[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 143 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44835-44847]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15150]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 217

[Docket No. 200706-0180]
RIN 0648-BJ47


Take of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking 
Marine Mammals Incidental to Seabird Research Activities in Central 
California

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from Point Blue Conservation 
Science (Point Blue) for authorization to take marine mammals 
incidental to seabird research activities in central California. 
Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing 
regulations to govern that take, and requests comments on the proposed 
regulations. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any 
final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and 
agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our 
decision.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than August 
24, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2020-0076, 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-NMFS-2020-0076, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Jolie Harrison, Chief, 
Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    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 NMFS. 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 personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, 
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender 
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter 
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Fowler, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401. Electronic copies of the application 
and supporting documents, as well as a list of the references cited in 
this document, may be obtained online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-marine-mammal-protection-act. In case of problems accessing these 
documents, please call the contact listed above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    A copy of Point Blue's application and any supporting documents, as 
well as a list of the references cited in this document, may be 
obtained online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-research-and-other-activities. In case of problems accessing these documents, please call 
the contact listed above (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Purpose and Need for Regulatory Action

    This proposed rule would establish a framework under the authority 
of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) to allow for the authorization of 
take of marine mammals incidental to Point Blue's seabird research 
activities in central California.
    We received an application from Point Blue requesting five-year 
regulations and authorization to take multiple species of marine 
mammals. Take would occur by Level B harassment incidental to visual 
disturbance of pinnipeds during research activities and use of research 
equipment. Please see Background below for definitions of harassment.

Legal Authority for the Proposed Action

    Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(A)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but 
not intentional taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) within a specified geographical region for up to five years 
if, after notice and public comment, the agency makes certain findings 
and issues regulations that set forth permissible methods of taking 
pursuant to that activity and other means of effecting the ``least 
practicable adverse impact'' on the affected species or stocks and 
their habitat (see the discussion below in the Proposed Mitigation 
section), as well as monitoring and reporting requirements. Section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA and the implementing regulations at 50 CFR 
part 216, subpart I provide the legal basis for issuing this proposed 
rule containing five-year regulations, and for any subsequent Letters 
of Authorization (LOAs). As directed by this legal authority, this 
proposed rule contains mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
requirements.

Summary of Major Provisions Within the Proposed Rule

    Following is a summary of the major provisions of this proposed 
rule regarding Point Blue's seabird research activities. These measures 
include:
     Required implementation of mitigation to minimize impact 
to pinnipeds including several measures to approach haulouts cautiously 
to minimize disturbance, and avoiding surveying when pups are present.
     Required monitoring of the research areas to detect the 
presence of marine mammals before initiating surveys.

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

[[Page 44836]]

engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a 
specified geographical region if certain findings are made, regulations 
are issued, and notice is provided to the public.
    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 the 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 the takings are set forth.
    The definitions of all applicable MMPA statutory terms cited above 
are included in the relevant sections below.

National Environmental Policy Act

    To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, 
NMFS must review our proposed action (i.e., the issuance of a proposed 
rule (and subsequent LOAs)) with respect to potential impacts on the 
human environment. This action is consistent with categories of 
activities identified in Categorical Exclusion B4 (incidental 
harassment authorizations (IHAs) with no anticipated serious injury or 
mortality) of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 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 
preliminarily determined that the issuance of the proposed rule 
qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. We 
will review all comments submitted in response to this proposed rule 
prior to concluding our NEPA process or making a final decision on the 
request.

Summary of Request

    On September 17, 2019, NMFS received a request from Point Blue for 
a proposed rule and LOA to take marine mammals incidental to seabird 
research activities on the central California coast. We determined the 
application was adequate and complete on November 26, 2019. Point 
Blue's request is for take of a small number of California sea lions 
(Zalophus californianus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), 
northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), northern fur seals 
(Callorhinus ursinus), Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii 
townsendi), and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), by Level B 
harassment only. Neither Point Blue nor NMFS expects serious injury or 
mortality, or Level A harassment, to result from this activity.
    NMFS has previously issued ten Incidental Harassment Authorizations 
(IHAs) to Point Blue for similar work from 2006 through 2020 (72 FR 
71121, December 14, 2007; 73 FR 77011, December 18, 2008; 75 FR 8677, 
February 19, 2010; 77 FR 73989, December 7, 2012; 78 FR 66686, November 
6, 2013; 80 FR 80321, December 24, 2015; 81 FR 34978, June 1, 2016; 82 
FR 31759, July 7, 2017; 83 FR 31372, July 5, 2018; 85 FR 9740, February 
20, 2020). Point Blue complied with all the requirements (e.g., 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting) of the previous IHAs and 
information regarding their monitoring results may be found in the 
Potential Effects of the Specified Activity on Marine Mammals and their 
Habitat and Estimated Take sections.

Description of Proposed Activity

Overview

    Point Blue, along with their research partners Oikonos Ecosystem 
Knowledge and Point Reyes National Seashore have been conducting 
seabird research in central California for over 30 years. This research 
is conducted under cooperative agreements with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (USFWS) in consultation with the Gulf of the 
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Point Blue conducts research 
activities on Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI), A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island 
(ANI), and Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS). Research activities 
include monitoring and censusing seabird colonies, observing seabird 
nesting habitat, restoring nesting burrows, and resupplying a field 
station at SEFI. Research is conducted throughout the year at each of 
the research sites. Researchers accessing and conducting research 
activities on the sites may occasionally cause behavioral disturbance 
(or Level B harassment) of six pinniped species. Point Blue expects 
that the disturbance to pinnipeds from the research activities will be 
minimal and will be limited to Level B harassment.

Dates and Duration

    Point Blue's research is conducted throughout the year. At SEFI, 
seabird monitoring sites are visited 1-3 times per day for a maximum of 
500 visits per year. Boat landings to re-supply the field station, 
lasting 1-3 hours, are conducted once every two weeks. At ANI, research 
is conducted approximately once a week from April-August, with 
occasional intermittent visits made during the rest of the year. The 
maximum number of visits per year would be 20. Research at PRNS is 
conducted year round, with an emphasis during the seabird nesting 
season, and with occasional intermittent visits the rest of the year. 
The maximum number of visits per year is 20. A component of the seabird 
research involves habitat restoration and monitoring which requires 
sporadic visits from September-November, the time period between the 
seabird breeding season and the elephant seal pupping season.

Specific Geographic Region

    Point Blue will conduct their research activities within the 
vicinity of pinniped haul-out sites in the following locations:
     South Farallon Islands: The South Farallon Islands consist 
of SEFI, located at 37[deg]41'54.32'' N; 123[deg]0'8.33'' W, and West 
End Island. The South Farallon Islands have a land area of 
approximately 120 acres (0.49 square kilometers (km\2\)) and are part 
of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge. The islands are located near 
the edge of the continental shelf 28 miles (mi) (45.1 km) west of San 
Francisco, California, and lie within the waters of the Gulf of the 
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary;
     A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island: ANI is located at 
37[deg]6'29.25'' N; 122[deg]20'12.20'' W, one-quarter mile (402 meters 
m) offshore of A[ntilde]o Nuevo Point in San Mateo County, California. 
The island lies within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and 
the A[ntilde]o Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area; and
     Point Reyes National Seashore: PRNS is approximately 40 
miles (64.3 km) north of San Francisco Bay and also lies within the 
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

Detailed Description of Specific Activity

Southeast Farallon Islands
    Point Blue has conducted year round wildlife research and 
monitoring activities at SEFI, part of the Farallon National Wildlife 
Refuge, since 1968. This work is conducted through a collaborative 
agreement with the USFWS. Research focuses on marine

