[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 16 (Thursday, January 24, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 321-346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-00090]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 217

RIN 0648-BI44


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to U.S. Air Force Launches and Operations at Vandenberg Air 
Force Base, California

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for 
authorization to take marine mammals incidental to launching space 
launch vehicles, intercontinental ballistic and small missiles, and 
aircraft and helicopter operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) 
from March 2019 to March 2024. As required by the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that 
take, and requests comments on the proposed regulations. NMFS will 
consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the 
issuance of the requested incidental take regulations and agency 
responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than February 
22, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-0047, 
by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Electronic submissions: submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0047, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, 
complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. 
Alternately, electronic comments may be emailed to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#460f1216682a273135062829272768212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1889591efada0b6b281afaea0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
    <bullet> Mail: Submit comments to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits 
and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910-3225.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential 
Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. 
NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required 
fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file 
formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jordan Carduner, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS; phone: (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    A copy of the USAF's application and any supporting documents, as 
well as a list of the references cited in this document, may be 
obtained online at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-marine-mammal-protection-act. In case of problems 
accessing these documents, please call the contact listed above (see 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Purpose and Need for Regulatory Action

    This proposed rule would establish a framework under the authority 
of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) to allow for the authorization of 
take of marine mammals incidental to launching space launch vehicles, 
intercontinental ballistic and small missiles, and aircraft and 
helicopter operations at VAFB.
    We received an application from the USAF requesting the five-year 
regulations and authorization to take marine mammals. Take would occur 
by Level B harassment incidental to launch noise and sonic booms. 
Please see ``Background'' below for definitions of harassment.

Legal Authority for the Proposed Action

    Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)(A)) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but 
not intentional taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) within a specified geographical region for up to five years 
if, after notice and public comment, the agency makes certain findings 
and issues regulations that set forth permissible methods of taking 
pursuant to that activity and other means of effecting the ``least 
practicable adverse impact'' on the affected species or stocks and 
their habitat (see the discussion below in the ``Proposed Mitigation'' 
section), as well as monitoring and reporting requirements. Section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA and the implementing regulations at 50 CFR 
part 216, subpart I, provide the legal basis for issuing this proposed 
rule containing five-year regulations, and for any subsequent LOAs. As 
directed by this legal authority, this proposed rule contains 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Summary of Major Provisions Within the Proposed Rule

    Following is a summary of the major provisions of this proposed 
rule regarding space launch activities. These measures include:
    <bullet> Required acoustic monitoring to measure the sound levels 
associated with the proposed activities.
    <bullet> Required biological monitoring to record the presence of 
marine mammals during the proposed activities and to document responses 
to the proposed activities.
    <bullet> Mitigation measures to minimize harassment of the most 
sensitive marine mammal species.

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the 
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain 
findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking 
is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is 
provided to the public for review.

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    An authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS 
finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings 
are set forth.
    NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as an 
impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably 
expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the 
species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or 
survival.
    The MMPA states that the term ``take'' means to harass, hunt, 
capture, kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine 
mammal.
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering (Level B harassment).

National Environmental Policy Act

    To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, 
NMFS must evaluate our proposed action (i.e., the promulgation of 
regulations and subsequent issuance of incidental take authorization) 
and alternatives with respect to potential impacts on the human 
environment.
    This action is consistent with categories of activities identified 
in Categorical Exclusion B4 of the Companion Manual for NAO 216-6A, 
which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for 
significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for 
which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would 
preclude this categorical exclusion. Accordingly, NMFS has 
preliminarily determined that the proposed action qualifies to be 
categorically excluded from further NEPA review.
    Information in the USAF's application and this proposed rule 
collectively provide the environmental information related to proposed 
issuance of these regulations and subsequent incidental take 
authorization for public review and comment. We will review all 
comments submitted in response to this proposed rule prior to 
concluding our NEPA process or making a final decision on the request 
for incidental take authorization.

Summary of Request

    On August 10, 2018, NMFS received an application from the USAF, 
30th Space Wing, requesting authorization for the take of six species 
of pinnipeds incidental to launch, aircraft, and helicopter operations 
from VAFB launch complexes. On December 4, 2018, NMFS received a 
supplement to the application from USAF that included a request to 
include activities associated with the recovery of Space Exploration 
Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 9 First Stage rockets in VAFB's request. 
NMFS proposes regulations to govern the authorization of take 
incidental to these activities. On September 13, 2017 (83 FR 46483), we 
published a notice of receipt of the USAF's application in the Federal 
Register, requesting comments and information related to the request 
for thirty days. We received comments from the Marine Mammal 
Commission. The comments were considered in development of this 
proposed rule and are available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-marine-mammal-protection-act.
    The take of marine mammals incidental to activities related to the 
launching of space launch vehicles and missiles, and aircraft and 
helicopter operations at VAFB, have been previously authorized by NMFS 
via Letters of Authorization (LOA) issued under current incidental take 
regulations, which are effective from March 26, 2014 through March 26, 
2019 (79 FR 10016). To date, we have issued nine LOAs to USAF for these 
activities, under the current and prior incidental take regulations.

Description of the Specified Activity

Overview

    VAFB contains 7 active missile launch facilities and 6 active space 
launch facilities and supports launch activities for the U.S. Air 
Force, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, and commercial entities. It is the primary west coast 
launch facility for placing commercial, government and military 
satellites into polar orbit on unmanned launch vehicles, and for the 
testing and evaluation of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) 
and sub-orbital target and interceptor missiles. In addition to the 
launching of rockets, certain rocket components are returned to VAFB 
for reuse, using in-air ``boost-back'' maneuvers and landings at the 
base. In addition to space vehicle and missile launch activities at 
VAFB, occasional helicopter and aircraft operations occur at VAFB that 
involve search-and-rescue, delivery of space vehicle components, launch 
mission support, security reconnaissance, and training flights. The use 
of unmanned aerial systems (UAS, also known as ``drones'') also occurs 
at VAFB.
    The USAF anticipates that no more than 110 rocket launches and 15 
missile launches would occur in any year during the period of 
authorized activities (Table 1). This number of launches would 
represent an increase compared to historical launch activity at VAFB, 
but the USAF anticipates an increase in the number of launches in the 
near future and has based their estimate of planned rocket launches on 
this anticipated increase.
    There are six species of marine mammals that may be affected by the 
USAF's proposed activities: California sea lion, Steller sea lion, 
northern fur seal, Guadalupe fur seal, northern elephant seal, and 
harbor seal. Hauled out pinnipeds may be disturbed by launch noises 
and/or sonic booms (overpressure of high-energy impulsive sound) from 
launch vehicles. Aircraft that are noisy and/or flying at low altitudes 
can also have the potential to disturb hauled out pinnipeds. Pinniped 
responses to these stimuli have been monitored at VAFB for the past 25 
years.

Dates and Duration

    The activities proposed by USAF would occur for five years, from 
March 2019 through March 2024. Activities would occur year-round 
throughout the period of validity for the proposed rule.

Specified Geographical Region

    All launches and aircraft activities would occur at VAFB. The areas 
potentially affected by noise from these activities includes VAFB and 
the Northern Channel Islands (NCI). VAFB occupies approximately 99,100 
acres of land and approximately 42 miles of coastline in central Santa 
Barbara County, California and is divided by the Santa Ynez River and 
State Highway 246 into two distinct parts: North Base and South Base. 
The NCI are considered part of the project area for the purposes of 
this proposed rule, as rocket launches and landings at VAFB may result 
in sonic booms that impact the NCI. The

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NCI are four islands (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa) 
located approximately 31 mi (50 km) south of Point Conception, which is 
located on the mainland approximately 4 mi (6.5 km) south of the 
southern border of VAFB. The closest part of the NCI (Harris Point on 
San Miguel Island) is located more than 30 nautical miles south-
southeast of the nearest launch facility.
    Rocket and missile launches occur from several locations on VAFB, 
on both North Base and South Base. Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 
3 in the USAF's application for a depiction of launch locations on 
VAFB. Rocket landings by SpaceX would occur at the landing area on VAFB 
referred to as Space Launch Complex (SLC) 4W, located on South Base, 
approximately 0.5 miles (mi) (0.8 kilometers (km)) inland from the 
Pacific Ocean. Although SLC-4W is the preferred landing location for 
the Falcon 9 First Stage, SpaceX has identified two contingency landing 
locations should it not be feasible to land the First Stage at SLC-4W. 
The first contingency landing location is on a barge located at least 
27 nautical miles (nm) (50 km) offshore of VAFB. The second contingency 
landing location is on a barge within the Iridium Landing Area, an 
approximately 12,800 square mile (mi\2\) (33,153 square kilometers 
(km\2\)) area located approximately 122 nm (225 km) southwest of San 
Nicolas Island (SNI) and 133 nm (245 km) southwest of San Clemente 
Island.

Detailed Description of Specified Activities

    As described above, the USAF has requested incidental take 
regulations for its operations at VAFB, which include rocket and 
missile launches, rocket recovery activities, and aircraft and 
helicopter operations. VAFB is headquarters to the 30th Space Wing, the 
Air Force Space Command unit that operates VAFB and the Western Range. 
VAFB operates as a missile test base and aerospace center, supporting 
west coast space launch activities for the USAF, Department of Defense, 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and commercial 
contractors. VAFB is the main west coast launch facility for placing 
commercial, government, and military satellites into polar orbit on 
expendable (unmanned) launch vehicles, and for testing and evaluation 
of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and sub-orbital target 
and interceptor missiles. In addition to space vehicle and missile 
launch activities at VAFB, helicopter and aircraft operations are 
undertaken for purposes such as search-and-rescue, delivery of space 
vehicle components, launch mission support, security reconnaissance, 
and training flights. From VAFB, space vehicles are launched into polar 
orbits on azimuths from 147 to 201 degrees, with sub-orbital flights to 
281 degrees. Missile launches are directed west toward Kwajalein Atoll 
in the Pacific. This over-water sector, from 147 to 281 degrees, 
comprises the Western Range. Part of the Western Range encompasses the 
NCI.

Rocket Launch Activities

    There are currently six active facilities at VAFB used to launch 
satellites into polar orbit. One existing launch facility (TP-01), on 
north VAFB, has not been used in several years but is being 
reactivated. These facilities support launch programs for the Atlas V, 
Delta II, Delta IV, Falcon 9 and Minotaur rockets. Various booster and 
fuel packages can be configured to accommodate payloads of different 
sizes and weights.
    Table 1 shows estimates of the numbers and sizes of rocket launches 
from VAFB during calendar years 2019 through 2024. The numbers of 
anticipated launches shown in Table 1 are higher than the historical 
number of launches that have occurred from VAFB, and are considered 
conservative estimates; the actual number of launches that occurs in 
these years may be lower. However, the USAF anticipates an increase in 
the number of launches by non-commercial entities from VAFB over the 
next 5 years and the numbers shown in Table 1 are based on this 
expectation. A large percentage of this anticipated increase will be 
comprised of smaller launch payloads and rockets than previously 
utilized at VAFB.

       Table 1--Predicted Maximum Number of Rocket Launches in Calendar Years 2019 Through 2024 From VAFB
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                                                              2019     2020     2021     2022     2023    2024*
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Small rockets.............................................        5       10       25       40       50       60
Medium rockets............................................       10       15       20       20       30       30
Large rockets.............................................        5        5       10       15       20       20
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Total launches........................................       20       30       45       75      100      110
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* The proposed rule would be valid for only 3 months in 2024 (January through March) therefore not all launches
  in 2024 would be covered under the proposed rule.

    Rocket launches from VAFB have the potential to result in the 
harassment of pinnipeds that are hauled out of the water as a result of 
exposure to sound from launch noise (on VAFB) or as a result of 
exposure to sound from sonic booms (on the NCI only). Based on several 
years of monitoring data, harassment of marine mammals is unlikely to 
occur when the intensity of a sonic boom is below 1.0 pounds per square 
foot (psf) (see further discussion in the ``estimated take'' section 
below). The likelihood of a sonic boom with a measured psf above 1.0 
impacting the NCI is dependent on the size of the rocket (i.e., larger 
rockets are more likely to result in a sonic boom on the NCI than 
smaller rockets). The USAF estimated that 33 percent of large rockets, 
25 percent of medium sized rockets, and 10 percent of small sized 
rockets would result in sonic booms on the NCI. The estimated numbers 
of sonic booms on the NCI per year from rocket launches is shown in 
Table 2; these numbers are based on the expected number of launches 
(Table 1) and the percentages described above.

 Table 2--Estimated Sonic Booms Above 1.0 psf Per Year Impacting the NCI
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                                                              Estimated
                            Year                             sonic booms
                                                              per year *
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2019.......................................................            5
2020.......................................................          * 7
2021.......................................................           11
2022.......................................................           14
2023.......................................................           19

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2024.......................................................           20
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* All numbers are calculated based on the number of each rocket size
  expected to be launched in that year (Table 1) and the percentages of
  each rocket size expected to result in a sonic boom impacting the NCI
  based on USAF estimates. The calculated number of sonic booms in 2020
  is 6.4, however we rounded up to 7 to be conservative.

    Table 3 shows types of rockets that are anticipated for launch from 
VAFB over the next 5 years and the nearest locations of pinniped 
haulouts to the launch locations for those rockets. Other small rockets 
may also be launched from VAFB over the next 5 years but the exact 
specifications and launch locations for those rockets are unknown at 
this time.

     Table 3--Rocket Types Launched From VAFB and Nearest Locations of Pinniped Haulouts to Launch Locations
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               Rocket                    Launch  facility      Nearest pinniped haulout     Distance to haulout
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                                             Current launch programs
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Atlas V.............................  SLC-3E                 North Rocky Point..........  9.9 km.
Delta II \1\........................  SLC-2W                 Purisima Point.............  2.3 km.
Delta IV............................  SLC-6                  North Rocky Point..........  2.3 km.
Falcon 9............................  SLC-4E                 North Rocky Point..........  8.2 km.
Minotaur............................  SLC-8                  North Rocky Point..........  1.6 km.
Minotaur/Taurus.....................  LF-576E                North Spur Road............  0.8 km.
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                                           Future launch programs \2\
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Vector..............................  SLC-8                  North Rocky Point..........  1.6 km.
Firefly.............................  SLC-2                  Purisima Point.............  2.3 km.
New Glenn...........................  TBD                    TBD........................  TBD.
Vulcan..............................  SLC-3E                 North Rocky Point..........  9.9 km.
TBD.................................  TP-01                  Purisima Point.............  7.6 km.
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\1\ The final launch of the Delta II rocket occurred in September 2018, however a new corporate entity has
  proposed to reutilize SLC-2W.
\2\ All future launch program specifications should be considered notional and subject to change.

    As described above, launch facilities at VAFB support launch 
programs for rockets including the Atlas V, Delta II, Delta IV, Falcon 
9, Minotaur, and Taurus rockets. Details on these vehicle types are 
described below.
(1) Atlas V
    The Atlas V vehicle is launched from Space Launch Complex-3E on 
south VAFB. This Space Launch Complex (SLC) is approximately 9.9 km 
(6.2 mi) from one of the main haulout areas on VAFB, known as North 
Rocky Point (see Figure 2 in the application), which encompasses 
several smaller haulouts. SLC-3E is approximately 11.1 km (6.9 mi) from 
the closest north VAFB haulout, known as the Spur Road haulout site 
(Figure 3 in the application) and 13.5 km (8.4 mi) from the next 
closest haulout, the nearby Purisima Point haulout site (Figure 3 in 
the application).
    The Atlas V is a medium lift vehicle that can be flown in two 
series of configurations--the Atlas V400 series and the Atlas V500 
series. Both series use the Standard Booster as the single body 
booster. The V400 series accommodates a 4.2 m (13.8 ft) payload fairing 
(a nose cone used to protect a spacecraft (launch vehicle payload) 
against the impact of dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during 
launch through an atmosphere) and as many as three solid rocket 
boosters. The V500 series accommodates a 5.4 m (17.7 ft) fairing and as 
many as five solid rocket boosters. The Atlas V400 series will lift as 
much as 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) into geosynchronous transfer orbit or as 
much as 13,620 kg (30,027 lbs) into low earth orbit. The Atlas V500 
series will lift as much as 8,700 kg (19,180 lbs) into geosynchronous 
transfer orbit or as much as 21,050 kg (46,407 lbs) into low earth 
orbit. The Atlas V consists of a common booster core (CBC) 3.8 m (12.5 
ft) in diameter and 32.5 m (106.6 ft) high) powered by an RD180 engine 
that burns a liquid propellant fuel consisting of liquid oxygen and RP1 
fuel (kerosene). The RD180 engine provides 840,000 lbs of thrust on 
liftoff. There is a Centaur upper stage (3.1 m (10.2 ft) in diameter 
and 12.7 m (41.7 ft) high) powered by a liquid oxygen and liquid 
hydrogen fuel.
(2) Delta IV
    The Delta IV is launched from SLC-6, which is 2.3 km (1.4 mi) north 
of the main harbor seal haulout site at North Rocky Point (see Figure 2 
in the USAF application). The Delta IV family of launch vehicles 
consists of five launch vehicle configurations utilizing a CBC first 
stage (liquid fueled) and zero, two, or four strap on solid rocket 
GEMs. The Delta IV comes in four medium lift configurations and one 
heavy lift configuration consisting of multiple CBCs. The Delta IV can 
carry payloads from 4,210 to 13,130 kg (9,281 to 28,947 lbs) into 
geosynchronous transfer orbit.
(3) Falcon 9
    The Falcon 9 is SpaceX's launch vehicle. The Falcon 9 is a two-
stage rocket designed and manufactured by

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SpaceX for transport of satellites into orbit. The First Stage of the 
Falcon 9 is designed to be reusable, while the second stage is not 
reusable. The Falcon 9 First Stage is 12 ft (3.7 m) in diameter and 160 
ft (48.8 m) in height, including the interstage that would remain 
attached during landing.
(4) Minotaur
    The Minotaur I is a four stage, all solid propellant ground launch 
vehicle and is launched from SLC-8 on south VAFB (Figure 2 in the USAF 
application), approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) from the North Rocky Point 
haulout site. The launch vehicle consists of modified Minuteman II 
Stage I and Stage II segments, mated with Pegasus upper stages (Orbital 
Sciences Corporation, 2006). The Minotaur is a small vehicle, 
approximately 19.2 m (63 ft) tall (Orbital Sciences Corporation 2006b), 
with approximately 215,000 lbs of thrust.
(5) Taurus
    The standard Taurus is a small launch vehicle, at approximately 
24.7 m (81 ft) tall and is launched in two different configurations 
(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and standard) with 
different first stages providing 500,000 or 400,000 lbs of thrust, 
respectively. The different vehicle configurations have different 
thrust characteristics, with the standard configuration providing less 
thrust than DARPA. The Taurus is launched from 576E on north VAFB, 
approximately 0.5 km (0.3 mi) from the Spur Road harbor seal haulout 
site and 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from the Purisima Point haulout site (see 
Figure 3 in the USAF application).

