[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 213 (Friday, November 4, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-27374]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: November 4, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Availability, Oil Spill Restoration Plan
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) herein releases
the draft Apex Houston Oil Spill Restoration Plan (Plan) for public
review. The Plan covers the Service proposal to restore natural
resources injured as a result of the 1986 Apex Houston barge oil spill.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 5,
1994.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the Plan may be made to: U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-
1803, Sacramento, CA 95825.
Written comments or material regarding the Plan should be sent to
the same address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Welsh, Natural Resource Damage
Assessment Branch Chief, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage
Way, Room E-1803, Sacramento CA 95825.
Interested parties may also call (916) 978-5603 for further
information.
Restoration of Nearshore Breeding Seabird Colonies on the Central
California Coast
Executive Summary
Between January 28 and February 4, 1986 the transportation barge
Apex Houston discharged an undetermined amount of San Joaquin Valley
crude oil while in transit from San Francisco Bay to the Long Beach
Harbor. The oil spill caused damage to natural resources from San
Francisco to the Big Sur coast. Approximately 9,000 seabirds were
killed, including 6,000 common murres (Uria aalge), in addition to
other aquatic life in and around the coastal waters of central
California. State and Federal personnel responded to the spill and
assessed damages as a result of the spill.
The State and Federal natural resource trustees commenced
litigation in this matter against potentially responsible parties in
January 1989. The complaints alleged claims for natural resource
damages, costs, and penalties pursuant to the Clean Water Act, 33
U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq., Title III of the National Marine Sanctuaries
Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq. (formerly the National Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, ``MPRSA''), the California
Harbors & Navigation Code Secs. 293 and 294, and other State Law.
In August, 1994 the parties settled this matter in a Consent Decree
entered by the Federal District Court for the Northern District of
California for $6.4 million. As part of this natural resources damage
settlement, approximately $4.92 million has been allocated for the
restoration of common murres. An additional $500,000 has been allocated
for the acquisition of habitat for the Federally endangered marbled
murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), another species impacted by the
spill. The marbled murrelet project will be the subject of future
restoration planning efforts in this case and is not included in this
plan. The remainder of the $6.4 million collected in the settlement is
for penalties and costs incurred as a result of the spill. A Trustee
Council, comprised of representatives of each Trustee (California
Department of Fish and Game, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) was established to
review and select restoration actions. This Trustee Council will meet
regularly during the duration of the project to review progress and
make necessary changes.
The goal of this effort is to restore common murres in areas where
colonies were extirpated or severely depleted by the Apex Houston oil
spill. Social attractants (decoys and recorded vocalizations of common
murres) will be used to attract common murres to nest at historic
nearshore colonies in the vicinity of San Francisco and Monterey.
Behavior and phenology of common murres will be monitored at these
sites and at reference sites at Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands to
determine when the goal has been met. This project may take
approximately 10 years to achieve success because common murres have
inherently low reproductive rates and do not breed until they are
several years old.
Restoration of Nearshore Breeding Seabird Colonies on the Central
California Coast
Introduction
Nearshore breeding colonies of common murres (Uria aalge)
throughout central coastal California decreased by 60% between 1980 and
1986 (Takekawa et al. 1990). This population decline was attributed to
high mortality from gill-net fishing, oil spills (including the Apex
Houston spill), and a severe El Nino-Southern Oscillation event in
1982-1983 (Takekawa et al. 1990, Swartzman and Carter 1991). The Apex
Houston oil spill, which occurred principally between San Francisco and
the Monterey Peninsula, killed nearly 9,000 seabirds in February 1986
(Siskin et al. 1993). These mortalities included approximately 1,293
rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), 180 small alcids, 12
marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), and 1,206 other birds
(including loons, grebes, scoters, cormorants, shorebirds, and gulls)
killed as a result of the spill (Siskin et al. 1993). In addition,
approximately 6,000 common murres were killed (Siskin et al. 1993). The
common murre colony at Devil's Slide Rock was found to be abandoned,
subcolonies at Castle Rocks disappeared, and other central coastal
breeding sites (e.g., Hurricane Point Rocks, Point Reyes) were greatly
reduced after the spill (Takekawa et al. 1990, Swartzman and Carter
1991)(Figure 1).
In the early 1900's, common murres bred at Prince Island in
southern California (Carter et al. 1992), However, the central coastal
California population currently represents the southernmost range for
breeding common murres in the Pacific. Future oil spills and other
catastrophic events (e.g., disease, predation, climate change) could
result in the extirpation of this population as well as a reduction in
the species' geographic range. The restoration of former common murre
colonies would aid in securing the central coastal California common
murre population and would spread the risk of future disasters among
colony sites over a wider range of the California coast.