[[Page 44837]]

mammals and seabirds and includes procedures involved in maintaining 
the SEFI field station. These activities may involve the incidental 
take of marine mammals.
    Seabird research activities involve observational and marking 
(i.e., netting and banding for capture-mark-recapture) studies of 
breeding seabirds. Occasionally researchers may travel to coastal areas 
of the island to conduct observational seabird research, which includes 
viewing breeding seabirds from an observation blind or censusing 
shorebirds, and usually involves one or two observers. Access to the 
refuge involves landing in small boats, 14-18 foot (ft) open 
motorboats, which are hoisted onto the island using a derrick system.
    Most intertidal areas of the island, where marine mammals are 
present, are rarely visited in seabird research. Most potential for 
incidental take will occur at the island's two landings, North Landing 
and East Landing. These sites are visited by researchers 1-3 times per 
day for a maximum of 500 visits per year. At both landings, research 
stations are located more than 50 ft above any pinnipeds that may be 
present. Most visits to these areas are brief (~15 minutes), though 
seabird observers are present for 2-5 hours daily at North Landing from 
early April to early August each year to conduct observational studies 
on breeding common murres (Uria aalge). Boat landings to re-supply the 
field station, lasting 1-3 hours, are conducted once every 2 weeks at 
either North Landing or East Landing. Activities involve launching of 
the boat with one operator, with 2-4 other researchers assisting with 
the operations from land. At East Landing, the primary landing site, 
all personnel assisting with the landing stay on the loading platform 
30 ft above the water. At North Landing, loading operations occur at 
the water level in the intertidal zone.
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island
    Point Blue has also conducted seabird research and monitoring 
activities on ANI, part of the A[ntilde]o Nuevo State Reserve, since 
1992. Collaborations with Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge began in 2001 to 
research seabird burrow nesting habitat quality and restoration. All 
work is conducted through a collaborative agreement with California 
State Parks. Research at ANI is conducted year-round, with up to 20 
visits per year. The island is accessed by a 12 ft Zodiac boat. Non-
breeding pinnipeds may occasionally be present on the small beach in 
the center of the island where the boat is landed. There are usually 2-
3 researchers involved in island visits. Most intertidal areas of the 
island where marine mammals are present are not ever visited during 
seabird research, except at the landing beach. Seabird nest boxes are 
located just north of the landing beach, up on the island's terrace, 
over 50 ft from hauled out pinnipeds. The landing beach is visited upon 
arrival and departure during the weekly visit, and seabird nest boxes 
are checked one time that day. Landings and visits to nest boxes are 
brief (~15 minutes).
Point Reyes National Seashore
    Research at PRNS is conducted year-round, with up to 20 visits per 
year. The National Park Service (NPS) conducts research, resource 
management and routine maintenance services at PRNS. This involves both 
marine mammal research and seabird research and includes maintaining 
the facilities around the seashore. Habitat restoration of the seashore 
occurs and includes restoration and removal of non-native invasive 
plants and coastal dune habitat. Non-native plant removal is timed to 
avoid the breeding seasons of pinnipeds; however, on occasion non-
breeding animals may be present at various beaches throughout the year.
    Research along the seashore includes monitoring seabird breeding 
and roosting colonies. Seabird monitoring usually involves one or two 
observers. Surveys are conducted using 14-22-ft open motorboats that 
survey along the shoreline. Intermittent visits to areas of PRNS where 
pinniped takes may occur are also conducted for research on other 
species such as seabirds, sharks, and subtidal mapping, as well as 
resource management activities such as non-native plant management and 
intertidal monitoring.
    Proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures are 
described in detail later in this document (please see the Proposed 
Mitigation and Proposed Monitoring and Reporting sections).

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities

    Sections 3 and 4 of the 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's Stock Assessment Reports (SARs; https://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's 
website (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species).
    Table 1 lists all species with expected potential for occurrence at 
survey sites in California, and summarizes information related to the 
population or stock, including regulatory status under the MMPA and 
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and potential biological removal (PBR), 
where known. For taxonomy, we follow the 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's SARs). While no 
mortality is anticipated or authorized here, PBR and annual serious 
injury and mortality from anthropogenic sources are included here as 
gross indicators 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's 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's U.S. 2018 Pacific and Alaska Marine Mammal SARs (Carretta et al. 
2019a; Muto et al., 2019a) and draft U.S. 2019 Pacific and Alaska 
Marine Mammal SARs (Caretta et al., 2019b; Muto et al., 2019b). All 
values presented in Table 1 are the most recent available at the time 
of publication and are available in the 2018 and draft 2019 SARs 
(available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/draft-marine-mammal-stock-assessment-reports).

[[Page 44838]]



                                     Table 1--Marine Mammals Potentially Present in the Vicinity of the Study Areas
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                                                                                         ESA/MMPA status;    Stock abundance  (CV,
             Common name                  Scientific name               Stock             strategic (Y/N)      Nmin, most recent       PBR     Annual M/
                                                                                                \1\          abundance survey) \2\               SI \3\
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                                                         Order Carnivora--Superfamily Pinnipedia
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Family Otariidae (eared seals and
 sea lions):
    California sea lion.............  Zalophus californianus.  U.S....................  -/-; N              257,606 (n/a; 233,515;     14,011       >320
                                                                                                             2014).
    Steller sea lion................  Eumetopias jubatus.....  Eastern U.S............  -/-; N              43,201 (n/a; 43,201;        2,592        113
                                                                                                             2017).
    Northern fur seal...............  Callorhinus ursinus....  California.............  -/-; N              14,050 (n/a; 7,524;           451       >0.8
                                                                                                             2013).
                                                               Eastern Pacific........  -/D; Y              620,660 (0.2, 525,333,     11,295        399
                                                                                                             2016).
    Guadalupe fur seal..............  Arctocephalus philippii  Mexico to California...  T/D; Y              34,187 (n/a; 31,019;        1,062       >1.2
                                       townsendi.                                                            2013).
Family Phocidae (earless seals):
    Harbor seal.....................  Phoca vitulina           California.............  -/-; N              30,968 (n/a; 27,348;        1,641         43
                                       richardii.                                                            2012).
    Northern elephant seal..........  Mirounga angustirostris  California.............  -/-; N              179,000 (n/a; 81,368;       4,882        8.8
                                                                                                             2010).
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1--Endangered Species Act (ESA) status: Endangered (E), Threatened (T)/MMPA status: Depleted (D). A dash (-) indicates that the species is not listed
  under the ESA or designated as depleted under the MMPA. Under the MMPA, a strategic stock is one for which the level of direct human-caused mortality
  exceeds PBR 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--NMFS marine mammal stock assessment reports online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessments assessments. CV is coefficient of variation; Nmin is the minimum estimate of stock abundance. In some cases, CV is not applicable.
3--These values, found in NMFS's SARs, represent annual levels of human-caused mortality plus serious injury from all sources combined (e.g., commercial
  fisheries, ship strikes). Annual M/SI often cannot be determined precisely and is in some cases presented as a minimum value or range. A CV associated
  with estimated mortality due to commercial fisheries is presented in some cases.

    All species that could potentially occur in the proposed survey 
areas are included in Table 1. Below, we describe all six species that 
temporally and spatially co-occur with the activity, as well as the 
degree that take is reasonably likely to occur, to the extent that we 
have proposed authorizing it. The southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris 
nereis) may be found at SEFI and ANI. However, they are managed by the 
USFWS and are not considered further in this document.