SpaceX Falcon 9 First Stage Recovery Activities

    As described above, the Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and 
manufactured by SpaceX for transport of satellites into orbit. The 
First Stage of the Falcon 9 is designed to be reusable, while the 
second stage is not reusable. The proposed action includes up to twelve 
Falcon 9 First Stage recoveries per year. The Falcon 9 First Stage is 
recovered via an in-air boost-back maneuver and landings at VAFB or at 
a contingency landing location offshore. The Falcon 9 First Stage is 
the only rocket type that may be recovered via boost-back and landing 
as part of the proposed action.
    After launch of the Falcon 9, the boost-back and landing sequence 
begins when the rocket's First Stage separates from the second stage 
and the Merlin engines of the First Stage cut off. After First Stage 
engine cutoff, rather than dropping the First Stage in the Pacific 
Ocean, exoatmospheric cold gas thrusters are triggered to flip the 
First Stage into position for retrograde burn. Three of the nine First 
Stage Merlin engines are restarted to conduct the retrograde burn in 
order to reduce the velocity of the First Stage and to place the First 
Stage in the correct angle to land. Once the First Stage is in position 
and approaching its landing target, the three engines cut off to end 
the boost-back burn. The First Stage then performs a controlled descent 
using atmospheric resistance to slow the stage down and guide it to the 
landing pad target. The First Stage is outfitted with grid fins that 
allow cross range corrections as needed. The landing legs on the First 
Stage then deploy in preparation for a final single engine burn that 
slow the First Stage to a velocity of zero before landing on the 
landing pad at SLC-4W.
    During the First Stage's descent, a sonic boom would be generated 
when the First Stage reaches a rate of travel that exceeds the speed of 
sound. Sonic booms would occur in proximity to the landing area with 
the highest sound levels generated from sonic booms generally focused 
in the direction of the landing area, and may be heard during or 
briefly after the boost-back and landing, depending on the location of 
the receiver. Model results have indicated a boost-back and landing of 
the Falcon 9 First Stage at SLC-4W could produce sonic booms with 
overpressures that would potentially be as high as 8.5 psf at VAFB and 
potentially as high as 3.1 psf at the NCI (ManTech SRS Technologies, 
Inc, 2018). At the time of this proposed rule, only one recovery of the 
Falcon 9 First Stage, including the boost-back and landing of the 
Falcon 9 First Stage, had occurred at VAFB. Acoustic monitoring data 
from that event demonstrated that the sonic boom at the haulout nearest 
the landing location was measured at 1.78 psf and the maximum landing 
engine noise was estimated at 96.66 dB (ManTech SRS Technologies, Inc, 
2018). Monitoring at the NCI was not required during this activity as 
sonic boom modeling prior to the activity indicated no sonic boom would 
impact the NCI (ManTech SRS Technologies, Inc, 2018).
    As a contingency action to landing the Falcon 9 First Stage on the 
SLC-4W pad at VAFB, SpaceX may return the Falcon 9 First Stage booster 
to a barge in the Pacific Ocean. The barge is specifically designed to 
be used as a First Stage landing platform and would be located at least 
27 nm (50 km) offshore of VAFB or within an area even further offshore 
called the Iridium Landing Area. These contingency landing locations 
would be used when landing at SLC-4W would not be feasible. The 
maneuvering and landing process described above for a pad landing would 
be the same for a barge landing. Sonic boom modeling indicates that 
landings that occur at either of the proposed contingency landing 
locations offshore would result in sonic booms below 1.0 psf at any 
pinniped haulouts, thus marine mammal harassment is not an expected 
outcome from landings at those contingency landing locations offshore.
    Landing noise would be generated during each boost-back event. 
SpaceX proposes to use a three-engine burn during landing. This engine 
burn, lasting approximately 17 seconds, would generate noise between 70 
and 110 decibels (dB) re 20 micro Pascals ([micro]Pa) (non-pulse, in-
air noise) centered on SLC-4W. This landing noise event would be of 
short duration (approximately 17 seconds). Although, during a landing 
event at SLC-4W, landing noise between 70 and 90 dB would be expected 
to overlap pinniped haulout areas at and near Point Arguello and 
Purisima Point, no pinniped haulouts would experience landing noise of 
90 dB or greater.
    The boost-back and landing of the Falcon 9 First Stage occurs less 
than 10 minutes after the Falcon 9 launches from VAFB (USAF, 2018). 
Hauled out pinnipeds may respond to a sonic boom associated with a 
Falcon 9 First Stage boost-back and landing by alerting, moving or 
flushing to the water. However, any pinnipeds that respond to a Falcon 
9 First Stage boost-back and landing by moving or flushing to the water 
are expected to be the same individuals that responded in such a way to 
the initial launch of the rocket, less than 10 minutes prior to the 
boost-back and landing. NMFS would consider those individual marine 
mammals to have been taken by the stimuli associated with the initial 
launch, and would therefore not consider them as taken again by the 
boost-back and landing less than 10 minutes later, as we do not 
consider an individual marine mammal to be taken given noise exposure 
more than once within a 24 hour period. We expect that individual 
marine mammals that do not respond to the stimuli associated with the 
launch of the rocket will also not respond to the stimuli associated 
with the boost-back and landing of the Falcon 9 First Stage less than 
10 minutes later. Therefore, Falcon 9 First Stage recovery activities 
will not result in any additional marine mammals being taken, beyond 
those taken by the launch. As the potential for take

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resulting from the boost-back and landing of the Falcon 9 First Stage 
is so low as to be discountable, Falcon 9 First Stage recovery is not 
analyzed further in this document.

Missile Launch Activities

    A variety of small missiles are launched from various facilities on 
north VAFB, including Minuteman III, an ICBM which is launched from 
underground silos. In addition, several types of interceptor and target 
vehicles are launched for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The MDA 
develops various systems and elements, including the Ballistic Missile 
Defense System (BMDS).
    The BMDS test plans, including those involving tests from VAFB, are 
subject to constant change as the BMDS is being developed. It is 
difficult for the MDA to predict its launch schedule or number of 
launches over the next five years. However, due to test resource 
limitations, MDA does not envision conducting more than three missile 
tests per quarter (on average) over the next five years from VAFB, and 
none of the missiles would be larger than the Minuteman III. As 
described above, the USAF anticipates not more than 15 missile launches 
would occur in any year between 2019 through 2024.
    LF-09 is the closest active missile launch facility to a haulout 
area, located about 0.5 km from Little Sal (see Figure 3 in the 
application). The trajectories of all missile launches are nearly due 
westward; thus, they do not cause sonic boom impacts on the NCI and 
therefore take of marine mammals on the NCI from missile launches is 
not an expected outcome of the specified activities.

Aircraft and Helicopter Operations

    The VAFB airfield, located on north VAFB, supports various aircraft 
operations. Aircraft operations include tower operations, such as take-
offs and landings (training operations), and range operations such as 
overflights and flight tests. Over the past five years, an average of 
slightly more than 600 flights has occurred each year.
    Fixed-wing aircraft use VAFB for various purposes, including 
delivering rocket or missile components, high-altitude launches of 
space vehicles and emergency landings. VAFB is also used for flight 
testing, evaluation of fixed-wing aircraft and training exercises, 
including touch and goes. Three approved routes are used that avoid 
established pinniped haulout sites. Aircraft flown through VAFB 
airspace and supported by 30th Space Wing include, but are not limited 
to: B-1 and B-2 bombers, F-15, F-16 and F-22 fighters, V/X-22s, and KC-
135 tankers.
    Helicopter operations also occur at VAFB, but the number of 
helicopter operations at VAFB has decreased considerably since 2008 
when the deactivation of the VAFB helicopter squadron occurred. Other 
squadrons and units occasionally use VAFB for purposes such as 
transiting through the area, exercises and launch mission support. 
Emergency helicopter operations, including but not limited to search-
and-rescue and wildfire containment actions, also occur occasionally.
    Unmanned Aerial Systems (also known as ``drone'') operations at 
VAFB represent a relatively new activity but may increase over the next 
five years. UAS operations may include either rotary or fixed wing 
aircraft. These are typically divided into as many as six classes which 
graduate in size from class 0 (which are often smaller than 5 inches in 
diameter and always weigh less than one pound) to Class 5 (which can be 
as large as a small piloted aircraft) (Table 5). UAs classes 0, 1, 2 
and 3 can be used in almost any location, while classes 4 and 5 
typically require a runway and for that reason would only be operated 
from the VAFB airfield.

                                                       Table 5--Classes of Unmanned Aerial Systems
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Typical operating
              Class                  Weight  (pounds)     Minimum  dimension    Maximum  dimension     altitude  (feet)      Typical airspeed  (knots)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0................................  <1..................  ``large insect''....  50 cm...............  Any.................  any.
1................................  1-20................  >50 cm..............  2 meters............  <1,200..............  <100.
2................................  21-55...............  >2 m................  10 meters...........  <3,500..............  <250.
3................................  <1,320..............  >10 meters..........  n/a.................  <18,000.............  <250.
4................................  >1,320..............  >10 meters..........  n/a.................  <18,000.............  Any.
5................................  >1,320..............  >10 meters..........  n/a.................  <18,000.............  Any.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Take of hauled out pinnipeds from aircraft operations may occur as 
a result of visual or auditory stimuli in limited instances where the 
aircraft operate at low altitudes near pinniped haulouts. While 
harassment of hauled out pinnipeds from Class 0, 1 or 2 UAS is unlikely 
to occur at altitudes of 200 feet and above (Erbe et al., 2017; Pomeroy 
et al., 2015; Sweeney et al., 2016; Sweeney and Gelatt, 2017), 
information on pinniped responses to larger UASs is not widely 
available. However, based on the specifications of Class 3, 4 and 5 
UASs (Table 5), the likelihood of harassment resulting from overflights 
by UASs of that size would likely depend on several factors including 
noise signature and means of propulsion (i.e., rocket propelled or 
engine propelled). Except for take-off and landing actions, a minimum 
altitude of 300 feet will be maintained for Class 0-2 UAS over all 
known marine mammal haulouts when marine mammals are present. Class 3 
UAS will maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet, except at take-off 
and landing. No Class 4 or 5 UAS will be flown below 1,000 feet over 
haulouts.
    The USAF anticipates that take of marine mammals from aircraft 
operations would be minimal; however, to be conservative, the USAF has 
requested authorization for incidental take as a result of aircraft 
operations.

Description of Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities

    There are six marine mammal species with expected occurrence in the 
project area (including at VAFB, on the NCI, and in the waters 
surrounding VAFB and the NCI) that are expected to be affected by the 
specified activities. These are listed in Table 6. This section 
provides summary information regarding local occurrence of these 
species. We have reviewed USAF's species descriptions, including life 
history information, for accuracy and completeness and refer the reader 
to Section 3 of the USAF's application, as well as to NMFS' Stock 
Assessment Reports (SAR; https://

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www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/population-assessments#marine-mammals), 
rather than reprinting all of the information here. Additional general 
information about these species (e.g., physical and behavioral 
descriptions) may be found on NMFS' website (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species).
    There are an additional 28 species of cetaceans with expected or 
possible occurrence in the project area. However, we have determined 
that the only potential stressors associated with the specified 
activities that could result in take of marine mammals (i.e., launch 
noise, sonic booms and aircraft operations) only have the potential to 
result in harassment of marine mammals that are hauled out of the 
water. Therefore, we have concluded that the likelihood of the proposed 
activities resulting in the harassment of any cetacean to be so low as 
to be discountable. As we have concluded that the likelihood of any 
cetacean being taken incidentally as a result of USAF's proposed 
activities to be so low as to be discountable, cetaceans are not 
considered further in this proposed rule.
    Table 6 lists all species with expected potential for occurrence in 
the vicinity of the project during the project timeframe that are 
likely to be affected by the specified activities, and summarizes 
information related to the population or stock, including regulatory 
status under the MMPA and ESA and potential biological removal (PBR), 
where known. For taxonomy, we follow Committee on Taxonomy (2018). PBR 
is defined by the MMPA as the maximum number of animals, not including 
natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal stock 
while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum sustainable 
population (as described in NMFS's SARs). While no mortality is 
anticipated or proposed for authorization here, PBR and annual serious 
injury and mortality from anthropogenic sources are included here as 
gross indicators of the status of the species and other threats.
    Marine mammal abundance estimates presented in this document 
represent the total number of individuals that make up a given stock or 
the total number estimated within a particular study or survey area. 
NMFS's stock abundance estimates for most species represent the total 
estimate of individuals within the geographic area, if known, that 
comprises that stock. For some species, this geographic area may extend 
beyond U.S. waters. All managed stocks in this region are assessed in 
NMFS's U.S. Pacific and Alaska SARs (e.g., Carretta et al., 2018; Muto 
et al., 2018). All values presented in Table 6 are the most recent 
available at the time of publication and are available in the 2017 SARs 
(Carretta et al., 2018; Muto et al., 2018) and draft 2018 SARs 
(available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/population-assessments#marine-mammals).

                 Table 6--Marine Mammal Species Potentially Present in the Project Area That May Be Affected by the Proposed Activities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             Stock abundance  (CV,
                                                                                        ESA/ MMPA  status;    Nmin, most  recent               Annual  M/
             Common name                  Scientific name               Stock             strategic (Y/N)   abundance  survey) \2\     PBR       SI \3\
                                                                                                \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Order Carnivora--Superfamily Pinnipedia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Otariidae (eared seals and sea lions):
    California sea lion.............  Zalophus californianus.  U.S....................  -; N                257,606 (n/a, 233,515,     14,011      >=197
                                                                                                             2014).
    Northern fur seal...............  Callorhinus ursinus....  California.............  -; N                14,050 (n/a, 7,524,           451      >=0.8
                                                                                                             2013).
    Steller sea lion................  Eumetopias jubatus.....  Eastern U.S............  -; N                41,638 (n/a, 41,638,        2,498        108
                                                                                                             2015).
    Guadalupe fur seal..............  Arctocephalus philippii  Mexico.................  T/D; Y              20,000 (n/a, 15,830,          542      >=3.2
                                       townsendi.                                                            2010).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Phocidae (earless seals):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific harbor seal.................  Phoca vitulina           California.............  -; N                30,968 (n/a, 27,348,        1,641         30
                                       richardii.                                                            2012).
Northern elephant seal..............  Mirounga angustirostris  California breeding....  -; N                179,000 (n/a, 81,368,       4,882          4
                                                                                                             2010).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Endangered Species Act (ESA) status: Endangered (E), Threatened (T)/MMPA status: Depleted (D). A dash (-) indicates that the species is not listed
  under the ESA or designated as depleted under the MMPA. Under the MMPA, a strategic stock is one for which the level of direct human-caused mortality
  exceeds PBR or which is determined to be declining and likely to be listed under the ESA within the foreseeable future. Any species or stock listed
  under the ESA is automatically designated under the MMPA as depleted and as a strategic stock.
\2\ NMFS marine mammal stock assessment reports online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/population-assessments#marine-mammals. CV is coefficient
  of variation; Nmin is the minimum estimate of stock abundance. In some cases, CV is not applicable.
\3\ These values, found in NMFS's SARs, represent annual levels of human-caused mortality plus serious injury from all sources combined (e.g.,
  commercial fisheries, ship strike). Annual M/SI often cannot be determined precisely and is in some cases presented as a minimum value or range.

    All species that could potentially occur in the proposed survey 
areas and that may be affected by the proposed activities are included 
in Table 6. As described below, all six species (with six managed 
stocks) temporally and spatially co-occur with the activity to the 
degree that take is reasonably likely to occur.

