United states department of interior bureau of ocean energy management

(From: http://www.fws.gov/plover/finalchmaps/Plover_LA_5_to_6.jpg)

The 2014 piping plover Breeding Census, the last comprehensive survey throughout the breeding grounds, documented 1,779 breeding pairs with a total of 3,558 birds throughout Canada and US (USFWS, 2017).

Whereas, approximately 30 percent of the piping plover population winters in coastal habitats from Louisiana through the Gulf Coast of Florida, this portion of the population is spread over several hundred miles. Piping plovers generally arrive in Louisiana as early as mid-July and remain through the winter and mid-spring. Some individuals have been documented to remain all year along the Louisiana coast. These individuals are hypothesized to be juvenile birds that are not ready to breed.

Piping plovers were listed principally because of habitat destruction and degradation, predation, and human disturbance. Threats to piping plovers and their habitats used during winter and migration include habitat loss and fragmentation, motorized vehicle use, pedestrian recreational use, pollution, and in certain circumstances, inlet and shoreline stabilization projects, inlet dredging, artificial structures such as jetties and groins, and beach maintenance and nourishment, although the latter can also eventually benefit piping plovers by restoring their habitat.

1.10Atlantic Sturgeon (Gulf subspecies)

1.10.1Description of the Species

The diet of juvenile (2.2 to 4.4 lbs [1 - 2 kg]) sturgeon includes brackish-water amphipods, chironomid larvae, certapogonid larvae, aquatic insects, and small bivalves. Arthropods, annelids, and mollusks are consumed by juvenile sturgeon in rivers and adults in estuaries. Macroinvertebrates, such as dipteran larvae, amphipods, isopods, small grass shrimps, and annelids are key prey species of 2.2 to 22 lbs (1 - 10 kg) Atlantic sturgeon feeding in river mouths. Subadults (22 to 42 lbs [10 - 19 kg]) also consume mud or ghost shrimp. Adult sturgeon in estuaries and coastal areas primarily consume amphipods, polychaetes, lancelets, gastropods, isopods, brachiopods and shrimp (Mason et al. 1993; Carr et al. 1996). Atlantic sturgeon generally eat soft-bodied foods, avoiding armored or spiny organisms. Organisms that are encrusted or have hardened tubes, such as polychaetes and corophiid amphipods, and bony fishes are less likely to be consumed (Mason et al. 1993). Inorganic and organic detritus is consumed incidentally by Atlantic sturgeon (Mason et al.1993). Non-spawning sturgeon may feed longer in the estuaries and bays than spawning adults before moving into the rivers (Fox et al. 2000).

The USFWS and NMFS have joint responsibility regarding consultation for this species. The USFWS is responsible for consultations that occur in riverine habitat and in estuarine habitats with the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NMFS is responsible for consultations that occur in the marine environment and in estuarine habitats with the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and any other Federal agencies not mentioned here.

1.10.2Species Habitat and Distribution

Sturgeon return to the Gulf after the fall spawning period with dropping river temperatures. Sturgeon leave the rivers for winter marine habitats when river temperatures equal fall Gulf temperatures (usually late October or early November) and surface water temperatures are between 62 to 72^o F (Foster and Clugston 1997). Adult Atlantic sturgeon in the Suwannee River in Florida may remain in the lower river and adjacent estuary for several weeks of pre-migratory staging (from late November to early December; Sulak and Clugston 1999). Although it has been suggested that this staging period between fresh and salt water may be necessary for osmoregulation (Murphy and Skaines 1994), sturgeon in some rivers (e.g., the Pearl River in Louisiana) move through the river-bay interface rapidly with little time for acclimatization (Howard Rogillio, LDWF pers. comm. to USACE). By age one, Atlantic sturgeon have developed an active mechanism for osmoregulation and ion balance in euryhaline environments (Altinok et al. 1998).

The presence of the Florida peninsula led to the development of the subspecies in the Gulf; this speciation is maintained by the thermal barrier of the Gulf Stream around south Florida (Huff 1975). The Mississippi River may also limit movements in the Gulf east of the Mississippi River. Atlantic sturgeon have historically inhabited many larger tributaries east of the Mississippi River, including upstream of the Ross Barnett Dam on the Pearl River (Morrow et al. 1996). The present range of the Atlantic sturgeon within the GOM extends from Lake Pontchartrain and the Pearl River system in eastern Louisiana and western Mississippi east to the Suwannee River in Florida (USFWS and NMFS 2009). The largest GOM population of Atlantic sturgeon is in the Pearl River system. The East Timbalier and West Belle Pass project areas are not within the current known range of the Atlantic sturgeon.

