of marine mammals in the study area. There are also no known breeding sites 

 for pinnipeds (seals and walruses) on the Atlantic coast. Only occasional 

 strays of harbor and hooded seals have been reported in the area. The harbor 

 seal is a coastal species, while the hooded seal is a pelagic (offshore) 

 species. Thus, due to their habitat, harbor seals could be impacted by a 

 nearshore spill, while hooded seals would be affected by spills in the pro- 

 ducing lease area. 



The direct effects of oiling on marine mammals could include the matting 

 of pelage, irritation of skin and eyes, indigestion-causing internal disorders, 

 and possible clogging or inflammation of respiratory passages. Again, the low 

 population numbers of pinnipeds in the region indicate that few such occur- 

 ences will result (l,p.l53). 



The impact of OCS activities on cetaceans is given by the BLM as 



(1, p. 154-156): 



Thirteen species of cetaceans, including three endangered species 

 (right, fin and humpback whales) have been sighted in recent times 

 (the last 50 years) in the Mid Atlantic. There is, however, 

 little information on the life histories of the cetaceans in the 

 area. There is little factual information on the effects of 

 oil on cetaceans. No record is reported of cetacean deaths due 

 to the direct effects of oil pollution. There were no reported 

 sightings of dead whales following the Santa Barbara oil spills. 



Because of the endangered species status of some cetaceans, and 

 their apparent limited distribution or occurrence in the Mid 

 Atlantic region, any impact to individual cetaceans could have 

 consequences on specific populations or distribution. Because 

 of the apparent paucity of cetaceans in the Mid Atlantic, the 

 probability of an individual being in a specific area at the time 

 of an oil spill appears low. Therefore, while potential for an 

 impact exists, cetacean species and populations are unlikely to 

 be impacted as a result of the proposed Mid Atlantic sale. 



Impacts of offshore oil and gas operations on water quality will depend 



on the ultimate level of production which is maintained in the OCS lease areas. 



55 



