National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-1

APPENDIX D: MITIGATION MEASURES DURING NOS MAPPING AND 

SURVEYING ACTIVITIES 
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-2 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

General

Vessel and equipment maintenance All NOS projects would implement mandatory invasive species prevention procedures including, 

but not limited to, vessel and equipment washdown (including diving equipment), cleaning, and 

de-ballasting (exchange of ballast water in open ocean waters for those vessels used by NOS that 

have ballast tanks).

At all times while in transit or on-project Do not attempt to feed, touch, ride, or otherwise intentionally interact with any marine 

protected species.

At all times while in transit or on-project Vessel crew must maintain at least one Protected Species Observer (PSO) at all times. This 

individual may perform other duties simultaneously. PSOs should use all means necessary to 

enhance visibility (e.g., spotlights, night vision, Forward Looking Infrared), and will be trained 

according to NOS Standard Operating Procedures.

Project Planning / Coordination

Project planning and coordination NOS would internally coordinate the location and timing of a given project, wherever possible, to 

ensure that areas are not repeatedly surveyed, except as needed to achieve research or 

monitoring goals. 

NOS would not perform surveys on or near ongoing Navy exercises.

General Area Restrictions for Vessel and Vehicle Movement

Entry into North Atlantic right whale 

critical habitat 

Report into the Mandatory Ship Reporting System.

Before proceeding with operations 

onboard a vessel 20 meters (m) (65 feet

[ft]) or longer in any North Atlantic right 

whale seasonal management areas, when 

those areas are active. See maps and 

coordinates at 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/

endangered-speciesMaintain a vessel speed of 10 knots or less.

Check with various communication media for general information regarding avoiding ship strikes 

and specific information regarding North Atlantic right whale sighting locations. These include 

NOAA weather radio, United States (U.S.) Coast Guard Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) broadcasts, 

the WhaleAlert app (www.whalealert.org), and Notices to Mariners.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-3 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

conservation/reducing-vessel-strikesnorth-atlantic-rightwhales#:~:text=PDF%2C%201197%20page

s)Vessel%20Speed%20Restrictions,endang

ered%20North%20Atlantic%20right%20w

hales

Transit areas cross North Pacific right 

whale critical habitat

Avoid transit through North Pacific right whale critical habitat. For unavoidable transits, vessels 

must maintain a speed of 10 knots or less. 

Entry into Rice's whale areas (Core 

Distribution Area [CDA] and the 100 m to

400 m isobath in the Gulf of Mexico)

a. Minimize all transits

b. Do not exceed 10 knots

c. Do not enter at night. If vessels are present in the CDA/isobath at night, the vessel must be 

anchored, moored, or otherwise immobile.

Use of High Resolution Geophysical (HRG)

sources in all areas north of the Forelands 

in Cook Inlet, Alaska. HRG surveys are 

defined as surveys using an 

electromechanical source that operates at 

frequencies less than 180 kilohertz (kHz), 

other than those defined at § 

217.184(c)(1) (i.e., side-scan sonar, 

multibeam echosounder, or CHIRP subbottom profiler) per the 2020 Bureau of 

Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 

Biological Opinion (BiOp) on the Federally 

Regulated Oil and Gas Program Activities 

in the Gulf of Mexico

The Forelands in Cook Inlet are described as 60°43'10.9"N 151°24'35.8"W (east side of the Inlet, 

Nikiski, AK) and West Foreland (60°42'48.1"N 151°42'38.3"W). For dedicated mapping and 

surveying work north of this area (i.e., a specific project involving the use of echo sounders), 

contact the Alaska Region (akr.prd.section7@noaa.gov) for instructions on how to proceed. 
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-4 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Entry into sensitive Steller sea lion areas Maintain a vessel separation distance of 3 nautical miles (nm) from Steller sea lion critical 

habitat, rookeries listed in 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 223.202, and other 

haulouts/rookeries as observed during operations. In areas of mandated charting, contact 

akr.prd.section7@noaa.gov on how to proceed.

Entry into sturgeon and sawfish critical 

habitat as shown at 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/

map/atlantic-sturgeon-critical-habitatmap-and-gis-data 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/

map/smalltooth-sawfish-critical-habitatmap-and-gis-data

https://data.noaa.gov/dataset/dataset/gr

een-sturgeon-critical-habitat-gis-data1

All vessels in coastal waters will operate in a manner to minimize propeller wash and sea floor 

disturbance, and transiting vessels should follow deep-water routes (e.g., marked channels), as 

practicable, to reduce disturbance to sturgeon and sawfish critical habitat.