1.10.3Status and Cause of Decline

On March 19, 2003, the USFWS and NMFS designated critical habitat for the Atlantic sturgeon in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida (Federal Register Volume 68, No. 53). Portions of the Pearl and Bogue Chitto Rivers, Lake Pontchartrain east of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Little Lake, The Rigolets, Lake St. Catherine, and Lake Borgne were designated critical habitat in Louisiana.

Historically, the Atlantic sturgeon supported commercial and recreational fisheries throughout most of their range from the Mississippi River east to Tampa Bay (U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries 1902, cited in Wooley and Crateau 1985). Atlantic sturgeon populations declined due to fisheries overexploitation (Barkuloo 1988), spawning habitat loss due to dam construction, and deterioration of water quality in natal rivers (Morrow et al. 1996). Around 1860, large-scale exploitation of Atlantic sturgeon began after it was discovered that smoked sturgeon could be substituted for smoked halibut and Atlantic sturgeon eggs could be made into high-quality caviar (Smith 1990). Sturgeon were harvested with gillnets, pound nets, otter trawls, harpoons, trammel nets, weirs, stake row nets, and seines (Huff 1975; Smith 1985; Van Den Avyle 1984; Smith and Clugston 1997). Sturgeon are vulnerable to gill nets and shrimp trawls, although turtle excluder devices (TEDs) may reduce bycatch in shrimp trawls. Poaching still occurs even though fishing is restricted (Collins et al. 2000). These fishing restrictions have not restored the population size, this may be due to reduced suitable spawning habitat. Dams and low water sills prevent spawning adults from moving to traditional spawning grounds. Low dissolved oxygen from eutrophication also contribute to spawning habitat degradation. Adults and subadults are not greatly affected by changes in salinity, dissolved oxygen, or high temperatures; however, eggs and larvae have low tolerance ranges (Collins et al. 2000). The shallow and productive habitats created and protected by barrier islands and headlands are essential for the Atlantic Gulf sturgeon to complete its life cycle. Further negative impacts or degradation caused by shoreline change could bring this species closer to extinction because the population is already significantly reduced and freshwater spawning habitats are extensively degraded.

1.11West Indian Manatee

1.11.1Description of the Species

The following information regarding manatees is summarized from the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan (USFWS 2001a and references within) unless otherwise stated. Florida manatees are massive (adults average about 10 feet in length and 2,200 pounds in weight), fusiform-shaped mammals with skin that is uniformly dark grey, wrinkled, sparsely haired, and rubber-like. Manatees possess paddle-like forelimbs, no hind limbs, and a spatulate, horizontally flattened tail. In the United States, manatees occur primarily in Florida during the winter. Manatees may range as far west as Texas on the Gulf Coast and on the Atlantic coast from Florida as far north as Massachusetts when water temperatures are warmer (USFWS 2007 and references within). On the Gulf Coast, manatees congregate mainly in central and south peninsular Florida; however, observations of manatees west of the Suwannee River during winter months have been increasing over the last decade (Fertl et al. 2005).

1.11.2Species Habitat and Distribution

1.11.3Status and Population Trends

1.12Hawksbill Sea Turtle

1.12.1Description of the Species

1.12.2Species Habitat and Distribution

In the continental United States, nesting sites are restricted to Florida where nesting is sporadic at best (NMFS /USFWS 1993). Due to the lack of suitable foraging and nesting habitats, there is a low probability of this species occurring within the Project area.

1.12.3Status and Cause of Decline

1.13Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

1.13.1Description of the Species

1.13.2Species Habitat and Distribution

Inshore areas of the GOM appear to be important habitat for Kemp’s ridleys, as they tend to concentrate around the mouths of major rivers (Frazier 1980). Members of this genus are characteristically found in waters of low salinity and high turbidity and organic content, where shrimp are abundant (Zwinenberg 1977; Hughes 1972 as cited in Frazier 1980). Kemp’s ridleys have been collected in Louisiana from Lake Borgne, Barataria and Terrebonne Bays, and near Calcasieu Pass (Dundee and Rossman 1989).

Occurrence of these sea turtles in bays and estuaries along the Louisiana coast would not be unexpected, as many of their primary food items occur there. Stomach analyses of specimens collected in shrimp trawls off Louisiana revealed crabs, gastropods, and clams (Dobie et al. 1961). Although Kemp’s ridleys are considered primarily carnivorous benthic feeders (Ernst and Barbour 1972), jellyfish as well as by-catch from shrimp trawlers have been reported as part of their diet (Landry 1986).

