Attch 6_Marine Mammal Monitoring Methods.pdf

Marine Mammal Monitoring Methodology

I. Marine Mammal Observer Qualifications

• Observers will have no other construction related tasks while conducting monitoring and will be dedicated solely to looking for marine mammals within or approaching the action area.

• Observers do not have to be experienced biologist, though a biological background or previous experience in marine mammal observing would be beneficial.

• All observers will complete a short training session with NAVFAC PWD-ME Natural Resource Manager to review marine mammal observing and recording procedures, including a short brief on marine mammal identification and behavior, and rock hammering shutdown procedures.

• Observers must be capable of maintaining focus for extended periods of time (several hours) and being subjected to conditions associated with observing, including potentially long hours in adverse weather conditions. It is recommended that observers rotate frequently (every 1-2 hours) to reduce fatigue and boredom.

II. Equipment

The following equipment will be required to conduct marine mammal monitoring:

• Hearing protection for observers located at the berth

• Portable radios or cell phones to communicate with other observers and the Pile Driving

Engineer or Safety Officer to initiate shutdown procedures

• Green Flags (one per land observer) as a back-up for radio/cell phone communication

• Red Flags (one per land observer) as a back-up for radio/cell phone communication

• Watch or chronometer

• Binoculars (quality 7 x 50 or better)

• Monitoring plan in sealed plastic cover

• Clipboard for data forms

• Pen/Pencil

III. Data Collection

The marine mammal observers will record sightings information using the form provided in Appendix A. Accurate and legible recording of monitoring effort and marine mammal sightings is critical to documenting compliance

• The following information will be collected on the sightings form:

o Dates and times of all monitoring effort o Lead observer contact information o Visibility information that would impact monitoring – (e.g. wind, clarity of conditions [i.e. sunny, overcast, etc] , sea state/swell, glare) o Beginning and end times and type of mechanical rock removal o Beginning and end time of any marine mammal sighting

1 Under the MMPA the term “take” means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. Harassment is further defined 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] (50 C.F.R, Part 216, Subpart A, Section 216.3-Definitions)”.

o General location of marine mammal sighting in context to the pile driving rig and/or shutdown zone (marked on map) o Number of marine mammals in each sighting and species (if possible) o General marine mammal behavior observed, including bearing from the observer and direction of travel o The time and duration of any shutdowns due to the presence of marine mammals

IV. Monitoring Area

Observers will be responsible for monitoring the shutdown zone associated with rock hammering as part of maintenance dredging at Berths 6 and 14. Rock hammering operations must be stopped if a marine mammal approaches/enters the shutdown zone in order to preclude “take1” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). To ensure no takes of marine mammals occur, the shutdown zone for rock hammering activities includes the area inside of the 203 dB threshold identified on Figures 1 and 2 in Appendix B.

V. Observer Monitoring Locations

In order to successfully monitor the shutdown zones (Figures 1 and 2 in Appendix B) during rock hammering, one observer will be required at all times. The Ktr shall be responsible for determining the appropriate observation location to ensure the shutdown zones are adequately monitored throughout the rock removal period(s). It is recommended that more than one observer be available so that observers can rotate frequently (every 1-2 hours) to reduce fatigue and boredom.

Each monitoring location shall be chosen to provide near-field monitoring and ensure hat marine mammals are not within the monitoring zone. Elevated platforms should be considered if the full ZOI cannot be observed from the ground. Observers need to ensure that each shutdown area is clear of marine mammals or sea turtles for at least 20 minutes prior to rock hammering. Once rock hammering commences, particular attention should be given to ensuring animals do not enter the shutdown zone. During rock hammering the observer should be stationed on an elevated platform to maximize visibility of the shutdown zones.

VI. Monitoring Procedures

Marine Mammal Observation Record forms (Appendix A) will be used to document both effort and observations.

Pre-Activity Monitoring:

Prior to the initiation of rock removal activities, the shutdown zone must be monitored for 20 minutes or until the zone can effectively be surveyed to ensure it is clear of marine mammals. The following survey methodology will be implemented prior to commencing pile installation/removal activities:

• The shutdown zone must be initially demarcated with the use of maps or line of sight reference points to clearly define the extent of the shutdown zone.

• If marine mammal(s) are present within or approaching the shutdown zone prior to pile driving, the survey will continue and the start of rock hammering will be delayed until the animal(s) leave the shutdown zone voluntarily.

• If marine mammals are not within the shutdown zone (i.e. the zone is deemed clear of marine mammals), the observers will raise a green flag and radio the Pile Driving Lead Engineer/Safety Office that pile driving can commence.

During Activity Monitoring:

The shutdown zones will be monitored for the entire hammering period. . The following survey methodology will be implemented during pile operations:

• If any marine mammals are detected outside the shutdown zone, the observers will continue to monitor these individuals and record their behavior, but rock hammering may proceed.

• If a marine mammal is observed entering or approaching the shutdown zone, all rock hammering activities will be halted. The observers shall immediately alert the Lead Engineer/Safety Officer. This action will require an immediate “all- stop” on rock hammering operations.

• Rock hammering activities will be delayed until the animal has voluntarily left the shutdown zone and has been visually confirmed beyond the shutdown zone, or 30 minutes have passed without re-detection of the animal.