Pacific Harbor Seal

    Harbor seals inhabit coastal and estuarine waters and shoreline 
areas of the northern hemisphere from temperate to polar regions. The 
eastern North Pacific subspecies is found from Baja California north to 
the Aleutian Islands and into the Bering Sea. Multiple lines of 
evidence support the existence of geographic structure among harbor 
seal populations from California to Alaska (Carretta et al., 2016). 
However, because stock boundaries are difficult to meaningfully draw 
from a biological perspective, three separate harbor seal stocks are 
recognized for management purposes along the west coast of the 
continental United States: (1) Washington inland waters, (2) Oregon and 
Washington coast, and (3) California (Carretta et al., 2016). In 
addition, harbor seals may occur in Mexican waters, but these animals 
are not considered part of the California stock. Only the California 
stock is considered in these proposed regulations due to the 
distribution of the stock and the geographic scope of the proposed 
activities. Although the need

[[Page 328]]

for stock boundaries for management is real and is supported by 
biological information, it should be noted that the exact placement of 
a boundary between California and Oregon for stock delineation purposes 
was largely a political/jurisdictional convenience (Carretta et al. 
2015).
    Pacific harbor seals are nonmigratory, with local movements 
associated with such factors as tides, weather, season, food 
availability, and reproduction (Scheffer and Slipp 1944, Fisher 1952, 
Bigg 1969, 1981, Hastings et al. 2004). In California, over 500 harbor 
seal haulout sites are widely distributed along the mainland and 
offshore islands, and include rocky shores, beaches and intertidal 
sandbars (Lowry et al. 2005). Harbor seals mate at sea and females give 
birth during the spring and summer, though the pupping season varies 
with latitude. Harbor seal pupping takes place at many locations and 
rookery size varies from a few pups to many hundreds of pups.
    Harbor seals are the most common marine mammal inhabiting VAFB, 
congregating on multiple rocky haulout sites along the VAFB coastline. 
They are local to the area, rarely traveling more than 50 km from 
haulout sites (pers comm., M. Lowry, NMFS SWFSC, to J. Carduner, NMFS 
OPR). There are 12 harbor seal haulout sites on south VAFB; of these, 
10 sites represent an almost continuous haulout area which is used by 
the same animals. Virtually all of the haulout sites at VAFB are used 
during low tides and are wave-washed or submerged during high tides. 
Additionally, the harbor seal is the only species that regularly hauls 
out near the VAFB harbor. The main harbor seal haulouts on VAFB are 
near Purisima Point and at Lion's Head (approximately 0.6 km south of 
Point Sal) on north VAFB and between the VAFB harbor north to South 
Rocky Point Beach on south VAFB (ManTech 2009) (see Figure 2 in the 
USAF's application).
    Pups are generally present in the region from March through July 
(USAF, 2018). The best available information of harbor seal abundance 
on VAFB is USAF monthly survey data. Within the affected area on VAFB, 
a total of up to 332 adults and 34 pups have been recorded, at all 
haulouts combined, in monthly counts from 2013 to 2015 (ManTech 2015). 
The harbor seal population at VAFB has undergone an apparent decline in 
recent years (USAF, 2018). This decline has been attributed to a series 
of natural landslides at south VAFB, resulting in the abandonment of 
many haulout sites. These slides have also resulted in extensive down-
current sediment deposition, making these sites accessible to coyotes, 
which are now regularly seen in the area. Some of the displaced seals 
have moved to other sites at south VAFB, while others likely have moved 
to Point Conception, about 6.5 km south of the southern boundary of 
VAFB (USAF, 2018).
    Harbor seals also haul out, breed, and pup in isolated beaches and 
coves throughout the coasts of San Miguel Island (SMI), Santa Rosa 
Island (SRI), San Nicolas Island (SNI) and Santa Cruz Island (SCI) 
(Lowry, 2002). The best available information of harbor seal abundance 
on the NCI is NMFS aerial survey data from 2011-2015 (Lowry et al., 
2017). During aerial surveys conducted by NMFS from 2011-2015, a mean 
of 589 harbors seals was recorded at SMI, a mean of 181 was recorded at 
SCI, and a mean of 247 was recorded at SRI (Lowry et al., 2017). On 
SMI, they occur along the north coast at Tyler Bight and from Crook 
Point to Cardwell Point. Additionally, they regularly breed on SMI. On 
Santa Cruz Island, they inhabit small coves and rocky ledges along much 
of the coast. Harbor seals are scattered throughout Santa Rosa Island 
and also are observed in small numbers on Anacapa Island.

California Sea Lion

    California sea lions range from the Gulf of California north to the 
Gulf of Alaska, with breeding areas located in the Gulf of California, 
western Baja California, and southern California. Five genetically 
distinct geographic populations have been identified: (1) Pacific 
Temperate, (2) Pacific Subtropical, (3) Southern Gulf of California, 
(4) Central Gulf of California and (5) Northern Gulf of California 
(Schramm et al., 2009). Rookeries for the Pacific Temperate population 
are found within U.S. waters and just south of the U.S.-Mexico border, 
and animals belonging to this population may be found from the Gulf of 
Alaska to Mexican waters off Baja California. Animals belonging to 
other populations (e.g., Pacific Subtropical) may range into U.S. 
waters during non-breeding periods. For management purposes, a stock of 
California sea lions comprising those animals at rookeries within the 
United States is defined (i.e., the U.S. stock of California sea lions) 
(Carretta et al., 2017).
    Beginning in January 2013, elevated strandings of California sea 
lion pups were observed in southern California, with live sea lion 
strandings nearly three times higher than the historical average. 
Findings to date indicate that a likely contributor to the large number 
of stranded, malnourished pups was a change in the availability of sea 
lion prey for nursing mothers, especially sardines. The Working Group 
on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events determined that the ongoing 
stranding event meets the criteria for an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) 
and declared California sea lion strandings from 2013 through 2017 to 
be one continuous UME. The causes and mechanisms of this event remain 
under investigation. For more information on the UME, see: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2013-2017-california-sea-lion-unusual-mortality-event-california.
    Rookery sites in southern California are limited to SMI and the 
southerly Channel Islands of San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and San 
Clemente (Carretta et al., 2015). Males establish breeding territories 
during May through July on both land and in the water. Females come 
ashore in mid-May and June where they give birth to a single pup 
approximately four to five days after arrival and will nurse pups for 
about a week before going on their first feeding trip. Adult and 
juvenile males will migrate as far north as British Columbia, Canada 
while females and pups remain in southern California waters in the non-
breeding season. In warm water (El Ni[ntilde]o) years, some females are 
found as far north as Washington and Oregon, presumably following prey.
    The best available information on California sea lion abundance on 
VAFB is USAF monthly survey data. California sea lions are common 
offshore of VAFB and haul out on rocks and beaches along the coastline 
of VAFB. At south VAFB, California sea lions haul out on north Rocky 
Point, with numbers often peaking in spring. They have been reported at 
Point Arguello and Point Pedernales (both on south VAFB) in the past, 
although none have been noted there over the past several years. 
Individual sea lions have been noted hauled out throughout the VAFB 
coast; these were transient or stranded specimens. They regularly haul 
out on Lion Rock, north of VAFB and immediately south of Point Sal, and 
occasionally haul out on Point Conception, south of VAFB. In 2014, 
counts of California sea lions at haulouts on VAFB increased 
substantially, ranging from 47 to 416 during monthly counts. Despite 
their prevalence at haulout sites at VAFB, California sea lions rarely 
pup on the VAFB coastline (ManTech 2015); no pups were observed in 2013 
or 2014 (ManTech 2015) and 1 pup was observed in 2015 (VAFB, unpub. 
data). Successful pupping has never been observed on VAFB; one possible 
explanation is that only California sea

[[Page 329]]

lions affected by domoic acid toxicity give birth at VAFB. These pups 
are either stillborn or very likely do not survive long (USAF, 2018).
    Pupping occurs in large numbers on SMI at the rookeries found at 
Point Bennett on the west end of the island and at Cardwell Point on 
the east end of the island (Lowry 2002). Sea lions haul out at the west 
end of Santa Rosa Island at Ford Point and Carrington Point. A few 
California sea lions have been born on Santa Rosa Island, but no 
rookery has been established. On Santa Cruz Island, California sea 
lions haul out from Painted Cave almost to Fraser Point, on the west 
end. California sea lions also haul out at Gull Island, off the south 
shore near Punta Arena. Pupping appears to be increasing there. Sea 
lions also haul out near Potato Harbor, on the northeast end of Santa 
Cruz. California sea lions haul out by the hundreds on the south side 
of East Anacapa Island (Lowry et al., 2017).
    The best available information on California sea lion abundance on 
the NCI is NMFS aerial survey data from 2011-2015 (Lowry et al., 2017). 
During aerial surveys from 2011-2015, a mean of 62,150 California sea 
lions were recorded at haulouts on SMI, a mean of 1322 was recorded at 
SCI and a mean of 944 was recorded at SRI (Lowry et al., 2017).

Northern Elephant Seal

    Northern elephant seals range in the eastern and central North 
Pacific Ocean, from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico. 
They spend much of the year, generally about nine months, in the ocean. 
They spend much of their lives underwater, diving to depths of about 
1,000 to 2,500 ft (330-800 m) for 20- to 30-minute intervals with only 
short breaks at the surface, and are rarely seen at sea for this 
reason. Northern elephant seals breed and give birth in California and 
Baja California (Mexico), primarily on offshore islands, from December 
to March (Stewart et al. 1994). Adults return to land between March and 
August to molt, with males returning later than females. Adults return 
to their feeding areas again between their spring/summer molting and 
their winter breeding seasons.
    Populations of northern elephant seals in the U.S. and Mexico are 
derived from a few tens or hundreds of individuals surviving in Mexico 
after being nearly hunted to extinction (Stewart et al., 1994). Given 
the recent derivation of most rookeries, no genetic differentiation 
would be expected. Although movement and genetic exchange continues 
between rookeries, most elephant seals return to their natal rookeries 
when they start breeding (Huber et al., 1991). The California breeding 
population is now demographically isolated from the Baja California 
population and is considered to be a separate stock.
    The best available information on northern elephant seal abundance 
on VAFB is USAF monthly survey data. Northern elephant seals haul out 
sporadically on rocks and beaches along the coastline of VAFB; monthly 
counts in 2013 and 2014 recorded between 0 and 191 elephant seals 
within the affected area (ManTech 2015). Northern elephant seal pupping 
at VAFB was documented for the first time in January 2017 with 18 pups 
born and weaned. In January 2018, a total of 25 pups were observed born 
and weaned. (USAF, 2018).
    The best available information on northern elephant seal abundance 
on the NCI is NMFS aerial survey data from 2011-2015 (Lowry et al., 
2017). Point Bennett on the west end of SMI is the primary northern 
elephant seal rookery in the NCI, with another rookery at Cardwell 
Point on the east end of SMI (Lowry 2002). They also pup and breed on 
Santa Rosa Island, mostly on the west end. Northern elephant seals are 
rarely seen on Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands. During aerial surveys of 
the NCI conducted by NMFS from 2011-2015, a mean of 2,350 northern 
elephant seals was recorded at SMI, and a mean of 816 was recorded at 
SRI. None were observed at Santa Cruz Island (Lowry et al., 2017).

Steller Sea Lion

    Steller sea lions are distributed mainly around the coasts to the 
outer continental shelf along the North Pacific rim from northern 
Hokkaido, Japan through the Kuril Islands and Okhotsk Sea, Aleutian 
Islands and central Bering Sea, southern coast of Alaska and south to 
California (Loughlin et al., 1984). The species as a whole was ESA-
listed as threatened in 1990 (55 FR 49204, November 26, 1990). In 1997, 
the species was divided into western and eastern distinct population 
segments (DPS), with the western DPS reclassified as endangered under 
the ESA and the eastern DPS retaining its threatened listing (62 FR 
24345, May 5, 2997). On October 23, 2013, NMFS found that the eastern 
DPS has recovered; as a result of the finding, NMFS removed the eastern 
DPS from ESA listing. Only the eastern DPS is considered in this 
proposed authorization due to its distribution and the geographic scope 
of the action.
    Prior to 2012, there were no records of Steller sea lions observed 
at VAFB. In April and May 2012, Steller sea lions were observed hauled 
out at North Rocky Point on VAFB, representing the first time the 
species had been observed at VAFB during launch monitoring and monthly 
surveys conducted over the past two decades (MMCG and SAIC, 2013). The 
best available information on Steller sea lion abundance on VAFB is 
USAF monthly surveys. Since 2012, Steller sea lions have been observed 
frequently in routine monthly surveys, with as many as 16 individuals 
recorded. In 2017, the highest number observed at VAFB was 11, in July 
(CEMML, 2018). Steller sea lions once had two small rookeries on SMI, 
but these were abandoned after the 1982-1983 El Ni[ntilde]o event 
(DeLong and Melin, 2000, Lowry, 2002); these rookeries were once the 
southernmost colonies of the eastern stock of this species. Due to 
their very limited numbers on the NCI, survey data for Steller sea 
lions on the NCI is not available, therefore the best available 
information on abundance on the NCI is anecdotal information from 
subject matter experts. In recent years, between two to four juvenile 
and adult males have been observed on a somewhat regular basis on San 
Miguel Island (pers. comm. Sharon Melin, NMFS Marine Mammal Center 
(MML), to J. Carduner, NMFS). Steller sea lions have not been observed 
on the other Channel Islands.

Northern Fur Seal

    Northern fur seals occur from southern California north to the 
Bering Sea and west to the Okhotsk Sea and Honshu Island, Japan. Due to 
differing requirements during the annual reproductive season, adult 
males and females typically occur ashore at different, though 
overlapping, times. Adult males occur ashore and defend reproductive 
territories during a three month period from June through August, 
though some may be present until November (well after giving up their 
territories). Adult females are found ashore for as long as six months 
(June-November). After their respective times ashore, fur seals of both 
sexes spend the next seven to eight months at sea (Roppel, 1984). Peak 
pupping is in early July and pups are weaned at three to four months. 
Some juveniles are present year-round, but most juveniles and adults 
head for the open ocean and a pelagic existence until the next year. 
Northern fur seals exhibit high site fidelity to their natal rookeries. 
Two stocks of northern fur seals are recognized in U.S. waters: An 
eastern Pacific stock and a California stock (formerly referred to as 
the San Miguel Island stock). Only the California stock is considered 
in this proposed

[[Page 330]]

authorization due to its geographic distribution.
    Northern fur seals have rookeries on SMI at Point Bennett and on 
Castle Rock. Comprehensive count data for northern fur seals on San 
Miguel Island are not available, therefore the best available 
information on northern fur seal abundance on the NCI comes from 
subject matter experts which indicates the population is at its maximum 
in summer (June-August) with an estimated 13,384 animals at SMI, with 
approximately half that number present in the fall (September and 
October) and approximately 50-200 animals present from November through 
May (pers. comm. Sharon Melin, NMFS MML, to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR). SMI 
is the only island in the NCI on which northern fur seals have been 
observed, and on SMI they only occur at the west end of the island and 
on Castle Rock (a small offshore rock on the northwest side of the 
island) (pers. comm. Sharon Melin, NMFS MML, to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR). 
Although the population at SMI was established by individuals from 
Alaska and Russian Islands during the late 1960s, most individuals 
currently found on SMI are considered resident to the island. No 
haulout or rookery sites exist for northern fur seals on the mainland 
coast. The only individuals that appear on mainland beaches are 
stranded animals.

Guadalupe Fur Seal

    Guadalupe fur seals are found along the west coast of the United 
States, with the majority of the population found on islands in Mexico. 
They were abundant prior to seal exploitation, when they were likely 
the most abundant pinniped species on the Channel Islands, but are 
considered uncommon in Southern California. They are typically found on 
shores with abundant large rocks, often at the base of large cliffs 
(Belcher and Lee, 2002). Increased strandings of Guadalupe fur seals 
started occurring along the entire coast of California in early 2015. 
This event was declared a marine mammal UME. Strandings were eight 
times higher than the historical average, peaking from April through 
June 2015, and have since lessened but continue at a rate that is well 
above average. Most stranded individuals have been weaned pups and 
juveniles (1-2 years old). For more information on this UME, see: 
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2015-2018-guadalupe-fur-seal-unusual-mortality-event-california.
    Comprehensive survey data on Guadalupe fur seals in the NCI is not 
readily available, therefore the best available information on 
Guadalupe fur seal abundance is from subject matter experts. On SMI, 
one to several male Guadalupe fur seals had been observed annually 
between 1969 and 2000 (DeLong and Melin, 2000) and juvenile animals of 
both sexes have been seen occasionally over the years (Stewart et al., 
1987). The first adult female at San Miguel Island was seen in 1997. In 
June 1997, she gave birth to a pup in rocky habitat along the south 
side of the island and, over the next year, reared the pup to weaning 
age. This was apparently the first pup born in the Channel Islands in 
at least 150 years. Since 2008, individual adult females, subadult 
males, and between one and three pups have been observed annually on 
SMI. There are estimated to be approximately 20-25 individuals that 
have fidelity to San Miguel, mostly inhabiting the southwest and 
northwest ends of the island. A total of 14 pups have been born on the 
island since 2009, with no more than 3 born in any single season (pers. 
comm., S. Melin, NMFS MML, to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR). Thirteen 
individuals and two pups were observed in 2015 (NMFS 2016). No haulout 
or rookery sites exist for Guadalupe fur seals on the mainland coast, 
including VAFB. The only individuals that do appear on mainland beaches 
are stranded animals.

Marine Mammal Hearing

    Hearing is the most important sensory modality for marine mammals 
underwater, and exposure to anthropogenic sound can have deleterious 
effects. To appropriately assess the potential effects of exposure to 
sound, it is necessary to understand the frequency ranges marine 
mammals are able to hear. Current data indicate that not all marine 
mammal species have equal hearing capabilities (e.g., Richardson et 
al., 1995; Wartzok and Ketten, 1999; Au and Hastings, 2008). To reflect 
this, Southall et al. (2007) recommended that marine mammals be divided 
into functional hearing groups based on directly measured or estimated 
hearing ranges on the basis of available behavioral response data, 
audiograms derived using auditory evoked potential techniques, 
anatomical modeling, and other data. Note that no direct measurements 
of hearing ability have been successfully completed for mysticetes 
(i.e., low-frequency cetaceans). Subsequently, NMFS (2018) described 
generalized hearing ranges for these marine mammal hearing groups. 
Generalized hearing ranges were chosen based on the approximately 65 dB 
threshold from the normalized composite audiograms, with the exception 
for lower limits for low-frequency cetaceans where the lower bound was 
deemed to be biologically implausible and the lower bound from Southall 
et al. (2007) retained. The functional groups and the associated 
frequencies are indicated below (note that these frequency ranges 
correspond to the range for the composite group, with the entire range 
not necessarily reflecting the capabilities of every species within 
that group):
    <bullet> Pinnipeds in water; Phocidae (true seals): Generalized 
hearing is estimated to occur between approximately 50 Hz to 86 kHz; 
and
    <bullet> Pinnipeds in water; Otariidae (eared seals): Generalized 
hearing is estimated to occur between 60 Hz and 39 kHz.
    The pinniped functional hearing group was modified from Southall et 
al. (2007) on the basis of data indicating that phocid species have 
consistently demonstrated an extended frequency range of hearing 
compared to otariids, especially in the higher frequency range 
(Hemil[auml] et al., 2006; Kastelein et al., 2009; Reichmuth and Holt, 
2013).
    For more detail concerning these groups and associated frequency 
ranges, please see NMFS (2018) for a review of available information. 
Six species of marine mammal (four otariid and two phocid species) have 
the reasonable potential to co-occur with the proposed activities. 
Please refer to Table 6.