During the construction of the Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Project (BA-45), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. The relocation trawling effort as a whole represented approximately 111 days of 12 hour trawling with 1,582 tows being completed. This netted 154 relocations of 154 different sea turtles. A total of 83 Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities (Coastwise Consulting, 2014). There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this Project (REMSA 2014).

During the construction of the Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Increment II Project (BA-143), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. The relocation trawling effort as a whole represented approximately 68 days of 12 hour trawling with 808 tows being completed. This netted 40 relocations of 40 different sea turtles. A total of 33 Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities. There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this Project (East Coast Observers, 2016). There were zero incidental takes during the hopper dredge operation of the BA-143 Project (REMSA 2016).

The Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Projects clearly established the presence and high abundance of Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles in the South Pelto portion of Ship Shoal.

1.13.3Status and Cause of Decline

The greatest cause of decline and the continuing primary threat to Kemp's ridleys is incidental capture in fishing gear, primarily in shrimp trawls, but also in gill nets, longlines, traps and pots, and dredges in the GOM and North Atlantic (NOAA Fisheris 2017b).

The Kemp's ridley is the rarest, most endangered, and enigmatic of all sea turtles world-wide (Perrine 2003; Spotila 2004). During the mid-20th century however, tens of thousands of ridleys nested near Rancho Nuevo, suggesting the Kemp's ridley was abundant in the Gulf of Mexico (NOAA Fisheries 2017b). According to NOAA, the population experienced a devastating decline between the late 1940s and the mid-1980s, however due to intensive conservation actions, the Kemp's ridley began to slowly rebound during the 1990s. The number of nests increased about 15% each year through 2009 but since 2010 the number of nests has decreased causing concern that the positive growth in the population seen over the last decades may have stalled or reversed (NOAA Fisheries 2017b). Although this small sea turtle has continued to decline in Louisiana, it is still believed to be the most frequently encountered (Dundee and Rossman 1989), if not the most abundant sea turtle, off the Louisiana coast (Viosca 1961).

1.14Leatherback Sea Turtle

1.14.1Description of the Species

1.14.2Species Habitat and Distribution

Leatherback turtles are omnivorous but feed primarily on jellyfish and other cnidarians, and have been associated with large schools of cabbage head jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris). Fritts et al. (1983) reported that these turtles also ingest plastic, apparently mistaking it for food.

Nesting occurs from February through July at sites located from Georgia to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nesting leatherbacks occur along beaches in Florida, Nicaragua, and islands in the West Indies; however, no nesting has been reported in Louisiana (Gunter 1981; Dundee and Rossman 1989). In Louisiana, leatherbacks are believed to occur offshore in deep waters; however, they have been collected from or sighted in Cameron Parish, Atchafalaya Bay, Timbalier Bay, and Chandeleur Sound (Dundee and Rossman 1989).

1.14.3Status and Cause of Decline

Because adult female leatherbacks frequently nest on different beaches, nesting population estimates and trends are especially difficult to monitor. However, it is estimated that the global population has declined an estimated 40% over the past three generations (Wallace et al. 2015).

In the Caribbean, Atlantic and GOM, leatherback populations are generally increasing (NOAA Fisheries 2017c). In the United States, the Atlantic coast of Florida is one of the main nesting areas in the continental United States. NOAA Fisheries data from this area reveals a general upward trend of, though with some fluctuation. Florida index nesting beach data from 1989-2014, indicate that number of nests at core index nesting beach ranged from 27 to 641 in 2014 (NOAA Fisheries 2017c). In the U.S. Caribbean, nesting in Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to increase as well, with some shift in the nesting between these two islands, according to NOAA Fisheries.

1.15Green Sea Turtle

1.15.1Description of the Species

1.15.2Species Habitat and Distribution

The turtles migrate from nesting areas to feeding grounds, which are sometimes several thousand miles away. Most turtles migrate along the coasts, but some populations are known to migrate across the ocean from nesting area to feeding grounds. The major nesting beaches are always found in places where the seawater temperature is greater than 77°F (25°C). As a species that migrates long distances, these turtles face special problems associated with differing attitudes toward conservation in different countries. Green sea turtles are the only sea turtles known to come ashore for purposes other than nesting. Both immature and adult green sea turtles are known to bask (Perrine 2003).

