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

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Executive Summaryolivacea]), listed fish (Chinook salmon [Oncorhynchus tshawytscha], steelhead [Oncorhynchusmykiss], and green sturgeon [Acipenser medirostris]), the North Pacific right whale (Eubalaenajaponica) 1 , the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca), or the Stellar sea lion (Eumetopiasjubatus). The opinion further concludes that conduct of these exercises will not likely result infitness consequences for the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and is not likely to jeopardizethe continued existence of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the sei whale (Balaenopteraborealis), the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), the sperm whale (Physetermacrocephalus) or the Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi). In addition, NMFS issuedthe Navy an incidental take statement requiring terms and conditions to be implemented in orderto be exempt from the prohibitions of Section 9 of the ESA. In accordance with these terms andconditions the Navy will implement “measures to reduce the probability of exposing” anyendangered mammals, implement a monitoring program in association with COMPTUEX/JTFEXto evaluate assumptions contained in the Biological Opinion, and to provide NMFS with reports(verbal and written) regarding the observed marine mammals during the exercises. Land-basedactivities will be conducted in accordance with existing biological opinions. Based on receipt ofthe BO, the Navy concludes that no significant impacts to Federally-listed species will occur as aresult of COMPTUEX/JTFEX.No adverse effects on the annual rates of recruitment or survival of any marine mammal speciesand stocks, including strategic or depleted stocks, are expected as a result of the estimatedincidents of Level B harassment and limited incidents of potential Level A harassment that mayoccur incidental to the action. In addition, the mitigation measures for acoustic and non-acousticeffects presented in Chapter 5 result in the action having the least practicable adverse impact onmarine mammal species or stocks. Compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act(MMPA) for mid-frequency active sonar is satisfied due to the issuance on January 23, 2007, of aNational Defense Exemption (NDE) from the Requirements of the MMPA for Certain DoDMilitary Readiness Activities That Employ Mid-Frequency Active Sonar or Improved ExtendedEcho Ranging Sonobuoys. Incidental harassment of marine mammals associated with underwaterdetonations is not reasonably foreseeable; therefore no MMPA authorization for these events orother COMPTUEX/JTFEX activities is required.In accordance with Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act,COMPTUEX/JTFEX events do not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat.The U.S. Navy has determined that implementation of the No Action Alternative or ProposedAction would be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies ofthe approved California Coastal Management Program.1 On December 27, 2006, NMFS completed a status review of the northern right whale concluding that right whalesin the northern hemisphere exist as two species: North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) and North Atlanticright whale (E. glacialis). This document uses E. japonica throughout.ES-5 February 2007