Vessel Movement Restrictions

In-water seals or sea lions are identified 

within 91 m (100 yards [yd]) of the vessel

Avoid approaching within 91 m (100 yd) of in-water seals and sea lions.

An Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed 

whale is identified within 457 m (500 yd)

of the forward path of the vessel

All vessels must steer a course that increases the distance from the whale at a speed of 10 knots 

or less until the 457 m (500 yd) minimum separation distance has been established.

An ESA-listed whale is sighted within 91 m

(100 yd) of the forward path of a vessel

The vessel operator must reduce speed and shift the engine to neutral. Engines must not be 

engaged until the whale has moved outside of the vessel’s path and beyond 457 m (500 yd). If 

stationary, the vessel must not engage engines until the large whale has moved beyond 457 m 

(500 yd). A single cetacean at the surface may indicate the presence of submerged animals in the 

vicinity of the vessel; therefore, precautionary measures should always be exercised.

One or more cetaceans (whales, dolphins, 

or porpoises) are sighted while a vessel is 

underway

Attempt to remain parallel to the animal's course if feasible. Avoid excessive speed or abrupt 

changes in direction until the cetacean has left the area.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-5 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

One or more sea turtles are sighted while 

the vessel is underway

Attempt to maintain a distance of 45 m (50 yd) or greater whenever possible.

Night time vessel operation Vessel operators on project vessels operating at night will use the appropriate lighting to comply 

with navigation rules and best safety practices. All project areas will be continually monitored for 

protected species by posted crewmembers during vessel operations.

Reporting Requirements

Sighting of any injured, dead, or entangled 

right whales

Report sighting immediately to the U.S. Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16.

Sighting of any injured, dead, or entangled 

ESA-listed species

Immediately report to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) using the contact information at 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. NMFS also has created a Dolphin & Whale 911

telephone app that can be used to direct calls to the nearest stranding response helpline.

Sightings of critically endangered 

cetaceans including North Atlantic right 

whale, North Pacific right whale, Southern 

Resident killer whale, Main Hawaiian 

Island insular false killer whale, and Rice’s 

whale

Report sighting within two hours of occurrence when practicable and no later than 24 hours after 

occurrence to https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. Right whale sightings in any location may 

also be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard via VHF channel 16 and through the WhaleAlert App: 

https://www.whalealert.org/.

Discharge Restrictions

Sighting of any protected marine species 

within 91 m (100 yd) of the vessel 

Do not discharge.

Operating or maintaining a vessel Follow the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) 

discharge protocols.

Meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vessel General Permits and Coast Guard 

requirements.

Use anti-fouling coatings.

Clean hull regularly to remove aquatic nuisance species.

Avoid cleaning of hull in critical habitat.

Avoid cleaners with nonylphenols.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-6 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Restrictions on Instrument / Autonomous System Deployment

Sighting of any protected marine species 

within 91 m (100 yd) of the work area

Suspend deployment of all instruments, divers, and autonomous systems. Work already in 

progress may continue if that activity is not expected to adversely affect the animal(s).

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

operation

Equipment such as AUVs would be programmed and operated to avoid sea floor disturbance.

Bottom sampling for sediment verification NOS would not collect bottom samples for sediment verification on coral reefs, shipwrecks, 

obstructions, or hard bottom areas. 

Instrument Deployment NOS would ensure that all instruments placed in contact with the sea floor are properly secured 

to minimize bottom disturbance. NOS would use retrievable instruments, when possible, to 

avoid abandoning deployed equipment on the sea floor.

Anchoring Do not anchor in coral critical habitat or other known areas of coral.

Avoid anchoring in abalone habitat as defined at https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2022-

05/ch_2021mapseries_AbaloneBlack.jpg

Avoid anchoring in seagrass.

Vessel operators would not drag anchor chains.

Vessel operators would select the anchor location based on depth, protection from seas and 

wind, and bottom type. Preferred bottom types are sticky mud or sand, as those characteristics 

allow the flukes of the anchor to dig into the bottom and hold the chain in place. When working 

in an un-surveyed area or in an area that has not been surveyed in many years, the ship would 

try to anchor in bays where data have already been collected, providing the ship with better 

information on where to drop the anchor. 