California Sea Lions

    California sea lion breeding areas are on islands located in 
southern California, in western Baja California, Mexico, and the Gulf 
of California. Rookery sites in southern California are limited to the 
San Miguel Islands and the southerly Channel Islands of San Nicolas, 
Santa Barbara, and San Clemente (Carretta et al., 2017). Males 
establish breeding territories during May through July on both land and 
in the water. Females come ashore in mid-May and June where they give 
birth to a single pup approximately four to five days after arrival and 
will nurse pups for about a week before going on their first feeding 
trip. Females will alternate feeding trips with nursing bouts until the 
pup is weaned between four and 10 months of age (NMML 2010).
    Adult and juvenile males will migrate as far north as British 
Columbia, Canada while females and pups remain in southern California 
waters in the non-breeding season. In warm water (El Ni[ntilde]o) 
years, some females are found as far north as Washington and Oregon, 
presumably following prey.
    On the Farallon Islands, California sea lions haul out in many 
intertidal areas year round, fluctuating from several hundred to 
several thousand animals. California sea lions at PRNS haul out at only 
a few locations, but will occur on human structures such as boat ramps. 
The annual population averages around 300 to 500 during the fall 
through spring months, although on occasion, several thousand sea lions 
can arrive depending upon local prey resources (S. Allen, unpublished 
data). On ANI, California sea lions may haul out at one of eight beach 
areas on the perimeter of the island. The island's average population 
ranges from 4,000 to 9,500 animals (M. Lowry, unpublished data).
    Elevated numbers of strandings of California sea lion pups occurred 
in Southern California beginning in January 2013, and NMFS declared an 
Unusual Mortality Event (UME). The UME was confined to pup and yearling 
California sea lions, many of which were emaciated, dehydrated, and 
underweight for their age. A change in the availability of sea lion 
prey, especially sardines, a high value food source for nursing 
mothers, was a likely contributor to the large number of strandings. 
Sardine spawning grounds shifted further offshore in 2012 and 2013, 
and, while other prey were available (market squid and rockfish), these 
may not have provided adequate nutrition in the milk of sea lion 
mothers supporting pups, or for newly-weaned pups foraging on their 
own. Although the pups showed signs of some viruses and infections, 
findings indicated that this event was not caused by disease, but 
rather by the lack of high quality, close-by food sources for nursing 
mothers. Current evidence does not indicate that this UME was caused by 
a single infectious agent, though a variety of disease-causing bacteria 
and viruses were found in samples from sea lion pups. Investigating and 
identifying the cause of this UME is a true public-private effort with 
many collaborators. The investigative team examined multiple potential 
explanations for the high numbers of malnourished California sea lion 
pups observed on the island rookeries and stranded on the mainland in 
2013. For more information, see https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2013-2017-california-sea-lion-unusual-mortality-event-california.

Steller Sea Lion

    Steller sea lions consist of two distinct population segments 
(DPSs): The western and eastern DPSs divided at 144[deg] W longitude 
(Cape Suckling, Alaska). The western segment of Steller sea lions 
inhabits central and western Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, as well 
as coastal waters, and breed in Asia (e.g., Japan and Russia). The 
eastern DPS includes animals born east of Cape Suckling, AK (144[deg] 
W), and includes sea lions living in southeast Alaska, British 
Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California.
    Despite the wide-ranging movements of juveniles and adult males in 
particular, exchange between rookeries

[[Page 44839]]

by breeding adult females and males (other than between adjoining 
rookeries) appears low, although males have a higher tendency to 
disperse than females (NMFS, 1995; Trujillo et al., 2004; Hoffman et 
al., 2006). A northward shift in the overall breeding distribution has 
occurred, with a contraction of the range in southern California and 
new rookeries established in southeastern Alaska (Pitcher et al., 
2007).
    An estimated 50-150 Steller sea lions are located along the 
Farallon Islands while 400-600 may be found on ANI (Point Blue, 
unpublished data; Lowry, unpublished data). Steller sea lions are not 
typically present at PRNS (NPS, unpublished data). Overall, counts of 
non-pups at trend sites in California and Oregon have been relatively 
stable or increasing slowly since the 1980s (Muto et al., 2017). SEFI 
is one of two breeding colonies at the southern end of the Steller sea 
lion's range. On the Farallon and A[ntilde]o Nuevo Islands, Steller sea 
lion breeding colonies are located in closed areas where researchers 
never visit, eliminating any risk of disturbing breeding animals.

Northern Fur Seal

    The northern fur seal is endemic to the North Pacific Ocean and 
occurs from southern California to the Bering Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, and 
Sea of Japan (Jefferson et al., 2015). Two stocks are recognized in 
U.S. waters: the Eastern North Pacific and the California stocks. The 
Eastern Pacific stock ranges from southern California during winter to 
the Pribilof Islands and Bogoslof Island in the Bering Sea during 
summer (Carretta et al., 2018; Muto et al., 2018). The California stock 
originated with immigrants from the Pribilof Islands and Russian 
populations that recolonized San Miguel Island during the late 1950s or 
early 1960s after northern fur seals were extirpated from California in 
the 1700s and 1800s (DeLong 1982). Most northern fur seals at Point 
Blue research sites are expected to be from the California stock, 
though some may be from the Eastern North Pacific stock, as adult 
females and pups from the Pribilof Islands move through the Aleutian 
Islands into waters off of Oregon and California (Muto et al., 2019b).
    The northern fur seal spends ~90 percent of its time at sea, 
typically in areas of upwelling along the continental slopes and over 
seamounts (Gentry 1981). The remainder of its life is spent on or near 
rookery islands or haulouts. While at sea, northern fur seals usually 
occur singly or in pairs, although larger groups can form in waters 
rich with prey (Antonelis and Fiscus 1980; Gentry 1981). Northern fur 
seals dive to relatively shallow depths to feed: 100-200 m for females, 
and <400 m for males (Gentry 2009). Tagged adult female fur seals were 
shown to remain within 200 km of the shelf break (Pelland et al. 2014).
    Northern fur seals likely numbered in excess of 100,000 animals at 
the Farallon Islands before being locally extirpated by sealers in the 
1800's (Townsend 1931; Scheffer and Kraus 1964). After more than a 150-
year absence, northern fur seals recolonized the Farallon Islands in 
the 1970's and the first confirmed pup was born in 1996 (Pyle et al., 
2001). The Farallon Islands continue to be a breeding site for northern 
fur seals, with over 1,000 pups born each season (Point Blue, 
unpublished data). Fur seals in the Farallon Islands typically begin 
pupping in mid-July with peak population and pup production in late-
August to early-September.

Guadalupe Fur Seal

    Guadalupe fur seals were once plentiful on the California coast, 
ranging from the Gulf of the Farallones near San Francisco, to the 
Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico (Aurioles-Gamboa et al., 1999), but they 
were over-harvested in the 19th century to near extinction. After being 
protected, the population grew slowly; mature individuals of the 
species were observed occasionally in the Southern California Bight 
starting in the 1960s (Stewart et al., 1993), and, in 1997, a female 
and pup were observed on San Miguel Island (Melin & DeLong, 1999). 
Since 2008, individual adult females, subadult males, and between one 
and three pups have been observed annually on San Miguel Island 
(Caretta et al., 2017).
    During the summer breeding season, most adults occur at rookeries 
in Mexico (Caretta et al., 2019; Norris 2017 in U.S. Navy 2019). 
Following the breeding season, adult males tend to move northward to 
forage. Females have been observed feeding south of Guadalupe Island, 
making an average round trip of 2,375 km (Ronald and Gots 2003). 
Several rehabilitated Guadalupe fur seals that were satellite tagged 
and released in central California traveled as far north as British 
Columbia (Norris et al., 2015; Norris 2017 in U.S. Navy 2019). 
Guadalupe fur seals are not typically observed at Point Blue research 
sites, but they have occasionally been seen at the Farallon Islands in 
the last decade.
    Increased strandings of Guadalupe fur seals have occurred along the 
entire coast of California. Guadalupe fur seal strandings began in 
January 2015 and were eight times higher than the historical average. 
Strandings have continued since 2015 and have remained well above 
average through 2019. Strandings are seasonal and generally peak in 
April through June of each year. Strandings in Oregon and Washington 
became elevated starting in 2019 and have continued to present. 
Strandings in these two states in 2019 are five times higher than the 
historical average. Guadalupe fur seals have stranded alive and dead. 
Those stranding are mostly weaned pups and juveniles (1-2 years old). 
The majority of stranded animals showed signs of malnutrition with 
secondary bacterial and parasitic infections. NMFS has declared a UME 
for Guadalupe fur seals along the entire U.S. West Coast; the UME is 
ongoing and NMFS is continuing to investigate the cause(s). For 
additional information on the UME, see https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2015-2020-guadalupe-fur-seal-unusual-mortality-event-california.

