Part 3

1) the development and implementation of a humpback whale recovery plan to include humpback whales in all of Glacier Bay, all of southeast Alaska and the North Pacific in general, including: the identification, designation and protection of critical humpback whale habitat;

2) the development of a universal and/or site-specific definition of "harassment" to apply to humpback whales in Glacier Bay, southeast Alaska and the North Pacific in general;

3) the development and implementation of a long-range research/management plan for the Monument including whale and environmental monitoring;

4) a determination as to the direct and indirect effects of incidental take, whale watching, fishing activity, etc. on humpback whales in Glacier Bay, Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific in general; and

5) a determination as to the long-term cumulative impacts of the degradation and destruction of habitat on the survival of the humpback whale throughout its range in the North Pacific.

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES AND NEED FOR COOPERATION AND COORDINATION

There are many individuals, groups and organizations interested or involved in finding solutions to problems associated with humpback whales and human activities in Glacier Bay. The need for management planning and research programs has been identified. The identification of interested and responsible organizations is necessary so that cooperative, coordinated planning and research can occur. Hopefully, by developing such plans or projects, minimum resources will be expended to obtain satisfactory solutions. In addition, by involving all interested and responsible individuals, groups, or organizations at an early stage, cooperative efforts can be maximized and disagreements identified and minimized.

The prime responsibilities of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Park Service have been identified. Other Federal agencies that should or might profitably be involved include the Bureau of Land Management, the Office of Coastal Zone Management, Sea Grant, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers. State agencies that should or might be profitably involved include the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the State Coastal Zone Management Commission, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Commercial and recreational companies that organize fishing, tour, and charter activities, private boaters, academic/scientific communities, and environmental organizations are also important. Some of these organizations have on-going, or plan to initiate, research projects, which may provide data and information of importance to the problems discussed in this report.

The Bureau of Land Management, New York Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Office, is presently initiating noise effects studies on marine mammals. The U.S. Geological Survey at Tacoma, Washington and Menlo Park, California is describing and mapping marine sediment distribution, thickness and characteristics within Glacier Bay. J. P. Mathews, of the Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska, is summarizing the physical characteristics, especially water mass characteristics and dynamics, of Glacier Bay. If possible, these studies should be coordinated such that a maximum amount of information can be obtained and used in the management and research activities related to Glacier Bay National Monument and the humpback whale.

SUMMARY

Humpback whales in the North Pacific are migratory, spending the summer months in northern waters including the inland waters of southeast Alaska. Records have been maintained on the number of identifiable humpbacks seen in these waters including Glacier Bay. In 1978, humpbacks departed Glacier Bay after being "in residence" for a far shorter time period than recorded previously; all but three whales left the Bay within 24 hours of entering in 1979.

There has been an increase in vessel traffic and activity within Glacier Bay during the 1970's. Such activity may have been a factor in the movement of humpbacks from Glacier Bay. Other factors which may have been at least contributing but for which no known information exists, or is inadequate at best, include: natural environmental changes (chemical, physical, biological) or natural changes in the movement of the whales.

Present management and research plans and activities did not anticipate and, therefore, are inadequate to deal effectively with present day problems associated with a rapidly growing influx of people and vessels/aircraft into any environment with limited space and resources. Some human activities and the activities and behavioral patterns of humpback whales may be mutually exclusive.

The most apparent important short-term research need is to analyze and evaluate all available data, in order to develop short and long term management plans and research programs.

REFERENCES

Hale, L. Z. and R. G. Wright, 1979. The Glacier Bay Marine Ecosystem. A Conceptual Ecological Model. U.S. Department of the Interior, NPS, Anchorage Office. 177 pp.

Jurasz, C.M. and V. Jurasz. 1979. Ecology of Humpback Whales. Draft final report to the National Park Service.

APPENDIX A

AGENDA

Meeting to Review Information and Actions Concerning Humpback Whales in Glacier Bay National Monument, Alaska 12-13 October 1979 Room 208, College of Fisheries University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

=12 October 1979=

9:00 Discussion of meeting objectives, agenda, and procedures (Dr. Robert Hofman, Marine Mammal Commission)

9:15 Overview of available information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of humpback whales in the North Pacific (presentation by Dr. Michael Tillman, National Marine Fisheries Service)

9:30 Physical/chemical characterization and history of Glacier Bay (presentation by Mr. Gregory Streveler, Glacier Bay National Monument) a. location, dimensions, geomorphology b. geologic history and structure of the basin c. glaciology d. current patterns e. water characteristics (temperature, salinity, nutrients) f. climate

