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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEETER-DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY' DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS 4400 PGA BOULEVARD, SUITE 500 PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33410 rlAugust 1, 2018 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF Regal latory Division I Sout� Permits Branch Palm Beach Gardens Permits Section SAJ�2018-01829 (RGP-VEK)��� Tool Juliano 391 T Shoreside Drive Fort, IPierce, FL 34949 Mr. Juliano: P ur application for a Department of the Army permit received on June 22, 2018, has bee assigned number SAJ-2018-01829. A review of the information and drawings pro ided shows the proposed work includes the construction of a 344 square foot dock anILr a boat lift. The project would affect waters of the United States associated with the Inn River at 3917 Shoreside Drive, in Section.23, Township 34 South, Range 40 EaFort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida. project, as depicted on the enclosed drawings, is authorized by Regional Ge eral Permit (GP) SAJ-20. This authorization is valid until March 27, 2023. Please acc ss the Corps' Jacksonville District Regulatory Division Internet page to view the sped ial and general conditions for SAJ-20, which apply specifically to this authorization. The Internet URL address is: I http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx Plebse be aware this Internet address is case sensitive; and, you will need to enter it exaICtly as it appears above. Once there you will need to click on "Source Book"; and, the In,I click on "General Permits". Then you will need to click on the specific SAJ permit not�d above. You must comply with all of the special and general conditions of the per It; and, any project -specific conditions noted below, or you may be subject to enf� rcement action. The following project -specific conditions are included with this authorization: 1 Reporting Address: The Permittee shall submit all reports, notifications, documentation and correspondence required by the general and special conditions of this permit to the following address: a. For standard mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division, Special Projects and Enforcement Branch, 4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 500, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410. , -2- b. For electronic mail SAJ-RD-Enforcement@usace.army.mil (not to exceed 10 MB). 2. Self -Certification Statement of Compliance: Within 60 days of completion of the work authorized by this permit, the Permittee shall complete the attached "Self -Certification Statement of Compliance" form (Attachment 3) and submit it to the Corps. In the event that the completed work deviates in any manner from the authorized work, the Permittee shall describe the deviations between the work authorized by this permit and the work as constructed on the "Self -Certification Statement of Compliance" form. The description of any deviations on the "Self - Certification Statement of Compliance" form does not constitute approval of any deviations by the Corps. 3. Cultural Resources/Historic Properties: a. No structure or work shall adversely affect impact or disturb properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or those eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. b. If during the ground disturbing activities and construction work within the permit area, there are archaeological/cultural materials encountered which were not the subject of a previous cultural resources assessment survey (and which shall include, but not be limited to: pottery, modified shell, flora, fauna, human remains, ceramics, stone tools or metal implements, dugout canoes, evidence of structures or any other physical remains that could be associated with Native American cultures or early colonial or American settlement), the Permittee shall immediately stop all work and ground - disturbing activities within a 100-meter diameter of the discovery and notify the Corps within the same business day (8 hours). The Corps shall then notify the Florida State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officer(s) (THPO(s)) to assess the significance of the discovery and devise appropriate actions. c. Additional cultural resources assessments may be required of the permit area in the case of unanticipated discoveries as referenced in accordance with the above Special Condition; and if deemed necessary by the SHPO, THPO(s), or