Northern Elephant Seal

    Northern elephant seals range in the eastern and central North 
Pacific Ocean, from as far north as Alaska to as far south as Mexico. 
Northern elephant seals spend much of the year, generally about nine 
months, in the ocean. They are usually underwater, diving to depths of 
about 1,000 to 2,500 ft (330-800 m) for 20- to 30-minute intervals with 
only short breaks at the surface. They are rarely seen out at sea for 
this reason. While on land, they prefer sandy beaches.
    The northern elephant seal breeding population is distributed from 
central Baja California, Mexico to the Point Reyes Peninsula in 
northern California. Along this coastline, there are 13 major breeding 
colonies. Northern elephant seals breed and give birth primarily on 
offshore islands (Stewart et al., 1994), from December to March 
(Stewart and Huber, 1993). Males feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands 
and in the Gulf of Alaska, and females feed farther south, south of 
45[deg] N (Stewart and Huber, 1993; Le Boeuf et al., 1993).
    In mid-December, adult males begin arriving at rookeries, closely 
followed by pregnant females on the verge of giving birth. Females give 
birth to a single pup, generally in late December or January (Le Boeuf 
and Laws, 1994) and nurse their pups for approximately four weeks 
(Reiter et al., 1991). Upon pup weaning, females mate with an adult 
male and then depart the islands. The last adult breeders depart the 
islands in mid-March. The spring peak of elephant seals on the rookery 
occurs

[[Page 44840]]

in April, when females and immature seals (approximately one to four 
years old) arrive at the colony to molt (a one-month process) (USFWS 
2013). The year's new pups remain on the island throughout both of 
these peaks, generally leaving by the end of April (USFWS 2013). The 
lowest numbers of elephant seals present at rookeries occurs during 
June, July, and August, when sub-adult and adult males molt. Another 
peak number of young seals returns to the rookery for a haul-out period 
in October, and at that time some individuals undergo partial molt (Le 
Boeuf and Laws, 1994).
    Northern elephant seals are present on the islands and in the 
waters surrounding the South Farallones year-round for either breeding 
or molting; however, they are more abundant during breeding and peak 
molting seasons (Le Boeuf and Laws, 1994; Sydeman and Allen, 1999). 
Northern elephant seals began recolonizing the South Farallon Islands 
in the early 1970s (Stewart et al., 1994) at which time the colony grew 
rapidly. Point Blue's average monthly counts of elephant seals at SEFI 
from 2000 to 2009 ranged from 20 individuals in July to nearly 500 
individuals in November (USFWS 2013). During breeding season, the 
population at ANI ranges from 900 to 1,000 adults, while another ~2,000 
adults are found at PRNS (Mark Lowry, unpublished data; NPS, 
unpublished data).

Pacific Harbor Seal

    Pacific harbor seals inhabit near-shore coastal and estuarine areas 
from Baja California, Mexico, to the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. They 
are divided into two subspecies: P. v. stejnegeri in the western North 
Pacific, near Japan, and P. v. richardii in the northeast Pacific 
Ocean. The latter subspecies occurs along the California coast. The 
California stock of harbor seals ranges from Mexico to the Oregon-
California border. In California, 400-600 harbor seal haul-out sites 
are widely distributed along the mainland and offshore islands, and 
include rocky shores, beaches and intertidal sandbars (Lowry et al., 
2008).
    Harbor seals mate at sea, and females give birth during the spring 
and summer, although the pupping season varies with latitude. Pups are 
nursed for an average of 24 days and are ready to swim minutes after 
being born. Harbor seal pupping takes place at many locations, and 
rookery size varies from a few pups to many hundreds of pups. Pupping 
generally occurs between March and June, and molting occurs between May 
and July.
    On the Farallon Islands, approximately 40 to 120 Pacific harbor 
seals haul out in the intertidal areas (Point Blue, unpublished data). 
Harbor seals at PRNS haul out at nine locations with an annual 
population of up to 4,000 animals (M. Lowry, unpublished data). On ANI, 
harbor seals may haul out at one of eight beach areas on the perimeter 
of the island, and the island's average population ranges from 100 to 
150 animals (M. Lowry, unpublished data).

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    This section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that 
components of the specified activity may impact marine mammals and 
their habitat. The Estimated Take section later in this document 
includes a quantitative analysis of the number of individuals that are 
expected to be taken by this activity. The Negligible Impact Analysis 
and Determination section considers the content of this section, the 
Estimated Take section, and the Proposed Mitigation section to draw 
conclusions regarding the likely impacts of these activities on the 
reproductive success or survivorship of individuals and how those 
impacts on individuals are likely to impact marine mammal species or 
stocks.
    Visual and acoustic stimuli generated by the appearance of 
researchers and motorboat operations may have the potential to cause 
Level B harassment of pinnipeds hauled out on SEFI, ANI, or PRNS. This 
section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that the types of 
stressors associated with the specified activity (e.g., personnel 
presence and motorboats) have been observed to impact marine mammals. 
This discussion may also include reactions that we consider to rise to 
the level of a take and those that we do not consider to rise to the 
level of a take. This section provides background information on 
potential effects of these activities. For a discussion of the manner 
in which the mitigation measures will be implemented, and how the 
mitigation measures will shape the anticipated impacts from this 
specific activity, see the Proposed Mitigation section below.
    The appearance of researchers may have the potential to cause Level 
B behavioral harassment of any pinnipeds hauled out at research sites. 
Disturbance may result in reactions ranging from an animal simply 
becoming alert to the presence of researchers (e.g., turning the head, 
assuming a more upright posture) to flushing from the haulout site into 
the water. NMFS does not consider the lesser reactions to constitute 
behavioral harassment, or Level B harassment takes, but rather assumes 
that pinnipeds that flee some distance or change the speed or direction 
of their movement in response to the presence of researchers are 
behaviorally harassed, and thus subject to Level B taking (see below). 
Animals that respond to the presence of researchers by becoming alert, 
but do not move or change the nature of locomotion as described, are 
not considered to have been subject to behavioral harassment.
    Reactions to human presence, if any, depend on species, state of 
maturity, experience, current activity, reproductive state, time of 
day, and many other factors (Richardson et al., 1995; Southall et al., 
2007; Weilgart 2007). These behavioral reactions from marine mammals 
are often shown as: Changing durations of surfacing and dives, number 
of blows per surfacing, or moving direction and/or speed; reduced/
increased vocal activities; changing/cessation of certain behavioral 
activities (such as socializing or feeding); visible startle responses 
or aggressive behavior; avoidance of areas; and/or flight responses 
(e.g., pinnipeds flushing into the water from haulouts or rookeries). 
If a marine mammal does react briefly to human presence by changing its 
behavior or moving a small distance, the impacts of the change are 
unlikely to be significant to the individual, let alone the stock or 
population. However, if visual stimuli from human presence displaces 
marine mammals from an important feeding or breeding area for a 
prolonged period, impacts on individuals and populations could be 
significant (e.g., Lusseau and Bejder 2007; Weilgart, 2007). Numerous 
studies have shown that human activity can flush harbor seals off haul-
out sites (Allen et al., 1985; Calambokidis et al., 1991; Suryan and 
Harvey, 1999). The Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) has 
been shown to avoid beaches that have been disturbed often by humans 
(Kenyon 1972). In one case, human disturbance appeared to cause Steller 
sea lions to desert a breeding area at Northeast Point on St. Paul 
Island, Alaska (Kenyon 1962).
    In cases where vessels actively approached marine mammals (e.g., 
whale watching or dolphin watching boats), scientists have documented 
that animals exhibit altered behavior such as increased swimming speed, 
erratic movement, and active avoidance behavior (Acevedo, 1991; Trites 
and Bain, 2000; Williams et al., 2002; Constantine et al., 2003), 
reduced blow interval, disruption of normal social behaviors (Lusseau 
2003; 2006), and the

