Vessel Quotas and Operating Requirements Vessel Quotas and ...

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Grouping: Form Letter
Format: Form Letter
NUMBER
RESPONSE
IF1-1 Please see general response number 1.
IF1-2
IF1-3
IF1-4
IF1-5
IF1-6
IF1-7
IF1-8
IF1-9
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.)
No new non-motorized waters are being considered in the EIS. However, the alternatives do include closures of certain
waters to cruise ships and tour vessels.
The NPS preferred alternative in the FEIS, alternative 6, includes more information regarding the basis for increasing
cruise ship numbers and study needs. Please see general response number 3.
Any future increases in cruise ship numbers would be incremental.