In the southeastern United States, green sea turtles are found around the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the continental U.S. from Texas to Massachusetts. The primary nesting sites in U.S. Atlantic waters are along the east coast of Florida, with additional sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Green sea turtles are also found throughout the North Pacific, ranging as far north as Eliza Harbor, Admiralty Island, Alaska, and Ucluelet, British Columbia. In the eastern North Pacific, green sea turtles have been sighted from Baja California to southern Alaska. In the central Pacific, green sea turtles can be found at most tropical islands. In U.S. Hawaiian waters, green sea turtles are found around most of the islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago. The primary nesting site is at French Frigate Shoals.

Female green sea turtles lay one to seven clutches of eggs in a single nesting season with each clutch containing an average of 110 eggs (Spotila 2004). The number of nests has been estimated to be between 350 to 2,300 nests annually. Green sea turtles nest at two, three, or four-year intervals. This nesting activity indicates a population of less than 1,000 females in the breeding population of Florida and Mexico. It takes longer for a green turtle to reach maturity than any other sea turtle, typically living 45-59 years (Spotila 2004).

During the construction of the Caminada Headlands Beach and Dune Restoration Project (BA-45), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. Of the total 154 sea turtle relocations, 2 green turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities (Coastwise Consulting, 2014). There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this Project.

During the construction of the Caminada Headlands Beach and Dune Restoration Increment II Project (BA-143), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. Zero Green Sea Turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities on BA-143. There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this project (East Coast Observers, 2014). There were zero incidental takes during the hopper dredge operation of the BA-143 Project (REMSA, 2016).

The BA-45 Project clearly established the presence of Green Sea Turtles in the South Pelto portion of Ship Shoal.

1.15.3Status and Cause of Decline

In the U.S., green turtles nest primarily along the central and southeast coast of Florida where an estimated 200-1,100 females nest annually. The two largest nesting populations are found at: Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, where 22,500 females nest per season on average and Raine Island, on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where 18,000 females nest per season on average

The principal cause of the historical, worldwide decline of the green turtle is long-term harvest of eggs and adults on nesting beaches and juveniles and adults on feeding grounds. These harvests continue in some areas of the world and compromise efforts to recover this species. Incidental capture in fishing gear, primarily in gillnets, but also in trawls, traps and pots, longlines, and dredges is a serious ongoing source of mortality that also adversely affects the species' recovery. Green turtles are also threatened, in some areas of the world, by a disease known as fibropapillomatosis (FP), which causes tumors on turtles (NOAA Fisheries 2017d). The USFWS and NMFS have funded research on FP to expand knowledge of the disease to develop an approach for remedying the problem. Additional threats to this species in the U.S. include coastline and barrier island erosion, which result in the loss of suitable habitat (LDWF 2004).

1.16Loggerhead Turtle

1.16.1Description of the Species

1.16.2Species Habitat and Distribution

Loggerheads were the second most abundant sea turtle reported in Louisiana; most of the turtles observed were juveniles (Fuller et al. 1987). Loggerheads are capable of living in a variety of environments, such as in brackish waters of coastal lagoons and river mouths. During the winter, they may remain dormant, buried in the mud at the bottom of sounds, bays, and estuaries. The major nesting beaches are located in the southeastern United States, primarily along the Atlantic coast of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Only minor and solitary nesting has been recorded along the coasts of the GOM. In 2015 for example, USGS recorded crawl attempts during the nesting season at the Chandeleur Islands and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) located a nest crawl on Grand Isle.

The largest of the hard-shell sea turtles, the loggerhead is distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical bays and open oceans. Loggerheads probably range all along the Louisiana coast; however, Dundee and Rossman (1989) reported specimens only from Chandeleur Sound, Barataria Bay, and Cameron Parish. The population decline of loggerheads can be attributed to egg and nestling predation by mammals and birds (Dundee and Rossman 1989).

Nesting on the Gulf Coast occurs between the months of April and August, with 90 percent of the nesting effort occurring on the south-central Gulf Coast of Florida (Hildebrand 1981). Although loggerheads have been documented as nesting on the Chandeleurs in 1962 and Grand Isle in the 1930s, it is doubtful whether this species currently successfully nests on the Louisiana coast (Hildebrand 1981, Dundee and Rossman 1989). The loggerhead's diet includes marine invertebrates such as mollusks, shrimp, crabs, sponges, jellyfish, squid, sea urchins, and basket stars (Caldwell et al. 1955; Hendrickson 1980; Nelson 1986). Landry (1986) suggested that these turtles may also feed on discarded by-catch from shrimp trawling. Adult loggerheads feed in waters less than fifty meters deep, while the primary foraging areas for juveniles appears to be in estuaries and bays (Nelson 1986; Rabalais and Rabalais 1980).