The goal of this project is to recolonize common murres at historic
breeding colonies in central California. The project will be conducted
over approximately 10 years. A total of $4.92 million is available for
this project.
Purpose
The restoration funds were recovered under the Clean Water Act, the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the California Harbors & Navigation
Code Secs. 293 and 294, and other State law. A Trustee Council,
comprised of representatives of each Trustee, was established to review
and select restoration actions. As part of the settlement in the Apex
Houston litigation, approximately $4.92 million has been allocated for
the restoration of common murre colonies that suffered damage from the
Apex Houston oil spill. This project should protect the central
California common murre populaton. This will be achieved by restoring
this population to a larger part of its historic range and spreading
the risk of future catastrophic events (e.g. oil spills, disease,
storms) between more colony sites and over a broader section of the
California coast.
Proposed Restoration Alternatives
Alternatives Considered
Numerous studies have shown that oil spills impact coastal marine
ecosystems by decreasing the species diversity, reducing genetic
variability, disrupting food chains, and modifying community structure.
However, human intervention in the form of restoration projects can
promote the recovery of resources impacted by oil spills. Therefore,
the Trustees concentrated their damage assessment and restoration
efforts on the recovery of seabird populations, especially alcids,
impacted by the Apex Houston oil spill.
Alternatives considered for seabird restoration included active
recolonization/restoration projects and habitat acquisition projects.
Alternatives were compared based on their monetary costs, benefits to
local populations of the impacted species, and location relative to
impacted areas.
Recolonization/restoration efforts were considered for common
murres and rhinoceros auklets, two seabird species that suffered high
mortality as a result of the spill. The rhinoceros auklet project
involved use of artificial nest sites to enhance breeding populations
along the central California coast. The common murre recolonization
project (described herein for public comment) was given higher priority
because its potential benefits were linked more closely to the injuries
caused by the spill. Most of the impacted common murres came from local
colonies, whereas many of the dead auklets were wintering birds that
nest north of the impacted area. A third restoration project involving
construction of a seabird breeding and rehabilitation facility was
rejected because its cost was prohibitive relative to settlement funds.
Four habitat acquisition projects were considered: purchase of Cape
Vizcaino in northern Mendocino County to protect nesting seabirds,
purchase of coastal land near Castle Rock to protect a mainland colony
of common murres, purchase of lands within San Francisco Bay, and
purchase of marbled murrelet nesting habitat along the central
California coast. The first three projects were given lower priorities
because they were outside of the area impacted by the spill (Cape
Vizcaino), were too costly (mainland site near Castle Rock), or were
beneficial primarily to species that were not affected by the spill
(sites in San Francisco Bay). A restoration plan describing the marbled
murrelet habitat acquisition project will be made public at a later
date.
Preferred Alternative: Recolonization of Impacted Common Murre Colonies
The project the Trustee's prefer and on which public comment is
invited is the recolonization of common murre colonies at Devil's Slide
and San Pedro rocks in San Mateo County and Castle and Hurricane Point
Rocks in Monterey County.
A. Devil's Slide and San Pedro Rocks Common Murre Recolonization:
Recolonize Common Murres at Devil's Slide and San Pedro Rocks (San
Mateo County, California) Using Social Attraction Methods (Decoys and
Recorded Vocalizations) and Develop Reference Information Needed To
Evaluate and Refine Restoration Efforts
Location(s): Devil's Slide and San Pedro Rocks, San Mateo County,
California; Point Reyes area (Point Reyes, Point Resistance, Double
Point, and Miller Point rocks), Marin County, California; Farallon
Islands, San Francisco County, California
Justification: The recolonization of abandoned common murre
colonies in central California will contribute to the restoration of
this seabird's historic geographic range. This population sustained
severe losses from commercial and subsistence egging in the 1800's and
early 1900's, from chronic oil pollution and spills in the early to mid
1900's, and from chronic oil spills and gill-netting in the 1980's and
1990's. Common murres were last recorded breeding at San Pedro Rock in
1909, when the colony was in the process of being extirpated by egg
collectors (Ray 1909). The Apex Houston spill in 1986 contributed
significantly to the loss of the Devil's Slide Rock colony near San
Francisco. The San Pedro and Devil's Slide Rocks colonies are in close
proximity and constitute the only common murre colonies between San
Francisco and Monterey. This is a large portion of the range of the
central California common murre population.
