacts, and references. The draft management plan and draft EA can be 
found through the website listed in the ADDRESSES section above.

II. Summary of the Proposed Changes to MBNMS Regulations

A. Beneficial Use of Clean and Suitable Dredged Material

    NOAA proposes to add a new definition for ``beneficial use of 
dredged material'' at 15 CFR 922.131 and to amend 15 CFR 922.132(f) to 
clarify that beneficial use of clean and suitable dredged material for 
habitat restoration purposes within MBNMS is not disposal of dredged 
material as described at 15 CFR 922.132(a)(2)(i)(F) and 15 CFR 
922.132(f).
    This action would amend 15 CFR 922.131 by adding a definition for 
``beneficial use of dredged material.'' The new definition would 
clarify that the existing prohibition against permitting the disposal 
of dredged material in MBNMS does not apply to habitat restoration 
projects using clean dredged material, because such beneficial use of 
dredged material would not be considered ``disposal.'' In addition, 
this definition would apply only to dredged material removed from any 
of the four public harbors immediately adjacent to the sanctuary 
(Pillar Point, Santa Cruz, Moss Landing, or Monterey). This action 
would also amend 15 CFR 922.132(f) to clarify that the disposal of 
dredged material does not include the beneficial use of dredged 
material. Together, these regulatory changes would clarify that the 
language in the terms of designation and MBNMS regulations that 
prohibit permitting the disposal of dredged material within the 
sanctuary other than at sites authorized by the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency prior to the effective date of designation (Article V 
of the MBNMS Terms of Designation, 73 FR 70477, 70494 (Nov. 20, 2008): 
15 CFR 922.132(f)), do not preclude NOAA from authorizing the 
beneficial use of clean dredged material within sanctuary boundaries 
when suitable for habitat restoration purposes.
    In the current MBNMS Management Plan (November 2008 \1\), NOAA 
stated, ``If investigations indicate that employment of additional 
beach nourishment sites using clean dredged harbor material would be 
possible and appropriate, MBNMS may examine whether revision of MBNMS 
regulations and Designation Document may be warranted; or if a 
beneficial program might occur via MBNMS permit or authorization in 
concert with other agencies.'' (Management Plan at 96.) For the reasons 
explained below, NOAA anticipates that employment of additional habitat 
restoration sites using clean dredged material would be possible and 
appropriate, and that beneficial use projects may occur through MBNMS 
permits or authorizations.
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    \1\ Final Management Plan, available at https://montereybay.noaa.gov/intro/mp/welcome.html.
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    First, there are several examples in which NOAA has accommodated 
requests for beneficial use of sediment for beach nourishment in 
locations adjacent to the sanctuary where the bathymetry and topography 
allow space for sediment placement above the MHW line. Beach 
replenishment projects currently occur at Del Monte beach in Monterey 
and Twin Lakes beach in Santa Cruz. The City of Monterey has an MBNMS 
authorization for the annual placement of clean dredged material from 
Monterey Harbor at two onshore

[[Page 40146]]