• During the shutdown period, surveys will continue to be conducted and rock hammering will not resume until the shutdown zone has been deemed clear of all marine mammals (see “Pre-monitoring” above regarding procedures for proceeding with rock hammering);

• During monitoring, the observers must be able to see the shutdown zone. In case of fog or reduced visibility (i.e. heavy rain, sea states greater than a Beaufort 4 [Appendix C], wind speeds ≥ 18 knots [small craft advisory wind speed], etc.) pile driving will not be initiated until visibility in these zones improves to acceptable levels;

• Observers will use binoculars and the naked eye to search continuously for marine mammals;

Post-Activity Reporting:

All marine mammal observation forms will be collected at the end of each survey day by the Lead Observer. If there were any sightings for the day, the Lead Observer should contact Ian Trefry the NAVFAC PWD-ME EV POC at ian.trefry@navy.mil or (207) 438-4362. At the end of the project, hard copies of all data observation forms shall be provided to the NAVFAC PWD- ME EV POC.

VII. Failure to Comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Failure to institute the outlined monitoring protocols or to preclude “take” of marine mammals under the jurisdiction of the Marine Mammal Protection Act can result in civil and criminal penalties. These penalties are listed below:

mailto:ian.trefry@navy.mil

Section 105. Penalties (16 U.S.C. §1375) “Sec. 105. (a)(1) Any person who violates any provision of this title or of any permit or regulation issued thereunder, except as provided in section 118, may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $10,000 for each such violation. No penalty shall be assessed unless such person is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to such violation. Each unlawful taking or importation shall be a separate offense. Any such civil penalty may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary for good cause shown. Upon any failure to pay a penalty assessed under this subsection, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in a district court of the United States for any district in which such person is found, resides, or transacts business to collect the penalty and such court shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide any such action.

(b) Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this title or of any permit or regulation issued thereunder (except as provided in section 118) shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $20,000 for each such violation, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

Section 106. Vessel Fine, Cargo Forfeiture, and Rewards (16 U.S.C. §1376) Sec.

106. (a) [APPLICATION OF CONSISTENT PROVISIONS.] — Any vessel or other conveyance subject to the jurisdiction of the United States that is employed in any manner in the unlawful taking of any marine mammal shall have its entire cargo or the monetary value thereof subject to seizure and forfeiture. All provisions of law relating to the seizure, judicial forfeiture, and condemnation of cargo for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such cargo, and the proceeds from the sale thereof, and the remission or mitigation of any such forfeiture, shall apply with respect to the cargo of any vessel or other conveyance seized in connection with the unlawful taking of a marine mammal insofar as such provisions of law are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this title.

(b) [PENALTIES.] — Any vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States that is employed in any manner in the unlawful taking of any marine mammal shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. Such penalty shall be assessed by the district court of the United States having jurisdiction over the vessel. Clearance of a vessel against which a penalty has been assessed, from a port of the United States, may be withheld until such penalty is paid, or until a bond or otherwise satisfactory surety is posted. Such penalty shall constitute a maritime lien on such vessel which may be recovered by action in rem in the district court of the United States having jurisdiction over the vessel.”

Appendix A:

Marine Mammal Observation Reporting Form

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Appendix B:

ZOI Maps: Berth 6 and Berth 14 rth

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Appendix C:

US Navy and Beaufort Sea State Codes

US Navy and Beaufort Sea State Codes

(http://ioc.unesco.org and http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/info/beaufort.php)

Beaufort

SS

Wind speed

(knots)

Wind description

Wave height

(ft) Beaufort

Sea State – Beaufort

Notes specific to on-water seabird observations

Photos indicating Beaufort Sea State

0 <1 Calm 0 Calm; like a mirror

Excellent conditions, no wind, small or very smooth swell.

You have the impression you could see anything.

1 1-3 Light air ¼ < ½

Ripples with appearance of scales;

no foam crests

Very good conditions, surface could be glassy

(Beaufort 0), but with some lumpy swell or reflection from forests, glare, etc.

http://ioc.unesco.org/ http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/info/beaufort.php

Beaufort

SS

Wind speed

(knots)

Wind description

Wave height

(ft) Beaufort

Sea State – Beaufort

Notes specific to on-water

0 <1 Calm 0 Calm; like a mirror

Excellent conditions, no wind, small or very smooth swell.

You have the impression you could see anything.

1 1-3 Light air ¼ < ½

Ripples with appearance of scales;

no foam crests

Very good conditions, surface could be glassy

(Beaufort 0), but with some lumpy swell or reflection from forests, glare, etc.

∗ Wind speeds greater than or equal to 18 knots trigger a small craft advisory, where boats are not recommended to be out on the water. Wind speeds of 18 knots corresponds to a Beaufort sea state of 5.

Therefore, pile driving cannot proceed unless the Beaufort SS is a 4 or less, w hen marine mammal monitoring is possible.

Beaufort

SS

Wind speed

(knots)

Wind description

Wave height

(ft) Beaufort

Sea State – Beaufort

Notes specific to on-water

4 11-16 Moderate breeze

3 ½ – 5 (max 5)

Small waves becoming longer, numerous whitecaps

Whitecaps abundant, sea chop bouncing the boat around, etc.

5 17- 20∗

Fresh breeze

6 – 8 (max 8)

Moderate waves, taking longer form;

many whitecaps;

some spray