Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF602

NOAA Proposes Incidental Harassment Authorization for Seabird Research Activities in California

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources, is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for seabird research activities in California. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Scope of Authorization: - Seabird research activities including monitoring, censusing, nesting habitat restoration, and field station resupply - Activities to occur on Southeast Farallon Islands (SEFI), Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Ano Nuevo Island (ANI), and Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS), all federal facilities in California - Marine Mammal Impact: - Authorization covers potential Level B harassment (temporary behavioral disturbance) of five pinniped species (six stocks) - No serious injury, mortality, or significant habitat impacts expected - Requirements: - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize impacts on marine mammals - Authorization limited to specified species and numbers - Period of Performance: - Initial authorization for one year, with a possible one-time, one-year renewal if all requirements are met - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs, vendors, or commercial products are referenced, as this is a regulatory authorization rather than a procurement of goods or services

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from Point Blue Conservation Science for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during seabird research activities on the South Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo Island, and the Point Reyes National Seashore in California. This request is pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and involves issuing an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for Level B harassment only. NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed authorization and a possible one-time, one-year renewal. The activities include monitoring seabird colonies and may cause temporary behavioral disturbances to marine mammals, but are not expected to have significant impacts on populations or habitats.

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