locations (approved by EPA) above MHW adjacent to Del Monte Beach. The 
authorization specifically allows for the decant water from the slurry 
material to return into the waters of MBNMS. Clean material deposited 
at these two locations is eventually moved via natural wave action to 
points within the lower tidal range (i.e., below MHW and thus into 
MBNMS) and along the beach laterally, effectively maintaining or 
creating improved coastal habitat and recreational resources within the 
sanctuary. Both habitat restoration projects at Santa Cruz and Monterey 
have proven successful in maintaining the integrity of high public use 
beaches that would otherwise suffer from accelerated erosion due to 
human interruptions of natural sediment transport patterns in the area. 
Placement of clean dredged material on these beaches has helped 
stabilize beach profiles at these sites.
    NOAA anticipates that the employment of additional habitat 
restoration sites--namely, the placement of clean dredged material 
below the MHW line (in the sanctuary) for habitat restoration 
purposes--would be possible and appropriate. One example would be the 
potential placement of clean sand (dredged from Pillar Point Harbor) 
onto an eroded beach (Surfer's Beach) immediately adjacent to the 
harbor along the sanctuary's shoreward boundary. Due to the 
interruption of natural sand transport patterns by shoreline 
infrastructure (e.g., the harbor breakwaters), the beach has eroded to 
such a degree that ocean waters now extend to the toe of the riprap 
armoring that safeguards Highway 1 (located along the shoreline from 
the base of the east Pillar Point Harbor breakwater to the ocean 
terminus of Coronado Street). Surfer's Beach is now submerged at MHW, 
and only a fraction of the former beach appears at the lowest tide 
levels.
    Absent clarification in past and current MBNMS regulations that 
disposal of dredged material is a fundamentally different activity than 
beneficial use of dredged material for shoreline restoration, NOAA has 
not authorized discharges of clean dredged material directly into the 
sanctuary, pursuant to managerial discretionary authority under 15 CFR 
922.48, 922.49, and 922.133. Though NOAA has previously provided 
information to Pillar Point Harbor about how to implement beach 
nourishment projects similar to those described above for Santa Cruz 
and Monterey Harbors, no such project has been pursued by the harbor 
district. To date, only periodic shoreline armoring has been installed 
to arrest erosion. But armoring is neither a sustainable long-term 
solution nor a beach restoration activity. Longer-term, softscape 
alternatives to armoring are desired to protect the beach and restore 
beach habitat.
    The beneficial use of clean dredged material for habitat 
restoration purposes would provide an additional effective and 
sustainable option to address sites in MBNMS where shoreline habitat 
and resources are increasingly impacted by erosion due to shoreline 
structures, coastal armoring, sea level rise, and documented, increased 
storm activity.
    The beneficial use of dredged material at sites within the 
sanctuary, such as Surfer's Beach, would require: A sanctuary permit or 
authorization; additional rigorous testing and screening of the 
material to ensure that the material is both clean and suitable for 
habitat restoration; additional review of the proposed project under 
NEPA and other applicable statutes; and permitting, as applicable, by 
other federal, state and local regulatory authorities with jurisdiction 
over the proposed beneficial use project. Furthermore, a proposed 
project involving use of dredged material would only be eligible for 
approval by NOAA if the project demonstrated a sanctuary habitat 
restoration purpose under the proposed new definition of beneficial use 
of dredged material at 15 CFR 922.131, and if the project otherwise met 
the permit or authorization procedures and review criteria described in 
15 CFR 922.48, 922.49, and 922.133. The permit and environmental 
reviews of the proposed beneficial use project would continue to 
prevent the disposal of unsuitable and unclean material into the 
sanctuary that could adversely affect sanctuary resources.
    Clean dredged materials from harbors immediately adjacent to the 
sanctuary would be considered an eligible source of material for 
restoring (or partially restoring) habitats degraded by interruption of 
local sediment transport cells by harbor infrastructure (e.g., jetties, 
seawalls and piers). Since dredged materials from distant harbors would 
not be indigenous to local sediment transport cells, NOAA would not 
approve the use of such materials for habitat restoration purposes. The 
limitations on use of dredged material would not restrict or limit 
NOAA's existing authority to permit the use of non-dredged materials 
for beneficial habitat restoration projects within MBNMS.
    This proposed action, which would clarify the ability of NOAA to 
authorize beneficial use of clean and suitable dredged material 
originating from any of the four adjacent public harbors for habitat 
restoration purposes within the sanctuary, would be consistent with the 
regulatory framework for dredge, fill, and disposal projects as 
outlined by the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Ocean 
Dumping Act (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), and applicable U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The 
existing regulatory framework differentiates between the disposal 
(i.e., discarding) of dredged material and its beneficial use (i.e., 
purposeful application). For example, the ``disposal into ocean 
waters'' of dredged material is regulated under provisions of the Ocean 
Dumping Act, whereas discharge of dredged material for fill, including 
beach restoration, is regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water 
Act. 33 CFR 336.0. Moreover, any proposed beneficial use of dredged 
material project in MBNMS would be subject to applicable permit and 
regulatory reviews of other federal, state and local authorities with 
jurisdiction over the proposed project.
    Finally, pursuing this proposed action would also be consistent 
with current state and federal coastal management practices that favor 
softscape approaches to restoring and protecting beaches and shorelines 
over hardscape methods (e.g., riprap, groins and seawalls). The USACE 
Engineering and Design Manual on Dredging and Dredged Material (July 
2015) \2\ states, ``Interest in using dredged material as a manageable, 
beneficial resource, as an alternative to conventional placement 
practices, has increased.'' The USACE/USEPA Beneficial Use Planning 
Manual \3\ states, ``the promotion of beneficial uses continues to 
require a shift from the common perspective of dredged material as a 
waste product to one in which this material is viewed as a valuable 
resource that can provide multiple benefits to society.'' The planning 
manual further notes that in general, ``clean, coarse-grained sediments 
(sands) are suitable for a wide variety of beneficial uses.'' Finally, 
the USACE/USEPA Manual on The Role of the Federal Standard in the 
Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material \4\ indicates,

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``a beneficial use option may be selected for a project even if it is 
not the Federal Standard for that project.''
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    \2\ EM 1110-2-5025 at page 5-1 (July 31, 2015), available at 
http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_1110-2-5025.pdf.
    \3\ Identifying, Planning, and Financing Beneficial Use Projects 
Using Dredged Material at 9 (October 2007, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/identifying_planning_and_financing_beneficial_use_projects.pdf.
    \4\ EPA842-B-07-002 (October 2007) at 3, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/role_of_the_federal_standard_in_the_beneficial_use_of_dredged_material.pdf.
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    For all of the above reasons, NOAA anticipates that the placement 
of clean locally-dredged material in the sanctuary for habitat 
restoration purposes would be appropriate and consistent with the 
existing regulatory framework for dredge, fill, and disposal projects. 
Accordingly, NOAA proposes this regulatory change to clarify the 
ability of NOAA to authorize the beneficial use of clean and suitable 
dredged material for habitat restoration purposes within MBNMS, because 
such proposed use would not be ``disposal of dredged material'' within 
the meaning of the MBNMS terms of designation and regulations.

