Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Incidental Harassment Authorization to BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. for Shallow Geohazard Survey in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Foggy Island Bay, Alaska
June 20, 2014
Biological opinion on the effects of open-water 2D seismic surveys on endangered and threatened species during the 2014 open water season. NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2014-9370.
This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an IHA to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA. The take would be incidental to open-water 2D seismic surveys to BP Exploration (Alaska) in the state and federal waters of Foggy Island Bay in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, Alaska. The surveys would take place from July 1 to September 30, 2014. These actions have the potential to affect the endangered bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida), and threatened Beringia DPS of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus). There is no critical habitat designated for these species.
The proposed survey will acquire data in two phases. Phase 1 is focused on obtaining 2D high resolution shallow geohazard data using an airgun array and towed streamer in the Site Survey area. The survey will occur within 31 square kilometers (km2) (12square miles (mi2). During phase 2, data will be acquired in both the Site Survey and Sonar Survey areas using the multibeam echosounder, sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and the magnetometer. Phase 2 will cover approximately 13 km2 (5 mi2).
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources - Permits and Conservation Division