Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 4effects of sonar and underwater detonations on marine mammals; however, these measures are notincorporated into Level B effects analysis conclusions.Protective measures are effective because odontocetes:Spend extended periods of time on the surfaceHave relatively short dive periodsTend to occur in large groups (pods)Have frequent surfacing and a high level of activity on the surfaceBased on the large geographic area and consideration of the estimated behavioral disturbance levels, eachpotentially affected marine mammal species was reviewed relative to recruitment and survival. In allcases, the conclusions are that COMPTUEX/JTFEX activities would have a negligible impact on marinemammals, and that no strategic marine mammal stocks would be affected.4.3.1.7.20 Estimated Acoustic Effects on Mysticetes not listed under ESABryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni)The abundance estimate of Bryde’s whales is 493 (CV = 0.34) using the offshore water habitat (densityestimate of 0.0002/km2, Appendix A). The modeling efforts and harassment analysis for mid-frequencyactive sonar estimate that no Level A harassment of Bryde’s whales would occur. The analysis estimatesthat up to 2 incidents of non-injurious behavioral harassment (Level B harassment) may be experiencedby Bryde’s whales on annual basis (Table 4.3-9). No Bryde’s whales would be exposed to impulsivenoise or pressures from underwater detonations that would cause TTS or physical injury.Table 4.3-9. Raw Annual Acoustic Model Output of Bryde’s WhaleBehavioral173-