Given the current depleted condition of the common murre
population, extirpated colonies are not likely to be reestablished in
the foreseeable future without human assistance. The San Pedro Rock
colony has not recolonized over the past 85 years and the Devil's Slide
Rock colony has not been recolonized in the 8 years following the Apex
Houston spill. Similarly, the Prince Island colony in southern
California has not been recolonized since extirpation in the early
1900's (Carter et al. 1992). Furthermore, all six nearshore colonies in
central California have remained severely depleted since the mid-
1980's. The reduction of the geographic range and small numbers of
common murres in central California increases the risk for extinction
for the central California population.
Studies of seabird colony formation in Maine demonstrated that
recolonization can be achieved using social attractants (Kress 1978,
Kress and Nettleship 1988, and Kress et al. 1991). The use of decoys
and tape recordings has attracted prospecting seabirds, which have bred
once a threshold has been reached. These techniques have assisted in
the recolonization by several species of colonial nesting seabirds
(Podolsky 1985; Podolsky and Kress 1989, 1991). Preliminary efforts at
recolonizing common murres in Maine in 1992-1994 have attracted common
murres during the breeding season (S. Kress, pers. comm.). However,
social attraction techniques must be applied for many years before
breeding begins and a self-sustaining breeding colony can be attained.
In order to refine recolonization methods and evaluate their
success, reference information will be needed on the reproductive
biology, behavior, and phenology of common murres at an unmanipulated
near-shore site in the local area. However, little information is
available from near-shore colonies in central California. Monitoring
attendance patterns, arrival dates, reproductive success, and behavior
of breeding and nonbreeding common murres at accessible colonies in the
Point Reyes area will provide a comparison to evaluate recolonization
of Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks. The Point Reyes colonies (i.e.,
Point Reyes, Point Resistance, Double Point, and Miller Point rocks)
are the closest to the recolonization sites, are the most ecological
similar, and should provide a reference for what would normally be
expected in a near-shore common murre colony as well as a good
comparison with the recolonization site. The monitoring conducted at
these unmanipulated colonies will be used to assess recolonization
responses and common murre activity patterns at recolonization sites,
as well as support refinement of recolonization methods.
In addition, unique information will be needed from the common
murre colony at the South Farallon Islands at Farallon National
Wildlife Refuge in order to evaluate recolonization responses and
refine techniques. Common murre reproductive success, diet, and
breeding biology have been studied for over 20 years at the South
Farallon Islands as part of long-term monitoring of seabird populations
required for the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge and other research
conducted by the Point Reyes Bird Observatory (Ainley and Boekelheide
1990, Ainley et al. 1994). As a result of these studies, a small number
of individually marked birds of known age and sex exist at the Farallon
Islands. Little information is available concerning the attendance of
breeding and nonbreeding common murres at breeding sites, especially
during winter. Information obtained on individually-marked birds, where
age and sex are known, would give a better understanding of expected
time-in-attendance and behavior at breeding sites for adult and
subadult common murres during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.
Detailed information on common murre attendance and prospecting in the
winter will make it possible to evaluate the significance of winter
attendance at the recolonization sites. If winter attendance is crucial
to successful breeding, social attraction methods may have to be
deployed for a longer period. In addition, all accessible subcolonies
of common murres at the South Farallon Islands would be examined for
more general attendance patterns throughout the year.
Attendance, breeding biology, and behavior will be monitored during
the breeding season in marked and unmarked birds in plots at the South
Farallon Islands so that recolonization responses at recolonization
sites can be more effectively evaluated. Certain colonies with
potential for future intensive monitoring efforts may be examined in
greater detail, including reproductive success. This information will
be important in evaluating and modifying the social attraction methods
used at the restoration sites. Information that is only available at
this larger, more accessible, and closely monitored common murre
colony, including known-aged common murre information, will be used to
refine and assess recolonization efforts.
Proposed Actions: Social attraction techniques will be used to
recolonize common murres at Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks. The use
of decoys and tape-recordings, similar to those used elsewhere to
encourage recolonization by several seabird species, is proposed
(Podolsky and Kress 1989, Kress 1990, Podolsky 1985). Preliminary work
will consist of selecting observation points to view recolonization
sites, constructing and installing observation blinds, obtaining access
permits, and purchasing needed equipment. Periodic observations of
winter attendance of colonies will also be conducted in fall and winter
1994-1995. Aerial surveys of central California breeding seabird
colonies and periodic observations of breeding colonies from vantage
points will be conducted in the spring and summer of 1995. Additional
aerial reconnaissance of Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks will be
conducted to obtain photographs for mapping the restoration sites.