10:00 Review of available information concerning the past and present utilization of Glacier Bay by humpback whales (presentation by Mr. Charles Jurasz) a. historical distribution, movement, and abundance b. present distribution, movement, abundance, and behavior

10:30 Coffee Break

10:45 Review of information concerning the past and present human use and its possible effects on Glacier Bay (presentation by Mr. John Chapman)

11:15 Possible reasons for observed changes in utilization of Glacier Bay by humpback whales (discussion led by Dr. Robert Hofman)

12:15 Lunch

1:30 Review of on-going and planned research and management activities in Glacier Bay and contiguous waters a. 1:30--National Park Service (presentation by Mr. Jim Larson and/or Mr. John Chapman) b. 1:50--National Marine Fisheries Service (presentation by Mr. Milsted Zahn and/or Dr. Michael Tillman)

2:15 Identification of additional research/management actions, if any, needed to protect humpback whales in Glacier Bay, e.g.: a. Research 1. Physical i. acoustic characteristics of the Bay ii. water currents and tidal factors 2. Biological i. identification of whale food and its distribution and abundance ii. additional whale behavior studies including harassment indicators 3. Human Factors i. acoustic characteristics of vessels b. Management 1. comprehensive monitoring of vessel use patterns throughout the Bay 2. vessel routing, number, and speed controls 3. seasonal and/or area closures

4:30 As possible, summarize and rank research and management activities not included in on-going or planned activities.

5:00 Adjourn

=13 October 1979=

9:00 Continue discussion on ranking research and management activities not included in on-going or planned activities

10:00 Coffee Break

10:15 As possible, identify target initiation dates, target completion dates, optimal methods, time, money, personnel, logistic support, and equipment needed to initiate and complete ranked research and management projects

11:45 Closing Remarks

12:00 Adjourn

APPENDIX B

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS AT MEETING TO REVIEW INFORMATION AND ACTIONS CONCERNING HUMPBACK WHALES IN GLACIER BAY NATIONAL MONUMENT

Mr. James A. Blaisdell National Park Service Fourth & Pike Building, Room 601 Seattle, Washington 98101 206/442-1355 FTS: 399-1355

Mr. Rob Bosworth Institution for Marine Studies--HA-35 University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98105 206/543-7004

Mr. John F. Chapman Superintendent Glacier Bay National Monument P.O. Box 1089 Juneau, Alaska 99802 907/586-7137

Dr. William C. Cummings Scripps Institution of Oceanography Marine Physical Laboratory (A005) La Jolla, California 92093 714/452-2852 and Oceanographic Consultants 5948 Eton Court San Diego, California 92122 714/453-3257

Dr. Frederick C. Dean Professor of Wildlife Management Cooperative Park Studies Unit Room 210, Irving Building University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 907/479-7672

Dr. Donald R. Field Regional Chief Scientist National Park Service Pacific Northwest Region Fourth & Pike Building, Room 601 Seattle, Washington 98195 206/442-1355 FTS: 399-1355

Mr. Robert Giersdorf President Glacier Bay Lodge, Inc. Park Place Building, Suite 312 Seattle, Washington 98101 206/624-8551

Dr. Louis Herman University of Hawaii, Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory 1129 Ala Moana Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 808/537-2042

Mr. Larry Hobbs Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish and Wildlife Laboratory Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560 202/343-4516

Mr. Charles M. Jurasz Ms. Virginia Jurasz Sea Search P.O. Box 93 Auke Bay, Alaska 99821

Mr. James W. Larson Deputy Regional Chief Scientist National Park Service Alaska Area Office 540 W. 5th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907/271-4243

Mr. Paul A. Larson Chief Resource Management and Visitor Protection National Park Service Pacific Northwest Region Fourth & Pike Building, Room 601 Seattle, Washington 98101 206/442-5670 FTS: 399-5670

Mr. William Lawton National Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA/NMFS 7600 Sand Point Way, N.W., Building 32 Seattle, Washington 98115 206/442-5215

Dr. Jack W. Lentfer Alaska Department of Fish and Game 210 Ferry Way Juneau, Alaska 99801 907/586-6702

Dr. Katherine Ralls Office of Zoological Research National Zoo Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20008 202/381-7315

Mr. Dale W. Rice National Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA/NMFS 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., Building 32 Seattle, Washington 98115 206/442-5004

Mr. G. P. Streveler Research Biologist Glacier Bay National Monument Gustavus, Alaska 99826 907/697-3341