   Table 4--Relevant Marine Mammal Functional Hearing Groups and Their
                       Generalized Hearing Ranges
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Hearing group                 Generalized hearing range *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phocid pinnipeds (PW) (underwater) (true    50 Hz to 86 kHz.
 seals).
Otariid pinnipeds (OW) (underwater) (sea    60 Hz to 39 kHz.
 lions and fur seals).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Represents the generalized hearing range for the entire group as a
  composite (i.e., all species within the group), where individual
  species' hearing ranges are typically not as broad. Generalized
  hearing range chosen based on ~65 dB threshold from normalized
  composite audiogram, with the exception for lower limits for LF
  cetaceans (Southall et al., 2007) and PW pinniped (approximation).

Potential Effects of Specified Activities on Marine Mammals and Their 
Habitat

    This section includes a summary and discussion of the ways that 
components of the specified activity may impact marine mammals and 
their habitat. The Estimated Take section later in this document 
includes a quantitative analysis of the number of individuals that are 
expected to be taken by this activity. The Negligible Impact Analysis 
and Determination section considers the content of this section, the 
Estimated Take section, and the Proposed

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Mitigation section, to draw conclusions regarding the likely impacts of 
these activities on the reproductive success or survivorship of 
individuals and how those impacts on individuals are likely to impact 
marine mammal species or stocks.

Description of Sound Sources

    This section contains a brief technical background on sound, the 
characteristics of certain sound types, and on metrics used in this 
proposal inasmuch as the information is relevant to the specified 
activity and to a discussion of the potential effects of the specified 
activity on marine mammals found later in this document.
    Sound travels in waves, the basic components of which are 
frequency, wavelength, velocity, and amplitude. Frequency is the number 
of pressure waves that pass by a reference point per unit of time and 
is measured in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. Wavelength is the 
distance between two peaks or corresponding points of a sound wave 
(length of one cycle). Higher frequency sounds have shorter wavelengths 
than lower frequency sounds, and typically attenuate (decrease) more 
rapidly, except in certain cases in shallower water. Amplitude is the 
height of the sound pressure wave or the ``loudness'' of a sound and is 
typically described using the relative unit of the dB. A sound pressure 
level (SPL) in dB is described as the ratio between a measured pressure 
and a reference pressure and is a logarithmic unit that accounts for 
large variations in amplitude; therefore, a relatively small change in 
dB corresponds to large changes in sound pressure. The source level 
(SL) represents the SPL referenced at a distance of 1 m from the source 
while the received level is the SPL at the listener's position. Note 
that all airborne sound levels in this document are referenced to a 
pressure of 20 [micro]Pa.
    Root mean square (rms) is the quadratic mean sound pressure over 
the duration of an impulse. Root mean square is calculated by squaring 
all of the sound amplitudes, averaging the squares, and then taking the 
square root of the average (Urick, 1983). Root mean square accounts for 
both positive and negative values; squaring the pressures makes all 
values positive so that they may be accounted for in the summation of 
pressure levels (Hastings and Popper, 2005). This measurement is often 
used in the context of discussing behavioral effects, in part because 
behavioral effects, which often result from auditory cues, may be 
better expressed through averaged units than by peak pressures.
    Sound exposure level (SEL; represented as dB re 1 [mu]Pa\2\-s) 
represents the total energy contained within a pulse and considers both 
intensity and duration of exposure. Peak sound pressure (also referred 
to as zero-to-peak sound pressure or 0-p) is the maximum instantaneous 
sound pressure measurable in the water at a specified distance from the 
source and is represented in the same units as the rms sound pressure. 
Another common metric is peak-to-peak sound pressure (pk-pk), which is 
the algebraic difference between the peak positive and peak negative 
sound pressures. Peak-to-peak pressure is typically approximately 6 dB 
higher than peak pressure (Southall et al., 2007).
    A-weighting is applied to instrument-measured sound levels in an 
effort to account for the relative loudness perceived by the human ear, 
as the ear is less sensitive to low audio frequencies, and is commonly 
used in measuring airborne noise. The relative sensitivity of pinnipeds 
listening in air to different frequencies is more-or-less similar to 
that of humans (Richardson et al., 1995), so A-weighting may, as a 
first approximation, be relevant to pinnipeds listening to moderate-
level sounds.
    The sum of the various natural and anthropogenic sound sources at 
any given location and time--which comprise ``ambient'' or 
``background'' sound--depends not only on the source levels (as 
determined by current weather conditions and levels of biological and 
human activity) but also on the ability of sound to propagate through 
the environment. In turn, sound propagation is dependent on the 
spatially and temporally varying properties of the water column and sea 
floor, and is frequency-dependent. As a result of the dependence on a 
large number of varying factors, ambient sound levels can be expected 
to vary widely over both coarse and fine spatial and temporal scales. 
Sound levels at a given frequency and location can vary by 10-20 dB 
from day to day (Richardson et al., 1995). The result is that, 
depending on the source type and its intensity, sound from a given 
activity may be a negligible addition to the local environment or could 
form a distinctive signal that may affect marine mammals. Details of 
source types are described in the following text.
    Sounds are often considered to fall into one of two general types: 
Pulsed and non-pulsed (defined in the following). The distinction 
between these two sound types is important because they have differing 
potential to cause physical effects, particularly with regard to 
hearing (e.g., Ward, 1997 in Southall et al., 2007). Please see 
Southall et al. (2007) for an in-depth discussion of these concepts.
    Pulsed sound sources (e.g., airguns, explosions, gunshots, sonic 
booms, impact pile driving) produce signals that are brief (typically 
considered to be less than one second), broadband, atonal transients 
(ANSI, 1986, 2005; Harris, 1998; NIOSH, 1998; ISO, 2003) and occur 
either as isolated events or repeated in some succession. Pulsed sounds 
are all characterized by a relatively rapid rise from ambient pressure 
to a maximal pressure value followed by a rapid decay period that may 
include a period of diminishing, oscillating maximal and minimal 
pressures, and generally have an increased capacity to induce physical 
injury as compared with sounds that lack these features.
    Non-pulsed sounds can be tonal, narrowband, or broadBand, brief or 
prolonged, and may be either continuous or non-continuous (ANSI, 1995; 
NIOSH, 1998). Some of these non-pulsed sounds can be transient signals 
of short duration but without the essential properties of pulses (e.g., 
rapid rise time). Examples of non-pulsed sounds include those produced 
by vessels, aircraft, machinery operations such as drilling or 
dredging, vibratory pile driving, and active sonar systems (such as 
those used by the U.S. Navy). The duration of such sounds, as received 
at a distance, can be greatly extended in a highly reverberant 
environment.
    The effects of sounds on marine mammals are dependent on several 
factors, including the species, size, and behavior (feeding, nursing, 
resting, etc.) of the animal; the intensity and duration of the sound; 
and the sound propagation properties of the environment. Impacts to 
marine species can result from physiological and behavioral responses 
to both the type and strength of the acoustic signature (Viada et al., 
2008). The type and severity of behavioral impacts are more difficult 
to define due to limited studies addressing the behavioral effects of 
sounds on marine mammals. Potential effects from impulsive sound 
sources can range in severity from effects such as behavioral 
disturbance or tactile perception to physical discomfort, slight injury 
of the internal organs and the auditory system, or mortality (Yelverton 
et al., 1973).
    The effects of sounds from the proposed activities are expected to 
result in behavioral disturbance of marine mammals. Due to the expected 
sound levels of the activities proposed and the distance of the 
activity from marine mammal habitat, the effects of

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sounds from the proposed activities are not expected to result in 
temporary or permanent hearing impairment (TTS and PTS, respectively), 
non-auditory physical or physiological effects, or masking in marine 
mammals. Data from monitoring reports associated with authorizations 
issued by NMFS previously for similar activities in the same location 
as the planned activities (described further below) provides further 
support for the assertion that TTS, PTS, non-auditory physical or 
physiological effects, and masking are not likely to occur (USAF 2013b; 
SAIC 2012). Therefore, TTS, PTS, non-auditory physical or physiological 
effects, and masking are not discussed further in this section.

Disturbance Reactions

    Disturbance includes a variety of effects, including subtle changes 
in behavior, more conspicuous changes in activities, and displacement. 
Behavioral responses to sound are highly variable and context-specific 
and reactions, if any, depend on species, state of maturity, 
experience, current activity, reproductive state, auditory sensitivity, 
time of day, and many other factors (Richardson et al., 1995; Wartzok 
et al., 2003; Southall et al., 2007).
    Habituation can occur when an animal's response to a stimulus wanes 
with repeated exposure, usually in the absence of unpleasant associated 
events (Wartzok et al., 2003). Animals are most likely to habituate to 
sounds that are predictable and unvarying. The opposite process is 
sensitization, when an unpleasant experience leads to subsequent 
responses, often in the form of avoidance, at a lower level of 
exposure. Behavioral state may affect the type of response as well. For 
example, animals that are resting may show greater behavioral change in 
response to disturbing sound levels than animals that are highly 
motivated to remain in an area for feeding (Richardson et al., 1995; 
NRC, 2003; Wartzok et al., 2003).
    Controlled experiments with captive marine mammals have shown 
pronounced behavioral reactions, including avoidance of loud underwater 
sound sources (Ridgway et al., 1997; Finneran et al., 2003). These may 
be of limited relevance to the proposed activities given that airborne 
sound, and not underwater sound, may result in harassment of marine 
mammals as a result of the proposed activities; however we present this 
information as background on the potential impacts of sound on marine 
mammals. Observed responses of wild marine mammals to loud pulsed sound 
sources (typically seismic guns or acoustic harassment devices) have 
been varied but often consist of avoidance behavior or other behavioral 
changes suggesting discomfort (Morton and Symonds, 2002; Thorson and 
Reyff, 2006; see also Gordon et al., 2004; Wartzok et al., 2003; 
Nowacek et al., 2007).
    The onset of noise can result in temporary, short term changes in 
an animal's typical behavior and/or avoidance of the affected area. 
These behavioral changes may include: reduced/increased vocal 
activities; changing/cessation of certain behavioral activities (such 
as socializing or feeding); visible startle response or aggressive 
behavior; avoidance of areas where sound sources are located; and/or 
flight responses (Richardson et al., 1995).
    The biological significance of many of these behavioral 
disturbances is difficult to predict, especially if the detected 
disturbances appear minor. However, the consequences of behavioral 
modification could potentially be biologically significant if the 
change affects growth, survival, or reproduction. The onset of 
behavioral disturbance from anthropogenic sound depends on both 
external factors (characteristics of sound sources and their paths) and 
the specific characteristics of the receiving animals (hearing, 
motivation, experience, demography) and is difficult to predict 
(Southall et al., 2007).
    Marine mammals that occur in the project area could be exposed to 
airborne sounds that have the potential to result in behavioral 
harassment, depending on an animal's distance from the sound. Airborne 
sound could potentially affect pinnipeds that are hauled out. Most 
likely, airborne sound would cause behavioral responses similar to 
those discussed above in relation to underwater sound. For instance, 
anthropogenic sound could cause hauled out pinnipeds to exhibit changes 
in their normal behavior, such as temporarily abandoning their habitat. 
Hauled out pinnipeds may flush from a haulout into the water. Though 
pup abandonment could theoretically result from these reactions, site-
specific monitoring data (described below) indicate that pup 
abandonment is not likely to occur as a result of the specified 
activity.

Potential Effects From the Specified Activity

    This section includes a discussion of the active acoustic sound 
sources associated with the USAF's proposed activity and the likelihood 
for these sources to result in harassment of marine mammals. Potential 
acoustic sources associated with the USAF's proposed activity include 
launch noise, sonic booms, and aircraft noise. Marine mammals on the 
NCI would be impacted only by sonic booms associated with the proposed 
activities (i.e., launch noise and aircraft noise are not expected to 
impact marine mammals on the NCI), while marine mammals on VAFB would 
be impacted by launch noise, aircraft noise and sonic booms from Falcon 
9 boost-backs and landings (however, as described above, sounds 
associated with Falcon 9 First Stage boost-backs and landings are not 
expected to result in additional take of marine mammals and are 
therefore not addressed here). Sounds produced by the proposed 
activities are expected to be impulsive, due to sonic booms, and non-
pulse noise, due to aircraft sounds. All noises resulting from the 
USAF's proposed activities that may impact marine mammals are airborne.

Sonic Boom

    Sonic booms may disturb pinnipeds that are hauled out of the water 
in the area of exposure, depending on the species exposed and the level 
of the sonic boom. The USAF has monitored pinniped responses to rocket 
launches on VAFB and the NCI during numerous launches over the past two 
decades. Observed reactions of pinnipeds at the NCI to sonic booms have 
ranged from no response to heads-up alerts, from startle responses to 
some movements on land, and from some movements into the water to very 
rare stampedes.
    Data from launch monitoring reports by the USAF on the NCI have 
shown that pinniped reactions to sonic booms are correlated with the 
level of the sonic boom. Table 7 presents a summary of monitoring 
efforts at the NCI from 1999 to 2017 during which acoustic measurements 
were successfully recorded and during which pinnipeds were observed. 
Monitoring data has consistently shown that reactions among pinnipeds 
to sonic booms vary between species, with harbor seals typically 
responding at the highest rates, followed by California sea lions, with 
northern elephant seals and northern fur seals generally being much 
less responsive (Table 7). Because Steller sea lions and Guadalupe fur 
seals occur in the project area relatively infrequently, no data has 
been recorded on their reactions to sonic booms. At the NCI, harbor 
seals have been observed to respond at higher rates to sonic booms than 
other species present there (Table 7). California sea lions have also 
sometimes shown reactiveness to sonic booms, with pups sometimes 
reacting

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more than adults, (Table 7). Northern fur seals generally show little 
or no reaction. Northern elephant seals generally exhibit no reaction 
at all, except perhaps a heads-up response or some stirring, especially 
if sea lions in the same area or mingled with the elephant seals react 
strongly to the boom. Post-launch monitoring generally reveals a return 
to normal patterns within minutes up to an hour or two of each launch, 
regardless of species (SAIC 2012).
    Monitoring data also show that reactions to sonic booms tend to be 
insignificant below 1.0 psf and that, even above 1.0 psf, only a 
portion of the animals present have reacted to the sonic boom depending 
on the species. Lower energy sonic booms (< 1.0 psf) have typically 
resulted in little to no behavioral responses, including head raising 
and briefly alerting but returning to normal behavior shortly after the 
stimulus (Table 7). More powerful sonic booms have sometimes resulted 
in some species of pinnipeds flushing from haulouts.

    Table 7--Observed Pinniped Responses to Sonic Booms at San Miguel Island, Based on USAF Launch Monitoring
                                                     Reports
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Sonic
                                             boom
              Launch event                  level        Monitoring location      Species observed and responses
                                            (psf)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Athena II (April 27, 1999)..............        1.0  Adams Cove................  California sea lion: 866
                                                                                  alerted; 232 (27%) flushed
                                                                                  into water.
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: alerted
                                                                                  but did not flush.
                                          .........                              Northern fur seal: alerted but
                                                                                  did not flush.
Athena II (September 24, 1999)..........       0.95  Point Bennett.............  California sea lion: 12 of 600
                                                                                  (2%) flushed into water.
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: alerted
                                                                                  but did not flush.
                                          .........                              Northern fur seal: alerted but
                                                                                  did not flush.
Delta II 20 (November 20, 2000).........        0.4  Point Bennett.............  California sea lion: 60 pups
                                                                                  flushed into water; no
                                                                                  reaction from focal group.
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction.
Atlas II (September 8, 2001)............       0.75  Cardwell Point............  California sea lion (Group 1):
                                                                                  no reaction (1,200 animals).
                                          .........                              California sea lion (Group 2):
                                                                                  no reaction (247 animals).
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction.
                                          .........                              Harbor seal: 2 of 4 flushed
                                                                                  into water.
Delta II (February 11, 2002)............       0.64  Point Bennett.............  California sea lions and
                                                                                  northern fur seals: no
                                                                                  reaction among 485 animals in
                                                                                  3 groups.
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction among 424 animals in
                                                                                  2 groups.
Atlas II (December 2, 2003).............       0.88  Point Bennett.............  California sea lion:
                                                                                  approximately 40% alerted;
                                                                                  several flushed to water
                                                                                  (number unknown--night
                                                                                  launch).
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction.
Delta II (July 15, 2004)................       1.34  Adams Cove................  California sea lion: 10%
                                                                                  alerted (number unknown--night
                                                                                  launch).
Atlas V (March 13, 2008)................       1.24  Cardwell Point............  Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction (109 pups).
Delta II (May 5, 2009)..................       0.76  West of Judith Rock.......  California sea lion: no
                                                                                  reaction (784 animals).
Atlas V (April 14, 2011)................       1.01  Cuyler Harbor.............  Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction (445 animals).
Atlas V (September 13, 2012)............       2.10  Cardwell Point............  California sea lion: no
                                                                                  reaction (460 animals).
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: no
                                                                                  reaction (68 animals).
                                          .........                              Harbor seal: 20 of 36 (56%)
                                                                                  flushed into water.
Atlas V (April 3, 2014).................       0.74  Cardwell Point............  Harbor seal: 1 of ~25 flushed
                                                                                  into water; no reaction from
                                                                                  others.
Atlas V (December 12, 2014).............       1.18  Point Bennett.............  Calif. sea lion: 5 of ~225
                                                                                  alerted; none flushed.
Atlas V (October 8, 2015)...............       1.96  East Adams Cove of Point    Calif. sea lion: ~60% of CSL
                                                      Bennett.                    alerted and raised their
                                                                                  heads. None flushed.
                                          .........                              Northern elephant seal: No
                                                                                  visible response to sonic
                                                                                  boom, none flushed.
                                          .........                              Northern fur seal: 60% alerted
                                                                                  and raised their heads. None
                                                                                  flushed.
Atlas V (March 1, 2017).................   \a\ ~0.8  Cuyler Harbor on San        Northern elephant seal: 13 of
                                                      Miguel Island.              235 (6%) alerted; none
                                                                                  flushed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Peak sonic boom at the monitoring site was ~2.2 psf, but was in infrasonic range--not audible to pinnipeds.
  Within the audible frequency spectrum, boom at monitoring site estimated at ~0.8 psf.