[[Page 44841]]

shift of behavioral activities that may increase energetic costs 
(Constantine et al., 2003).
    In 1997, Henry and Hammil (2001) conducted a study to measure the 
impacts of small boats (i.e., kayaks, canoes, motorboats and sailboats) 
on harbor seal haul-out behavior in Metis Bay, Quebec, Canada. During 
that study, the authors noted that the most frequent disturbances 
(n=73) were caused by lower speed, lingering kayaks, and canoes (33.3 
percent) as opposed to motorboats (27.8 percent) conducting high-speed 
passes. The seal's flight reactions could be linked to a surprise 
factor by kayaks and canoes, which approach slowly, quietly, and low on 
the water making them look like predators. However, the authors note 
that, once the animals were disturbed, there did not appear to be any 
significant lingering effect on the recovery of numbers to their pre-
disturbance levels. In conclusion, the study showed that boat traffic 
at current levels had only a temporary effect on the haul-out behavior 
of harbor seals in the Metis Bay area.
    In 2004, Acevedo-Gutierrez and Johnson (2007) evaluated the 
efficacy of buffer zones for watercraft around harbor seal haul-out 
sites on Yellow Island, Washington. The authors estimated the minimum 
distance between the vessels and the haul-out sites; categorized the 
vessel types; and evaluated seal responses to the disturbances. During 
the course of the seven-weekend study, the authors recorded 14 human-
related disturbances that were associated with stopped powerboats and 
kayaks. During these events, hauled out seals became noticeably active 
and moved into the water. The flushing occurred when stopped kayaks and 
powerboats were at distances as far as 453 and 1,217 ft (138 and 371 m) 
away, respectively. The authors note that the seals were unaffected by 
passing powerboats, even those approaching as close as 128 ft (39 m), 
possibly indicating that the animals had become tolerant of the brief 
presence of the vessels and ignored them. The authors reported that, on 
average, the seals quickly recovered from the disturbances and returned 
to the haul-out site in less than or equal to 60 minutes. Seal numbers 
did not return to pre-disturbance levels within 180 minutes of the 
disturbance less than one quarter of the time observed. The study 
concluded that the return of seal numbers to pre-disturbance levels and 
the relatively regular seasonal cycle in abundance throughout the area 
counter the idea that disturbances from powerboats may result in site 
abandonment (Johnson and Acevedo-Gutierrez, 2007). As a general 
statement from the available information, pinnipeds exposed to intense 
(approximately 110 to 120 decibels referenced to 20 microPascals 
([mu]Pa)) airborne non-pulsed sounds often leave haul-out areas and 
seek refuge temporarily (minutes to a few hours) in the water (Southall 
et al., 2007).
    The potential for striking marine mammals is a concern with vessel 
traffic. Typically, the reasons for vessel strikes are fast transit 
speeds, lack of maneuverability, or not seeing the animal because the 
boat is so large. Point Blue's researchers will access areas at slow 
transit speeds in small boats that are easily maneuverable, minimizing 
any chance of an accidental strike.
    There are other ways in which disturbance, as described previously, 
could result in more than Level B harassment of marine mammals. They 
are most likely to be consequences of stampeding, a potentially 
dangerous occurrence in which large numbers of animals succumb to mass 
panic and rush away from a stimulus. These situations are: (1) Falling 
when entering the water at high-relief locations; (2) extended 
separation of mothers and pups; and (3) crushing of pups by larger 
animals during a stampede. However, NMFS does not expect any of these 
scenarios to occur at SEFI, ANI, or PRNS. There is the risk of injury 
if animals stampede towards shorelines with precipitous relief (e.g., 
cliffs). Researchers will take precautions, such as moving slowly and 
staying close to the ground, to ensure that flushes do not result in a 
stampede of pinnipeds heading to the sea. Point Blue reports that 
stampedes are extremely rare at their survey locations. Furthermore, no 
research activities would occur at or near pinniped rookeries. Breeding 
animals are concentrated in areas where researchers would not visit, so 
NMFS does not expect mother and pup separation or crushing of pups 
during flushing. Furthermore, if pups should be present at any Point 
Blue research sites, researchers will avoid visiting that particular 
site.
    Given the nature of the proposed activities (i.e. animal 
observations from a distance and limited motorboat operations) in 
conjunction with proposed mitigation measures, NMFS is confident that 
any anticipated effects would be in the form of behavioral disturbance 
only. NMFS considers the risk of injury, serious injury, or mortality 
to marine mammals to be very low.
    There are no habitat modifications associated with the proposed 
activity other than the presence of existing observation blinds by 
researchers to monitor animals. These blinds disturb only a few square 
feet of habitat. The presence of the blinds will likely result in a net 
decrease in disturbance since the researchers will only be visible 
briefly as they enter and exit the blind. Thus, NMFS does not expect 
that the proposed activity would have any effects on marine mammal 
habitat and NMFS expects that there will be no long- or short-term 
physical impacts to pinniped habitat on SEFI, ANI, or PRNS.

Estimated Take

    This section provides an estimate of the number of incidental takes 
proposed for authorization through this LOA, and this estimate 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 researchers. Based on the nature of the 
activity and required mitigation, no Level A harassment, serious 
injury, or mortality is anticipated or proposed to be authorized. As 
described previously, no mortality is anticipated or proposed to be 
authorized for this activity. Below we describe how the take is 
estimated.

Marine Mammal Occurrence and Take Calculation and Estimation

    Take estimates are based on take reported by Point Blue in the last 
five years (Table 2). Point Blue's requested annual take was calculated 
as the maximum annual recorded take for each species over the last five 
years with a 10 percent increase (to account for potential population 
growth over the course of the five-year authorization), or the 
authorized take from the most recent IHA, whichever was greater.

[[Page 44842]]

    Take of northern fur seals and Guadalupe fur seals has not been 
authorized in Point Blue's past IHAs. However, the northern fur seal 
colony in the Farallon Islands is expanding, and northern fur seals are 
beginning to haul out in areas that are regularly visited by 
researchers and in areas that are critical for access to the island. 
There is also some potential for Guadalupe fur seals to be present at 
the Farallon Islands, though they are not expected to occur as 
frequently as northern fur seals. Therefore, Point Blue has requested 
20 annual takes by Level B harassment of northern fur seals and 5 
annual takes by Level B harassment of Guadalupe fur seals, and NMFS 
proposes to authorize this amount.

                        Table 2--Reported Take Observations From Previous IHAs, and Requested Annual Takes by Level B Harassment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Reported take observations for all activities                                       Total
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Authorized       requested
                 Species                                                                                                    takes from     annual takes
                                               2014            2015            2016            2017            2018         most recent     by Level B
                                                                                                                                IHA         harassment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California sea lion.....................          10,048          36,417          23,173          22,752          17,487          32,623          40,059
Northern elephant seal..................             145             175             119             202              85             239             239
Pacific harbor seal.....................             284             292             175             234             229             304             321
Steller sea lion........................              59              31              32              35               5              43              65
Northern fur seal.......................               0               0               0               0               0               0              20
Guadalupe fur seal......................               0               0               0               0               0               0               5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Table 3--Proposed Take by Level B Harassment and Percent of MMPA Stock Proposed To Be Taken
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Proposed        Proposed
                                                                    annual take   total take  by    Percent of
                Species                           Stock             by Level B        Level B        Stock \1\
                                                                    harassment      harassment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California sea lion...................  U.S.....................          40,059         200,295           15.55
Northern elephant seal................  California breeding.....             239           1,195            0.13
Pacific harbor seal...................  California..............             321           1,605            1.04
Steller sea lion......................  Eastern U.S.............              65             325            0.15
Northern fur seal \2\.................  California..............              20             100            0.14
                                        Eastern Pacific.........                                           <0.01
Guadalupe fur seal....................  Mexico to California....               5              25            0.01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Reflects annual take number.
\2\ As either stock may occur in the project area, for the purposes of calculating the percentage of the stock
  impacted, the take is being analyzed as if all proposed takes occurred within each stock.

