NMFS Biological Opinion on U.S. Navy training ... - Govsupport.us

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FINAL PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION ON U.S. NAVY ACTIVITIES IN THE HAWAII RANGE COMPLEX 2008-2013 - Aircrews ensure all payloads are accounted for. Sonobuoys that cannot be scuttled shall be reported as unexploded ordnance via voice communications while airborne and, upon landing, via Naval message. Mammal monitoring shall continue until out of their aircraft sensor range. 5. Measures Applicable to Sea Turtles and Hawai’ian Monk Seals On Beaches. Amphibious landings at MCTAB and PMRF shall adhere to all guidance regarding protection of sea turtles and Hawai’ian monk seals on the beach relative to those areas. Mitigation measures shall be instituted to assure minimal impacts to these species. Specifically, prior to conducting a landing exercise, an inspection and survey protocol will include: 5.1 Within one hour prior to the commencement of an amphibious landing exercise, observer(s) shall survey affected beaches for sea turtles, sea turtle nesting sites, and Hawai’ian monk seals. Sea turtle nesting sites shall be marked and no trespassing by persons or vehicles within 50 ft (15 m) of the nest shall be allowed. 5.2 Should sea turtles or Hawai’ian monk seals be found on the beach, the landing shall be 5.2.1 delayed until the animal(s) have voluntarily left the area; or 5.2.2 moved to another location free of such animals. 5.3 Landing craft and AAV crews shall be made aware of the potential presence of these endangered and threatened species. 1.4 Mitigation Requirements Proposed by <strong>NMFS</strong>’ Permits Division When the U.S. Navy conducts the training activities on the Hawai'i Range Complex, as described in the relevant regulations (§ 216.170(a)), the <strong>NMFS</strong>’ Permits Division’s proposed regulations require the U.S. Navy to implement mitigation measures that include (but are not limited to) the following: 1 Mitigation Measures for ASW training: i ii iii All lookouts onboard platforms involved in ASW training events shall review the <strong>NMFS</strong>-approved Marine Species Awareness Training (MSAT) material prior to use of mid-frequency active sonar. All Commanding Officers, Executive Officers, and officers standing watch on the Bridge shall have reviewed the MSAT material prior to a training event employing the use of mid-frequency active sonar. Navy lookouts shall undertake extensive training in order to qualify as a watchstander in accordance with the Lookout Training Handbook (NAVEDTRA, 12968-D). 48
FINAL PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION ON U.S. NAVY ACTIVITIES IN THE HAWAII RANGE COMPLEX 2008-2013 iv v vi vii viii ix x xi xii xiii xiv xv xvi Lookout training shall include on-the-job instruction under the supervision of a qualified, experienced watchstander. Following successful completion of this supervised training period, Lookouts shall complete the Personal Qualification Standard program, certifying that they have demonstrated the necessary skills (such as detection and reporting of partially submerged objects). Lookouts shall be trained in the most effective means to ensure quick and effective communication within the command structure in order to facilitate implementation of mitigation measures if marine species are spotted. On the bridge of surface ships, there shall be at least three people on watch whose duties include observing the water surface around the vessel. All surface ships participating in ASW exercises shall, in addition to the three personnel on watch noted previously, have at all times during the exercise at least two additional personnel on watch as lookouts. Personnel on lookout and officers on watch on the bridge shall have at least one set of binoculars available for each person to aid in the detection of marine mammals. On surface vessels equipped with mid-frequency active sonar, pedestal mounted “Big Eye” (20x110) binoculars shall be present and in good working order. Personnel on lookout shall employ visual search procedures employing a scanning methodology in accordance with the Lookout Training Handbook (NAVEDTRA 12968-D). After sunset and prior to sunrise, lookouts shall employ Night Lookouts Techniques in accordance with the Lookout Training Handbook. Personnel on lookout shall be responsible for reporting all objects or anomalies sighted in the water (regardless of the distance from the vessel) to the Officer of the Deck. CPF shall distribute the final mitigation measures contained in the LOA and BO to the Fleet. Commanding Officers shall make use of marine species detection cues and information to limit interaction with marine species to the maximum extent possible consistent with safety of the ship. All personnel engaged in passive acoustic sonar operation (including aircraft, surface ships, or submarines) shall monitor for marine mammal vocalizations and report the detection of any marine mammal to the appropriate watch station for dissemination and appropriate action. During mid-frequency active sonar training activities, personnel shall utilize all available sensor and optical systems (such as Night Vision Goggles) to aid in the detection of marine mammals. 49
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