Corps, in accordance with 36 CFR 800 or 33 CFR 325, Appendix C (5). Based, on the circumstances of the discovery, equity to all parties, and considerations of the public interest, the Corps may modify, suspend or revoke the permit in accordance with 33 CFR Part 325.7. Such -3- activity shall not resume on non-federal lands without written authorization from the SHPO for finds under his or her jurisdiction, and from the Corps. d. In the unlikely event that unmarked human remains are identified on non- federal lands, they will be treated in accordance with Section 872.05 Florida Statutes. All work and ground disturbing activities within a 100-meter diameter of the unmarked human remains shall immediately cease and the Permittee shall immediately notify the medical examiner, Corps, and State Archeologist within the same business day (8-hours). The Corps shall then notify the appropriate SHPO and THPO(s). Based, on the circumstances of the discovery, equity to all parties, and considerations of the public interest, the Corps may modify, suspend or revoke the permit in accordance with 33 CFR Part 325.7. Such activity shall not resume without written authorization from the State Archeologist and from the Corps. 4. Assurance of Navigation and Maintenance: The Permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United States require the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structures or work herein authorized, or if in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his authorized representative, said structure or work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation of the navigable waters, the Permittee will be required, upon due notice from the Corps of Engineers, to remove, relocate, or alter the structural work or obstructions caused thereby, without expense to the United States. No claim shall be made against the United States on account of any such removal or alteration. 5. Project Design Criteria (PDCs) for In -Water Activities: The Permittee shall comply with National Marine Fisheries Service's "PDCs for In Water Activities" dated November 20, 2017 (Attachment 4). 6. Turbidity Barriers: Prior to the initiation of any of the work authorized by this permit, the Permittee shall install floating turbidity barriers with weighted skirts around all work areas that are in, or adjacent to, surface waters. The turbidity barriers shall remain in place and be maintained until the authorized work has been completed and all suspended and erodible materials have been stabilized. Turbidity barriers shall be removed upon stabilization of the work area. For additional information on Turbidity Control during construction and maintenance activities, please see the PDCs for In -Water Work (Attachment 4). 7. Manatee Conditions: The Permittee shall comply with the "Standard Manatee Conditions for In -Water Work — 2011" (Attachment 5). -4- 8. Daylight Hours: All activities must be completed during daylight hours. 9. Construction Location: Project construction shall take place from uplands or from floating equipment (e.g., barge); prop or wheel -washing is prohibited. 10. Dock Construction Guidelines: To avoid and minimize impacts to mangroves, the Permittee shall comply with the "Dock Construction Guidelines in Florida for Docks or Other Minor Structures Constructed in or over Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, Marsh or Mangrove Habitat — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/National Marine Fisheries Service — November 2017 (Attachment 6). Specifically, the permittee is required to: • Meet all size limitations for the dock access walkway (limited to a width of 4ft) • Ensure that mangrove clearing is restricted to the width of the dock access walkway • Ensure the location and alignment of the dock access walkway is through the narrowest area of the mangrove fringe 11. Protected Species Guidance: The Permittee shall comply with the "Vessel Strike Avoidance Measures and Injured or Dead Protected Species Reporting" (Attachment 7), for marine turtles and marine mammals. (This authorization does not give absolute Federal authority to perform the work as spi cified on your application. The proposed work may be subject to local building re trictions mandated by the National Flood Insurance Program. You should contact yo%r local office that issues building permits to determine if your site is located in a j floe d-prone area, and if you must comply with the local building requirements mandated byyltthe National Flood Insurance Program. 