Proposed Mitigation

    In order to issue regulations and an LOA under Section 101(a)(5)(A) 
of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the permissible methods of taking 
pursuant to the activity, and other means of effecting the least 
practicable impact on the species or stock and its habitat, paying 
particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar 
significance, and on the availability of the 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 the 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;
    (2) The practicability of the measures for applicant 
implementation, which may consider such things as cost and impact on 
operations.
    To reduce the potential for disturbance from acoustic and visual 
stimuli associated with survey activities, Point Blue will implement 
the following mitigation measures:
     Slow approach to beaches for boat landings to avoid 
stampede, provide animals opportunity to enter water, and avoid vessel 
strikes;
     Observe a site from a distance, using binoculars if 
necessary, to detect any marine mammals prior to approach to determine 
if mitigation is required (i.e., if pinnipeds are present, researchers 
will approach with caution, walking slowly, quietly, and close to the 
ground to avoid surprising any hauled-out individuals and to reduce 
flushing/stampeding of individuals);
     Avoid pinnipeds along access ways to sites by locating and 
taking a different access way. Researchers will keep a safe distance 
from and not approach any marine mammal while conducting research, 
unless it is absolutely necessary to flush a marine mammal in order to 
continue conducting research (i.e., if a site cannot be accessed or 
sampled due to the presence of pinnipeds);
     Avoid visits to sites when pups are present or when 
species for which

[[Page 44843]]

authorization has not been granted are present;
     Monitor for offshore predators and do not approach hauled 
out pinnipeds if great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) or killer 
whales (Orcinus orca) are present. If Point Blue and/or its designees 
see pinniped predators in the area, they must not disturb the pinnipeds 
until the area is free of predators;
     Keep voices hushed and bodies low to the ground in the 
visual presence of pinnipeds;
     Conduct seabird observations at North Landing on SEFI in 
an observation blind, shielded from the view of hauled out pinnipeds;
     Crawl slowly to access seabird nest boxes on ANI if 
pinnipeds are within view; and
     Coordinate research visits to intertidal areas of SEFI (to 
reduce potential take) and coordinate research activities for ANI to 
minimize the number of trips to the island.
    Based on our evaluation of the applicant's proposed measures, and 
the proven efficacy and practicability of these mitigation measures in 
previous Point Blue incidental take authorizations, NMFS has 
preliminarily determined that the proposed 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.

Proposed Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue regulations and an LOA for an activity, Section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth requirements 
pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. The MMPA 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.104 (a)(13) indicate that 
requests for authorizations must include the suggested means of 
accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result 
in increased knowledge of the species and of the level of taking or 
impacts on populations of marine mammals that are expected to be 
present in the proposed action area. Effective reporting is critical 
both to compliance as well as ensuring that the most value is obtained 
from the required monitoring.
    Monitoring and reporting requirements prescribed by NMFS should 
contribute to improved understanding of one or more of the following:
     Occurrence of marine mammal species or stocks in the area 
in which take is anticipated (e.g., presence, abundance, distribution, 
density);
     Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure 
to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or 
chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment 
(e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2) 
affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) co-occurrence 
of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) biological or 
behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas);
     Individual marine mammal responses (behavioral or 
physiological) to acoustic stressors (acute, chronic, or cumulative), 
other stressors, or cumulative impacts from multiple stressors;
     How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1) 
Long-term fitness and survival of individual marine mammals; or (2) 
populations, species, or stocks;
     Effects on marine mammal habitat (e.g., marine mammal prey 
species, acoustic habitat, or other important physical components of 
marine mammal habitat); and
     Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness.
    Point Blue will contribute to the knowledge of pinnipeds in 
California by noting observations of: (1) Unusual behaviors, numbers, 
or distributions of pinnipeds, such that any potential follow-up 
research can be conducted by the appropriate personnel; (2) tag-bearing 
pinnipeds or carcasses, allowing transmittal of the information to 
appropriate agencies and personnel; and (3) rare or unusual species of 
marine mammals for agency follow-up.
    Required monitoring protocols for Point Blue will include the 
following:
    (1) Record of date, time, and location (or closest point of 
ingress) of each visit to the research site;
    (2) Composition of the marine mammals sighted, such as species, 
gender, and life history stage (e.g., adult, sub-adult, pup);
    (3) Information on the numbers (by species) of marine mammals 
observed during the activities;
    (4) Estimated number of marine mammals (by species) that may have 
been harassed during the activities;
    (5) Behavioral responses or modifications of behaviors that may be 
attributed to the specific activities and a description of the specific 
activities occurring during that time (e.g., pedestrian approach, 
vessel approach); and
    (6) Information on the weather, including the tidal state and 
horizontal visibility.
    The lead biologist will serve as an observer to record incidental 
take. For consistency, any reactions by pinnipeds to researchers will 
be recorded according to a three-point scale shown in Table 4. Note 
that only observations of disturbance noted in Levels 2 and 3 should be 
recorded as takes.

           Table 4--Levels of Pinniped Behavioral Disturbance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Type of
    Level          response                    Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1............  Alert..........  Seal head orientation or brief movement
                                 in response to disturbance, which may
                                 include turning head towards the
                                 disturbance, craning head and neck
                                 while holding the body rigid in a u-
                                 shaped position, changing from a lying
                                 to a sitting position, or brief
                                 movement of less than twice the
                                 animal's body length.
2 *..........  Movement.......  Movements in response to the source of
                                 disturbance, ranging from short
                                 withdrawals at least twice the animal's
                                 body length to longer retreats over the
                                 beach, or if already moving a change of
                                 direction of greater than 90 degrees.
3 *..........  Flush..........  All retreats (flushes) to the water.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Only observations of disturbance Levels 2 and 3 are recorded as takes.

    This information will be incorporated into a monitoring report for 
NMFS. The monitoring report will cover the period from January 1 
through December 31 of each year of the authorization. Point Blue will 
submit annual report data on a calendar year schedule, regardless of 
the LOA's initiation or expiration dates. This ensures that data from 
all consecutive months will be collected and, therefore, can be 
analyzed to estimate authorized take for future incidental take 
authorizations regardless of the existing authorization's issuance 
date. Point Blue will submit a draft

[[Page 44844]]

monitoring report for the activities to NMFS Office of Protected 
Resources by April 1 of each year. A final report will be prepared and 
submitted within 30 days following resolution of any comments on the 
draft report from NMFS. If no comments are received from NMFS, the 
draft monitoring report will be considered to be the final report. The 
final annual report after year five may be included as part of the 
final report (see below).
    Point Blue must also report observations of unusual pinniped 
behaviors, numbers, or distributions and tag-bearing carcasses to the 
NMFS West Coast Regional Office. In the event that personnel discovers 
an injured or dead marine mammal, Point Blue shall report the incident 
to the NMFS Office of Protected Resources, and the NMFS West Coast 
Regional Stranding Coordinator as soon as feasible. If the death or 
injury was clearly caused by Point Blue's activities, Point Blue must 
immediately cease the specified activities until NMFS is able to review 
the circumstances of the incident and determine what, if any, 
additional measures are appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms 
of the LOA. Point Blue must not resume their activities until notified 
by NMFS. The report must include the following information:
    (1) Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the first 
discovery (and updated location information if known and applicable);
    (2) Species identification (if known) or description of the 
animal(s) involved;
    (3) Condition of the animal(s) (including carcass condition if the 
animal is dead);
    (4) Observed behaviors of the animal(s), if alive;
    (5) If available, photographs or video footage of the animal(s); 
and
    (6) General circumstances under which the animal was discovered.
    A draft final report shall be submitted to the NMFS Office of 
Protected Resources within 60 days after the conclusion of the fifth 
year. A final report shall be submitted to the Director of the NMFS 
Office of Protected Resources within 30 days after receiving comments 
from NMFS on the draft final report. If no comments are received from 
NMFS, the draft final report will be considered the final report.