    Monitoring data also suggests that, for those pinnipeds that flush 
from haulouts in response to sonic booms, the amount of time it takes 
those animals to begin returning to the haulout site and for numbers of 
animals to return to pre-launch levels is correlated with sonic boom 
levels. Pinnipeds may begin to return to the haulout site within 2-55 
minutes of the launch disturbance, and the haulout site usually 
returned to pre-launch levels within 45-120 minutes. Monitoring data 
from launch of the Athena IKONOS rocket in 2012 showed harbor seals 
that flushed to the water on exposure to the sonic boom at SMI began to 
return to the haulout approximately 16-55 minutes post-launch (Thorson 
et al., 1999). Monitoring data from the launch of the Delta IV in 2012 
showed harbor seals that flushed to the water at VAFB in response to 
the launch noise returned to the haulout approximately 30 minutes later 
(ManTech SRS Technologies, 2012).
    Based on two decades of monitoring reports, pinniped responses to 
sonic booms range from no response, to head raises and movements in 
response to the stimuli, to flushing to the water. Injury and mortality 
are not expected to result from exposure to sonic booms and this

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is supported by two decades of monitoring reports which have shown no 
documented pinniped mortalities or serious associated with sonic booms, 
and no pup abandonment as a result of sonic booms. No sustained 
decreases in numbers of animals observed at haulouts have been observed 
after the stimulus. These findings came as a result of more than two 
decades of research by numerous qualified, independent researchers, 
from 1991 through 2018. These patterns are anticipated to continue.

Launch Noise

    Whereas sonic booms represent the primary source of noise on the 
NCI from the USAF's proposed activities, on VAFB the sound associated 
with launches represents the primary source of noise from the USAF's 
proposed activities. The operation of launch vehicle engines produces 
significant sound levels. Generally, noise is generated from three 
sources during launches: (1) Combustion noise from launch vehicle 
chambers; (2) jet noise generated by the interaction of the exhaust jet 
and the atmosphere; (3) combustion noise from the post-burning of 
combustion products. Launch noise levels are highly dependent on the 
type of first-stage booster and the fuel used to propel the vehicle.
    Pre- and post-launch pinniped monitoring by marine mammal observers 
occurs at haulouts near launch sites. Pre- and post-launch data has 
shown that as many or more animals are typically hauled out after the 
launch than were present prior to the launch, unless rising tides, 
breakers or other disturbances are involved (SAIC 2012). When launches 
occurred during high tides at VAFB, no impacts have been recorded 
because virtually all haulout sites were submerged. As with sonic 
booms, observed reactions of pinnipeds at VAFB to launch noise has 
included startle responses and movements into the water. No pinniped 
mortalities and no pup abandonment have been documented as a result of 
launch noise. These patterns are anticipated to continue.
    Available monitoring data on pinniped behavior during launches is 
more limited than pre- and post-launch data as marine mammal observers 
are not able to access pinniped haulouts near launch sites during 
launches due to safety concerns. Video monitoring of pinnipeds during 
launches is not always feasible due to launches occurring in darkness 
or poor visibility conditions but has been used successfully during a 
limited number of launches that occurred in daylight and with good 
visibility conditions. Data from the limited number of launches where 
video monitoring during launches was successful indicates that all 
harbor seals and California sea lions have flushed to the water during 
launches while 10 percent or less of northern elephant seals have 
flushed to the water during launch. However, it should be noted that 
available video monitoring data is very limited so it is difficult to 
draw broad conclusions on responses to launches based on the small 
sample sizes of available data (i.e., there is only one launch for 
which video monitoring data is available for California sea lions). We 
also note that video monitoring during launches is typically conducted 
at haulouts on VAFB close to the launch location, thus the rate at 
which pinnipeds respond to launches at haulouts on VAFB that are 
further away from the launch location remain largely unknown, further 
complicating our ability to draw conclusions on pinniped response rates 
during launches.
    To determine if harbor seals experience changes in their hearing 
sensitivity as a result of launch noise, ABR testing was previously 
conducted on 21 harbor seals during four Titan IV launches, one Taurus 
launch, and two Delta IV launches by the USAF in accordance with issued 
scientific research permits. Following standard ABR testing protocol, 
the ABR was measured from one ear of each seal using sterile, sub-
dermal, stainless steel electrodes. A conventional electrode array was 
used, and low-level white noise was presented to the non-tested ear to 
reduce any electrical potentials generated by the non-tested ear. A 
computer was used to produce the click and an 8 kilohertz (kHz) tone 
burst stimuli, through standard audiometric headphones. Over 1,000 ABR 
waveforms were collected and averaged per trial. Initially the stimuli 
were presented at SPLs loud enough to obtain a clean reliable waveform, 
and then decreased in 10 dB steps until the response was no longer 
reliably observed. Once response was no longer reliably observed, the 
stimuli were then increased in 10 dB steps to the original SPL. By 
obtaining two ABR waveforms at each SPL, it was possible to quantify 
the variability in the measurements.
    Good replicable responses were measured from most of the seals, 
with waveforms following the expected pattern of an increase in latency 
and decrease in amplitude of the peaks, as the stimulus level was 
lowered. One seal had substantial decreased acuity to the 8 kHz tone-
burst stimuli prior to the launch. The cause of this hearing loss was 
unknown but was most likely congenital or from infection. Another seal 
had a great deal of variability in waveform latencies in response to 
identical stimuli. This animal moved repeatedly during testing, which 
may have reduced the sensitivity of the ABR testing on this animal for 
both the click and 8 kHz tone burst stimuli. Two of the seals were 
released after pre-launch testing but prior to the launch of the Titan 
IV B-34, as the launch was delayed for over five days, with five days 
being the maximum duration permitted to hold the seals for testing.
    Detailed analysis of the changes in waveform latency and waveform 
replication of the ABR measurements for the 14 seals, showed no 
detectable changes in the seals' hearing sensitivity as a result of 
exposure to the launch noise. The delayed start (1.75 to 3.5 hr after 
the launches) for ABR testing allows for the possibility that the seals 
may have recovered from a temporary threshold shift (TTS) before 
testing began. However, it can be said with confidence that the post-
launch tested animals did not have permanent hearing changes due to 
exposure to the launch noise from the Titan IV, Taurus, or Delta IV 
SLVs.
    No sustained decreases in numbers of animals observed at haulouts 
have been observed after launches. No pup abandonment has been 
documented as a result of launch noise and no documented pinniped 
mortalities have been associated with launch noise on VAFB. These 
patterns are expected to continue.

Aircraft and Helicopter Operations

    The USAF does not monitor pinniped responses to aircraft and 
helicopter operations, including UAS operations, on VAFB. As described 
above, except for take-off and landing actions, a minimum altitude of 
300 feet will be maintained for Class 0-2 UAS over all known marine 
mammal haulouts when marine mammals are present. Class 3 UAS will 
maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet, except at take-off and 
landing. No Class 4 or 5 UAS will be flown below 1,000 feet over 
haulouts. The available literature indicates that harassment of hauled 
out pinnipeds, as a result of visual or auditory stimuli, from Class 0-
2 UAS is unlikely to occur at altitudes of 300 feet and above (Erbe et 
al., 2017; Pomeroy et al., 2015; Sweeney et al., 2016; Sweeney and 
Gelatt, 2017). Information on pinniped responses to larger UASs, 
including Class 3 UASs, is not available. However, based on the 
specifications of Class 3 UASs (Table 5), the likelihood of marine 
mammal harassment resulting from overflights by UASs of that size would

[[Page 335]]

likely depend on several factors including noise signature and means of 
propulsion (i.e., rocket propelled or engine propelled). The 
specifications for potential Class 3 UASs that would be used by USAF 
are not known at this time as this is a relatively new activity at VAFB 
and as UAS technology is changing rapidly it is difficult for the USAF 
to predict which types of UAS will be used between 2019 and 2024. While 
unlikely, it is possible that take of marine mammals could occur as a 
result of Class 3 UASs flown at 500 feet or above, depending on noise 
signature and means of propulsion of the UAS. In addition, occasional 
helicopter and aircraft operations involving search-and-rescue 
missions, delivery of space vehicle components, launch mission support, 
security reconnaissance, and training flights occur at VAFB and have 
the potential to result in harassment of hauled out pinnipeds. While 
monitoring data is not available, we anticipate that pinniped responses 
to aircraft and helicopter operations will be similar to those 
exhibited in response to sonic booms and launch noise (i.e., some head 
raises, movements in response to the stimulus, and possibly flushing to 
the water).

Anticipated Effects on Marine Mammal Habitat

    Impacts on marine mammal habitat are part of the consideration in 
making a finding of negligible impact on the species and stocks of 
marine mammals. Habitat includes, but is not necessarily limited to, 
rookeries, mating grounds, feeding areas, and areas of similar 
significance. We do not anticipate that the proposed operations would 
result in any temporary or permanent effects on the habitats used by 
the marine mammals in the proposed area, including the food sources 
they use (i.e. fish and invertebrates). While it is anticipated that 
the specified activity may result in marine mammals avoiding certain 
areas due to temporary ensonification, this impact to habitat is 
temporary and reversible and was considered in further detail earlier 
in this document, as behavioral modification. The main impact 
associated with the proposed activity will be temporarily elevated 
noise levels and the associated direct effects on marine mammals, 
previously discussed in this proposed rule.

Estimated Take

    This section provides an estimate of the number of incidental takes 
proposed for authorization through this proposed rule, which will 
inform both NMFS' consideration of ``small numbers'' and the negligible 
impact determination.
    Harassment is the only type of take expected to result from these 
activities. Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent 
here, section 3(18) of the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as: Any act of 
pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); 
or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal 
stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, 
including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, 
feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).
    Authorized takes would be by Level B harassment only, in the form 
of disruption of behavioral patterns for individual marine mammals 
resulting from exposure to sounds associated with the planned 
activities. Based on the nature of the activity, Level A harassment is 
neither anticipated nor proposed to be authorized.
    As described previously, no mortality is anticipated or proposed to 
be authorized for this activity. Below we describe how the take is 
estimated.
    Generally speaking, we estimate take by considering: (1) Acoustic 
thresholds above which NMFS believes the best available science 
indicates marine mammals will be behaviorally harassed or incur some 
degree of permanent hearing impairment; (2) the area that will be 
ensonified above these levels in a day; (3) the density or occurrence 
of marine mammals within these ensonified areas; and, (4) and the 
number of days of activities. We note that while these basic factors 
can contribute to an initial prediction of takes, additional 
information that can qualitatively inform take estimates is also 
sometimes available (e.g., previous monitoring results or average group 
size). Below, we describe the factors considered here in more detail 
and present the proposed take estimate.

Acoustic Thresholds

    Using the best available science, NMFS has developed acoustic 
thresholds that identify the received level of sound above which 
exposed marine mammals would be reasonably expected to be behaviorally 
harassed (equated to Level B harassment) or to incur PTS of some degree 
(equated to Level A harassment). Thresholds have also been developed 
identifying the received level of in-air sound above which exposed 
pinnipeds would likely be behaviorally harassed.
    Level B Harassment for non-explosive sources--Though significantly 
driven by received level, the onset of behavioral disturbance from 
anthropogenic noise exposure is also informed to varying degrees by 
other factors related to the source (e.g., frequency, predictability, 
duty cycle), the environment (e.g., bathymetry), and the receiving 
animals (hearing, motivation, experience, demography, behavioral 
context) and can be difficult to predict (Southall et al., 2007, 
Ellison et al., 2012). Based on what the available science indicates 
and the practical need to use a threshold based on a factor that is 
both predictable and measurable for most activities, NMFS uses a 
generalized acoustic threshold based on received level to estimate the 
onset of behavioral harassment. For in-air sounds, NMFS predicts that 
harbor seals exposed above received levels of 90 dB re 20 [mu]Pa (rms) 
will be behaviorally harassed, and other pinnipeds will be harassed 
when exposed above 100 dB re 20 [mu]Pa (rms) (Table 8).

Table 8--NMFS Criteria for Pinniped Harassment From Exposure to Airborne
                                  Sound
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Level B  harassment
                  Species                             threshold
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seals..............................  90 dB re 20 [mu]Pa.
All other pinniped species................  100 dB re 20 [mu]Pa.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the absence of site-specific data, NMFS typically relies on the 
acoustic criteria shown in Table 8 to estimate take as a result of 
exposure to airborne sound. However, in this case, more than 20 years 
of monitoring data exists on pinniped responses to the stimuli 
associated with the proposed activities in the particular geographic 
area of the proposed activities. Therefore, we consider these data to 
be the best available information in regard to estimating take of 
pinnipeds to stimuli associated with the proposed activities. These 
data suggest that pinniped responses to the stimuli associated with the 
proposed activities are dependent on species and intensity of the 
stimuli.
    The data recorded by USAF at VAFB and the NCI over the past 20 
years has shown that pinniped reactions to sonic booms and launch noise 
vary depending on the species, the intensity of the stimulus, and the 
location (i.e., on VAFB or the NCI). At the NCI, harbor seals have 
tended to react more strongly to sonic booms than most other species, 
with California sea lions also appearing to be somewhat more sensitive 
to sonic booms than some other pinniped

[[Page 336]]

species (Table 7). Northern fur seals generally show little or no 
reaction, and northern elephant seals generally exhibit no reaction at 
all, except perhaps a heads-up response or some stirring, especially if 
sea lions in the same area mingled with the elephant seals react 
strongly to the boom (Table 7). No data is available on Steller sea 
lion or Guadalupe fur seal responses to sonic booms. There is less data 
available on pinniped responses during launches, but the available data 
indicates that all harbor seals and California sea lions have tended to 
flush to the water during launches while 10 percent or less of northern 
elephant seals have flushed to the water during launch.

Ensonified Area

    The USAF is not able to predict the exact areas that will be 
impacted by noise associated with the specified activities, including 
sonic booms, launch noise and aircraft noise. Numerous launch locations 
are utilized on VAFB, each of which results in different parts of the 
base (and different haulouts) being ensonified by launch noise during 
launches. Different space launch vehicles have varying trajectories 
which result in different sonic boom ``footprints'', which are likely 
to impact different areas on the NCI. In addition, rocket launches by 
private entities on VAFB are expected to increase over the next 5 years 
and the USAF is not able to predict the trajectories of these future 
rocket launch programs. Therefore, for the purposes of estimating take, 
we conservatively estimate that all haulouts on VAFB will be ensonified 
by launch noise during a rocket or missile launch. On the NCI, sonic 
booms from launches sometimes impact San Miguel Island (SMI) and 
occasionally Santa Rosa Island (SRI); Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands 
are not expected to be impacted by sonic booms in excess of 1.0 psf 
(USAF, 2018) therefore only marine mammals on San Miguel and Santa Rosa 
Islands may potentially be taken by sonic booms. We estimate that, when 
a sonic boom impacts the NCI, 25 percent of pinniped haulouts on San 
Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands will be ensonified by a sonic boom above 
1.0 psf. We consider this to be a conservative assumption based on 
sonic boom models which show that areas predicted to be impacted by a 
sonic boom with peak overpressures of 1.0 psf and above are typically 
limited to isolated parts of a single island, and sonic boom model 
results tend to overestimate actual recorded sonic booms on the NCI 
(pers. comm. R. Evans, USAF, to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR).

