Vessel Quotas and Operating Requirements Vessel Quotas and ...

82
NUMBER
OR6-03
OR6-04
OR6-05
OR6-06
OR6-07
OR6-08
OR6-09
OR6-10
OR6-11
RESPONSE
The NPS preferred alternative in the FEIS, alternative 6, would extend the June through August levels for cruise ships into
May and September. Visitation by other vessel types does not warrant extension of the season for these other vessel
categories.
The "based in Bartlett Cove" exemption would be eliminated under three of the six alternative in the FEIS, including the
NPS preferred alternative. Short-notice permits would be issued for anyone who makes a reservation 48 hours in
advance.
In general, cruise ships stay mid-channel when traveling within the park. Therefore, the Park Service has determined that
defining mandatory routes would be unnecessary.
Three of the six alternatives, including the NPS preferred alternative, include a 13-knot speed limit for large vessels
throughout Glacier Bay. Studies have shown the potential and severity of collisions between vessels 262 feet (80 meters)
or larger and humpback whales is significantly reduced when the vessel is traveling at speeds 13 knots or less. This also
would reduce air emissions from existing conditions. Please see chapter 2 for a description of the NPS preferred
alternative, alternative 6.
Three of the six alternatives in this FEIS, including the NPS preferred alternative, would extend to year-round the
seasonal timeframe of when vessels must remain greater than 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) from harbor seals hauled out on
ice in Johns Hopkins Inlet. (The current seasonal restriction is from July 1 through August 31.)
Under the NPS preferred alternative in this FEIS, alternative 6, the East Arm would remain open to both cruise ships and
tour vessels; however, Adams Inlet is closed to all cruise ships and tour vessels. Under current regulations, upper Muir
Inlet is closed to all motorized vessels from June 1 to July 15. In general, cruise ships do not currently travel into the East
Arm.
Regarding Dundas Bay, the NPS preferred alternative in this FEIS (alternative 6) establishes limits for tour and charter
vessels and prohibits cruise ships. Tour vessels would be limited to one per day during the quota season and would be
allowed only in the non-wilderness waters of lower Dundas Bay. Charter vessels would be limited by a seasonal-use day
limit but not a daily quota during the quota season.
As indicated above, the NPS preferred alternative in the FEIS, alternative 6, includes many of the additional protective
measures outlined in alternative 4.
The Park Service will develop a research framework to assist the superintendent in evaluating the current vessel
approach distance to harbor seals hauled out in Johns Hopkins Inlet. See general response number 3.
OR6-12 Please see general response number 4.
OR6-13
OR6-14
The current level of private vessel use does not warrant restricting private vessels in Dundas Bay. The Park Service does
periodically monitor use in Dundas Bay and would consider additional measures if warrented.
Three of the six alternatives, including the NPS preferred alternative, include a 13-knot speed limit for large vessels
throughout Glacier Bay. Studies have shown the potential and severity of collisions between vessels 262 feet (80 meters)
or larger and humpback whales is significantly reduced when the vessel is traveling at speeds 13 knots or less. This also
would reduce air emissions from existing conditions. Please see chapter 2 for a description of the NPS preferred
alternative, alternative 6.