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, the discussion of our analyses applies to all 
the species listed in Table 3, given that the anticipated effects of 
this activity on these different marine mammal stocks are expected to 
be similar. For reasons stated previously in this document and based on 
the following factors, NMFS does not expect Point Blue's specified 
activities to cause long-term behavioral disturbance that would 
negatively impact an individual animal's fitness, or result in injury, 
serious injury, or mortality. Although Point Blue's survey activities 
may disturb marine mammals, NMFS expects those impacts to occur to 
localized groups of animals at or near survey sites. Behavioral 
disturbance would be limited to short-term startle responses and 
localized behavioral changes due to the short duration (ranging from 
<15 minutes for visits at most locations up to 2-5 hours from April-
August at SEFI) of the research activities. At some locations, where 
resupply activities occur, visits will occur once every two weeks. 
Minor and brief responses including short-duration startle reactions, 
are not likely to constitute disruption of behavioral patterns, such as 
migration, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. These short 
duration disturbances (in many cases animals will return in 30 minutes 
or less) will generally allow marine mammals to reoccupy haulouts 
relatively quickly; therefore, these disturbances would not be 
anticipated to result in long-term disruption of important behaviors. 
No surveys will occur at or near rookeries as researchers will have 
limited access to SEFI, ANI, and PRNS during the pupping season and 
will not approach sites should pups be observed. Furthermore, breeding 
animals tend to be concentrated in areas that researchers are not 
scheduled to visit. Therefore, NMFS does not expect mother and pup 
separation or crushing of pups during stampedes.
    Level B behavioral harassment of pinnipeds may occur during the 
operation of small motorboats. However, exposure to boats and 
associated engine noise would be brief and would not occur on a 
frequent basis. Results from studies demonstrate that pinnipeds 
generally return to their sites and do not permanently abandon haul-out 
sites after exposure to motorboats (Henry and Hammil 2001; Johnson and 
Acevedo-Gutierrez 2007). The chance of a vessel strike is very low due 
to small boat size and slow transit speeds. Researchers will delay 
ingress into the landing areas until after the pinnipeds enter the 
water and will cautiously operate vessels at slow speeds.
    In summary and as described above, the following factors primarily 
support our preliminary 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 serious injury or mortality, or Level A harassment, is 
anticipated or authorized;
     There is no activity near rookeries and researchers will 
avoid areas where pups are present;
     There is likely to be limited impact from boats due to 
their small size, maneuverability and the requirement to delay ingress 
until after hauled out pinnipeds have entered the water;
     No impacts to pinniped habitat are anticipated; and
     Only limited behavioral disturbance in the form of short-
duration startle reactions is expected, and mitigation requirements 
employed by researchers (e.g. move slowly, use hushed voices) should 
further decrease disturbance levels.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS preliminarily finds

[[Page 44845]]

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) 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 annual amount of take NMFS proposes to authorize is less than 
one-third of any stock's best population estimate (Table 3), which NMFS 
considers to be small relative to stock abundance. In fact, for all 
species but California sea lions, the annual take by Level B harassment 
is less than 2 percent of stock abundance. Additionally, these are all 
likely conservative estimates because we assume all takes are of 
different individual animals which is likely not the case considering 
haulout site fidelity in pinnipeds.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the proposed activity 
(including the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures) and the 
anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS preliminarily 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.

Adaptive Management

    The regulations governing the take of marine mammals incidental to 
Point Blue's seabird research activities would contain an adaptive 
management component.
    The reporting requirements associated with this proposed rule are 
designed to provide NMFS with monitoring data from the previous year to 
allow consideration of whether any changes are appropriate. The use of 
adaptive management allows NMFS to consider new information from 
different sources to determine (with input from Point Blue regarding 
practicability) on an annual basis if mitigation or monitoring measures 
should be modified (including additions or deletions). Mitigation 
measures could be modified if new data suggests that such modifications 
would have a reasonable likelihood of reducing adverse effects to 
marine mammals and if the measures are practicable.
    The following are some of the possible sources of applicable data 
to be considered through the adaptive management process: (1) Results 
from Point Blue's monitoring from the previous year(s); (2) results 
from other marine mammal research or studies; and (3) any information 
that reveals marine mammals may have been taken in a manner, extent or 
number not authorized by these regulations or subsequent LOAs.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 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.
    There is one marine mammal species (Guadalupe fur seal) listed 
under the ESA that is expected to be impacted by the proposed 
activities. The Permits and Conservation Division has requested 
initiation of section 7 consultation with the West Coast Region 
Protected Resources Division Office for the issuance of this LOA. NMFS 
will conclude the ESA consultation prior to reaching a determination 
regarding the proposed issuance of the authorization.

Request for Information

    NMFS requests interested persons to submit comments, information, 
and suggestions concerning the Point Blue request and the proposed 
regulations (see ADDRESSES). All comments will be reviewed and 
evaluated as we prepare a final rule and make final determinations on 
whether to issue the requested authorization. This notice and 
referenced documents provide all environmental information relating to 
our proposed action for public review.

Classification

    Pursuant to the procedures established to implement Executive Order 
12866, the Office of Management and Budget has determined that this 
proposed rule is not significant.
    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 
the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce has 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Point Blue is the sole entity that would be subject to the requirements 
in these proposed regulations, and Point Blue is not a small 
governmental jurisdiction, small organization, or small business, as 
defined by the RFA. Because of this certification, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared.
    This proposed rule contains a collection-of-information requirement 
subject to the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to 
respond to nor shall a 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. These requirements have been approved by OMB 
under control number 0648-0151 and include applications for 
regulations, subsequent LOAs, and reports.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 219

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

    Dated: July 8, 2020.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 217 is proposed 
to be amended as follows:

PART 217--REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS 
INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITES

0
1. The authority citation for part 217 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

0
2. Add subpart M to part 217 to read as follows:

[[Page 44846]]

Subpart M--Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seabird Research 
Activities in Central California
Sec.
217.120 Specified activity and specified geographical region.
217.121 Effective dates.
217.122 Permissible methods of taking.
217.123 Prohibitions.
217.124 Mitigation requirements.
217.125 Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
217.126 Letters of Authorization.
217.127 Renewals and modifications of Letters of Authorization.
217.128--217.129 [Reserved]


Sec.  217.120  Specified activity and specified geographical region.

    (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to Point Blue 
Conservation Science (Point Blue) and those persons it authorizes or 
funds to conduct activities on its behalf for the taking of marine 
mammals that occurs in the areas outlined in paragraph (b) of this 
section and that occur incidental to seabird research activities.
    (b) The taking of marine mammals by Point Blue may be authorized in 
a Letter of Authorization (LOA) only if it occurs in California on 
Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes 
National Seashore.


Sec.  217.121  Effective dates.

    Regulations in this subpart are effective from January 1, 2021 
through December 31, 2025.


Sec.  217.122  Permissible methods of taking.

    Under LOAs issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 
Sec.  217.126, the Holder of the LOA (hereinafter ``Point Blue'') may 
incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals within the 
area described in Sec.  217.120(b) by Level B harassment associated 
with seabird research activities, provided the activity is in 
compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the 
regulations in this subpart and the appropriate LOA.


Sec.  217.123  Prohibitions.

    Notwithstanding takings contemplated in Sec.  217.120 and 
authorized by a LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 
Sec.  217.126, no person in connection with the activities described in 
Sec.  217.120 may:
    (a) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and 
requirements of this subpart or a LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  217.126;
    (b) Take any marine mammal not specified in such LOA;
    (c) Take any marine mammal specified in such LOA in any manner 
other than as specified in Sec.  217.122;
    (d) Take a marine mammal specified in such LOA if NMFS determines 
such taking results in more than a negligible impact on the species or 
stocks of such marine mammal; or
    (e) Take a marine mammal specified in such LOA if NMFS determines 
such taking results in an unmitigable adverse impact on the species or 
stock of such marine mammal for taking for subsistence uses.


Sec.  217.124  Mitigation requirements.