B. Modification of Seasonal/Conditional Requirement for Motorized 
Personal Watercraft Access to MPWC Zone 5 (Mavericks)

    With this proposed rule, NOAA would amend MBNMS regulations to 
reduce the sea state condition required for motorized personal 
watercraft (MPWC) access to the Mavericks seasonal-conditional MPWC 
zone at Half Moon Bay. NOAA would change the current High Surf Warning 
(HSW) requirement to a less stringent High Surf Advisory (HSA) 
requirement. The seasonal-conditional MPWC zone was created in 2009 
primarily to allow MPWC to support big-wave surfing at Mavericks during 
winter months when wildlife activity is significantly reduced in this 
area. Currently, MPWC can freely access the Mavericks seasonal-
conditional zone only when HSW conditions (predicted breaking waves at 
the shoreline of 20 feet or greater) are in effect, as announced by the 
National Weather Service for San Mateo County during the months of 
December, January, and February. However, due to unique bathymetric 
features at Mavericks, waves can exceed 20 feet well before HSW 
conditions are announced county-wide. Allowing MPWC access to Mavericks 
during HSA conditions (predicted breaking waves at the shoreline of 15 
feet or greater) would allow MPWC presence at the break 3-5 more days 
per year to provide safety assistance to surfers operating in a highly 
energized surf zone.
    Surfers have developed new techniques for paddling onto larger and 
larger waves, so paddle surfers now routinely surf extremely large 
waves at Mavericks during winter HSA conditions when MPWC access to the 
zone is currently prohibited. In February 2017, an MBNMS Advisory 
Council subcommittee recommended lowering the current conditional 
threshold for MPWC access to Mavericks from a HSW to a HSA during the 
months of December, January, and February to allow expanded use of MPWC 
for safety assistance to surfers recreating in extreme sea conditions. 
The MBNMS Advisory Council voted unanimously to support the 
subcommittee recommendation on February 17, 2017. NOAA agrees with the 
Advisory Council recommendations and believes it would benefit public 
safety, while posing no significant added threat of disturbance to 
protected wildlife in the area due to minimal wildlife activity there 
during winter extreme high-surf events.

C. Exempted Department of Defense Activities Within Davidson Seamount 
Management Zone

    With this proposed rule, NOAA would amend MBNMS regulations by 
modifying 15 CFR 922.132(c)(1) to correct an error. The current 
regulatory text at 15 CFR 922.132(c)(1) states, in part, that a list of 
exempted Department of Defense (DOD) activities at the Davidson 
Seamount Management Zone (DSMZ) is published in the 2008 MBNMS 
Management Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). However, 
due to an administrative error, the list of exempted activities 
(identified in a December 18, 2006, letter to NOAA from the U.S. Air 
Force 30th Space Wing and subsequently affirmed by NOAA), was never 
included in the 2008 FEIS. The MBNMS Superintendent confirmed in a 
January 5, 2009, letter to the U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing that NOAA 
acknowledged the list of exempted activities as valid from the 
effective date of inclusion of the DSMZ within MBNMS (March 9, 2009) 
and that NOAA would correct the administrative record and regulations 
to properly document the exempted DOD activities within the DSMZ. 
Accordingly, NOAA proposes to modify 15 CFR 922.132(c)(1) by replacing 
``2008 Final Environmental Impact Statement'' with ``2020 Final 
Environmental Assessment for the MBNMS Management Plan Review.''
    An appendix in the 2020 draft EA serves as the published list of 
exempted DOD activities within the DSMZ referenced and confirmed by the 
January 5, 2009, letter to the U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing from the 
MBNMS Superintendent. NOAA herein affirms that the exemptions requested 
by the Air Force in 2006 and confirmed by NOAA in 2009 have been valid 
since the effective date of the DSMZ's addition to MBNMS (March 9, 
2009).

D. Reconfiguration of Year-Round MPWC Zone Boundaries

    With this proposed rule, NOAA would amend MBNMS regulations to 
modify boundaries of four year-round MPWC riding zones in a manner that 
maintains NOAA's original intent to provide recreational opportunities 
for MPWC within the sanctuary, while safeguarding sensitive sanctuary 
resources and habitats from unique threats of disturbance by these 
watercraft.
    Specifically, the proposed modifications would reduce the number of 
deployed boundary buoys and associated navigational hazards, aesthetic 
impacts, and mooring failures that create public safety issues, marine 
debris, seafloor impacts, and excessive maintenance effort. The zones 
were established in 1992 to provide recreational use areas for MPWC 
while safeguarding marine wildlife and habitats from the unique 
capability of MPWC to sharply maneuver at high speeds in the ocean 
environment and freely access remote and sensitive marine habitat 
areas, unlike any other type of motorized vessel (57 FR 43310).
    The four MPWC riding zones were established near each of the four 
harbors in the sanctuary where MPWC operators typically launch. The 
boundaries were delineated without any consideration of practical 
matters such as buoy station integrity or sustainability. For example, 
buoys deployed off rocky points have experienced repeated mooring 
failures due to heavy wave diffraction/reflection, abrasive and mobile 
rocky substrate affecting mooring tackle, and lack of soft sediments 
for secure anchor set. Buoys deployed in deep water have repeatedly 
failed due to suspected interactions with vessels and commercial 
fishing gear. Mooring failures cause deposition of chain and anchors on 
the seafloor and pose a hazard to mariners and the public from drifting 
buoys. Even when buoys hold station, they could present navigation 
obstacles. Reducing the number of boundary buoys by utilizing more 
existing marks and geographical features (e.g., United States Coast 
Guard navigation buoys and landmarks) can markedly reduce navigational 
hazards and mooring failures that create public safety issues, marine 
debris, seafloor impacts, and excessive maintenance effort.
    Anecdotal observations of MPWC zone use over time by harbor 
officials, marine enforcement officers, ocean