'If you are unable to access the internet or require a hardcopy of any of the conditions, lirr'itations, or expiration date for the above referenced RGP, please contact Virginia King by telephone at 561-472-3515. DisThank you for your cooperation with our permit program. The Corps' Jacksonville trict Regulatory Division is committed to improving service to our customers. We str}}ve to perform our duty in a friendly and timely manner while working to preserve our en�Jronment. We invite you to complete our automated Customer Service Survey at hti):Hcorpsmapu.usace.army.mil/cm_apex/f?p=regulatory_survey. Please be aware thi Internet address is case sensitive; and, you will need to enter it exactly as it ap�ears above. Your input is appreciated — favorable or otherwise. i .. En At Cc .. ... Ha .. Ab AIJ GENERAL CONDITIONS 33 CFR PART 320-330 1. IThe time limit for completing the work authorized ends on March 27, 2023. 2. You must maintain the activity authorized by this permit in good condition and in co r formance with the terms and conditions of this permit. You are not relieved of this req jirement if you abandon the permitted activity, although you may make a good faith transfer to a third party in compliance with General Condition 4 below. Should you wish to 'ease to maintain the authorized activity or should you desire to abandon it without a goy d faith transfer, you must obtain a modification of this permit from this office, which ma require restoration of the area. 3. J�f you discover any previously unknown historic or archeological remains while accomplishing the activity authorized by this permit, you must immediately notify this off' a of what you have found. We will initiate the Federal and state coordination required to determine if the remains warrant a recovery effort or if the site is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 4. I f you sell the property associated with this permit you must obtain the signature of the new owner in the space provided and forward a copy of the permit to this office to val. date the transfer of this authorization. 5. ,'lf a conditioned water quality certification has been issued for your project, you must co I ply with the conditions specified in the certification as special conditions to this pe mit. For your convenience, a copy of the certification is attached if it contains such conditions. 6. You must allow a representative from this office to inspect the authorized activity at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished in ac4ordance with the terms and conditions of your permit. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT TRANSFER REQUEST PERMIT NUMBER: SAJ-2018-01829(GP-VEK) hen the structures or work authorized by this permit are still in existence at the time they property is transferred, the terms and conditions of this permit will continue to be binIding on the new owner(s) of the property. Although the construction period for works aut orized by Department of the Armv permits is finite. the hermit itself. with its re. o validate the transfer of this permit and the associated responsibilities associated compliance with its terms and conditions, have the transferee sign and date below mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Enforcement Section, Post Office Box 0, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019 or by electronic mail at saj-rd- )rcement@usace.army. mi1. (TRANSFEREE -SIGNATURE) (D LTE) i (NAME -PRINTED) (M'. ILING ADDRESS) , STATE, ZIP CODE) (SUBDIVISION) (LOT) (BLOCK) (STREET ADDRESS) i ti SELF -CERTIFICATION STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE Permit Number: SAJ-20 Application Number: SAJ-2018-01829 's Name & Address (please print or type): T �' ephone Number: _ Lo ation of the Work: D 11 to Work Started: Date Work Completed: A PROPERTY IS INACCESSIBLE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION: YES T9 SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION PLEASE CONTACT AT. NO Description of the Work (e.g. bank stabilization, residential or commercial filling, docks, drgdging, etc.): e or Square Feet of Impacts to Waters of the United States: ie Mitigation completed (if applicable): De� cribe any Deviations from Permit (attach drawing(s) depicting the deviations): i i I ce ify that all work, and mitigation (if applicable) was done in accordance with the limitations and conditions as described in the permit. Any deviations as described above are depicted on the ttached drawing(s). Signature of Permittee Date . . ... .. j :S.'