MARIANA ISLANDS RANGE COMPLEX ... - Guam Legislature

MARIANA ISLANDS RANGE COMPLEX FEIS/OEIS MAY 2010
species of the Procellerridae family have not been observed on or around the island. The described
training activities would present no measurable chance for interaction with this species.
Considering the rarity of this species and the lack of frequent sightings within the MIRC Study Area,
chances for its potential interactions with MIRC exercises would be extremely low. The probability of
direct or indirect effects to individuals or populations remains low. The spatial and temporal variability of
both the occurrence of a Hawaiian petrel and the training activities conducted within offshore locations
near foraging areas presents an improbable chance of direct or indirect effect on this species. MIRC
training activities would have no effect on Hawaiian petrel.
3.10.4.3 Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis)
Newell’s shearwaters are also rare migrants that forage in offshore open ocean waters. Petrels forage near
the sea surface, and can range 1,500 mi (2,500 km) from the Hawaiian Islands, which overlaps with the
MIRC Study Area; however, the range shrinks for part of the year to surround the Hawaiian Islands
during breeding season (April through November). Ranges for the Newell’s shearwater, as with other
pelagic seabirds, increase with El Nino events. Aviation, ocean, and land training within the MIRC Study
Area that overlaps with areas potentially containing the Newell’s shearwater includes vessels traveling
offshore, ordnance impacting foraging locations (FDM), and airspace below 1,000 ft (305 m). Although
there have been no sightings for the Newell shearwater on FDM, Pratt et al. (1987) reported sightings on
Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian; therefore, occurrence at FDM is possible during the non-breeding season
(December – March). It should be noted that there has been no observations of other species of the
Procellerridae family on or in nearshore waters of FDM.
Considering the rarity of this species and the lack of frequent sightings within the MIRC Study Area,
chances for its potential interactions with MIRC exercises would be extremely low. The probability of
direct effects to individuals or populations remains low. The spatial and temporal variability of both the
occurrence of a Newell’s shearwater and the training activities conducted within offshore locations near
foraging areas presents an improbable chance of direct or indirect effect on this species. MIRC training
activities would have no effect on Newell’s shearwater.
3.10.5 Mitigation, Conservation Measures, and Other Standard Protective Measures
Mitigation, conservation measures, and other standard protective measures that would occur under the
Action Alternatives are described in detail in Chapter 5. The Navy has identified measures that would
avoid, minimize, or offset potential direct and indirect effects of the Action Alternatives. These measures
are summarized below:
3.10.5.1 Conservation Measures for Predators, Pests, and Plants: Invasive Species Management
Associated with MIRC Training Activities
The Navy recognizes that accidental introductions of invasive species into terrestrial habitats within the
MIRC may threaten seabird and shorebirds. The Navy has designed, in consultation with USFWS Pacific
Islands Field Office, several measures that avoids or minimizes the threat of invasive predators, plants,
and pests. Although these measures provide protections to seabirds and shorebirds within the MIRC, the
measures were designed with a specific focus on ESA listed species within terrestrial habitats within the
MIRC. Therefore, more detailed descriptions of these measures are provided in Section 3.11.4 and are
not repeated here. The measures are listed below along with the appropriate section reference.
(1) Brown Treesnake Interdiction, Control, and DoD participation in the Brown Treesnake
Control Plan (see Section 3.11.4.1.1),
SEABIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS 3.10-45