[[Page 40148]]

users, sanctuary staff, and volunteers indicate that the zones are 
rarely used by MPWC operators. Therefore, reconfiguring the zones will 
have minimal impact to a small number of users.
    Reconfiguring zones to be smaller and closer to shore would provide 
improved MPWC access and operator safety, and would also aid zone 
monitoring, enforcement, and planned systematic surveys of zone use 
described in the new MBNMS management plan. Relocation of marker buoys 
to shallower mooring depths would improve station-keeping, inspection, 
and maintenance of boundary buoy moorings. Reconfiguration of zones 
would achieve a 40% reduction in the overall number of deployed MPWC 
boundary buoys from 15 to 9. It would eliminate six existing buoy 
mooring stations entirely; replace four existing mooring stations with 
four new shallower mooring stations; and leave five previous mooring 
stations unchanged. This would result in the permanent removal of 
anchors and chain from the seafloor at 10 sites and installation of 
anchors and chain at four new sites--a 40% net reduction in the number 
of MPWC boundary buoy mooring sites. As previously stated, the four new 
mooring stations would be in shallower water and deliberately sited in 
mud/sand substrate to avoid rocky reef habitat--a purposeful reduction 
of negative environmental impacts. Zone reconfigurations would result 
in a 59% reduction of total areal coverage of the four year-round 
zones, resulting in an equal reduction of surface area subject to 
direct MPWC interactions with specially protected marine wildlife, such 
as migratory birds, whales, dolphins, porpoise, turtles, sea lions, and 
sea otters.
    The reconfigured MPWC zones would still provide considerable area 
adjacent to all four harbors for general use of MPWC, fulfilling the 
original goal for the zones when established in 1992. The four 
reconfigured year-round access zones would offer 0.96 square miles (614 
acres) of riding area south of Pillar Point Harbor, 2.63 square miles 
(1,683 acres) off Santa Cruz Harbor, 2.29 square miles (1,466 acres) 
off Moss Landing Harbor, and 3.10 square miles (1,984 acres) off 
Monterey Harbor. Maps depicting proposed MPWC zone boundary changes can 
be found in the draft EA.
    The proposed zone reconfigurations would shorten the length of the 
MPWC access corridors to the Santa Cruz and Monterey zones by 66% and 
23% respectively, allowing MPWC operators easier and quicker access to 
both riding areas. The shorter access corridors would reduce the period 
of restricted maneuverability for transiting MPWC and thus lower the 
potential for negative interaction with marine traffic and wildlife as 
MPWC approach/depart harbor entrances. Planned rotation of the access 
corridor at Monterey away from the predominant marine traffic pattern 
to/from the harbor will also reduce the potential for negative 
interaction with other vessels there. The reconfigured zone boundaries 
at Santa Cruz would shift that zone closer to shore, improving safety 
for MPWC operators should they need emergency assistance. A shortened 
access corridor and zone shift closer to shore at Santa Cruz have been 
requested by MPWC users in the past.
    Each existing MPWC zone would remain at its current general 
geographical location, with the following changes:
    1. Modify the year-round Half Moon Bay MPWC zone by using existing 
Coast Guard red bell buoy ``2'' and existing Coast Guard green gong 
buoy ``1S'' as boundary points instead of current MBNMS buoys PP2 and 
PP3; this would enable permanent removal of two buoys from the ocean. 
By re-shaping the current zone from a parallelogram to a concave 
pentagon, the zone's general position south of Pillar Point Harbor 
would be maintained, the zone area would increase by 9% (from .87 sq mi 
to .96 sq mi), and two buoys would be permanently removed from the 
waterway, reducing navigational obstructions, risk of mooring failure, 
and buoy and tackle loss.
    2. Modify the year-round Santa Cruz MPWC zone by using existing 
Coast Guard red/white whistle buoy ``SC'' as a boundary point, instead 
of current MBNMS buoy SC7; this would enable permanent removal of one 
MBNMS buoy from this zone. By re-shaping the current zone from a 
rectangle to a parallelogram, the zone position would rotate 45[deg] 
clockwise to the NE, and the zone area would be reduced by 59% (from 
6.36 sq mi to 2.63 sq mi). One MBNMS buoy would be permanently removed 
from the waterway, one buoy would remain on station, and two buoys 
would be redeployed to shallower depths. The redistributed buoys would 
be positioned within better visible range of one another, in softer 
seafloor sediments, and away from rocky points, thus reducing 
navigational obstructions, risk of mooring failure, and buoy and tackle 
loss.
    The reconfigured zone boundaries at Santa Cruz would shift the zone 
closer to shore, providing MPWC operators easier and quicker access to 
the riding area and improved safety, should an MPWC operator need 
emergency assistance. The transit route to the zone from the entrance 
of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor would be reduced from 1.35 miles 
to 0.5 miles, providing a 66% shorter route and transit time for MPWC 
operators. As noted above, these specific zone modifications have been 
requested by MPWC users in the past. Since the prescribed 100-yard wide 
MPWC transit corridor for accessing the zone from the small craft 
harbor would be shorter, MPWC would be in the transit corridor for less 
time, resulting in a shorter period of restricted maneuverability and 
lowered potential for negative interaction with marine traffic and 
wildlife when approaching/departing the harbor entrance.
    3. Modify the year-round Moss Landing MPWC zone by eliminating 
current MBNMS buoys ML4 and ML5; this would enable permanent removal of 
two buoys from the ocean. By re-shaping the current zone from an 
irregular hexagon to a trapezoid, the eastern portion of the zone would 
remain in its current position, the zone area would be reduced by 72% 
(from 8.10 sq mi to 2.29 sq mi), and two MBNMS buoys would be 
permanently removed from the waterway, reducing navigational 
obstructions, risk of deep-water mooring failures, and buoy and tackle 
loss.
    4. Modify the year-round Monterey MPWC zone by using existing Coast 
Guard red bell buoy ``4'' as a boundary point instead of MBNMS buoy 
MY3; this would enable permanent removal of one MBNMS buoy from this 
zone. By re-shaping the current zone from a trapezoid to a 
parallelogram, the zone position would rotate 90[deg] clockwise to the 
NE, and the zone area would be reduced by 51% (from 6.36 sq mi to 3.10 
sq mi). One MBNMS buoy would be permanently removed from the waterway, 
one buoy would remain on station, and two buoys would be redeployed to 
shallower depths. The redistributed buoys would be positioned within 
better visible range of one another, in softer seafloor sediments, and 
away from rocky points and popular commercial squid fishing grounds, 
thus reducing navigational obstructions, risk of deep-water mooring 
failure, risk of disruption to commercial fisheries, and buoy and 
tackle loss.
    The length of the prescribed zone transit route from Monterey 
Harbor would decrease from 1.00 mile to 0.77 mile, reducing the length 
of the transit corridor by 23% and facilitating more immediate access 
to and from the harbor by MPWC operators and reduced risk of wildlife 
disturbance. In addition, the