.Army.Corps.of Ehgineers:Jacksonville District's.Prog.rammatic Biological. Opinion_ (JaxBO):P.roject.Design Criteriar (PDCs)" for In -Water. Activities _.: -November 20;:2017 - 1) (AP.7.)":Education. and -Observation:: The permittee. must: ensure :that -all. personnel associated with the -.project are: instructed,aboutthe potential presence of species : protected underthe:ESA and the" Marine-MammalPi "tection Ac#.(MMPA). All=on-site - project personnel are: responsible #or observing pater'-related'.activ ties #or: the " = presence.`of.protected species, All. personnel shall.`kie. advised that :there are. civil. and criminal=penalties for.harming; harassing,. or killing ESA=listed"species or marine . '. mammals: To- determine which species. -may. be found. in the:.prpject area. please.. review'the--relevant. Protected -Species. List: at: hhtt ://&sero:nmfs.noaa.:gov/protected ' resources/section -7/threatened - endangered/in:. : dex:html: -- . j: ... ... .... 2) (AP.8.)-Reporting ofinteractions with -protected -.species:. . a) Any. collision(s) with:and/or:injury_to. ariysea.turtle,-sawfish;.wh ale, or:sturgeon occurring. during the. construction of a:project;.shall be: reported'immediately-to ... . NMFS's Protected:Resources.Division (PRD):at:(1-727,-824=53:12):or by email#o: takereport;nmfsser@noaa.gov and.SAJ-RD=Enforcement@usace.army.mi .: _ : :: i.. b) Smalitooth-sawWC.com fish: -Report sightings to 1-844-SAWFISH nor -email = - Sawfish@MyF, . c) Sturgeon:.Report dead sturgeon .to-1=844,-STURG -9.1.1 '(1=844=7.88-749.1) or.ehiail '. nmfs:ser:stur&6hnetwork@noaa:gov: .d): Sea turtles and -marine marrmals-.Reportstranded, injured, or dead animals:to:1.=. 877=WHALE HELP:(1-877:942-5343) `. e) North Atlantic: right Whale: Report injured: dead; or entangled right Wtiales.to :the . USCG via VHF -Channel 1.6. 3). (AP..9.) Vessel Traffic and. Construction -Equipment; All.vessel "operators musf - watch- for and :avoid :collision -with species: protected. under#he:ESA and MMPA.:.. : Vessel operators: must -avoid potential interactions with :protected species and .. = operate in -accordance.with the -following protective measures .. .. . a).`Construction`Eguipment:- = : - i) " All_vessels associated with'the .construction project shall-Werate at "Idle. Speed/Na-Wake"it all. times while operating in water -.depths where the -draft. :of the vessel:provides:less: than -a 4-foot:(ft):clearance. from the: bottom"--and'-in all depths :after -a: protected..pecie.s has: been- observed_ in: and --has :departed = :'the area: ..... ..... .... ii) All. vessels- will _follOW marked _channels and/or- routes- using. the maximum . water.depth When ' er.possible.... : iii) O p eratio of an- :m p n y. echanical. construcfion equipment, including vessels; cease immediately :if a listed..species is -observed. within. a 50-ft. radius. of' construction equipment. and shall:not.resume -until:the species 'has departed the _area of its own. volition: = :iv - If the detection. 'of s ecies.is: not ossible: tlurin certain.weatfier.conditionS. p.. p . g . (e.g.;. fog, rain; wind), then. in 'tor operations .v►rill cease. until weather. conditions -.improve_ and. detection -is again -feasible..-. b) All Vessels: :: .. ... .. . . i) Sea. turtles.'Mai ntal h--a, mmnimum distance of -150 ft:` ii) NorthAtlantic.rightwhale:;Maintaina.minimum.1500-ftdisiance.(5.00yards).. :iii) Vessels. 65 ft- in".length.or. longer must:comply-with. the Righf.Whale. Ship Strike. -Reduction Rule '(50 :CFR :224.105).which includes :reducing :speeds _to -10. i. knots. or less. in Seasonal Management_ Areas :. iv)_ Mariners,shall :check various- communication Media -for general information: : i regarding-avoiding:ship strikes and specific-information.regard ng.r'ightwhale, sightings -in. the. area: These :include NOAA-weather. radio; .,USCG NAVTEX broadcasts,` and Notices-fo-Mariners. . . '.v) :Ma.rine.manimals (i.e:, -dolphins.....I f0ther than North Atlantic:n ht. : . whales],- and porpoises): -Maintain:a minimum distance of300 ft.: . vi When -.these 'anirhals:are si -hted:'while the vesselAs:underwa e. bow 9 Y ( g•; riding);.attempt to .remain parallel to the animal's course.=Avoid excessive speed"or a . upt: clian.ges-in :direction until they. have left the area: ` .. . { vii).Reduce speed.to 10-knots.or'less-when mother/calf.pairs.,or groups, of marine.:. _ mammals_are observed, when safe4y_ permits. . .............. ... ... ... 