Mr. Steven L. Swartz 1592 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard San Diego, California 92107 714/222-9978

Dr. Michael F. Tillman, Director National Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA/NMFS 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., Building 32 Seattle, Washington 98115 206/442-4712 FTS: 399-4711

Mr. Douglas G. Warnock Deputy Director Alaska Area National Park Service 540 West 5th Avenue, Room 202 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907/271-4243

Mr. Roland H. Wauer Chief, Division of Natural Resources National Park Service 1100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 202/523-5127

Dr. A. R. Weisbrod Endangered Species Coordinator National Park Service 1100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 202/523-5127

Mr. Allen A. Wolman National Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA/NMFS 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., Building 32 Seattle, Washington 98115 206/442-4583

Mr. Milsted C. Zahn Enforcement Division Alaska Regional Office National Marine Fisheries Service Box 1668 Juneau, Alaska 99802 907/586-7228

APPENDIX C

Data/Information and Research Needs Relative to Humpback Whales in Glacier Bay and Elsewhere (these lists are examples and not necessarily all inclusive).

A. Compilation and analyses of existing data (available data presently are not in a form that is optimally useful)

I. =Whales=

a. whale distribution and abundance in Glacier Bay and surrounding areas--by year, season, time of day, age, sex, weather (tide, rain, etc.), birds, boats (by total and by class), depth of water, distance from shore, prey species, effort,----

b. movements/habitat use patterns--home range, temporal/spatial distribution of sightings of individually recognizable animals--are there resident, migratory and/or transient animals in the Bay or surrounding waters--do individuals have seasonal, annual cycles as to when/where they occur

c. undisturbed ("normal"--baseline) whale behavior--by age, sex, group size, group composition, time of day, season, location (descriptive and quantitative)

1. resting dive times/breathing a. vocalization 2. traveling 1. 3. feeding 2. i. lunge-feeding 3. ii. bubble net-feeding " iii. other b. tail lob c. raking d. finning e. breaching f. avoidance g. other

4. interaction with other whales/social organization of whales

d. disturbed whale behavior--stimulus/response--behavior (as above) before, during and after an event--response distance (by age, sex, pre-event activity, location, time between events, time of day, season, weather, etc.)--recovery time (by age, sex, etc.).

II. =Boat and Aircraft Traffic=

a. distribution and abundance in Glacier Bay and surrounding areas--by type (class), year, season, time of day, weather

b. movements/use patterns--by type, year, etc.

c. activities (behavior)--by type, year, etc. 1. whale watching 2. fishing (sport/commercial)

III. =Habitat= (physical, chemical, biological environment--by year, season, etc.)

a. physical--water temperature, sediment load

b. chemical--salinity, oxygen content, inorganic nutrient, pollutants

c. biological 1. distribution and abundance of primary and secondary prey species--by year, season, time of day 2. distribution, size, and species composition of fish catch, including by-catch--by year and season 3. distribution and abundance of predators (killer whales) and competitors other than man--by year, season, time of day, etc.

B. Improve base line data

I. =Acoustic=

a. ambient noise levels--representative areas (in and outside Bay), seasons, time of day, weather and tide conditions, sea state

b. boat- and plane-related noise--representative types, representative areas (in and outside Bay), speed (prop rpm), season, time of day, sea state

II. =Whales=--in and outside the Bay

a. abundance

b. distribution

c. movements (habitat use pattern)

d. activity patterns

e. behavior vocalization

f. habitat requirement/areas of special significance

III. =Boats and Planes=--in and outside the Bay

a. abundance--by type, season, time of day

b. distribution-- " " " "

c. movements-- " " " "

d. activity in patterns " " "

IV. =Habitat=

a. physical

b. chemical--pollutant levels

c. biological

1. distribution, abundance and dynamics of primary and secondary prey species--in and outside the Bay

2. distribution, size and species composition of fish catch--in and outside the Bay

3. distribution, abundance and movements of competing and predatory species

C. Experiments to validate hypothesis concerning possible effects of various stimuli on whales--representative stimuli, representative whales (age, sex), representative activities/behaviors (resting, feeding, traveling, vocalizing, etc.), representative areas, seasons, times of day, weather and environmental conditions.