Equipment/Autonomous Systems 

Deployment

Stiffer line materials should be used for towing and kept taut during operations to reduce the 

potential for entanglement in bottom features such as coral habitats and shipwrecks.

SCUBA / Snorkeling Restrictions

When using a boat or platform to conduct 

self-contained underwater breathing 

apparatus (SCUBA) or snorkeling 

operations

At least one person should maintain a visual watch for mobile protected species to ensure none 

are sighted within the working area. If a listed species moves into the area of work, cessation of 

operation of any moving equipment within 15 m (50 ft) of the animal should occur. Activities may 

resume once the species has departed the project area of its own volition.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-7 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Diving on or near coral Divers/snorkelers/swimmers should not stand or rest on live corals/coral reefs. Bottom contact 

should only be in unconsolidated areas or non-living hardbottom.

At all times during SCUBA or snorkel 

operations

SCUBA divers/snorkelers involved in in-water activities should have proper training and be 

capable of responsible dive/snorkel practices (e.g., proper buoyancy) such that they minimize 

injury to organisms, avoid unnecessary habitat impacts, and avoid injury to sensitive 

archaeological materials. It is the responsibility of NOAA or grantees/contractors to ensure that 

divers/snorkelers are trained to a level commensurate with the type and conditions of the diving 

activity being undertaken. Divers shall use appropriate dive equipment and tools, expert boat 

anchoring (e.g., hand placement by divers/snorkelers on verified non-living bottom habitat 

before deployment), and have diver awareness. The organization must have the capacity 

(appropriate insurance, safety policies, etc.) to oversee all proposed diving/snorkeling activities. 

SCUBA divers will avoid inadvertent disturbance to the sea floor. 

Restrictions on Buoy Deployment, Maintenance, and Retrieval

At all times during buoy deployment, 

maintenance, or retrieval of a buoy

Ensure that any buoys attached to the sea floor use the best available mooring systems. All 

mooring lines and ancillary attachment lines must use one or more of the following measures to 

reduce entanglement risk: shortest practicable line length, rubber sleeves, weak-links, chains, 

cables or similar equipment types that prevent lines from looping, wrapping, or entrapping 

protected species. Buoys, lines (chains, cables, or coated rope systems), swivels, shackles, and 

anchor designs must prevent any potential entanglement of listed species while ensuring the 

safety and integrity of the structure or device. When possible, field crews should use retrievable 

equipment to avoid abandoning material on the sea floor.

During all buoy deployment and retrieval operations, buoys should be lowered and raised slowly 

to minimize risk to listed species and benthic habitat. Additionally, PSOs or trained project 

personnel (if PSOs are not required) should monitor for listed species in the area prior to and 

during deployment and retrieval and work should be stopped if listed species are observed in the 

area to minimize entanglement risk.

All buoys must be properly labeled with owner and contact information.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-8 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

A live or dead marine protected species 

becomes entangled in buoy lines

Immediately contact the applicable NMFS stranding coordinator; contact information is available 

at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. Provide any on-water assistance requested. NMFS 

also has created a Dolphin & Whale 911 telephone app that can be used to direct calls to the 

nearest stranding response helpline.

Vessel Operation

Operating vessels in polar bear habitat Ensure that vessels maintain a 1.6 kilometer (km) (1 mile [mi]) separation distance from polar 

bears observed on ice, land, or water.

Be alert to potential presence of polar bears, visually monitor the area and adjacent waters. Be 

especially vigilant for swimming bears. If a swimming bear(s) is encountered, allow it to continue 

unhindered. Never approach, herd, chase, or attempt to lure swimming bear(s). Reduce speed 

when visibility is low and avoid sudden changes in travel direction.

Navigate slowly, steer around polar bears, and do not approach, circle, pursue, or otherwise force 

bears to change direction when observed in the water.

Avoid multiple changes in direction and speed and do not restrict bears’ movements on land or 

sea.

Do not conduct activities within 1.6 km (1 mi) of known or suspected polar bear dens.

Operating vessels in Pacific walrus 

habitat

Maintain an appropriate minimum distance from walruses hauled out on ice or land: Marine 

vessels less than 15 m (50 ft) in length – 1 km (0.5 nm); Marine vessels 15 m or more but less than 

30 m (100 ft) in length – 1.8 km (1 nm); and Marine vessels 30 m (100 ft) or more in length – 5.5 

km (3 nm).