    When conducting the activities identified in Sec.  217.120(a), the 
mitigation measures contained in any LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and Sec.  217.126 must be implemented. These mitigation 
measures shall include but are not limited to:
    (a) General conditions:
    (1) All persons must slowly approach beaches for boat landings to 
avoid stampede, provide animals opportunity to enter the water, and 
avoid vessel strikes.
    (2) All persons must observe a site from a distance, using 
binoculars if necessary, to detect any marine mammals prior to approach 
to determine if mitigation is required (i.e., if pinnipeds are present, 
researchers must approach with caution, walking slowly, quietly, and 
close to the ground to avoid surprising any hauled-out individuals and 
to reduce flushing/stampeding of individuals).
    (3) All persons must avoid pinnipeds along access ways to sites by 
locating and taking a different access way. Researchers must keep a 
safe distance from and not approach any marine mammal while conducting 
research, unless it is absolutely necessary to flush a marine mammal in 
order to continue conducting research (i.e., if a site cannot be 
accessed or sampled due to the presence of pinnipeds).
    (4) All persons must avoid visits to sites when pups are present or 
when species for which authorization has not been granted are present.
    (5) All persons must monitor for offshore predators and must not 
approach hauled out pinnipeds if great white sharks (Carcharodon 
carcharias) or killer whales (Orcinus orca) are observed to be present. 
If Point Blue and/or its designees see pinniped predators in the area, 
they must not disturb the pinnipeds until the lead biologist determines 
the area is free of predators based on best professional judgment.
    (6) All persons must keep voices hushed and bodies low to the 
ground in the visual presence of pinnipeds.
    (7) All persons must conduct seabird observations at North Landing 
on Southeast Farallon Island in an observation blind, shielded from the 
view of hauled out pinnipeds.
    (8) All persons must crawl slowly to access seabird next boxes on 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island if pinnipeds are within view.
    (9) Researchers must coordinate research visits to intertidal areas 
of Southeast Farallon Island and coordinate research activities for 
A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island to minimize the number of trips to these areas.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  217.125  Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

    (a) Visual monitoring program. (1) Standard information recorded 
must include species counts (with age/sex classes noted when possible) 
of animals present before approaching, numbers of observed 
disturbances, and descriptions of the disturbance behaviors during the 
monitoring surveys, including location, date, and time of the event.
    (2) The lead biologist must serve as an observer to record 
incidental take.
    (3) Information to be recorded must include the following:
    (i) The date, time, and location (or closest point of ingress) of 
each visit to the research site;
    (ii) Composition of the marine mammals sighted, such as species, 
sex, and life history stage (e.g., adult, sub-adult, pup);
    (iii) The number (by species) of marine mammals observed during the 
activities;
    (iv) Estimated number of marine mammals (by species) that may have 
been harassed during the activities, according to a three-point scale 
of disturbance contained in any LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this 
chapter and Sec.  217.126. Only observations of disturbance Levels 2 
and 3 should be recorded as takes;
    (v) Behavioral responses or modifications in behaviors that may be 
attributed to the specific activities and a description of the specific 
activities occurring during that time (e.g., pedestrian approach, 
vessel approach);
    (vi) Information on the weather, including the tidal state and 
horizontal visibility; and
    (vii) If applicable, note the presence of any offshore predators 
(date, time, number, and species).
    (b) Prohibited Take. (1) In the event that personnel discovers an 
injured or dead marine mammal, Point Blue shall report the incident to 
the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, and the West Coast Regional 
Stranding Coordinator, NMFS as soon as feasible. If the death or injury 
was clearly caused by Point Blue's activities, Point Blue

[[Page 44847]]

must immediately cease the specified activities until NMFS is able to 
review the circumstances of the incident and determine what, if any, 
additional measures are appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms 
of the LOA. Point Blue must not resume their activities until notified 
by NMFS. The report must include the following information:
    (i) Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the first 
discovery (and updated location information if known and applicable);
    (ii) Species identification (if known) or description of the 
animal(s) involved;
    (iii) Condition of the animal(s) (including carcass condition if 
the animal is dead);
    (iv) Observed behaviors of the animal(s), if alive;
    (v) If available, photographs or video footage of the animal(s); 
and
    (vi) General circumstances under which the animal was discovered.
    (c) Initial report. Point Blue must report observations of unusual 
behaviors, numbers, or distributions of pinnipeds, or of tag-bearing 
carcasses, to the NMFS West Coast Regional Office.
    (d) Annual report. (1) A draft annual report covering the period of 
January 1 through December 31 of each year must be submitted to NMFS 
Office of Protected Resources by April 1 of each year. The final annual 
report after year five may be included as part of the final report (see 
below). The report must include a summary of the information gathered 
pursuant to the monitoring requirements set forth above and in the LOA.
    (2) A final annual report must be submitted to the Director of the 
NMFS Office of Protected Resources within 30 days after receiving 
comments from NMFS on the draft annual report. If no comments are 
received from NMFS, the draft annual report will be considered the 
final report.
    (e) Final report. (1) A draft final report must be submitted to 
NMFS Office of Protected Resources within 60 days after the conclusion 
of the fifth year. A final report must be submitted to the Director of 
the NMFS Office of Protected Resources within 30 days after receiving 
comments from NMFS on the draft final report. If no comments are 
received from NMFS, the draft final report will be considered the final 
report.


Sec.  217.126   Letters of Authorization.

    (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these 
regulations, Point Blue must apply for and obtain an LOA.
    (b) An LOA, unless suspended or revoked, may be effective for a 
period of time not to exceed the expiration date of these regulations.
    (c) If an LOA expires prior to the expiration date of these 
regulations, Point Blue may apply for and obtain a renewal of the LOA.
    (d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to 
mitigation and monitoring measures required by an LOA, Point Blue must 
apply for and obtain a modification of the LOA as described in Sec.  
217.127.
    (e) The LOA shall set forth:
    (1) Permissible methods and numbers of incidental taking;
    (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., 
mitigation) on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of the 
species for subsistence uses; and
    (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
    (f) Issuance of the LOA shall be based on a determination that the 
level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total 
taking allowable under these regulations.
    (g) Notice of issuance or denial of an LOA shall be published in 
the Federal Register within thirty days of a determination.


Sec.  217.127  Renewals and modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) An LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  
217.126 for the activity identified in Sec.  217.120(a) shall be 
renewed or modified upon request by the applicant, provided that:
    (1) The proposed specified activity and mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting measures, as well as the anticipated impacts, are the same as 
those described and analyzed for these regulations (excluding changes 
made pursuant to the adaptive management provision in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section), and
    (2) NMFS' Office of Protected Resources determines that the 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures required by the previous 
LOA under these regulations were implemented.
    (b) For an LOA modification or renewal requests by the applicant 
that include changes to the activity or the mitigation, monitoring, or 
reporting (excluding changes made pursuant to the adaptive management 
provision in paragraph (c)(1) of this section) that do not change the 
findings made for the regulations or result in no more than a minor 
change in the total estimated number of takes (or distribution by 
species or years), NMFS' Office of Protected Resources may publish a 
notice of proposed LOA in the Federal Register, including the 
associated analysis of the change, and solicit public comment before 
issuing the LOA.
    (c) An LOA issued under Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  
217.126 for the activity identified in Sec.  217.120(a) may be modified 
by NMFS' Office of Protected Resources under the following 
circumstances:
    (1) Adaptive management. NMFS' Office of Protected Resources may 
modify (including augment) the existing mitigation, monitoring, or 
reporting measures (after consulting with Point Blue regarding the 
practicability of the modifications) if doing so creates a reasonable 
likelihood of more effectively accomplishing the goals of the 
mitigation and monitoring set forth in the preamble for these 
regulations.
    (i) Possible sources of data that could contribute to the decision 
to modify the mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures in an LOA:
    (A) Results from Point Blue's monitoring from the previous year(s).
    (B) Results from other marine mammal and/or sound research or 
studies.
    (C) Any information that reveals marine mammals may have been taken 
in a manner, extent or number not authorized by these regulations or 
subsequent LOAs.
    (ii) If, through adaptive management, the modifications to the 
mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures are substantial, NMFS' 
Office of Protected Resources will publish a notice of proposed LOA in 
the Federal Register and solicit public comment.
    (2) Emergencies. If NMFS' Office of Protected Resources determines 
that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-
being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in LOAs 
issued pursuant to Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and Sec.  217.126, an 
LOA may be modified without prior notice or opportunity for public 
comment. Notice would be published in the Federal Register within 
thirty days of the action.


Sec.  Sec.  217.128--217.129  [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 2020-15150 Filed 7-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P