Stellwagen Bank FEIS/MP Appendices 



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on the design, construction and operation of a fixed 

 artificial platform, the potential impacts on both 

 Using and non-living resources within the Sanctuary 

 are significant. 



NOAA's prohibition on alteration of, construction 

 on, placement on or abandonment of any structure, 

 material or other matter on the seabed effectively 

 precludes the possibility of any fixed artificial 

 platform being established within the Sanctuary. 



J. ALTERATION OF. CONSTRUCTION ON 

 THE SEABED 



A few commenters raised concerns regarding the 

 proposed prohibition on any alteration of, or 

 construction on, the seabed. In particular, 

 commenters were concerned about the effects of 

 this proposed prohibition on "traditional fishing 

 activities" in the Sanctuary, e.g. . those current 

 fisheries involving dredge gear. 



Two commenters objected to this proposed 

 prohibition, as well as the proposed prohibition on 

 installation or placement of cables and pipelines in 

 the Sanctuary, because they would be precluded 

 from the possibility of placing electrical transmission 

 cables through the Sanctuary. Commenters stated 

 this activity is environmentally safe, and that an 

 outright prohibition is inappropriate, because there 

 is no demonstration of possible adverse impacts. 



NOAA Response : The regulation prohibiting 

 alteration of, or construction on, the seabed 

 specifically exempts vessel anchoring, traditional 

 fishing operations, and installation of navigation 

 aids. These alterations do not appear to harm 

 Sanctuary resources; and fishing operations are 

 regulated by NMFS. 



NOAA does not agree with commenters that the 

 installation of electrical transmission cables poses no 

 potential for environmental damage. Significant 

 concerns with the installation of cables or pipelines 

 include possible leaks, disruption of spawning areas, 

 conflicts with fishing gear or the movement of 

 bottom-dwelling species, and disturbance or damage 

 to archeological sites. A NOAA objective is the 

 maintenance of a natural habitat, and therefore the 

 avoidance of facilitating man-made permanent 



structures in the Sanctuary. 



K. VESSEL OPERATION 



L Speed Limits Should Be Imposed on 

 Charterboats and Recreational Vessels. 



A number of commenters stated that speed limits 

 should be established for charterboats and 

 recreational vessels operating in the Sanctuary. 

 Limiting vessel speed inside the Sanctuary to 

 between 15 and 18 knots was suggested by the Cape 

 Ann Vessel Association, Atlantic Cetacean Researcli 

 Center, Gloucester Fishermen's Program, 

 Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association, two 

 vessel captains, and the Cetacean Research Unil. 

 Additionally, a large number of individual 

 commenters, as well as other organizations, 

 supported generally Sanctuary regulation of 

 recreational and other small vessel speeds. All 

 comments reflected the concern for potential vessel 

 collisions with marine mammals, particularly 

 cetaceans. One commenter supported a prohibition 

 on all private boating activities in the Sanctuary, 

 with an exception being provided for commercial 

 fishing vessels. 



NOAA Response : Existing NMFS whalewatcli 

 guidelines applicable to all vessels operating in 

 proximity to cetaceans address vessel speeds 

 generally when vessels are intentionally engaged in 

 whalewatching activity. While whalewatch vessel 

 operators appear to adhere generally to these 

 guidelines, other recreational vessels often are 

 unaware of the guidelines. 



Pending national whalewatch regulations will 

 address vessel speeds in proximity to cetaceans, and 

 will be enforceable, as opposed to the NMFS 

 guidelines. While NOAA/NOS agrees with 

 commenters that vessel collisions with cetaceans 

 may be a problem, it does not believe thi.^ 

 imposition of regulatory speed limits on 

 charterboats or recreational vessels is presently 

 necessary. Among the Sanctuary's research and 

 educational objectives will be the quantifiable 

 identification, via coordination with NMFS an(i 

 other involved organizations, of vessel/cetacean 

 interactions and the further education of the 

 recreational boating public. If these investigations 