Reduce noise levels near haulouts. Avoid abrupt maneuvers, sudden changes in engine noise, 

using loud speakers, loud deck equipment, or other operations that produce noise when in the 

vicinity of walrus haulouts. Note that sound carries a long way across the water and often 

reverberates off of cliffs and bluffs adjacent to coastal walrus haulouts, amplifying noise. Do not 

operate the vessel in such a way as to separate members of a group of walruses from other 

members of the group.

Reduce speed and maintain a minimum distance of 0.8 km (0.5 mi) from groups of walruses in the 

water.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-9 

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

If walruses approach the vessel or are found to be in close proximity, place boat engines in neutral 

and allow the animals to pass. If vessel safety considerations prevent this, carefully steer around 

animals.

When weather conditions require, such as when visibility drops, adjust speed accordingly to avoid 

the likelihood of injury to walruses.

Operating vessels in northern sea otter 

habitat

Do not operate vessels in such a way as to separate sea otters from other members of their 

group.

If northern sea otters are observed in groups of fewer than 10 animals, do not approach within 

100 m (109 yd). If the group size is greater than 10, do not approach within 500 m (547 yd).

Operating vessels in manatee habitat 

(U.S. Gulf coast and Atlantic Coast as far 

north as the Chesapeake Bay)

All personnel associated with the project shall be instructed about the presence of manatees and 

manatee speed zones, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. All crews 

shall be advised that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing 

manatees.

All vessels associated with the project shall operate at "Idle Speed/No Wake” at all times while in 

water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four-foot clearance from the bottom. All 

vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible.

Observe water-related activities for the presence of manatee(s). All in-water operations, including 

vessels, must be shut down if a manatee(s) comes within 15 m (50 ft) of the operation. Activities 

will not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 15-m (50-ft) radius of the vessel, or 

until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 15 m (50 ft) of the vessel. 

Animals must not be herded away or harassed into leaving.

Any collision with or injury to a manatee shall be reported immediately. To report dead, 

debilitated, or distressed manatees, call 1-877-WHALE HELP (1-877-942-5343). NOAA Fisheries 

also has created a Dolphin & Whale 911 telephone app that can be used to direct calls to the 

nearest stranding response helpline.

Aircraft / UAS Operation

Flying aircraft above Alaska waters and 

shorelines

Maintain an altitude of at least 305 m (1,000 ft) when flying over northern sea otters.

Maintain an altitude of at least 457 m (1,500 ft) when flying within 805 m (0.5 mi) of polar bears.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-10

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Operating crewed aircraft in polar bear 

areas.

Unless taking off from or landing at an airport/airstrip, pilots should maintain a minimum of 457 

m (1,500 ft) flight altitude and 0.8-km (0.5-mi) horizontal distance from polar bears in the water, 

and on ice or land. Avoid circling or turning aircraft near polar bears.

Operating aircraft near walrus haulout 

(Aircraft guidelines to reduce likelihood 

of walrus take)

Do not fly autonomous system devices or single engine fixed wing aircraft over or within 0.8 km 

(0.5 mi) of walruses hauled out on land or ice.

If weather or aircraft safety require flight operations within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of a haulout site, 

maintain a 610 m (2,000 ft) minimum altitude.

Do not fly helicopters over or within 1.6 km (1 mi) of walruses hauled out on land or ice.

If weather or aircraft safety require crewed flight operations within 1.6 km (1 mi) of a haulout site, 

maintain a 915 m (3,000 ft) minimum altitude.

Landings, take-offs, and taxiing of autonomous system devices or single engine fixed wing aircraft

should not occur within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of hauled out walruses, or within 1.6 km (1 mi) for 

helicopters.

Avoid circling or turning near walruses hauled out on land or ice.

If aircraft safety requires flight operations below recommended altitudes near a haulout, pass 

inland or seaward of the haulout site at the greatest lateral distance manageable for safe 

operation of the aircraft.

Shore Party Activities

Operating on land in polar bear areas Avoid polar bears on land, ice, and water. Conduct activities at the maximum distance possible 

from polar bears.

Be prepared. Have a human-bear safety plan that includes information on how to avoid and 

respond to bear encounters. Carry deterrents, and practice/know how to use them.