[[Page 40149]]

transit corridor would be rotated 52 degrees further east from the 
harbor entrance, away from the predominant marine traffic pattern to/
from the harbor.
    In summary, revising locations of MPWC zone boundaries represents 
essential adaptive management practice as envisioned in the National 
Marine Sanctuaries Act and the required management plan review process. 
The adjustments maintain 9 square miles (5,760 acres) of the sanctuary 
for operating MPWC off all four harbors in areas with decreased 
likelihood of wildlife disturbance, which were goals for the original 
creation of the zones in 1992. Observations by NOAA staff, volunteers, 
and partner agencies indicate these areas are not highly used. 
Nevertheless, coupled with the increased operating days at the 
Mavericks MPWC zone proposed in this draft rule, NOAA's original intent 
to facilitate MPWC recreational opportunities will be maintained.
    The reconfigured boundaries will also improve access to the MPWC 
zones by shifting them closer to shore and harbor launch points. 
Reducing the number of necessary MPWC boundary buoys also reduces 
impacts to benthic habitats, risk of wildlife entanglements, and risk 
of maritime collisions. Relocating buoys will make them more resistant 
to storm damage and buoy anchor/chain failure, thereby reducing risks 
to mariners from drifting buoys and marine debris from unnecessary 
deposition of chain and anchors on the seafloor. Utilizing mooring 
locations over soft seafloor sediments can reduce scarring and damage 
to hard-substrate benthic habitat and organisms from mooring chain. 
Maps depicting the proposed MPWC zone boundary changes can be found in 
the draft EA.

III. Classification

A. National Environmental Policy Act

    NOAA has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate 
the potential impacts on the human environment of this proposed 
rulemaking (the preferred regulatory action analyzed in the draft EA), 
as well as several alternative actions. No significant impacts to 
resources and the human environment are expected to result from this 
proposed action, and accordingly, under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
a draft EA is the appropriate document to analyze the potential impacts 
of this action. Following the close of the public comment period and 
the satisfaction of consultation requirements under applicable natural 
and cultural resource statutes (described below), NOAA will finalize 
its NEPA analysis and findings and prepare a final NEPA document. 
Copies of the draft EA are available at the address and website listed 
in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule.

B. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 
Executive Order 12866.

C. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs

    This proposed rule is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory 
action because it is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866.

D. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    NOAA has concluded this regulatory action does not have federalism 
implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a federalism 
assessment under Executive Order 13132.

E. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), as amended and codified at 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires an agency to prepare a regulatory 
flexibility analysis of any rule subject to the notice and comment 
rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553) or any other statute, unless the agency certifies that the 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    The analysis below seeks to fulfill the requirements of Executive 
Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Small Business 
Administration has established thresholds on the designation of 
businesses as ``small entities.'' A finfish fishing business is 
considered a small business if it has annual receipts of less than 
$20.5 million. Scenic and Sightseeing and Recreational industries are 
considered small businesses if they have annual receipts not in excess 
of $7.5 million. According to these limits, each of the businesses 
potentially affected by this proposed rule would most likely be small 
businesses. However, as further discussed below, these regulations will 
not have a significant economic impact on the affected small entities, 
and the Chief Counsel for Regulation for the Department of Commerce has 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this rule will not have significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, NOAA is not required 
to prepare and has not prepared an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis.
    Methodology. The analysis here is based on limited quantitative 
information on how much each activity occurs within MBNMS. 
Consequently, the result is more qualitative than quantitative.
    Scales Used for Assessing Impacts. For assessing levels of impacts 
within an alternative, NOAA used three levels: ``negligible,'' 
``moderate'' and ``high,'' in addition to ``no impacts.'' For levels of 
impacts within the proposed alternatives being analyzed, negligible 
means very low benefits, costs, or net benefits (less than 1% change 
anticipated following the proposed regulatory change). Moderate impacts 
would be more than 1% but less than or equal to 10% change, and high 
impacts would be more than 10% change. Negligible and moderate impacts 
identified in this assessment would not constitute significant economic 
impacts. NOAA analyzed the impacts on small entities of the four 
regulatory changes proposed as part of the management plan review 
process for MBNMS. Small entity user groups include commercial fishing 
operation, recreation-tourism related businesses, and land use and 
development businesses.
Proposed Action
    (1) Add a new definition for the phrase ``beneficial use of dredged 
material'' at 15 CFR 922.131, and clarify that the existing prohibition 
on the disposal of dredged material in MBNMS does not apply to habitat 
restoration projects using clean dredged material.
    Clarifying the authorized uses of clean dredged material from local 
harbors for habitat restoration in the sanctuary may create additional 
opportunities for entities such as state and local agencies to propose 
beneficial use of such dredged materials, which, in turn, may trickle 
down to opportunities for businesses. The costs would be negligible to 
non-existent because the regulatory clarification of authorized uses of 
clean dredged material may facilitate appropriate entities to propose 
these authorized uses. There may be negligible to moderate benefits to 
shoreline restoration businesses and negligible to moderate benefits to 
businesses that clean dredge material due to the additional business 
opportunities facilitated by this regulatory clarification. There may 
be negligible to moderate benefits to shoreline recreation businesses 
such as surf shops, since at least the possible use of clean dredged 
material at Pillar Point could help improve a prominent surf spot and 
increase general beach use.

