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

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 4common dolphins experiencing Level B harassment would be fewer than 72,722 for mid-frequency activesonar. Mitigation measures detailed in Chapter 5 would further reduce the potential for any effect oncommon dolphins. The Navy therefore concludes that the proposed action would not affect annual ratesof recruitment or survival for common dolphins, and would not have a significant impact on this speciesand stock.Modeling results indicate that common dolphins are not reasonably expected to be exposed to acousticenergy in excess of onset-TTS from single, point source detonations. Implementation of protectivemeasures listed in Chapter 5 will ensure effective mitigation such that this species would not be exposedto incidental Level A or Level B harassmentCuvier’s Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris)The Cuvier’s beaked whale is not listed as endangered under the ESA, and theCalifornia/Oregon/Washington Stock is not considered to be strategic under the MMPA. The minimumpopulation estimate for the California/Oregon/Washington Stock is 1,121 (CV=0.68) individuals (Carrettaet al., 2005). The modeling efforts and harassment analysis for mid-frequency active sonar estimate thatno Level A harassment of Cuvier’s beaked whales would occur. The analysis estimates that up to 208incidents of non-injurious behavioral harassment and 10 incidents of non-injurious physiologicalharassment (Level B harassment) may be experienced by Cuvier’s beaked whales on annual basis (Table4.3-15). Although modeling predicts non-injurious Level B exposures, all beaked whale exposures arecounted as Level A. No Cuvier’s beaked whales would be exposed to impulsive noises or pressures fromunderwater detonations that would cause TTS or physical injury.Table 4.3-15. Raw Annual Acoustic Model Output of Cuvier’s Beaked WhaleBehavioral173-