Avoid surprise encounters. Travel in groups, make noise, and be vigilant - especially on barrier 

islands, in river drainages, along bluff habitat or ice leads/polynyas, near whale or other marine 

mammal carcasses, or in the vicinity of fresh tracks.

Minimize attractants. Avoid carrying strongly scented attractants such as meat or fish while away 

from camp, or place them in air-tight containers to minimize odor transmission.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-11

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Avoid disturbing denning bears. Between November and April, special care is needed to avoid 

disturbance of denning bears. If activities are to take place during that time period, U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS) should be contacted to determine if any additional mitigation is 

required. In general, activities are not permitted within one mile of known den sites.

If a polar bear is encountered Prepare deterrent(s). Do not run from or approach polar bears. If the bear is unaware of you, 

allow it to continue what it was doing before you encountered it. Move to safe shelter (e.g., 

vehicle or building) if available, and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Group up. If no safe shelter is available, group up with others and stand positioned to allow for 

safe deployment of deterrents (e.g., firearm, pistol launcher, bear pepper spray) – until the bear 

leaves.

Observe bear behavior. Polar bears that stop what they are doing to turn their head or sniff the 

air in your direction have likely become aware of your presence. These animals may exhibit 

various behaviors: 1) Curious polar bears typically move slowly, stopping frequently to sniff the 

air, moving their heads around to catch a scent, or holding their heads high with ears forward. 

They may also stand up. 2) A threatened or agitated polar bear may huff, snap its jaws together, 

stare at you (or the object of threat) and lower its head to below shoulder level, pressing its ears 

back and swaying from side to side. 3) A predatory bear may sneak up on an object it considers 

prey. It may also approach in a straight line at constant speed without exhibiting curious or 

threatened behavior.

If a polar bear approaches Defend your group. Any bear that approaches within range of your deterrents should be deterred. 

Stand your ground; do not run. Defend your group, increasing the intensity of your deterrence 

efforts as necessary. Be aware that lethal take of polar bears is permissible if such taking is 

imminently necessary in defense of human life. Defense of life kills must be reported to the 

USFWS within 48 hours.

If a bear makes physical contact, fight back. If deterrence/lethal efforts have failed and a polar 

bear attacks (i.e., makes physical contact), do not “play dead”. Fight back using any deterrents 

available, aiming fists or objects at the bear’s nose and face.
National Ocean Service Surveying and Mapping Projects in U.S. Waters for

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Coastal and Marine Data Acquisition

D-12

Mitigation Measures During NOS Mapping and Surveying Activities

General Note: These requirements do not apply when (1) compliance would create an imminent threat to a person or vessel, or (2) to the 

extent that a vessel cannot comply because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

Triggering Event Crew Response

Tide Gauge Installation

Tide gauge installation projects taking 

place along the shorelines in manatee 

habitat (U.S. Gulf coast and Atlantic Coast 

as far north as the Chesapeake Bay)

Siltation or turbidity barriers shall be made of material in which manatees cannot become 

entangled, shall be properly secured, and shall be regularly monitored to avoid manatee 

entanglement or entrapment. Barriers must not impede manatee movement.

All personnel associated with the project shall be instructed about the presence of manatees. All 

crews shall be advised that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing 

manatees.

All project personnel are responsible for observing water-related activities for the presence of 

manatee(s). All in-water operations, including vessels, must be shut down if a manatee(s) comes 

within 15 m (50 ft) of the operation. Activities will not resume until the manatee(s) has moved 

beyond the 15-m (50-ft) radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the 

manatee(s) has not reappeared within 15 m (50 ft) of the operation. Animals must not be herded 

away or harassed into leaving.

Any collision with or injury to a manatee shall be reported immediately. To report dead, 

debilitated, or distressed manatees, call 1-877-WHALE HELP (1-877-942-5343). NOAA Fisheries 

also has created a Dolphin & Whale 911 telephone app that can be used to direct calls to the 

nearest stranding response helpline.

Temporary signs concerning manatees shall be posted prior to and during all in-water project 

activities. All signs are to be removed upon completion of the project. One sign which reads 

“Caution: Boaters” must be posted. A second sign measuring at least 8 1⁄2” by 11" explaining the 

requirements for “Idle Speed/No Wake” and the shutdown of in-water operations must be posted 

in a location prominently visible to all personnel engaged in water-related activities.