Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
3.0 SPECIES OF CONCERN
This chapter provides detailed information for marine mammals and sea turtles, which are species of
particular interest to the Navy due to their protected status and potential to be impacted by Navy
activities.
Marine mammals are the taxon group with the largest number of federally protected species in the
Marianas MRA study area. Section 3.1 of this chapter provides information on the 32 marine mammal
species with confirmed or possible occurrence in the study area and vicinity. All marine mammals are
protected by the MMPA; 7 large whale species, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the dugong are additionally
listed as endangered under the ESA. An overview of marine mammals, as well as a brief introduction to
acoustics and hearing, which is useful in consideration of any potential anthropogenic impacts to these
animals, is included. A detailed narrative has been prepared for each marine mammal species, consisting
of a species description, status, habitat preferences, distribution (including a focus on the Marianas MRA
study area), behavior and life history, as well as an account of its vocalizations and hearing capabilities
(when available). Maps depicting the seasonal occurrence records and the predicted occurrence extent of
each marine mammal species in the study area and vicinity are found in Appendix B (Figures B-1
through B-24).
Five sea turtle species have the potential to occur in the Marianas MRA study area and all are threatened
or endangered. Section 3.2 of this chapter consists of an overview on sea turtle biology and life history
and provides basic information on the hearing capabilities of these animals. Each of the sea turtle species
is then described in detail by its physical description, status, habitat preferences, distribution (including a
focus on the Marianas MRA study area), and behavior and life history. Maps depicting the seasonal
occurrence records and the predicted occurrence extent of each sea turtle species in the study area and
vicinity are found in Appendix C (Figures C-1 through C-6).
The locations of literature citations in Chapter 3 differ from other MRA chapters. Literature cited in the
marine mammal section is found at the end of Section 3.1 while literature cited in the sea turtle section is
found at the end of Section 3.2. Map figures associated with the species described in Chapter 3 are
located in Appendices B and C.
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