4): (AP.10.) Turbidity:Control Measures during Construction: Turbidity must:be : moniitored. and controlled: Prior=to initiating. any the work covered under this. Opinion, -the- P'. ittee .shall install turbidity.curtains as described below". n' . some . instances;. the use. of turbidity curtains maybe:waived-by the IJSACE. project.. manager if:the project -is -deemed.too minimal.to:generate--turbidity (e:g:;.certain . - .. �4T0N� installation, scientific 'surve device lacement marine -debris removal- : or if Y p the current is: too strong for-the:curtains-to--stay:in,placo..Turbidity: curtains: ecifications:. :. . Install floating turbidity.barriers.with.weighted-skirts.that.extend:towithinA ft-of.:-. the.bottom around all-work.areas"that are in, or ad- rit.to,-surface waters. Use.these-turbidity barriers throughout construction-to-control.erosion and: =. siltation -and.that turbidity_ le�els'.within the:project.area.do-not-exceed-- :..!. background:conditions.:... - ... - I ) :Position turbidity.barriers-iri away that-does:not block species' entry to or.exit ::'. from designated critical. habitat:. : ..... ) Monitor and maintain turbidity barriers :in place. until. the .authorized work has been c6ftletetl_and.the water -quality in th-e project.area.has-.returned.to .... background, conditions. e) :In the range of -ESA -listed corals (St: Lucie:Inlet,, Martin. County:south to.the: Dry. .Tortugas 'and the: U:S.: Caribbean) and. Johnson's: seagrass:(Turkey :Creek/Palm ............... .. . .. .... uction Guidelines in Florida for Minor Piling -Supported Structures Constructed in or over Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), Marsh or Mangrove Habitat U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/National Marine Fisheries Service November 2017 Aquatic Vegetation: 1. A f oidance. The piling -supported structure shall be aligned so as to minimize the size of the footprint over SAV beds. 2. T,�e height of piling -supported structure shall be a minimum of 5 feet above MHW/OHW as measured from the top surf# a of the decking. 3. The width of the piling -supported structure is limited to a maximum of 4 feet. A turnaround area is allowed for piling- supp rted structures greater than 200 feet in length. The turnaround is limited to a section of the piling -supported structure no more than 10 feet in length and no more than 6 feet in width. The turnaround shall be located at the midppint of the piling -supported structure. 4. Oer-SAV bed portions of the piling -supported structure shall be oriented in a north -south orientation to the maximum exte t that is practicable. 5. a. I�fpossible, terminal platforms shall be placed in deep water, waterward of SAV beds or in an area devoid of SAV b. IIf a terminal platform is placed over SAV areas and constructed of grated decking, the total size of the platform shall be limited to 160 square feet. The grated deck material shall conform to the specifications stipulated below. The confi uration of the platform shall be a maximum of 8 feet by 20 feet. A minimum of 5 feet by 20 feet shall conform to the Sffoot height requirement; a 3 feet by 20 feet section may be placed 3 feet above MHW to facilitate boat access. The longisof the platform should be aligned in a north -south direction to the maximum extent that is practicable. c. f the terminal platform is placed over SAV areas and constructed of planks, the total size of the platform shall be limi d to 120 square feet. The configuration of the platform shall be a maximum of 6 feet by 20 feet of which a mmt in 4-foot wide by 20-foot long section shall conform to the 5-foot height requirement. A section may be placed 3 feet' bove MHW to facilitate boat access. The 3 feet above MHW section shall be cantilevered. The long axis of the platform should be aligned in a north -south direction to the maximum extent that is practicable. If the 3feet above MHW secti1 n is constructed with grating material, it may be 3 feet wide. 6. O e uncovered boat lift area is allowed. A narrow catwalk (2 feet wide if planks are used, 3 feet wide if grating is used, may be added to facilitate boat maintenance along the outboard side of the boat lift and a 4-foot wide walkway may! be added along the stem end of the boat lift, provided all such walkways are elevated 5 feet above MHW. The catty ' lk shall be cantilevered from the outboard mooring pilings (spaced no closer than 10 feet apart). 7. F dings shall be installed in a manner which will not result in the formation of sedimentary P osits( de "donuts" or "halo s") around the newly installed pilings. Pile driving is the preferred method of installation, but jetting with a low pres,.0 pump may be used. spacing of pilings through SAV beds shall be a minimum of 10 feet on center. 