[[Page 40150]]

    (2) Allow MPWC access to MPWC Zone 5 (Mavericks surf break) during 
High Surf Advisory conditions rather than High Surf Warning conditions.
    With this proposed rule, NOAA would amend MBNMS regulations to 
increase access to an MPWC zone by reducing the sea state condition 
required for motorized personal watercraft (MPWC) access to the 
Mavericks seasonal-condition zone (Zone 5). NOAA would change the 
current High Surf Warning (HSW) requirement to a less stringent High 
Surf Advisory (HSA) requirement. Allowing MPWC access to Mavericks 
during HSA conditions (predicted breaking waves at the shoreline of 15 
feet or greater) would allow MPWC presence at the break 3-5 more days 
per year to provide safety assistance to surfers operating in a highly 
energized surf zone.
    Additional days of MPWC access may result in increased recreational 
opportunities. This means that businesses that rent MPWC or offer MPWC 
tours may have additional days when they could rent equipment or offer 
tours. However, the sea state conditions tend to favor experienced MPWC 
users (who likely own their MPWC) rather than casual, recreational MPWC 
users who would be more likely to rent or participate in a tour with an 
operator. The costs are expected to be non-existent, and the benefits 
would be negligible.
    (3) Rectify an oversight in the 2009 MBNMS rulemaking regarding 
Exempted Department of Defense activities in the Davidson Seamount 
Management Zone (DSMZ).
    NOAA's proposal to modify 15 CFR 922.132(c)(1) by replacing ``2008 
Final Environmental Impact Statement'' with ``2020 Final Environmental 
Assessment for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan 
Review'' would publish the list of exempted DOD activities in the 
Davidson Seamount Management Zone that were originally intended for 
inclusion in the 2008 Final Environmental Impact Statement. There is no 
expected impact as a result of addressing the oversight from 2008. The 
changes are superficial in nature and do not result in changes to 
activities that are or are not prohibited.
    (4) Reconfigure motorized personal watercraft (MPWC) zone 
boundaries.
    The regulations allowing the use of MPWC in the zones would not 
change, but the shape and size of the zones would be altered.
    The table below shows the size of the current and reconfigured 
year-round zones where MPWC are allowed. One zone would increase in 
size; three zones would decrease in size. The overall size of the year-
round zones would decrease by 59%. The size of the Mavericks seasonal-
conditional zone would remain unchanged. Observations showed little 
MPWC use in the areas selected; therefore, NOAA expects a minimal 
impact on the use of the zones by MPWC. MPWC rental businesses may 
experience a negligible impact, as MPWC operation would still be 
allowed in the areas, just in smaller zones. The reduced number of 
deployed buoys and reduced risk of drifting buoys that have parted from 
their moorings would produce negligible benefits to boaters (such as 
commercial fishers) and other water users by reducing risk of 
collision/allision.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Current size    Proposed size
                  Zone                       (sq. mi)        (sq. mi)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pillar Point............................            0.87            0.96
Santa Cruz..............................            6.36            2.63
Moss Landing............................            8.10            2.29
Monterey................................            6.36            3.10
                                         -------------------------------
    Total...............................           21.69            8.98
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The table below summarizes the findings for each proposed 
regulatory action described above and includes a column for passive 
use. ``Nonuse'' or ``passive use'' economic values encompass what 
economists refer to as option value, existence value and other nonuse 
values. All nonuse economic values are based on the fact that people 
are willing to pay some dollar amount for a good or service they 
currently do not use or consume directly. In the case of an ecological 
reserve, they are not current visitors (users), but derive some benefit 
from the knowledge that the reserve exists in a certain state and are 
willing to pay some dollar amount to ensure that the resources are 
maintained and/or improved.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Dredge and            Commercial                              Recreational water
          Regulation \1\                 restoration             fishermen           Scuba diving            based \2\             Passive use \3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Adding a new definition for     Negligible to          No Impact...........  No Impact...........  Negligible to         No Impact.
 the phrase ``beneficial use of      Moderate Benefits.                                                 Moderate Benefits.
 dredged material'' and amending
 existing sanctuary regulations to
 clarify the authorized use of
 clean dredged material for
 habitat restoration.
(2) Allowing MPWC access to MPWC    No Impact............  No Impact...........  No Impact...........  Negligible Benefits.  No Impact.
 Zone 5 (Mavericks surf break)
 during High Surf Advisories.
(3) Correcting an oversight in the  No Impact............  No Impact...........  No Impact...........  No Impact...........  No Impact.
 2009 revised MBNMS management
 plan rulemaking.
(4) Modifying the boundaries of     No Impact............  Negligible Benefits.  No Impact...........  Negligible Cost.....  No Impact.
 four existing year-round
 motorized personal watercraft
 (MPWC) zones.
All Regulations...................  Negligible to          No Impact...........  No Impact...........  Negligible Benefits.  No Impact.
                                     Moderate Benefits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For levels of impacts within the proposed alternatives being analyzed, negligible means very low benefits, costs, or net benefits (less than 1%
  change). Moderate impacts would be more than 1% but less than or equal to 10%, and high impacts would be more than 10%. No impact means no costs or
  benefits are expected.
\2\ Recreational water based includes businesses that may provide equipment or rent items for recreational water use, such as boats or jet skis that
  would be used for recreation on the water that does not include fishing or diving.
\3\ Passive use may create additional economic value and benefits as people spend time and money to learn about the resources through the purchase of
  materials such as books, brochures, etc.