Marine Mammal Occurrence

    In this section we provide the information about the presence, 
density, or group dynamics of marine mammals that will inform the take 
calculations. Data collected from marine mammal surveys, including 
monthly marine mammal surveys conducted by the USAF at VAFB as well as 
data collected by NMFS at NCI, represent the best available information 
on the occurrence of the six pinniped species expected to occur in the 
project area. Monthly marine mammal surveys at VAFB are conducted to 
document the abundance, distribution and status of pinnipeds at VAFB. 
When possible, these surveys are timed to coincide with the lowest 
afternoon tides of each month, when the greatest numbers of animals are 
usually hauled out. Data gathered during monthly surveys include: 
Species, number, general behavior, presence of pups, age class, gender, 
reactions to natural or human-caused disturbances, and environmental 
conditions. The quality and amount of information available on 
pinnipeds in the project area varies depending on species; some species 
are surveyed regularly at VAFB and the NCI (e.g., California sea lion), 
while other species are surveyed less frequently (e.g., northern fur 
seals and Guadalupe fur seals). However, the best available data was 
used to estimate take numbers. Take estimates for all species are shown 
in Table 13.
    Harbor Seal--Pacific harbor seals are the most common marine mammal 
inhabiting VAFB, congregating on several rocky haulout sites along the 
VAFB coastline. They also haul out, breed, and pup in isolated beaches 
and coves throughout the coasts of the NCI. Data from VAFB monthly 
surveys for the three most recent years for which data is available 
(2015, 2016 and 2017) shows the mean number of harbor seals recorded on 
VAFB during those years was 255 (CEMML 2016, 2017, 2018). The USAF 
estimated the number of harbor seals that may be hauled out at VAFB 
during all months of the year from 2019-2024 to be 300; we think this 
is a reasonable estimate given the monthly survey data as described 
above and the fluctuations in harbor seal numbers observed on VAFB; 
therefore, take of harbor seals at VAFB was estimated based on a 
conservative estimate of 300 harbor seals hauled out during any month 
on VAFB. Take of harbor seals at the NCI was estimated based on the 
mean count totals from survey data collected on SMI, SRI, and 
Richardson Rock (located 10 km northwest of SMI), from 2011 to 2015 by 
the NMFS SWFSC (Lowry et al., 2017).
    California sea lion--California sea lions are common offshore of 
VAFB and haul out on rocks and beaches along the coastline of VAFB 
where their numbers have been increasing in recent years, though 
pupping rarely occurs on the VAFB coastline. They haul out in large 
numbers on the NCI and rookeries exist on SMI. The data from monthly 
marine mammal surveys at VAFB from 2015, 2016 and 2017 shows a mean of 
11 California sea lions recorded at VAFB (CEMML 2016, 2017, 2018). 
However, numbers of California sea lions appear to be increasing at 
VAFB, with a mean of 21 recorded during surveys in 2017 including 68 
recorded in September 2017 (CEMML, 2018). The USAF estimated in their 
application that up to 125 California sea lions may be hauled out at 
VAFB during any month of the year; however, based on the monthly survey 
data, for the purposes of estimating take we conservatively estimate 
that up to 75 California sea lions may be hauled out during any month 
of the year. Take of California sea lions at the NCI was estimated 
based on the mean count totals from survey data collected on SMI, SRI, 
and Richardson Rock from 2011 to 2015 by the NMFS SWFSC (Lowry et al., 
2017).
    Steller Sea Lion--Steller sea lions occur in very small numbers at 
VAFB and on SMI. They do not currently have rookeries at VAFB or the 
NCI. Data from monthly marine mammal surveys at VAFB from 2015, 2016 
and 2017 show a mean of 2.4 Steller sea lions recorded at VAFB (CEMML 
2016, 2017, 2018). The USAF estimated the number of Steller sea lions 
that may be hauled out at VAFB during all months of the year from 2019-
2024 to be 3. We consider this a reasonable estimate based on monthly 
survey data. Steller sea lions haul out in very small numbers on SMI, 
and comprehensive survey data for Steller sea lions in the NCI is not 
available. Take of Steller sea lions on the NCI was estimated based on 
subject matter expert input indicating that a maximum of 4 Steller sea 
lions have been observed on SMI at any time (pers. comm., S. Melin, 
NMFS Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML), to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR).
    Northern elephant seal--Northern elephant seals haul out 
sporadically on rocks and beaches along the coastline of VAFB and at 
Point Conception and have rookeries on SMI and SRI and at one location 
at VAFB. Data from monthly marine mammal surveys at VAFB from 2015, 
2016 and 2017 show a mean of 39.4 northern elephant seals recorded at 
VAFB (CEMML 2016, 2017, 2018). The USAF estimated the number of 
northern elephant seals that may be hauled out at

[[Page 337]]

VAFB during all months of the year from 2019-2024 to be 60. However, a 
mean of 76.3 northern elephant seals was recorded at VAFB in 2017 
(CEMML, 2018), suggesting northern elephant seal numbers at VAFB may be 
increasing. For the purposes of estimating take on VAFB, we therefore 
conservatively estimate that the number of northern elephant seals that 
may be hauled out at VAFB during all months of the year from 2019-2024 
to be 100. Take of northern elephant seals at the NCI was estimated 
based on the mean count totals from survey data collected on SMI, SRI, 
and Richardson Rock from 2011 to 2015 by the NMFS SWFSC (Lowry et al., 
2017).
    Northern fur seal--Northern fur seals have rookeries on SMI, the 
only island in the NCI on which they have been observed. No haulouts or 
rookeries exist for northern fur seals on the mainland coast, including 
VAFB, therefore no take of northern fur seals is expected at VAFB. 
Comprehensive survey data for northern fur seals in the project area is 
not available. Estimated take of northern fur seals was therefore based 
on subject matter expert input which indicated that from June through 
August, the population at SMI is at its maximum, with an estimated 
13,384 animals at SMI (Carretta et al., 2015), with approximately 7,000 
present from September through November, and approximately 125 present 
from November through May (pers. comm., S. Melin, NMFS Marine Mammal 
Laboratory (MML) to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR).
    Guadalupe fur seal--There are estimated to be approximately 20-25 
individual Guadalupe fur seals that have fidelity to San Miguel Island 
(pers. comm. S. Melin, NMFS MML, to J. Carduner, NMFS OPR). No haulouts 
or rookeries exist for Guadalupe fur seals on the mainland coast, 
including VAFB, therefore no take of Guadalupe fur seals is expected at 
VAFB. Survey data on Guadalupe fur seals in the project area is not 
available. Estimated take of Guadalupe fur seals was based on the 
maximum number of Guadalupe fur seals observed at any time on SMI (13) 
(pers. comm., J. LaBonte, ManTech SRS Technologies Inc., to J. 
Carduner, NMFS, Feb. 29, 2016); it was therefore conservatively assumed 
that 13 Guadalupe fur seals may be hauled out the NCI at any given 
time.

Take Calculation and Estimation

    Here we describe how the information provided above is brought 
together to produce a quantitative take estimate.
    NMFS currently uses a three-tiered scale to determine whether the 
response of a pinniped on land to stimuli rises to the level of 
behavioral harassment under the MMPA (Table 9). NMFS considers the 
behaviors that meet the definitions of both movements and flushes in 
Table 9 to qualify as behavioral harassment. Thus a pinniped on land is 
considered by NMFS to have been behaviorally harassed if it moves 
greater than two times its body length, or if the animal is already 
moving and changes direction and/or speed, or if the animal flushes 
from land into the water. Animals that become alert without such 
movements are not considered harassed. See Table 9 for a summary of the 
pinniped disturbance scale.

                           Table 9--Levels of Pinniped Behavioral Disturbance on Land
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             Characterized as
               Level                    Type of response              Definition          behavioral  harassment
                                                                                                  by NMFS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................  Alert.................  Seal head orientation or     No.
                                                              brief movement in response
                                                              to disturbance, which may
                                                              include turning head
                                                              towards the disturbance,
                                                              craning head and neck
                                                              while holding the body
                                                              rigid in a u-shaped
                                                              position, changing from a
                                                              lying to a sitting
                                                              position, or brief
                                                              movement of less than
                                                              twice the animal's body
                                                              length.
2..................................  Movement..............  Movements in response to     Yes.
                                                              the source of disturbance,
                                                              ranging from short
                                                              withdrawals at least twice
                                                              the animal's body length
                                                              to longer retreats over
                                                              the beach, or if already
                                                              moving a change of
                                                              direction of greater than
                                                              90 degrees.
3..................................  Flush.................  All retreats (flushes) to    Yes.
                                                              the water.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Take estimates were calculated separately for each stock in each 
year the proposed regulations would be valid (from 2019-2024), on both 
VAFB and the NCI, based on the number of animals assumed hauled out at 
each location that are expected to be behaviorally harassed by the 
stimuli associated with the specified activities (i.e., launch, sonic 
boom, or aircraft noise). First, the number of hauled out animals per 
month was estimated at both VAFB and the NCI for each stock, based on 
survey data and subject matter expert input as described above. Then we 
estimated the number of hauled out animals per month that would be 
behaviorally harassed, by applying a correction factor to account for 
the likelihood that the animals would respond at a Level 2 or 3 
response (Table 9). Those correction factors differ depending on the 
location (i.e. VAFB or the NCI) and on the reactiveness of each species 
to the stimuli (Table 10), and are based on the best available 
information (in this case, several years of monitoring data on both 
VAFB and the NCI (Table 7)).

Table 10--Proportion of Each Species Assumed To Be Harassed by Launch or
                     Sonic Boom on VAFB and the NCI
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Proportion of   Proportion of
                                            individuals     individuals
                                           assumed taken   assumed taken
             Species (stock)              per sonic boom    per launch
                                               (NCI)          (VAFB)
                                             (percent)       (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seal (CA)........................              50             100

[[Page 338]]

 
CA sea lion (US)........................              25             100
NES (CA breeding).......................               5              15
Steller Sea Lion (Eastern)..............              50             100
Northern fur seal (CA)..................              25           (n/a)
Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico).............              50           (n/a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described above, for pinnipeds on VAFB, we conservatively 
assumed that all pinnipeds at all haulouts would be impacted by launch 
noise. This is a conservative assumption, as some haulouts are 
separated by several miles from launch locations, and presumably 
pinnipeds at haulouts further from the launch location would not react 
at the same rates as those located near the launch. For pinnipeds on 
the NCI, as described above we conservatively assume that 25% of 
haulouts would be impacted by a sonic boom with a psf above 1.0, if 
such a sonic boom were to impact the NCI (not all launches result in 
sonic booms on the NCI). Thus, for pinnipeds on the NCI, an additional 
.25 correction factor was applied to the take estimate, to account for 
the fact that approximately 25 percent of haulouts on the NCI are 
expected to be impacted by a sonic boom with a psf above 1.0, if such a 
sonic boom were to impact the NCI, while for launches on VAFB, we 
conservatively assume all pinnipeds will be exposed to launch noise. 
Take was calculated monthly, as abundance estimates for some species 
vary on VAFB and the NCI depending on season.
    The resulting numbers were then multiplied by the number of 
activities (sonic booms or launches) estimated to occur in a month, and 
then summed to get total numbers of each stock estimated to be taken at 
each location per year. The USAF provided estimates of rocket and 
missile launches anticipated per year (Table 1), and the number of 
sonic booms above 1.0 psf estimated to impact the NCI per year (Table 
2). Thus for pinnipeds on VAFB, the number of launches estimated per 
year was used to estimate take in each year (e.g., in 2023, the USAF 
expects 100 rocket and 15 missile launches will occur, thus 115 
launches was used to estimate takes on VAFB in 2023). For pinnipeds on 
the NCI, the number of sonic booms above 1.0 psf estimated per year was 
used to estimate take in each year (e.g., in 2023, the USAF expects 19 
sonic booms above 1.0 to impact the NCI, thus 19 sonic booms was used 
to estimate takes on the NCI in 2023). Note that the proposed rule 
would only be valid for 3 months in the year 2024, thus the highest 
number of launches and sonic booms anticipated to occur in any single 
year during the period of validity for the proposed rule would be in 
2023, despite the fact that more launches are anticipated to occur in 
calendar year 2024.
    Monitoring data on pinniped responses to aircraft, helicopter and 
UAS related stimuli is not available. The USAF estimated that 3,000 
instances of harbor seal harassment and 500 instances of California sea 
lion harassment would occur over the 5 years that the proposed 
regulations would be valid, thus we divided those numbers (3,000 
instances of harbor seal harassment and 500 instances of California sea 
lion harassment) by 5 to estimate the numbers of take per year and we 
propose to authorize the numbers shown in Table 11.
    The numbers of incidental take expected to occur on VAFB as a 
result of the specified activities is shown in Table 11. The numbers of 
incidental take expected to occur on the NCI as a result of the 
specified activities is shown in Table 12. The total numbers of 
incidental take expected to occur and proposed for authorization are 
shown in Table 13. The take estimates presented in Tables 11, 12 and 13 
are based on the best available information on marine mammal 
populations in the project location and responses among marine mammals 
to the stimuli associated with the proposed activities and are 
considered conservative.

                            Table 11--Estimated Numbers of Marine Mammals Taken on VAFB per Year, as a Result of Rocket and Missile Launches and Aircraft Operations
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      2019                  2020                  2021                  2022                  2023                 2024 *
                       Species (stock)                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Launches   Aircraft   Launches   Aircraft   Launches   Aircraft   Launches   Aircraft   Launches   Aircraft   Launches   Aircraft
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seal (CA)............................................      9,000        600     11,250        600     14,625        600     20,250        600     34,500        600      7,031        600
CA sea lion (US)............................................      3,000        100      3,750        100      4,875        100      6,750        100      8,625        100      2,344        100
NES (CA breeding)...........................................        600          0        750          0        975          0      1,350          0      1,725          0        469          0
Steller Sea Lion (Eastern)..................................        120          0        150          0        195          0        270          0        345          0         94          0
Northern fur seal (CA)......................................          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0
Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico).................................          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Based on launches and aircraft operations occurring during the period of validity for the proposed rule (January through March only in 2024).


[[Page 339]]


                     Table 12--Estimated Numbers of Marine Mammals Taken on the NCI per Year
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species (stock)                    2019       2020       2021       2022       2023       2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seal (CA)..............................        523        732      1,151      1,464      1,987        523
CA sea lion (US)..............................     17,705     24,787     38,951     49,573     67,278     16,419
NES (CA breeding).............................      2,412      3,377      5,306      6,754      9,165      4,516
Steller Sea Lion (Eastern)....................         10         14         22         28         38         10
Northern fur seal (CA)........................        850      1,190      1,870      2,380      3,231         23
Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico)...................         33         46         72         91        124         33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Based on sonic booms occurring during the period of validity for the proposed rule (January through March only
  in 2024).


     Table 13--Total Estimated Numbers of Marine Mammals, and Percentage of Marine Mammal Populations, Potentially Taken as a Result of the Proposed
                                                                       Activities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Highest
                                                                                                                    total take     Stock      Percentage
          Species (stock)                2019         2020         2021         2022         2023       2024 \1\      over a     abundance     of stock
                                                                                                                   single year                taken \2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor seal (CA)...................       10,123       12,582       16,376       22,314       37,087        8,154       37,087       30,968      \3\ 7.1
CA sea lion (US)...................       20,805       28,637       43,926       56,423       76,003       18,863       76,003      257,606         29.5
NES (CA breeding)..................        3,012        4,127        6,281        8,104       10,890        4,985       10,890      179,000          6.1
Steller Sea Lion (Eastern).........          130          164          217          298          383          104          383       52,139          0.7
Northern fur seal (CA).............          850        1,190        1,870        2,380        3,231           23        3,231       14,050         23.0
Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico)........           33           46           72           91          124           33          124       20,000          0.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Take numbers shown reflect only the takes that would occur during the period of validity for the proposed rule (January through March only in 2024).
\2\ As numbers of take proposed for authorization vary by year, the estimates shown for percentages of stock taken are based on takes proposed for
  authorization in 2023 which has the highest take numbers proposed for authorization in any single year.
\3\ Take totals shown for harbor seals reflect the number of instances of harassment proposed for authorization, however, for purposes of determining
  the percent of stock taken we use the number of individual animals estimated to be taken (2,188 per year). See further explanation in the section on
  ``small numbers'' below.

Proposed Mitigation

    Under Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA, NMFS must set forth the 
permissible methods of taking pursuant to such activity, and other 
means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on such species 
or stock and its habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, 
mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the 
availability of such species or stock for taking for certain 
subsistence uses (``least practicable adverse impact''). NMFS does not 
have a regulatory definition for ``least practicable adverse impact.'' 
However, NMFS's implementing regulations require applicants for 
incidental take authorizations to include information about the 
availability and feasibility (economic and technological) of equipment, 
methods, and manner of conducting such activity or other means of 
effecting the least practicable adverse impact upon the affected 
species or stocks and their habitat (50 CFR 216.104(a)(11)).
    In evaluating how mitigation may or may not be appropriate to 
ensure the least practicable adverse impact on species or stocks and 
their habitat, we carefully consider two primary factors:
    (1) The manner in which, and the degree to which, implementation of 
the measure(s) is expected to reduce impacts to marine mammal species 
or stocks, their habitat, and their availability for subsistence uses. 
This analysis will consider such things as the nature of the potential 
adverse impact (such as likelihood, scope, and range), the likelihood 
that the measure will be effective if implemented, and the likelihood 
of successful implementation.
    (2) The practicability of the measure for applicant implementation. 
Practicability of implementation may consider such things as cost, 
impact on operations, personnel safety, and practicality of 
implementation.

Launch Mitigation

    For missile and rocket launches, unless constrained by other 
factors (including, but not limited to, human safety, national security 
concerns or launch trajectories), launches will be scheduled to avoid 
the harbor seal pupping season (e.g., March through June) when 
feasible. The USAF would also avoid, whenever possible, launches which 
are predicted to produce a sonic boom on the NCI during the harbor seal 
pupping season (e.g., March through June).

Aircraft Operation Mitigation

    All aircraft and helicopter flight paths must maintain a minimum 
distance of 1,000 ft (305 m) from recognized seal haulouts and 
rookeries (e.g., Point Sal, Purisima Point, Rocky Point), except in 
emergencies or for real-time security incidents (i.e., search-and-
rescue, fire-fighting) and except for one area near the VAFB harbor 
over which aircraft may be flown to within 500 ft of a haulout. Except 
for take-off and landing actions, a minimum altitude of 300 feet will 
be maintained for Class 0-2 UAS over all known marine mammal haulouts 
when marine mammals are present. Class 3 will maintain a minimum 
altitude of 500 feet, except at take-off and landing. A minimum 
altitude of 1,000 feet will be maintained over haulouts for Class 4 or 
5 UAS.
    We have carefully evaluated the USAF's proposed mitigation measures 
and considered a range of other measures in the context of ensuring 
that we prescribed the means of effecting the least practicable adverse 
impact on the affected marine mammal species and stocks and their 
habitat. Based on our evaluation of these measures, we have 
preliminarily determined that the proposed mitigation measures provide 
the means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine 
mammal species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention 
to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on 
the availability of such species or stock for subsistence uses.