D. Long-term monitoring (at regular intervals)

I. =Environment= (physical, chemical)

II. =Whales= (distribution, abundance, movements, activity patterns, vocalization patterns, cow/calf ratios)

III. =Boat/Planes= (abundance, type, distribution, movements, activities)

IV. =Prey species=

V. =Fish catch=

APPENDIX D

[NOAA Letterhead--Cut off] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

Washington, D.C. 20235

DEC 3 1979 F6:TRL

Mr. John Chapman Superintendent Glacier Bay National Monument National Park Service P.O. Box 1089 Juneau, Alaska 99802

Dear Mr. Chapman:

This letter responds to your August 4, 1979, request for consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, relative to the population of the humpback whale in Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Your problem statement of the same date outlines the basic issue of human activity in Glacier Bay National Monument that might be affecting humpback whales. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires that each federal agency insure that its actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. The consultation process requires our comment and opinion on the problem.

Within this context, our response addresses those National Park Service (NPS) actions controlling human activity that may, in turn, affect the humpback whales within Glacier Bay.

=Biological Background=

In the North Pacific, the summer range of the humpback whale encompasses the area from Bering Strait south to the Subarctic Boundary (ca. 40 deg. N lat) and extends in the east to about Point Conception, California, and the Sanriku Coast of Honshu Island in the west. Humpbacks range into shallow coastal waters more frequently than do most other balaenopterids and regularly occur in sheltered inside waters of Prince William Sound and the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska.

The wintering grounds of humpbacks in the North Pacific are centered in three areas: (1) the coast and adjacent islands of west-central Mexico; (2) the main Hawaiian Islands; and (3) the Bonin, Ryukyu, and Mariana Islands in the western North Pacific. Some humpbacks that summer in southeastern Alaska are known to migrate to both the Mexican and Hawaiian wintering grounds, although others are found in southeastern Alaska during all months of the year.

Prior to the rise of modern whaling in the late 1800's, the world population of humpback whales exceeded 100,000, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. The North Pacific population probably numbered roughly 15,000 at the turn of the century.

Whaling in southeastern Alaska began in 1907 with the establishment of two land stations. The number of humpback whales at the start of this earliest exploitation is unknown. Consistent catch records are available only for 1912-1922, during which time 185 humpbacks were taken, with a peak catch of 39 in 1916.

Since 1922, no whaling has been conducted in the territorial waters of southeastern Alaska. However, the humpback whales of the inside waters were exposed to additional exploitation as they migrated across the high seas or through the coastal territorial waters of British Columbia, Washington, California, and Baja California.

By 1966, when humpbacks were accorded complete legal protection by the International Whaling Commission, the world population of the species had been reduced to about 5,000. The North Pacific population now numbers about 1,000, of which 600 or 700 winter in the Hawaiian Islands, and 200 or 300 winter in Mexico. Only a few humpbacks have been sighted on the western North Pacific wintering grounds in recent years. Since 1966 no trends in abundance have been observed either for the North Pacific population as a whole or on any of its wintering or summering grounds, including southeastern Alaska.

Based upon aerial and vessel surveys, the population that spends the summer in the inside waters of southeastern Alaska numbers at least 70. Photoidentification studies now underway tentatively reveal that the population may exceed 100. Although it ranges throughout the area from Sumner Strait northward, its main concentration areas are Frederick Sound-Stephens Passage, where a minimum of 40 whales occurs, and Glacier Bay, where 20-25 whales occur. Humpback whales congregate in these areas to feed upon the summer blooms of euphausiids, herring, and capelin. Some whales arrive in June and stay on through early September, although as mentioned earlier, other animals appear to remain through the winter months.

When humpback whales historically began occupying Glacier Bay is unknown, but they have occurred there every summer over the past seven years of investigation. Photoidentification techniques indicate that certain individuals repeatedly return to feed there.

The availability of these and other feeding areas in southeastern Alaska has not been constant over the years. Although Glacier Bay has lately been a prominent feeding area, this was not always so since the area was covered by an ice sheet during the 18th century; at that time the humpback population was presumably at its maximum pre-exploitation level. There is some indication that a seasonal feeding area in Lynn Canal was avoided by humpbacks coincident with the onset of a herring fishery in 1972. With the cessation of that fishery, humpbacks reoccupied the area in 1979. The possibility cannot be discarded that these events are related.

=Present Glacier Bay Situation=

The NPS records indicate that during 1976 and 1977, 20-24 individual humpback whales moved into Glacier Bay during June and remained there into August. In 1978 this pattern of use changed when most of the animals departed by mid-July. In 1979 this use was modified further with fewer whales entering the Bay and very few of those remaining in the Bay. Observations prior to 1976 are more general in nature, rather than numerical counts of record.

Human use of the Bay is reflected in NPS records, to wit: