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MMS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: ONGOING STUDIES | ||
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MMS OCS Region: |
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Planning Area: |
Gulfwide | |
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Title: |
Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Marine Mammal
Observer Reports
(GM-08-02) | |
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Total Cost: $150,000 |
Period of Performance: FY 2008-2009 | |
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Conducting Organization: |
GeoCet Group, LLC | |
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MMS Contact: |
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Description: Background: As a result of the 2002 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Biological Opinion for Lease Sale 184 (western planning area), Minerals Management Service (MMS) implemented a seismic survey mitigation measures Notice to Lessees (NTL). This initial NTL (2002-G07) has subsequently been updated (2003-G08; 2004-G01; 2007-G02) and expanded to include a variety of mitigations and reporting requirements. These measures apply to all on-lease surveys conducted under 30 CFR 250 and all off-lease surveys conducted under 30 CFR 251. Seismic operators in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are required to submit reports on the 1st and 15th of each month. Reporting requirements include an observer effort report, survey reports and sightings report. These reports are sent electronically to MMS through a protected species mailbox (protectedspecies@mms.gov) which is monitored by a protected species biologist in the Leasing and Environment (LE) section. As part of the original Biological Opinion that resulted in the seismic survey observer program, NMFS also required that an annual report be submitted documenting all sightings of sperm whales and sea turtles, the species likely to be sighted currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As a result, MMS now has considerable data from the observer program and is in a position to evaluate existing mitigations and their effectiveness. These data would be timely for both MMS and NMFS as we proceed through the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) rulemaking process. | ||
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Objectives: The
purpose of this study is to summarize and synthesize submitted seismic
survey observer reports for the years 2003-2008. After synthesis of these data,
recommendations will be made as to the effectiveness of required
mitigation measures, as well as suggestions for new and/or improved
mitigations. | ||
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Methods: Due to the proprietary nature of the reports, this analysis will require close coordination with LE personnel. Working with existing spreadsheets and data, a separate analysis of all three reports (observer effort, survey, and sightings) will be completed. Characterizations of seismic activity levels, species occurrence and behavior, and observer effort are among the types of data that will be analyzed. Additional details about the types of data collected for each report can be found in the latest NTL No. 2007-G02. http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/regs/ntls/2007NTLs/07-g02.pdf. | ||
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Products: Final report and journal publication. | ||
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Importance to MMS: This study will provide information about the existing seismic survey mitigation program. By a thorough review of all reporting received since the inception of the program in 2003, MMS will be able to quantify many facets of the program and evaluate its effectiveness. In addition, received data on geophysical activities in the GOM can be compared with projected estimates used in NEPA documents. These data will provide much needed information to both MMS and NMFS for MMPA and ESA consultations. | ||
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Current Status: |
Ongoing | |
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Final Report Due: |
September
2009 | |
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Publications: |
none | |
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Affiliated WWW Sites: |
none | |
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Revised date: |
March 2009 | |
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ESPIS |
ESPIS
- All completed ESP Studies: | |