Proposed Monitoring and Reporting

    In order to issue an LOA for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(A) of 
the MMPA states that NMFS must set forth requirements pertaining to the 
monitoring and reporting of the authorized taking. NMFS's MMPA 
implementing regulations further describe the information that an 
applicant should provide when

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requesting an authorization (50 CFR 216.104(a)(13)), including the 
means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will 
result in increased knowledge of the species and the level of taking or 
impacts on populations of marine mammals.
    Monitoring and reporting requirements prescribed by NMFS should 
contribute to improved understanding of one or more of the following:
    <bullet> Occurrence of significant interactions with marine mammal 
species in action area (e.g., animals that came close to the vessel, 
contacted the gear, or are otherwise rare or displaying unusual 
behavior).
    <bullet> Nature, scope, or context of likely marine mammal exposure 
to potential stressors/impacts (individual or cumulative, acute or 
chronic), through better understanding of: (1) Action or environment 
(e.g., source characterization, propagation, ambient noise); (2) 
affected species (e.g., life history, dive patterns); (3) co-occurrence 
of marine mammal species with the action; or (4) biological or 
behavioral context of exposure (e.g., age, calving or feeding areas).
    <bullet> Individual marine mammal responses (behavioral or 
physiological) to acoustic stressors (acute, chronic, or cumulative), 
other stressors, or cumulative impacts from multiple stressors.
    <bullet> How anticipated responses to stressors impact either: (1) 
Long-term fitness and survival of individual marine mammals; or (2) 
populations, species, or stocks.
    <bullet> Effects on marine mammal habitat (e.g., marine mammal prey 
species, acoustic habitat, or important physical components of marine 
mammal habitat).
    <bullet> Mitigation and monitoring effectiveness.
    The USAF has proposed a suite of monitoring measures on both VAFB 
and the NCI to document impacts of the specified activities on marine 
mammals. These proposed monitoring measures are described below.

Monitoring at VAFB

    Monitoring requirements for launches and landings at VAFB would be 
dependent on the season and on the type of rocket or missile being 
launched (or landed in the case of the Falcon 9) (Table 14). Acoustic 
and biological monitoring at VAFB would be required for all rocket 
types during the harbor seal and elephant seal pupping seasons at VAFB 
(e.g., January 1 through July 31) to ensure that responses of pups to 
the specified activities are monitored and recorded. Acoustic and 
biological monitoring at VAFB would also be required for all launches 
of any space launch vehicle types that have not been previously 
monitored three times, for any space launch vehicle types that have 
been previously monitored but for which the launch is predicted to be 
louder than previous launches of that rocket type (based on modeling by 
USAF) and, for new types of missiles, regardless of the time of year. 
Falcon 9 First Stage recovery activities (i.e., boost-back and 
landings) with sonic booms that have a predicted psf of >1.0 on VAFB 
(based on sonic boom modeling performed prior to launch) would be 
monitored at VAFB, at any time of year.

             Table 14--Proposed Monitoring Measures at VAFB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Dates                   Monitoring requirement on VAFB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year round........................  <bullet> Launches of new space
                                     launch vehicles that have not been
                                     monitored 3 previous times.
                                    <bullet> Launches of existing space
                                     launch vehicles that are expected
                                     to be louder than previous launches
                                     of the same vehicle type.
                                    <bullet> Launches of new types of
                                     missiles that have not been
                                     monitored 3 previous times.
                                    <bullet> Falcon 9 First Stage
                                     recoveries with a predicted psf of
                                     >1.0 on VAFB.
Jan 1-July 31.....................  <bullet> Launches of all space
                                     launch vehicles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Marine mammal monitoring at VAFB must be conducted by at least one 
NMFS-approved marine mammal observer trained in marine mammal science. 
Authorized marine mammal observers must have demonstrated proficiency 
in the identification of all age and sex classes of both common and 
uncommon pinniped species found at VAFB and must be knowledgeable of 
approved count methodology and have experience in observing pinniped 
behavior, especially in response to human disturbances.
    Monitoring at the haulout site closest to the facility where the 
space launch vehicle will be launched would begin at least 72 hours 
prior to the launch and would continue until at least 48 hours after 
the launch. Monitoring for each launch would include multiple surveys 
during each day of monitoring (typically between 4-6 surveys per day) 
that would record: Species, number, general behavior, presence of pups, 
age class, gender, and reaction to launch noise, or to natural or other 
human-caused disturbances. Environmental conditions would also be 
recorded, including: Visibility, air temperature, clouds, wind speed 
and direction, tides, and swell height and direction.
    For launches that occur during the elephant seal and harbor seal 
pupping seasons (January 1 through July 31) a follow-up survey would be 
conducted within two weeks of the launch to monitor for any potential 
adverse impacts to pups. For launches that occur during daylight, time-
lapse photo and/or video recordings would occur during launch, as 
marine mammal observers are not allowed to be present within the launch 
area or at haulouts on VAFB at the time of launch for safety reasons. 
The USAF would also use night video monitoring to record responses of 
pinnipeds to launches that occur in darkness, if feasible. Night video 
monitoring may not be practical depending on whether technology is 
available that can reliably and remotely record responses of pinnipeds 
at remote haulout locations.
    In addition to monitoring pinniped responses to the proposed 
activities on VAFB, the USAF proposes to continue to conduct monthly 
marine mammal surveys on VAFB. Monthly surveys have been carried out at 
VAFB for several years and have provided valuable data on abundance, 
habitat use, and seasonality of pinnipeds on VAFB. The goals of the 
monthly surveys include assessing haulout patterns and relative 
abundance over time, resulting in improved understanding of pinniped 
population trends at VAFB and better enabling assessment of potential 
long-term impacts of USAF operations. When possible, these surveys 
would be timed to coincide with the lowest afternoon tides of each 
month, when the greatest numbers of animals are typically hauled out. 
During the monthly surveys, a NMFS-approved observer would record: 
Species, number, general behavior, presence of pups, age class, gender, 
and any reactions to natural or human-caused disturbances. 
Environmental conditions would also be recorded,

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including: Visibility, air temperature, clouds, wind speed and 
direction, tides, and swell height and direction.

Monitoring at the NCI

    As described previously, sonic booms are the only stimuli 
associated with the proposed activities that have the potential to 
result in harassment of marine mammals on the NCI. As pinniped 
responses on the NCI are dependent on the species and on the intensity 
of the sonic boom (Table 7), requirements for monitoring on the NCI 
would vary by season and would depend on the expected sonic boom level 
and the pupping seasons of the species expected to be present. Sonic 
boom modeling would be performed prior to all rocket launches and 
Falcon 9 recoveries. Acoustic and biological monitoring would be 
conducted on the NCI if the sonic boom model indicates that pressures 
from a sonic boom are expected to reach or exceed the levels shown in 
Table 15. These dates have been determined based on seasons when pups 
may be present for the species that are most responsive to sonic booms 
on the NCI based on several years of monitoring data (e.g., harbor 
seals and California sea lions) (Table 7).

  Table 15--Monitoring Requirements on the Northern Channel Islands by
                                 Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sonic boom level (modeled)                      Dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
>2 psf............................  March 1-July 31.
>3 psf............................  August 1-September 30.
>4 psf............................  October 1-February 28.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Marine mammal monitoring would be conducted at the closest 
significant haulout site to the modeled sonic boom impact area. The 
monitoring site would be selected based upon the model results, with 
emphasis placed on selecting a location where the maximum sound 
pressures are predicted and where pinnipeds are expected to be present 
that are considered most sensitive in terms of responses to sonic 
booms. Monitoring the responses of mother-pup pairs of any species 
would also be prioritized. Given the large numbers of pinnipeds found 
on some island beaches, smaller focal groups would be monitored. 
Estimates of the numbers of pinnipeds present on the entire beach would 
be made and their reactions to the launch noise would be documented. 
Specialized acoustic instruments would also be used to record sonic 
booms at the marine mammal monitoring location.
    Monitoring would be conducted by at least one NMFS-approved marine 
mammal observer, trained in marine mammal science. Monitors would be 
deployed to the monitoring location before, during and after the 
launch, with monitoring commencing at least 72 hours prior to the 
launch, occurring during the launch and continuing until 48 hours after 
the launch (unless no sonic boom is detected by the monitors during the 
launch and/or by the acoustic recording equipment, at which time 
monitoring would be discontinued). If the launch occurs in darkness, 
night vision equipment would be used. The USAF would also conduct video 
monitoring, including the use of night video monitoring, when feasible 
(video monitoring is not always practicable due to conditions such as 
fog, glare, and a lack of animals within view from a single observation 
point). During the pupping season of any species potentially affected 
by a sonic boom, a follow-up survey would occur within two weeks of the 
launch to assess any potential adverse effects on pups.
    Monitoring for each launch would include multiple surveys each day 
that record, when possible: Species, number, general behavior, presence 
of pups, age class, gender, and reaction to sonic booms or natural or 
human-caused disturbances. Remarks would be recorded, including the 
nature and cause of any natural or human-related disturbance, including 
response to the sonic boom. When flushing behavior is observed, the 
amount of time it takes for hauled out animals to return to the beach 
is recorded, if length of recording allows. Environmental conditions 
would also be recorded, including: Visibility, air temperature, clouds, 
wind speed and direction, tides, and swell height and direction.
    The USAF has complied with the monitoring requirements under the 
previous LOAs issued from 2013 through 2018.

Reporting

    Proposed reporting requirements would include launch monitoring 
reports submitted after each launch and annual reports describing all 
activities conducted at VAFB that are covered under this proposed rule 
during each year.
    A launch monitoring report containing the following information 
would be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after each rocket launch: 
Species present, number(s), general behavior, presence of pups, age 
class, gender, numbers of pinnipeds present on the haulout prior to 
commencement of the launch, numbers of pinnipeds that responded at a 
level that would be considered harassment (based on the description of 
responses in Table 9), length of time(s) pinnipeds remained off the 
haulout (for pinnipeds that flushed), and any behavioral responses by 
pinnipeds that were likely in response to the specified activities, 
including in response to launch noise or sonic boom. Launch reports 
would also include date(s) and time(s) of each launch (and sonic boom, 
if applicable); date(s) and location(s) of marine mammal monitoring, 
and environmental conditions including: Visibility, air temperature, 
clouds, wind speed and direction, tides, and swell height and 
direction. If a dead or seriously injured pinniped is found during 
post-launch monitoring, the incident must be reported to the NMFS 
Office of Protected Resources and the NMFS West Coast Regional Office 
immediately. Results of acoustic monitoring, including the recorded 
sound levels associated with the launch and/or sonic boom (if 
applicable) would also be included in the report.
    An annual report would be submitted to NMFS on March 1 of each year 
that would summarize the data reported in all launch reports for the 
previous calendar year (as described above) including a summary of 
documented numbers of instances of harassment incidental to the 
specified activities. Annual reports would also describe any documented 
takings incidental to the specified activities not included in the 
launch reports (e.g., takes incidental to aircraft or helicopter 
operations).
    A final comprehensive report would be submitted to NMFS no later 
than 180 days prior to expiration of these regulations. This report 
must summarize the findings made in all previous reports and assess 
both the impacts at each of the major rookeries and an assessment of 
any cumulative impacts on marine mammals from the specified activities.
    The USAF has complied with the reporting requirements under the 
previous LOAs issued from 2013 through 2018.

Negligible Impact Analysis and Determination

    NMFS has defined negligible impact as an impact resulting from the 
specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not 
reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival (50 CFR 216.103). A 
negligible impact finding is based on the lack of likely adverse 
effects on annual rates of

[[Page 342]]

recruitment or survival (i.e., population-level effects). An estimate 
of the number of takes alone is not enough information on which to base 
an impact determination. In addition to considering estimates of the 
number of marine mammals that might be ``taken'' through harassment, 
NMFS considers other factors, such as the likely nature of any 
responses (e.g., intensity, duration), the context of any responses 
(e.g., critical reproductive time or location, migration), as well as 
effects on habitat, and the likely effectiveness of the mitigation. We 
also assess the number, intensity, and context of estimated takes by 
evaluating this information relative to population status. Consistent 
with the 1989 preamble for NMFS' implementing regulations (54 FR 40338; 
September 29, 1989), the impacts from other past and ongoing 
anthropogenic activities are incorporated into this analysis via their 
impacts on the environmental baseline (e.g., as reflected in the 
regulatory status of the species, population size and growth rate where 
known, ongoing sources of human-caused mortality, or ambient noise 
levels).
    To avoid repetition, the discussion of our analyses applies to all 
the species listed in Table 6, given that the anticipated effects of 
this activity on these different marine mammal species are expected to 
be similar. Activities associated with the proposed activities, as 
outlined previously, have the potential to disturb or displace marine 
mammals. Specifically, the specified activities may result in take, in 
the form of Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance) only, from 
airborne sounds of rocket launches and sonic booms and from sounds or 
visual stimuli associated with aircraft. Based on the best available 
information, including monitoring reports from similar activities that 
have been authorized by NMFS, behavioral responses will likely be 
limited to reactions such as alerting to the noise, with some animals 
possibly moving toward or entering the water, depending on the species 
and the intensity of the sonic boom or launch noise. Repeated exposures 
of individuals to levels of sound that may cause Level B harassment are 
unlikely to result in hearing impairment or to significantly disrupt 
foraging behavior. Thus, even repeated instances of Level B harassment 
of some small subset of an overall stock is unlikely to result in any 
significant realized decrease in fitness to those individuals, and thus 
would not result in any adverse impact to the stock as a whole. Level B 
harassment would be reduced to the level of least practicable adverse 
impact through use of mitigation measures described above.
    If a marine mammal responds to a stimulus by changing its behavior 
(e.g., through relatively minor changes in locomotion direction/speed), 
the response may or may not constitute taking at the individual level, 
and is unlikely to affect the stock or the species as a whole. However, 
if a sound source displaces marine mammals from an important feeding or 
breeding area for a prolonged period, impacts on animals or on the 
stock or species could potentially be significant (e.g., Lusseau and 
Bejder, 2007; Weilgart, 2007). Flushing of pinnipeds into the water has 
the potential to result in mother-pup separation, or could result in a 
stampede, either of which could potentially result in serious injury or 
mortality. However, based on the best available information, including 
reports from over 20 years of launch monitoring at VAFB and the NCI, no 
serious injury or mortality of marine mammals is anticipated as a 
result of the proposed activities.
    Even in the instances of pinnipeds being behaviorally disturbed by 
sonic booms from rocket launches at VAFB, no evidence has been 
presented of abnormal behavior, injuries or mortalities, or pup 
abandonment as a result of sonic booms (SAIC 2013, CEMML 2018). These 
findings came as a result of more than two decades of surveys at VAFB 
and the NCI (MMCG and SAIC, 2012). Post-launch monitoring generally 
reveals a return to normal behavioral patterns within minutes up to an 
hour or two of each launch, regardless of species. For instance, a 
total of eight Delta II and Taurus space vehicle launches occurred from 
north VAFB, near the Spur Road and Purisima Point haulout sites, from 
February, 2009 through February, 2014. Of these eight launches, three 
occurred during the harbor seal pupping season. The continued use by 
harbor seals of the Spur Road and Purisima Point haulout sites 
indicates that it is unlikely that these rocket launches (and 
associated sonic booms) resulted in long-term disturbances of pinnipeds 
using the haulout sites. San Miguel Island represents the most 
important pinniped rookery in the lower 48 states, and as such 
extensive research has been conducted there for decades. From this 
research, as well as stock assessment reports, it is clear that VAFB 
operations (including associated sonic booms) have not had any 
significant impacts on the numbers of animals observed at San Miguel 
Island rookeries and haulouts (SAIC 2012). The number of California sea 
lions documented on VAFB via monthly marine mammal surveys increased 
substantially in 2017 compared to the numbers recorded in previous 
years, and northern elephant seal pupping was documented on VAFB for 
the first time in 2017, providing further evidence that the proposed 
activities, which are ongoing, have not negatively impacted annual 
rates of recruitment or survival.
    In summary and as described above, the following factors primarily 
support our preliminary determination that the impacts resulting from 
this activity are not expected to adversely affect the species or stock 
through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival:
    <bullet> No injury, serious injury, or mortality are anticipated or 
authorized;
    <bullet> The anticipated incidences of Level B harassment are 
expected to consist of, at worst, temporary modifications in behavior 
(i.e., short distance movements and occasional flushing into the water 
with return to haulouts within approximately 90 minutes), which are not 
expected to adversely affect the fitness of any individuals;
    <bullet> The proposed activities are expected to result in no long-
term changes in the use by pinnipeds of rookeries and haulouts in the 
project area, based on over 20 years of monitoring data; and
    <bullet> The presumed efficacy of planned mitigation measures in 
reducing the effects of the specified activity to the level of least 
practicable adverse impact.
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the likely effects of the 
specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into 
consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring and 
mitigation measures, NMFS preliminarily finds that the total marine 
mammal take from the proposed activity will have a negligible impact on 
all affected marine mammal species or stocks.

Small Numbers

    As noted above, only small numbers of incidental take may be 
authorized under Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA for 
specified activities other than military readiness activities. The MMPA 
does not define small numbers and so, in practice, where estimated 
numbers are available, NMFS compares the number of individuals taken to 
the most appropriate estimation of abundance of the relevant species or 
stock in our determination of whether an authorization is limited to 
small numbers of marine mammals. Additionally, other qualitative 
factors may be considered in the analysis, such as the temporal or 
spatial scale of the activities.