During the construction of the Caminada Headlands Beach and Dune Restoration Project (BA-45), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. Of the total 154 sea turtle relocations, 69 Loggerhead sea turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities. There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this project (Coastwise Consulting, 2014). There was one incidental take involving a Loggerhead sea turtle aboard one of the hopper dredges as part of this project (REMSA, 2014).

During the construction of the Caminada Headlands Beach and Dune Restoration Increment II Project (BA-143), turtle trawling and relocation was conducted in conjunction with hopper dredging activities in the South Pelto Borrow Area. This netted 40 relocations of 40 different sea turtles. A total of 7 Loggerhead sea turtles were relocated as a part of the project activities. There were no turtle mortalities or injuries associated with relocation trawling on this Project (East Coast Observers, 2014). There were zero incidental takes during the hopper dredge operation of the Caminada Headland Increment II Project (REMSA, 2016).

The Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Projects clearly established the presence and high abundance of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the South Pelto portion of Ship Shoal.

1.16.3Status and Cause of Decline

Loggerhead turtle biology, behavior, and conservation were summarized by Perrine (2003) and Spotila (2004). Loggerheads can live in a variety of environments, including brackish waters of coastal lagoons and river mouths. During the winter, they may remain dormant, buried in the mud at the bottom of sounds, bays, and estuaries. Most nesting beaches are in the southeastern U.S., primarily along the Atlantic coast from Florida to North Carolina. Infrequent nesting occurs along the Gulf coast.

The loggerhead is the most abundant sea turtle species in U.S. waters. Nearshore Gulf waters may provide important developmental habitat for juvenile loggerheads. Loggerheads stranded on the lower Texas coast (south of Matagorda Island) appear to have been feeding in nearshore waters shortly before their death (Plotkin et al. 1993).

Major protection efforts of nests and beach habitat protection are underway for most of the significant nesting areas in the southeast U.S. and mortality from commercial fisheries have been reduced with the enforcement of turtle excluder devices (TED) regulations. Many coastal counties and communities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have developed lighting ordinances to reduce hatchling disorientation. Important U.S. nesting beaches are being acquired for long-term protection. Loggerhead turtles migrate, this severely compromises conservation efforts for turtles outside U.S. waters. Legal and illegal fishing in some countries cause high mortality of loggerhead nesting populations in the western north Atlantic. Long migrations between nesting beaches and foraging areas requires long-term international cooperation to enable recovery and stability of nesting populations (USFWS 2001e).

4. ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED RESTORATION PROJECT

1.17Red Knot and Piping Plover

1.18Atlantic Sturgeon

1.19West Indian Manatee

1.20Sea Turtles

1.20.1Green Sea Turtle

1.20.2Hawksbill Sea Turtle

1.20.3Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

1.20.4Leatherback Sea Turtle

1.20.5Loggerhead Sea Turtle

1.21Proposed Conservation Measures

1.21.1Red Knot and Piping Plover Monitoring

Surveys will be conducted twice per month beginning in the winter/migration season prior to the start of construction (depending upon the construction start date). In the months of April and July, one (1) survey per month would be adequate to cover lingering winter birds in April and early arriving birds in July. No surveys would be required in the months of May and June when the birds are on their northern breeding grounds. Surveys will follow the pre-construction survey areas, methodology, and reporting.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Project may not be able to work continuously for the full twelve (12)-month construction period. Therefore, for extended times (two (2) months or more) when there is no active work within the Project area, scheduled plover surveys may be temporarily suspended until work activities resume. Written justification will be provided immediately to the USFWS and also documented in data report(s) should any work be suspended for an extended period of time. As soon as work activities resume, piping plover and red knot surveys will also resume following the initial survey schedule as closely as possible.