Reconnaissance trips to Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks will take
place to determine equipment and procedures needed to deploy social
attraction equipment. Ladders may be installed to allow safe access
onto the colonies for project personnel.
Decoys and audio equipment will be placed on the rocks in fall 1995
before common murres begin to frequent nesting islands. Recordings of
common murre breeding vocalizations will be made at the Farallon NWR.
Life-size common murre decoys will be positioned on suitable nesting
habitat. The decoys will be secured to the rock in a fashion that
simulates occupied common murre colonies. Several omnidirectional
weather resistant loudspeakers will be positioned at the recolonization
sites. Endless tape loops or compact disks of California common murre
vocalizations will be played throughout the breeding season from
December to August. Daily observations of the recolonization sites will
begin once decoys have been deployed and will continue through July.
Devil's Slide Rock will be observed from the mainland using a portable
blind and telescope. San Pedro Rock observations will occur from a
blind located on the rock, from a boat, and/or from the mainland.
Data collected will include common murre arrival date, number of
common murres present, behavior of common murres, interaction with
other species (e.g., Brandt's Cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)),
location on rock, attendance patterns, and presence of predators.
Prospecting common murres will be plotted by location on maps of the
recolonization site. One or more aerial photographic censuses of the
central California common murre colonies will be conducted annually
between May and June. The censuses will be used to calculate annual
breeding population sizes at the recolonization sites and nearby
reference colonies in central California, compare trends between years,
and assist in determining numbers of common murres not visible from the
mainland or boats. Social attractants will be displayed through the
breeding season until after common murres normally leave the breeding
sites, usually in August. The decoys and audio equipment will be
collected after all bird breeding on the rock has been completed.
Equipment will be checked, cleaned, and replaced as necessary. The
equipment will be redeployed during the following fall before common
murres begin to frequent nesting islands. Monitoring of recolonization
sites will continue annually after the first social attractants are
deployed. The restoration efforts will be evaluated annually and
revised as necessary.
The breeding behavior and colony attendance of common murres will
be monitored at four nearby colonies in the Point Reyes National
Seashore and/or the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary:
Point Reyes, Point Resistance, Double Point Rocks, and Miller Point
Rocks. Several variables will be monitored to allow comparison to
recolonization sites, including population size and status, attendance
patterns, timing, breeding phenology and success, behavior, interaction
with other species, impacts of predators, and human and other
disturbances. The population size and status would be determined using
similar methods employed by Birkhead and Nettleship (1980), Gaston et
al. (1983), Mudge (1988), and Hatch and Hatch (1989). Only subcolonies
that can be viewed from a safe location will be selected.
Reconnaissance work and preliminary observations and logistics would
begin in spring-summer 1995. This work would consist of obtaining
access permits to conduct work, selecting subcolonies to be studied,
selecting plots within subcolonies, and conducting aerial surveys of
the colony. The monitoring period would parallel that followed at
Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks.
Winter and summer attendance, and selected aspects of breeding
biology of banded and unbanded common murres will be monitored at
breeding sites at the South Farallon Islands at Farallon NWR.
Established and new study plots, individually-banded birds, blinds, and
other facilities will allow for the study of summer and winter
attendance in more detail than at nearshore locations. Monitoring would
include determining arrival dates, winter attendance patterns (breeding
versus nonbreeding common murres), winter behavior of nonbreeding and
breeding common murres, site fidelity of breeding common murres,
reproductive success, population size, and impacts of predation.
Monitoring at the South Farallon Islands will continue for at least two
years and may be extended beyond two years if needed to support
refinement of recolonization methods or to facilitate interpretation of
data at other colonies.
Schedule: Fall and winter 1994-1995: Begin preliminary work,
including contracting, planning, logistics, permits, and purchasing.
Spring-summer 1995: Conduct aerial surveys of seabird colonies in
central California to obtain baseline data, conduct aerial flights of
Devil's Slide and San Pedro rocks to obtain aerial photos for mapping
purposes, and record breeding common murre vocalizations at the
Farallon NWR for use in the recolonization project. Select colonies and
study plots to be monitored in the Point Reyes area. Conduct safety
training for personnel as required.
Fall and winter 1995-1996: In fall 1995, conduct reconnaissance
trips to recolonization sites in preparation for deployment of social
attractants. Before December 1995, deploy social attractants and
initiate daily observations of recolonization sites. Initiate daily
observations of study plots in December 1995. Complete field season in
August when common murres generally leave breeding colonies.