[[Page 343]]

    See Table 13 for information relating to this small numbers 
analysis (i.e., numbers of take proposed for authorization on an annual 
basis). We propose to authorize incidental take of 6 marine mammal 
stocks. The amount of taking proposed for authorization on an annual 
basis is less than one-third of the most appropriate abundance estimate 
for five of these species or stocks; therefore, the numbers of take 
proposed for authorization would be considered small relative to those 
relevant stocks or populations.
    The estimated taking for harbor seals comprises greater than one-
third of the best available stock abundance. However, due to the nature 
of the specified activity--launch activities occurring at specific 
locations, rather than a mobile activity occurring throughout the stock 
range--the available information shows that only a portion of the stock 
would likely be impacted. It is important to note that the number of 
expected takes does not necessarily represent the number of individual 
animals expected to be taken, and that our small numbers analysis 
accounts for this fact. Multiple exposures to Level B harassment can 
accrue to the same individual animals over the course of an activity 
that occurs multiple times in the same area (such as the USAF's 
proposed activity). This is especially likely in the case of species 
that have limited ranges and that have site fidelity to a location 
within the project area, as is the case with Pacific harbor seals.
    As described above, harbor seals are non-migratory, rarely 
traveling more than 50 km from their haulout sites. Thus, while the 
estimated number of annual instances of take may not be considered 
small relative to the estimated abundance of the California stock of 
Pacific harbor seals of 30,968 (Carretta et al. 2017), a substantially 
smaller number of individual harbor seals is expected to occur within 
the project area. We expect that, because of harbor seals' documented 
site fidelity to haulout locations at VAFB and the NCI, and because of 
their limited ranges, the same individual harbor seals are likely to be 
taken repeatedly over the course of the proposed activities. Therefore, 
the proposed number of instances of Level B harassment that could be 
authorized for harbor seals per year over the 5-year period of validity 
of the proposed regulations is expected to accrue to a much smaller 
number of individual harbor seals encompassing a small portion of the 
overall stock. Thus, while we propose to authorize the instances of 
incidental take of harbor seals shown in Table 13, we believe that the 
number of individual harbor seals that would be incidentally taken by 
the proposed activities would, in fact, be substantially lower than 
this number. We base the small numbers determination on the number of 
individuals taken versus the number of instances of take, as is 
appropriate when the information is available.
    To estimate the number of individual harbor seals expected to be 
taken by Level B harassment by the proposed activities, we estimated 
the maximum number of individual harbor seals that could potentially be 
taken per activity (i.e., launch, landing, or aircraft activity), both 
on the NCI and at VAFB. As described above, due to harbor seals' 
limited ranges and site fidelity to haulout locations at VAFB and the 
NCI, we believe the maximum number of individual harbor seals that 
could be taken per activity (i.e., launch, landing, or aircraft 
activity) represents a conservative estimate of the number of 
individual harbor seals that would be taken over the course of a year. 
On VAFB, monthly marine mammal surveys conducted by the USAF represent 
the best available information on harbor seal abundance. The maximum 
number of harbor seals documented during monthly marine mammal surveys 
at VAFB in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 was 821 seals (in October, 
2015). On the NCI, marine mammal surveys conducted from 2011-2015 
(Lowry et al., 2017) represents the best available information on 
harbor seal abundance. The maximum number of seals documented in 
surveys from 2011 through 2015 (the most recent information available) 
was 1,367 seals (in July, 2015) (Lowry et al., 2017). Therefore, we 
conservatively estimate that the maximum number of harbor seals that 
could potentially be taken per activity (i.e., lunch, landing, or 
aircraft activity) is 2,188 harbor seals, which represents the combined 
maximum number of seals expected to be present on the NCI and VAFB 
during any given activity. As we believe the same individuals are 
likely to be taken repeatedly over the duration of the proposed 
activities, we use this estimate of 2,188 individual animals taken per 
activity (i.e., launch, landing, or aircraft activity) for the purposes 
of estimating the percentage of the stock abundance likely to be taken 
(7.1 percent).
    Based on the analysis contained herein of the proposed activity 
(including the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures) and the 
anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS preliminarily finds that small 
numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the population size 
of the affected species or stocks.

Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination

    There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine 
mammal stocks or species implicated by this action. Therefore, NMFS has 
determined that the total taking of affected species or stocks would 
not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such 
species or stocks for taking for subsistence purposes.

Adaptive Management

    The regulations governing the take of marine mammals incidental to 
the USAF's activities at VAFB would contain an adaptive management 
component.
    The reporting requirements associated with this proposed rule are 
designed to provide NMFS with monitoring data from the previous year to 
allow consideration of whether any changes are appropriate. The use of 
adaptive management allows NMFS to consider new information from 
different sources to determine (with input from the Navy regarding 
practicability) on an annual or biennial basis if mitigation or 
monitoring measures should be modified (including additions or 
deletions). Mitigation measures could be modified if new data suggests 
that such modifications would have a reasonable likelihood of reducing 
adverse effects to marine mammals and if the measures are practicable.
    The following are some of the possible sources of applicable data 
to be considered through the adaptive management process: (1) Results 
from monitoring reports, as required by MMPA authorizations; (2) 
results from general marine mammal and sound research; and (3) any 
information which reveals that marine mammals may have been taken in a 
manner, extent, or number not authorized by these regulations or 
subsequent LOAs.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any 
action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize 
the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or 
result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated 
critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of ITAs, 
NMFS consults internally, in this case with the NMFS West Coast Region 
Protected Resources Division Office,

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whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened 
species.
    There is one marine mammal species (Guadalupe fur seal) listed 
under the ESA with confirmed occurrence in the area expected to be 
impacted by the proposed activities. The Permits and Conservation 
Division has requested initiation of section 7 consultation with the 
West Coast Region Protected Resources Division Office for the issuance 
of this ITA. NMFS will conclude the ESA consultation prior to reaching 
a determination regarding the proposed issuance of the authorization.

Request for Information

    NMFS requests interested persons to submit comments, information, 
and suggestions concerning the USAF's request and the proposed 
regulations (see ADDRESSES). All comments will be reviewed and 
evaluated as we prepare a final rule and make final determinations on 
whether to issue the requested authorization. This proposed rule and 
referenced documents provide all environmental information relating to 
our proposed action for public review.

Classification

    Pursuant to the procedures established to implement Executive Order 
12866, the Office of Management and Budget has determined that this 
proposed rule is not significant.
    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 
the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce has 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The U.S. Air Force is the sole entity that would be subject to the 
requirements in these proposed regulations, and the U.S. Air Force is 
not a small governmental jurisdiction, small organization, or small 
business, as defined by the RFA. Because of this certification, a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been 
prepared.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. However, this rule does 
not contain a collection-of-information requirement subject to the 
provisions of the PRA because the applicant is a Federal agency.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 217

    Exports, Fish, Imports, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation.

    Dated: January 17, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 217 is proposed 
to be amended as follows:

PART 217--REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS 
INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 217 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.
0
2. Revise subpart G to read as follows:
Subpart G--Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to U.S. Air Force Launches and Operations at Vandenberg Air 
Force Base, California
Sec.
217.60 Specified activity and specified geographical region.
217.61 Effective dates.
217.62 Permissible methods of taking.
217.63 Prohibitions.
217.64 Mitigation.
217.65 Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
217.66 Letters of Authorization.
217.67 Renewals and modifications of Letters of Authorization.
217.68-217.69 [Reserved]

Sec.  217.60  Specified activity and specified geographical region.

    (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the 30th Space Wing, 
United States Air Force (USAF) and those persons it authorizes to 
conduct activities on its behalf for the taking of marine mammals that 
occurs in the areas outlined in paragraph (b) of this section and that 
occurs incidental to rocket and missile launches and aircraft and 
helicopter operations.
    (b) The taking of marine mammals by the USAF may be authorized in a 
Letter of Authorization (LOA) only if it occurs from activities 
originating at Vandenberg Air Force Base.


Sec.  217.61  Effective dates.

    Regulations in this subpart are effective from [EFFECTIVE DATE OF 
FINAL RULE], through [DATE 5 YEARS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE].


Sec.  217.62  Permissible methods of taking.

    Under LOA issued pursuant to Sec. Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 
217.60 the Holder of the Letter of Authorization (herein after the 
USAF) may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by 
Level B harassment, within the area described in Sec.  217.60(b), 
provided the activity is in compliance with all terms, conditions, and 
requirements of the regulations in this subpart and the appropriate 
Letter of Authorization.


Sec.  217.63  Prohibitions.

    Notwithstanding takings contemplated in Sec.  217.62 and authorized 
by a Letter of Authorization issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 of this 
chapter and 217.66, no person in connection with the activities 
described in Sec.  217.60 may:
    (a) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and 
requirements of this subpart or a LOA issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 
and 218.26 of this chapter;
    (b) Take any marine mammal not specified in such LOAs;
    (c) Take any marine mammal specified in such LOAs in any manner 
other than as specified;
    (d) Take a marine mammal specified in such LOAs if NMFS determines 
such taking results in more than a negligible impact on the species or 
stocks of such marine mammal; or
    (e) Take a marine mammal specified in such LOAs if NMFS determines 
such taking results in an unmitigable adverse impact on the species or 
stock of such marine mammal for taking for subsistence uses.


Sec.  217.64  Mitigation.

    When conducting the activities identified in Sec.  217.60(a), the 
mitigation measures contained in any Letter of Authorization issued 
under Sec. Sec.  216.106 of this chapter and 217.66 must be 
implemented. These mitigation measures include (but are not limited 
to):
    (a) For missile and rocket launches, the USAF must avoid, whenever 
possible, launches during the harbor seal pupping season of March 
through June, unless constrained by factors including, but not limited 
to, human safety, national security, or launch mission objectives.
    (b) For rocket launches, the USAF must avoid, whenever possible, 
launches which are predicted to produce a sonic boom on the Northern 
Channel Islands from March through June.
    (c) Aircraft and helicopter flight paths must maintain a minimum 
distance of 1,000 ft (305 m) from recognized pinniped haulouts and 
rookeries, whenever possible, except for one area near the VAFB harbor 
over which

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aircraft may be flown to within 500 ft of a haulout, and except in 
emergencies or for real-time security incidents, which may require 
approaching pinniped haulouts and rookeries closer than 1,000 ft (305 
m).
    (d) If post-launch surveys determine that an injurious or lethal 
take of a marine mammal has occurred, the launch procedure and the 
monitoring methods must be reviewed, in cooperation with the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and appropriate changes must be made 
through modification to a Letter of Authorization, prior to conducting 
the next launch under that Letter of Authorization.


Sec.  217.65  Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

    (a) To conduct monitoring of rocket launch activities, the USAF 
must either use video recording, or must designate a qualified on-site 
individual approved in advance by NMFS, with demonstrated proficiency 
in the identification of all age and sex classes of both common and 
uncommon pinniped species found at VAFB and knowledge of approved count 
methodology and experience in observing pinniped behavior, as specified 
in the Letter of Authorization, to monitor and document pinniped 
activity as described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (9) of this section:
    (1) For any launches of space launch vehicles or recoveries of the 
Falcon 9 First Stage occurring from 1 January through 31 July, pinniped 
activity at VAFB must be monitored in the vicinity of the haulout 
nearest the launch platform, or, in the absence of pinnipeds at that 
location, at another nearby haulout, for at least 72 hours prior to any 
planned launch, and continue for a period of time not less than 48 
hours subsequent to the launch;
    (2) For any launches of new space launch vehicles that have not 
been monitored during at least 3 previous launches occurring from 1 
August through 31 December, pinniped activity at VAFB must be monitored 
in the vicinity of the haulout nearest the launch or landing platform, 
or, in the absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another nearby 
haulout, for at least 72 hours prior to any planned launch, and 
continue for a period of time not less than 48 hours subsequent to 
launching;
    (3) For any launches of existing space launch vehicles that are 
expected to result in louder launch noise or sonic booms than previous 
launches of the same vehicle type occurring from 1 August through 31 
December, pinniped activity at VAFB must be monitored in the vicinity 
of the haulout nearest the launch or landing platform, or, in the 
absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another nearby haulout, for 
at least 72 hours prior to any planned launch, and continue for a 
period of time not less than 48 hours subsequent to launching;
    (4) For any launches of new types of missiles occurring from 1 
August through 31 December, pinniped activity at VAFB must be monitored 
in the vicinity of the haulout nearest the launch or landing platform, 
or, in the absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another nearby 
haulout, for at least 72 hours prior to any planned launch, and 
continue for a period of time not less than 48 hours subsequent to 
launching;
    (5) For any recoveries of the Falcon 9 First Stage occurring from 1 
August through 31 December that are predicted to result in a sonic boom 
of 1.0 psf or above on VAFB, pinniped activity at VAFB must be 
monitored in the vicinity of the haulout nearest the launch or landing 
platform, or, in the absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another 
nearby haulout, for at least 72 hours prior to any planned launch, and 
continue for a period of time not less than 48 hours subsequent to 
launching;
    (6) For any launches or rocket recoveries occurring from March 1 
through July 31), follow-up surveys must be conducted within 2 weeks of 
the launch;
    (7) For any launches or Falcon 9 recoveries, pinniped activity at 
the Northern Channel Islands must be monitored, if it is determined by 
modeling that a sonic boom of greater than 2.0 psf is predicted to 
impact one of the islands between March 1 and July 31, greater than 3.0 
psf between August 1 and September 30, and greater than 4.0 psf between 
October 1 and February 28. Monitoring will be conducted at the haulout 
site closest to the predicted sonic boom impact area, or, in the 
absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another nearby haulout;
    (8) For any launches or Falcon 9 recoveries during which marine 
mammal monitoring is required, acoustic measurements must be made of 
those launch vehicles that have not had sound pressure level 
measurements documented previously; and
    (9) Marine mammal monitoring must include multiple surveys each day 
that record the species, number of animals, general behavior, presence 
of pups, age class, gender and reaction to launch noise, sonic booms or 
other natural or human caused disturbances, in addition to recording 
environmental conditions such as tide, wind speed, air temperature, and 
swell.
    (b) The USAF must submit a report to the Administrator, West Coast 
Region, NMFS, and Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, within 90 days 
after each launch. This report must contain the following information:
    (1) Date(s) and time(s) of the launch;
    (2) Design of the monitoring program; and
    (3) Results of the monitoring program, including, but not 
necessarily limited to:
    (i) Numbers of pinnipeds present on the haulout prior to 
commencement of the launch;
    (ii) Numbers of pinnipeds that may have been harassed as noted by 
the number of pinnipeds estimated to have moved in response to the 
source of disturbance, ranging from short withdrawals at least twice 
the animal's body length to longer retreats over the beach, or if 
already moving a change of direction of greater than 90 degree, or, 
entered the water as a result of launch noise;
    (iii) For any marine mammals that entered the water, the length of 
time they remained off the haulout; and
    (iv) Behavioral modifications by pinnipeds that were likely the 
result of launch noise or the sonic boom.
    (c) If the authorized activity identified in Sec.  217.60(a) is 
thought to have resulted in the mortality or injury of any marine 
mammals or in any take of marine mammals not identified in Sec.  
217.62, then the USAF must notify the Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, and the stranding coordinator, West Coast Region, 
NMFS, within 48 hours of the discovery of the injured or dead marine 
mammal.
    (d) An annual report must be submitted on March 1 of each year to 
the Office of Protected Resources, NMFS.
    (e) A final report must be submitted at least 180 days prior to 
[DATE 5 YEARS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE] to the Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS. This report will:
    (1) Summarize the activities undertaken and the results reported in 
all previous reports;
    (2) Assess the impacts at each of the major rookeries;
    (3) Assess the cumulative impacts on pinnipeds and other marine 
mammals from the activities specified in Sec.  217.60(a); and
    (4) State the date(s), location(s), and findings of any research 
activities related to monitoring the effects on launch noise, sonic 
booms, and harbor activities on marine mammal populations.

[[Page 346]]

Sec.  217.66  Letters of Authorization.

    (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these 
regulations, the USAF must apply for and obtain a Letter of 
Authorization.
    (b) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, may be 
effective for a period of time not to exceed [DATE 5 YEARS AFTER 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE].
    (c) If a Letter of Authorization expires prior to [DATE 5 YEARS 
AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE], the USAF may apply for and obtain 
a renewal of the Letter of Authorization.
    (d) In the event of projected changes to the activity or to 
mitigation and monitoring measures required by a Letter of 
Authorization, the USAF must apply for and obtain a modification of the 
Letter of Authorization as described in Sec.  217.67.
    (e) The Letter of Authorization will set forth:
    (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking;
    (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact (i.e., 
mitigation) on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of the 
species for subsistence uses; and
    (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting.
    (f) Issuance of the Letter of Authorization shall be based on a 
determination that the level of taking will be consistent with the 
findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations.
    (g) Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization shall 
be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination.


Sec.  217.67  Renewals and modifications of Letters of Authorization.

    (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and 217.66 for the activity identified in Sec.  217.60(a) 
shall be renewed or modified upon request by the applicant, provided 
that:
    (1) The proposed specified activity and mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting measures, as well as the anticipated impacts, are the same as 
those described and analyzed for these regulations (excluding changes 
made pursuant to the adaptive management provision in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section); and
    (2) NMFS determines that the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
measures required by the previous Letter of Authorization under these 
regulations were implemented.
    (b) For Letter of Authorization modification or renewal requests by 
the applicant that include changes to the activity or the mitigation, 
monitoring, or reporting (excluding changes made pursuant to the 
adaptive management provision in paragraph (c)(1) of this section) that 
do not change the findings made for the regulations or result in no 
more than a minor change in the total estimated number of takes (or 
distribution by species or years), NMFS may publish a notice of 
proposed Letter of Authorization in the Federal Register, including the 
associated analysis of the change, and solicit public comment before 
issuing the Letter of Authorization.
    (c) A Letter of Authorization issued under Sec. Sec.  216.106 of 
this chapter and 217.66 for the activity identified in Sec.  217.60(a) 
may be modified by NMFS under the following circumstances:
    (1) Adaptive management. NMFS may modify (including augment) the 
existing mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures (after 
consulting with the USAF regarding the practicability of the 
modifications) if doing so creates a reasonable likelihood of more 
effectively accomplishing the goals of the mitigation and monitoring.
    (i) Possible sources of data that could contribute to the decision 
to modify the mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures in a Letter 
of Authorization:
    (A) Results from the USAF's monitoring from the previous year(s).
    (B) Results from other marine mammal and/or sound research or 
studies.
    (C) Any information that reveals marine mammals may have been taken 
in a manner, extent or number not authorized by these regulations or 
subsequent Letters of Authorization.
    (ii) If, through adaptive management, the modifications to the 
mitigation, monitoring, or reporting measures are substantial, NMFS 
will publish a notice of proposed Letter of Authorization in the 
Federal Register and solicit public comment.
    (2) Emergencies. If NMFS determines that an emergency exists that 
poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of 
marine mammals specified in Sec.  217.62, a Letter of Authorization may 
be modified without prior notice or opportunity for public comment. 
Notice would be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of the 
action.


Sec. Sec.  217.68-217.69  [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 2019-00090 Filed 1-23-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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