modifications to the harbor porpoise take reduction plan - Northeast ...

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose and Need ......................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Scope of the Analysis ...........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Management History.................................................................................................................4
1.2.1 Harbor Porpoise Conservation under the Endangered Species Act ...............................................4
1.2.2 Management of Harbor Porpoise Incidental Bycatch under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan ..............................................................................................................................................4
1.2.3 Gulf of Maine and Mid-Atlantic Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Teams ...................................5
1.2.4 Reconvening the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team...............................................................7
1.2.5 Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan..............................................................................................7
1.2.5.1 A Review of the Effectiveness of the HPTRP...........................................................................8
1.2.5.1.1 NMFS Outreach and Enforcement Efforts .......................................................................11
1.2.5.1.2 Effectiveness of Gear Modifications of the Existing HPTRP ..........................................13
2.0 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES ................................................... 15
2.1 Non-Regulatory Components .................................................................................................15
2.2 Alternatives to Modify the HPTRP........................................................................................15
2.2.1 Alternative 1: No Action (Status Quo) .............................................................................................17
2.2.2 Alternative 2: Closures......................................................................................................................23
2.2.3 Alternative 3: Pingers........................................................................................................................27
2.2.4 Alternative 4: Preferred ....................................................................................................................31
2.2.5 Alternative 5: Modified Alternative 4 ..............................................................................................42
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT........................................... 48
3.1 Physical Environment .............................................................................................................48
3.2 Biological Environment...........................................................................................................49
3.2.1 Essential Fish Habitat, Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, and Critical Habitat ...................49
3.2.2 Protected Species ...............................................................................................................................51
3.2.2.1 Marine Mammals .....................................................................................................................53
3.2.2.1.1 Large Whales .......................................................................................................................54
3.2.2.1.2 Smaller Cetaceans ...............................................................................................................59
3.2.2.1.3 Pinnipeds ..............................................................................................................................66
3.2.2.2 Sea Turtles ................................................................................................................................69
3.2.2.3 Protected Fish ...........................................................................................................................73
3.3 Fishing Community .................................................................................................................74
3.3.1 Fishery Descriptions ..........................................................................................................................74
3.3.2 Fishing Communities/Economics of Port Groups...........................................................................75
4.0 EFFECTS OF THE MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES............................................ 82
4.1 Biological Effects of the Alternatives .....................................................................................82
4.1.1 Biological Effects of the Alternatives on Harbor Porpoises ...........................................................82
4.1.1.1 Biological Effects of Alternative 1 (No Action, Status Quo) .................................................84
4.1.1.2 Biological Effects of Alternative 2 (Closures) ........................................................................85
4.1.1.3 Biological Effects of Alternative 3 (Pingers) ..........................................................................86
4.1.1.4 Biological Effects of Alternative 4 (Preferred).......................................................................88
4.1.1.5 Biological Effects of Alternative 5 (Modified Alternative 4).................................................92
4.1.2 Comparison of the Biological Effects of the Alternatives...............................................................94
4.1.3 Biological Effects of Alternative 1 on the Affected Environment..................................................95
4.2 Economic Impacts of the Alternatives ...................................................................................96
4.2.1 Data and Methods..............................................................................................................................97
4.2.1.1 Data ...........................................................................................................................................97
4.2.1.2 Framework for Analysis ..........................................................................................................98
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