Observations of study plots will continue from December through August
for a minimum of 5 years to 10 years in order to provide necessary
information to adequately evaluate the recolonization project. Work at
the South Farallon Islands will begin the winter of 1995-1996 and will
continue for a minimum of two years. Regular progress reports and an
annual report will be submitted by the contractor performing the work
at the South Farallon Islands.
B. Castle and Hurricane Point Rocks Restoration: Restore Common Murres
at Castle and Hurricane Point Rocks Using Social Attraction Methods
(Decoys and Recorded Vocalizations)
Location: Castle and Hurricane Point rocks, Monterey County,
California.
Justification: As described above, the recolonization of historic
common murre colonies in central California will contribute to the
reversal of the dramatic reduction of this seabird's historic
geographic range. The 1986 Apex Houston spill severely affected the
breeding colonies that make up the southern half of the central
California breeding range. Two breeding colonies near Monterey, Castle
and Hurricane Point rocks, were hard hit by the Apex Houston spill and
are in serious danger of perishing entirely. The remaining subcolonies
on these rocks are very small and disjunct. These colonies are
particularly important because they are at the current southern end of
the central California population as well as the southern extreme of
the species' range in the Pacific Ocean. These colonies are in close
proximity to each other and constitute the only active common murre
colonies south of San Francisco, a large portion of the range of the
central California common murre population. Given the current fragile
condition of the overall common murre population and the lack of
recovery over time, colonies once lost are not likely to be
reestablished in the foreseeable future without human assistance. If
the colonies at Castle and Hurricane Point rocks are lost, the
resulting reductions in the geographical range, numbers, and
productivity of common murres further increase the risk of extinction
of the entire central California population.
Proposed Action: The common murre colonies at the Castle and
Hurricane Point rock complexes will be evaluated to determine the best
means of employing social attractants at these locations. A minimum of
two years would be required to determine appropriate methods. Both of
these colonies are composed of several subcolonies on different rocks.
Subcolonies will be examined to obtain a comprehensive understanding of
colony dynamics in a severely depleted condition. Breeding population
levels, reproductive success, attendance patterns, behavioral
observations, and nesting locations will be determined at as many
subcolonies as possible. Particular attention will be paid to
prospecting birds within established subcolonies and at unoccupied
rocks. In addition, all unoccupied rocks and potential mainland
breeding habitats will be assessed for the use of social attractants to
encourage common murre breeding. Habitat will be assessed for
suitability to support a common murre subcolony, including such factors
as slope, size, protection from human and other disturbance, surf
conditions, and predation threats. The unoccupied rocks will be
regularly monitored to detect prospecting common murres.
A phased approach to employing social attractants may be used to
refine the use of social attractants on the colony. Criteria to be used
to determine the use of social attractants include: loss of subcolonies
or colonies, below normal reproductive success, lack of colony growth,
limited availability of breeding sites in existing subcolonies, high
numbers of prospecting common murres in existing subcolonies, presence
of prospecting common murres in areas with no breeding, and population
status at each colony. The use of social attractants would be employed
at sites where it was deemed necessary to encourage common murres to
recolonize lost subcolonies or prospect and nest on unoccupied rocks.
The goal would be to prevent colony loss and/or restore the breeding
colony to historic numbers without negatively impacting existing
subcolonies. If, for any reason, social attractants are not deemed
advisable after two years, the colonies at these sites will be
monitored for three more years to insure adequate reproductive success,
activity, colony survival, and recovery and, if necessary, to develop
alternative restoration techniques.
Schedule: Fall and winter 1994-1995: Preliminary work will begin,
including selection of observation points, obtaining access permits,
planning, and purchasing. In December 1994, observations of breeding
colonies will begin in order to obtain necessary baseline information.
Spring and summer 1995: Aerial surveys of breeding common murre
colonies will be conducted in May-June to obtain baseline data. These
surveys will be conducted in conjunction with aerial common murre
surveys for central California. Observations of breeding colonies will
continue each year from December 1994 until August 1997, at a minimum.
In August 1997, the use of social attractants will be assessed to
restore these common murre colonies. In fall 1997, social attractants
will be deployed where suitable.