9. T4e gaps between deckboards shall be a minimum of %2 inch. ber 2002 - Grid Specifications and Suppliers Section modified to add an additional vendor of materials. rary 2003 — Manufacturer name changed from ChemGrate to FiberGrate 2003 - The terms dock and pier were removed and replaced by the term piling -supported structure, to clarify our intent. h 2008 — Added requirement for 43% open space in grids; added additional manufacturer of grating. mber 2017 — Manufacturer of grated material updated to include Voyager Industries. 1. The piling -supported structure shall be aligned so as to have the smallest over -marsh footprint as practicable. 2. The over -marsh portion of the piling -supported shall be elevated to at least 4 feet above the marsh floor. 3. ' he width of the piling -supported is limited to a maximum of 4 feet. Any exceptions to the width must be accompanied by an equal increase in height requirement. 1. The width of the piling -supported structure is limited to a maximum of 4 feet. 2. Mangrove clearing is restricted to the width of the piling -supported structure. 3. The location and alignment of the piling -supported structure should be through the narrowest area of the mangrove Grid Specifications and Suppliers The , ollowing information does not constitute a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers endorsement or advertisement for any articular provider and is provided only as an example for those interested in obtaining these materials for pilin -supported structure construction. Light -transmitting materials are made of various materials shaped in the form of grids, grates, lattices, etc., to allow the passage of light through the open spaces. All light -transmitting materials used in construction for minor piling -supported structures shall have a minimum of forty-three (43) percent open space. A ty�'e of fiberglass grate panel is manufactured by SeaSafe (Lafayette, LA; phone: 1-800-326-8842) and FiberGrate (1-800-527-4043). A type of plastic grating is manufactured by ThruFlow Interlocking Panels (1-888-478-3569). Plast c grate panels are also distributed by Southern Pine Lumber Company (Stuart, FL; 772-692-2300). Grated panels can be obtained from Titan Deck/Voyager Industries (Brandon, MN; 877-207-4136; www.titandeck.net). Panels are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. For safety, the grate should contain an anti -slip texture whic i is integrally molded into the top surface. The manufacturer or local distributor should be consulted to ensure that a load -bearing capacity of the selected product is sufficient to support the intended purpose. Contact the man facturer(s) for product specifications and a list of regional distributors. )her 2002 - Grid Specifications and Suppliers Section modified to add an additional vendor of materials. vary 2003 — Manufacturer name changed from ChemGrate to FiberGrate 2003 - The terms dock and pier were removed and replaced by the term piling -supported structure, to clarify our intent. ch 2008 — Added requirement for 43% open space in grids; added additional manufacturer of grating. ember 2017 — Manufacturer of grated material updated to include Voyager Industries. R DOCK. EX AMPLE:- GRATED.. TERMINA' L. P.LATPO. RM� .. Constru_c_tion. Guidelines in Florida for'Minor. Piling jS ported Structures Constructed in or over Submerged . quatic'—Vegetation SAV.), Marsh or: Mangrove Habitat i U.'S. Army Corps of Engi.ne6rs/Ntitioiial' Marine Fisheries Sef..vice=August 2001' ' E "GRATED DECKING" NOTES: Means manufactured with a minimum of Not'to scale: r--', 43% open space::: • All widths are maximum dimension. 4 . eta All:heights are, minimum dimension: w.. Spacof pilings through SAV beds shall .: pili ing ng supportedatructures over. SAV ; r. be a minimum of 10-feefon center... should be oriented north-south to the' . 27feet-"i: extent practicable.,... MIDPOINT TURNAROUND .: - MHW = mean high water docks over 200=feet long. for . :. "..: .. - • ..: • LIFT: ONLY . ' _No roof . Vessel should be stored.as high. aboite MHW as possible...: ~ r 'STERN.'WALKWAY; if lift: constructed.. ..'Allowed. ;4,feet May be Tess than 4-feet wide w -20-feet if longer slip is needed.' 3 . a . . :MINIMUM HEIGHT —� ;r- w No less than.5-feet-above MHW 5=feet `+G'- ACCESS CATWALKS - 3' feet ' _ . 3-feet wide if grated decking.:. MHW 3-feet Dove MHW.fo facilitate - -- -' -- - ' --- - --- --- ----- - Wi of �s / boat.acces$. ?. �,. ®am :.