[[Page 40151]]

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule does not create any new information collection 
requirement, nor does it revise the information collection requirement 
that was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Control 
Number 0648-0141) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq. (PRA). Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no 
person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject 
to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

G. National Historic Preservation Act

    In fulfilling its responsibility under the National Historic 
Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.) and NEPA, NOAA 
intends to determine whether the proposed rule is the type of activity 
that could affect historic properties. If so, NOAA intends to identify 
consulting parties; identify historic properties and assess the effects 
of the undertaking on such properties; assess potential adverse 
effects; and resolve adverse effects. If applicable, NOAA will initiate 
formal consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer/Tribal 
Historic Preservation Officer, the Advisory Council of Historic 
Preservation, and other consulting parties as appropriate; involve the 
public in accordance with NOAA's NEPA procedures; and develop in 
consultation with identified consulting parties alternatives and 
proposed measures that might avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse 
effects on historic properties as appropriate and describe them in the 
environmental assessment. NOAA will complete applicable NHPA 
requirements before finalizing its NEPA analysis. Individuals or 
organizations who wish to participate as a consulting party should 
notify NOAA.

H. Endangered Species Act

    The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531, et seq.), provides for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Federal agencies have 
an affirmative mandate to conserve ESA-listed species. Section 7(a)(2) 
of the ESA requires federal agencies, in consultation with the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, to ensure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out 
is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of an ESA-listed 
species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
designated critical habitat. NOAA's ONMS intends to begin informal 
consultation under the ESA with NOAA's Office of Protected Resources 
(OPR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service upon publication of this 
proposed rule and complete consultation prior to the publication of the 
final rule or finalization of the NEPA analysis. NOAA's consultation 
will focus on any potential adverse effects of this action on 
threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.

I. Marine Mammal Protection Act

    The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et 
seq.), as amended, prohibits the ``take'' \5\ of marine mammals in U.S. 
waters. Section 101(a)(5)(A-D) of the MMPA provides a mechanism for 
allowing, 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 or directed research 
on marine mammals) within a specified geographic region. ONMS intends 
to request technical assistance from NMFS upon publication of this 
proposed rule on ONMS's preliminary assessment that this action is not 
likely to result in take of marine mammals. If NMFS recommends that 
ONMS seek an Incidental Harassment Authorization or Letter of 
Authorization, then ONMS will submit an application for any incidental 
taking of small numbers of marine mammals that ONMS and NMFS conclude 
could occur as a result of this proposed rulemaking. NOAA's request for 
technical assistance will focus on the effects of this action on marine 
mammals. NOAA will complete any MMPA requirements before finalizing its 
NEPA analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The MMPA defines take as: ``to harass, hunt, capture, or 
kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine 
mammal.'' 16 U.S.C. 1362. Harassment means any act of pursuit, 
torment, or annoyance which, (1) has the potential to injure a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A 
Harassment); or (2) 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Coastal Zone Management Act

    The principal objectives of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) 
are to encourage and assist states in developing coastal management 
programs, to coordinate State activities, and to preserve, protect, 
develop and, where possible, restore or enhance the resources of the 
nation's coastal zone. Section 307(c) of the CZMA requires federal 
activity affecting the land or water uses or natural resources of a 
state's coastal zone to be consistent with that state's approved 
coastal management program to the maximum extent practicable. NOAA will 
provide a copy of this proposed rule, the draft EA, and a consistency 
determination to the California Coastal Commission (Commission) upon 
publication. NOAA will wait for concurrence from the Commission prior 
to publication of the final rule.

IV. Request for Comments

    NOAA requests comments on this proposed rule, the draft management 
plan, and the draft EA. The comment period will remain open until 
September 4, 2020.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Fishing gear, 
Marine resources, Natural resources, Penalties, Recreation and 
recreation areas, Wildlife.

Nicole R. LeBoeuf,
Acting Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    For the reasons set forth above, NOAA proposes amending part 922, 
title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 922--NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 922 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.

Subpart M--Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

0
2. Amend Sec.  922.131 by adding the definition for ``Beneficial use of 
dredged material'' to read as follows:


Sec.  922.131  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Beneficial use of dredged material means the use of dredged 
material removed from any of the four public harbors immediately 
adjacent to the shoreward boundary of the sanctuary (Pillar Point, 
Santa Cruz, Moss Landing, and Monterey) that has been determined by the 
Director to be clean (as defined by this section) and suitable (as 
consistent with regulatory agency reviews and approvals applicable to 
the proposed beneficial use) as a resource for habitat restoration 
purposes only.

[[Page 40152]]

Beneficial use of dredged material is not disposal of dredged material.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  922.132 by:
0
A. Revising paragraphs (a)(7) and (c)(1).
0
B. Amending paragraph (f) by adding a new sentence before the last 
sentence in the paragraph.
    The revisions and addition read as follows


Sec.  922.132  Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities.