1.21.2Nesting Shorebird Abatement for Species Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Proactive measures will be taken to prevent colonial nesting waterbirds from nesting within the Project area prior to and during construction. These measures may include deterrents such as propane cannons, predator decoys, reflective flagging, reflective windsocks, visual disturbances, or other approved bird repellant devices. These repellent devices will be placed in designated areas within the Project area prior to the nesting periods. Nesting periods are April 1 through September 15 for gulls terns, and/or black skimmers; February 16 through August 31 for nesting wading birds (i.e., herons, egrets, night- herons, ibis, and roseate spoonbills), anhingas, and/or cormorants; and November 1 through July 31 for brown pelicans. The contractor will coordinate closely with the LDWF, USFWS, and NMFS on the timing and placement of the deterrent devices. The Project team understands the importance of preventing nesting activities within the Project area that is under constructions as there is no provision for “incidental take” in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Prior to any work, qualified personnel will conduct surveys in all potential nesting bird habitats within the Project boundaries that may be impacted by construction or preconstruction activities. These surveys will be conducted and will include species not considered in this BA, such as brown pelicans and colonial nesting waterbirds. Data collection protocols will be established through close coordination with the LDWF and the USFWS.

If nesting occurs during construction within the Project area, the contractor shall establish a buffer zone around colonies containing nesting gulls, terns, and/or black skimmers; around colonies of nesting wading birds (i.e., herons, egrets, night-herons, ibis, and roseate spoonbills), anhingas, and/or cormorants; and around nesting colonies of brown pelicans.

1.21.3Sea Turtle Conservation Measures

A hopper dredge inspection will be performed using the COE Sea Turtle Inspection Checklist for Hopper Dredges for COE Projects or COE/Army Permitted Projects. A qualified inspector will be responsible for ensuring that the hopper dredge inspection has been performed and that all recommendations have been implemented or addressed prior to giving the project approval to proceed.

A NMFS-approved protects species observe will visually monitor the dredge area repeatedly prior to the commencement of dredging and during the dredging for the presence of sea turtles and other protected species. Observers will monitor the hopper spoil, overflow, screening, and draghead for sea turtles and other protected species and their remains.

Flood lights would be installed to allow observers to safely observe and monitor the baskets or screens.

When night work is performed, all on beach lighting associated with the Project will be limited to the immediate area of active construction. Such lighting must consist of shielded, low pressure, sodium vapor lights to minimize illumination of the nesting beach and near shore waters. Lighting on offshore equipment will be similarly minimized through reduction, shielding, lowering, and appropriate placement of lights to avoid excessive illumination of the water, while meeting all U.S. Coast Guard and OSHA requirements. Shielded, low pressure, sodium vapor lights are highly recommended for lights on offshore equipment that cannot be eliminated.

The CPRA will be conducting assessment/relocation trawling as a method to further reduce the potential for incidental takes of sea turtles during the use of hopper dredging. Trawling would be conducted consistent with the ongoing Biological Opinion for Ship Shoal (NMFS 2005 and Hendren 2014).

Should a hopper dredge be used, the dredge will be equipped with a rigid sea turtle deflector attached to the draghead. The dredge will be operating in such a manner in which to reduce interactions with sea turtles (e.g., reduce RPM’s when the draghead is not on the surface of the sediment). Inflow screening baskets (4-inch mesh) will be installed to monitor the intake and overflow of the dredge for sea turtle remains. The inflow would be screened 100 percent during all dredging operations. If conditions prevent 100 percent inflow screening, inflow screening may be reduced gradually, but 100 percent overflow screening is then required. Variations from these provisions may be granted, but any approved variation must be justified from a technical perspective. All corrective actions proposed during the hopper dredge inspection will be made prior to initiation of dredging.

A final report summarizing the results of the dredging and any incidental takes of listed species would be submitted to NMFS within 30 working days of the completion of the project. A final report, on any nest monitoring activities would be submitted to the USFWS, following nesting.

Sufficient time must be allotted between each dredging cycle for approved observers to inspect and thoroughly clean the baskets and screens for sea turtle and/or turtle parts and document findings. Between each dredging cycle, the approved observer should also examine and clean the dragheads and document findings.

5. CONCLUSIONS

6. LITERATURE CITED

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Barkuloo, J.M. 1988. Report on the conservation status of the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon, (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Panama City, FL. 33 p.

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Coastwise Consulting, Inc. 2014. The use of Relocation Trawling to Reduce the Impacts of Hopper Dredging on Sea Turtles at the Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Project – Increment I (BA-45). Coastwise Consulting Inc., Athens, Georgia, 10 pp + appendices.

Cohen, J. B., J. D. Fraser, and D. H. Catlin. 2006. Survival and site fidelity of piping plovers on Long Island, New York. Journal of Field Ornithology 77:409-417.

Collins, M. R., S.G. Rogers, T. I. J. Smith and M. Moser. 2000. Primary factors affecting sturgeon populations in the southeastern United States: Fishing mortality and degradation of essential habitat. Bulletin of Marine Science 66(3):917–928.

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