� ^ slip/lt'it} Y vary. `'1 Cantilevered off main, structures; no additional pilings. ' „' :. eet 3-feet • 3-feef :OVERHEAD PLAN VIEW : • FRONT PLAN VIEW VE R>20I:407. .... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .... .. ... ... .... .... .. . --- ---- .... .... .. .. .... ---- ---- .. ..... .... .... ..... Vessel'Strike Avoidance Measures ... ... and Reporting for:Mariners .... �s NOAA.Fisheries- Service, -Southeast Region. Bac ground The ational.Marine Fisheries Service:(NMF.S) has. deteimined-that collisions with vessels.cah. injufe or:kilI-protected species ('..g.,'endangered and tlireatened:species,-and marine mammals). :. The ollowing.standard measures. should. be implemented to'reduce�the risk:associated with : vess, l=strikes or disturbance of these protected species to discountable levels: NMFS should be: contacted to identify -any additional -conservation and -recovery issues 'f concern;-and:to'assist iri .. .. .. the' development. nia- ment. of measures that _he necessa p Y ry. . Prot ected Species Identification -Training. - Vest el crews should use.an.Atlantic:and Gulf of.Mexico reference guide that helps identify, , pr6t1 cted species thatmight.be encountered in-U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including -the. Cari beanSea, and Gulf:of Mexico.'. Additional training should be provided regarding: info " atiorrand resources available regarding federal laws and- regulations forprotectedspecies; ship�strike.inforrriation,"criticalhabitat,migratoryzoutes-and:seasonal:abundance, and recent- - sigh ings of protected .species. .. ... - ... .... .... Vessel Strike Avoidance In o{ der.to avoid, causing injury or death to marine:rnammals and sea: turtles the following`. measures. should, be=taken when consistent with: safe navigation: Vessel operators and crews=shall maintain a vigilantwatch-for marine mammals. and sea turtles to avoid striking sighted protected species. 2'. When whales are sighted, maintain.a distance :of:100 yards or greater between the:whale . and the vessel,. When sea.turtles orsmall cetaceans are sighted,'attempt to. ma" intain a-distarice of 50 yards or greater between the animal and the -vessel. possible. ... When small cetaceans are sighted while a vessel is underway (e.-g., bow -riding), ,attempt -. . to .remainparallel to: the animal's course. Avoid excessive. speed or. abrupt changes in direction until the cetacean has left the area. = Reduce vessel speed to 10.knots.or less whenmother/,calf pairs; groups; or, large ' . assemblages of cetaceans are. observed near.an_uriderway vessel;when safetypermits. A. single cetacean.at the surface may indicate the presence of_submerged animals- in -the M vicinity; therefore, prudent precautionary measures should always be.exercised. The vessel shall attempt to -route around the :animals; maintaining a-rninimum distance of-100 yards whenever possible. - . S Southeast Region Vessel Strike Avoidance Measures and Reporting for Mar iners;:revised:February 2008.: regarding .avoiding. ship strikes -and. specific -information regarding.North. Atlantic, fight.. - whale .sighting-. locations:. These .include NOAA-weather radio, U.S. Coast .Guard NAVTEX broadcasts, and Notices to Mariners. Commercial':inariners calling on United States ports should view the mostrecent version of theNOAA/USCGproduced -training - --CD entitled= "A Prudent Mar-irier's Gueidto Right. Whale Protection" (contact -the NMFS :Southeast Region, Protected Resources Division :for:more information regarding the CD)..: 4 Injured;. dead, or. entangled right whales should be immediately reported.to _the U.S.-.Coast. ... :. Guard via. VHF Channel -16. - . .. . Inju led or: Dead: Protected Species Reporting. Vessel crews -shall report sightings of any in or. dead `protected species imrriediately; regardless' -of whether. the injury:or death is caused by -your vessel: Report marine mammals:to the Southeast U.S'.-StraiidmR Hotline: - 877=433-8299- ... - Report sea turtles to the-NMFS-Southeast Regional.Office:.-727=824=5312_ If the injury or death .of - marine-mammal:was caused by a collision .with.yo:ur vessel; responsible parties shall remain available -to_ assist the respective salvage -arid stranding network as needed: -NMFS' Southeast Regional Office -shall be immediately notif ed.of the strike email(takerepoti.nmfsserOiibo ia:gov) using -the attached vesselstrikereporting:form. . For additional information; please_ contact the Protected Resources Division at: . NOAA Fisheries Service Sout eastRegional Office - k In: 263 Avenue South .. 'St.,P ersburg;'FL.33701 :. .