Goals
The Apex Houston oil spill killed an estimated 6,000 common murres,
eradicated the Devil's Slide Rock colony, and damaged colonies at
Castle and Hurricane Point Rocks. If the latter two colonies are lost,
over 75% of the recent range of the central California common murre
population will have been lost. The Trustee Council has selected
restoration alternatives designed to restore common murres to colonies
in the areas most severely affected by the spill. An important goal is
to make significant progress toward the establishment of 100 breeding
pairs of common murres at Devil's Slide Rock and San Pedro Rock
colonies. The time frame needed for common murres to become established
at extirpated colonies is unknown but is suspected to be many years. If
possible, the project will attempt to restore the colonies to pre-spill
population levels. The time frame needed for common murres to reach
pre-spill population levels is unknown but is suspected to take several
generations. Ultimately, the long-term goal is to restore the common
murre colonies to historic breeding levels, although this would
probably require funds in addition to those currently budgeted.
The Trustee Council plans to review the common murre restoration
project at least annually at which time the effectiveness of the
project and possible improvements will be considered. The annual review
process may result in revisions to the plan. Revisions will be reviewed
by the Trustee Council. Revisions to the plan will be guided by
documented evidence, scientific literature, and best professional
judgement.
Environmental Compliance
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the project
is categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq, according to the Department of
Interior's Departmental Manual, 516 DM 6, Appendix I, 516 DM 2,
Appendix I. Resource management activities such as the type described
for this project, which include research, reintroduction of established
species into their historic range, and small structures or
improvements, are categorically excluded from NEPA. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service has prepared an Environmental Action Memorandum
setting forth the basis for the categorical exclusion of this project.
The State of California has determined that the project is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), Cal. Pub. Resources Code 21000 et seq., and has filed a Notice
of Exemption with the State Clearinghouse.
The Trustee Council is submitting a Consistency Determination
pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1456(c)
with the California Coastal Commission. The Trustee Council has
concluded that the proposed project will have no impact on California's
coastal zone.
Literature Cited
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Farallon Islands: Ecology, dynamics, and structure of an upswelling-
system community. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California.
450 pages.
Ainley, D.G., W.J. Sydeman, S.A. Hatch, and U.W. Wilson. 1994.
Seabird population trends along the west coast of North America:
causes and extent of regional concordance. Studies in Avian Biology
No. 15:119-133.
Birkhead, T.R. and D.N. Nettleship. 1980. Census methods for murres,
Uria species: a unified approach. Canadian Wildlife Service
Occasional Papers. Paper Number 43. 25pp.
Carter, H.R. and M.L. Morrison, editors. 1992. Status and
conservation of the Marbled Murrelet in North America. Proceedings
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Carter, H.R., G.J. McChesney, D.L. Jaques, C.S. Strong, M.W. Parker,
J.E. Takekawa, D.L. Jory, and D.L. Whitworth. 1994. Breeding
populations of seabirds in California, 1989-1991.
Gaston, A.J., D.G. Noble, and M.A. Purdy. 1983. Monitoring breeding
biology parameters for murres Uria spp.: levels of accuracy and
sources of bias. Journal of Field Ornithology 54:275-282.
Hatch, S.A., and M.A. Hatch. 1989. Attendance patterns of murres at
breeding sites: implications for monitoring. Journal of Wildlife
Management 53(2):486-493.
Kress, S. 1978. Establishing Atlantic Puffins at a former breeding
site. Pp. 373-377 in S.A. Temple (ed.). Endangered birds: management
techniques for preserving threatened species. University of
Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin.
Mudge, G.P. 1988. An evaluation of current methodology for
monitoring changes in the breeding populations of Guillemots Uria
aalge. Bird Study 35:1-9.
Podolsky, R.H. 1985. Colony formation and attraction of the Laysan
Albatross and Leach's Storm-Petrel. Ph.D. dissertation. Ann Arbor,
University of Michigan.
Podolsky, R.H. and S.W. Kress. 1989. Factors affecting colony
formation in Leach's Storm-Petrel. Auk 106(2):332-336.
Siskin, B.R., G.W. Page, and H.R. Carter. 1993. Impacts of the 1986
Apex Houston oil spill on marine birds in central California.
Unpublished report, U.S. Department of Justice.
Swartzman, G. and H.R. Carter. 1991. Response of the California
population of Common Murres (Uria aalge) to Mortality from the 1986
Apex Houston oil spill. Unpublished report, U.S. Department of
Justice.
Takekawa, J.E., H.R. Carter, and T.E. Harvey. 1990. Decline of the
Common Murre in Central California 1980-1986. Studies in Avian
Biology 14:149-163.
Dated: October 28, 1994.
Thomas Dwyer,
Acting Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 94-27374 Filed 11-3-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M