    (a) * * *
    (7) Operating motorized personal watercraft within the Sanctuary 
except within the four designated zones and access routes within the 
Sanctuary described in appendix E to this subpart. Zone Five (at Pillar 
Point) exists only when a High Surf Advisory has been issued by the 
National Weather Service and is in effect for San Mateo County, and 
only during December, January, and February.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) All Department of Defense activities must be carried out in a 
manner that avoids to the maximum extent practicable any adverse 
impacts on Sanctuary resources and qualities. The prohibitions in 
paragraphs (a)(2) through (12) of this section do not apply to existing 
military activities carried out by the Department of Defense, as 
specifically identified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement and 
Management Plan for the Proposed Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
(NOAA, 1992). For purposes of the Davidson Seamount Management Zone, 
these activities are listed in the 2020 Final Environmental Assessment 
for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review. New 
activities may be exempted from the prohibitions in paragraphs (a)(2) 
through (12) of this section by the Director after consultation between 
the Director and the Department of Defense.
* * * * *
    (f) * * * For the purposes of this Subpart, the disposal of dredged 
material does not include the beneficial use of dredged material as 
defined by 15 CFR 922.131. * * *
0
6. Amend Appendix E to Subpart M of Part 922 to read as follows:

Appendix E to Subpart M of Part 922--Motorized Personal Watercraft 
Zones and Access Routes Within the Sanctuary

    The four zones and access routes are:
    (1) The 0.96 mi\2\ area off Pillar Point Harbor from harbor launch 
ramps, through the harbor entrance to the northern boundary of Zone 
One:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point ID No.                     Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (flashing white 5-second breakwater entrance     37.49402   -122.48471
 light and horn at the seaward end of the
 outer west breakwater--mounted on 50-ft high
 white cylindrical structure).................
2 (triangular red dayboard with a red              37.49534   -122.48568
 reflective border and flashing red 6-second
 light at the seaward end of the outer east
 breakwater--mounted on 30-ft high skeleton
 tower).......................................
3 (bend in middle of outer east breakwater,        37.49707   -122.47941
 660 yards west of the harbor entrance).......
4 (Southeast Reef--southern end green gong         37.46469   -122.46971
 buoy ``1S'' with flashing green 6-second
 light).......................................
5 (red entrance buoy ``2'' with flashing red 4-    37.47284   -122.48411
 second light)................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The 2.63 mi\2\ area off of Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor from 
harbor launch ramps, through the harbor entrance, and then along a 100-
yard wide access route southwest along a bearing of approximately 
196[deg] true (180[deg] magnetic) toward the red and white whistle buoy 
at 36.93899 N, 122.009612 W, until crossing between the two yellow can 
buoys marking, respectively, the northeast and northwest corners of the 
zone. Zone Two is bounded by:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point ID No.                     Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (red/white striped whistle buoy ``SC'' with      36.93899   -122.00961
 flashing white Morse code ``A'' light).......
2 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.95500   -122.00967
3 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.94167   -121.96667
4 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.92564   -121.96668
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) The 2.29 mi\2\ area off of Moss Landing Harbor from harbor 
launch ramps, through harbor entrance, and then along a 100-yard wide 
access route southwest along a bearing of approximately 230[deg] true 
(215[deg] magnetic) to the red and white bell buoy at 36.79893 N, 
121.80157 W. Zone Three is bounded by:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point ID No.                     Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (red/white striped bell buoy ``MLA'' with        36.79893   -121.80157
 flashing white Morse code ``A'' light).......
2 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.77833   -121.81667
3 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.83333   -121.82167
4 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.81500   -121.80333
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) The 3.10 mi\2\ area off of Monterey Harbor from harbor launch 
ramps to a point midway between the seaward end of the U.S. Coast Guard 
Pier and the seaward end of Wharf 2, and then along a 100-yard wide 
access route northeast along a bearing of approximately 67[deg] true 
(52[deg] magnetic) to the yellow can buoy marking the southeast corner 
of the zone. Zone Four is bounded by:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point ID No.                     Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.61146   -121.87696
2 (red bell buoy ``4'' with flashing red 4-        36.62459   -121.89594
 second light)................................

[[Page 40153]]

 
3 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.65168   -121.87416
4 (yellow can buoy)...........................     36.63833   -121.85500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) The .13 mi\2\ area near Pillar Point from the Pillar Point 
Harbor entrance along a 100-yard wide access route southeast along a 
bearing of approximately 174[deg] true (159[deg] magnetic) to the green 
bell buoy (identified as ``Buoy 3'') at 37.48154 N, 122.48156 W and 
then along a 100-yard wide access route northwest along a bearing of 
approximately 284[deg] true (269[deg] magnetic) to the green gong buoy 
(identified as ``Buoy 1'') at 37.48625 N, 122.50603 W, the southwest 
boundary of Zone Five. Zone Five exists only when a High Surf Advisory 
has been issued by the National Weather Service and is in effect for 
San Mateo County and only during December, January, and February. Zone 
Five is bounded by:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point ID No.                     Latitude    Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (green gong buoy ``1'' with flashing green       37.48625   -122.50603
 2.5-second light)............................
2 (intersection of sight lines due north of        37.49305   -122.50603
 green gong buoy ``1'' and due west of Sail
 Rock)........................................
3 (Sail Rock).................................     37.49305   -122.50105
4 (intersection of sight lines due east of         37.48625   -122.50105
 green gong buoy ``1'' and due south of Sail
 Rock)........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2020-14225 Filed 7-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P