BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE USE OF BED-LEVELING DEVICES IN PORT CANAVERAL - BASELINE RESEARCH AND DATA COMPILATION

摘要

In response to previous findings by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Biological Opinions issued under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the USACE-Jacksonville District initiated a review of the use of bed-leveling devices within several Florida ports. The question of bed-leveler use and its potential impact on sea turtles was raised during a USACE-permitted bed-leveling project in Brunswick Harbor when the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reported to the Savannah District that six sea turtles with odd, traumatic injuries were found stranded along the Georgia coast at about the same time a dredging contractor was employing a bed-leveling device. The purpose of this project was to research, collect, and compile baseline information regarding the use of bed-leveling devices and the potential effects on sea turtles during hopper dredging operations in Florida's ports. Information on dredging events was cross-referenced with sea turtle take and stranding location data to identify potential correlations with dredge events and sea turtle mortality. Information and data were compiled from several sources, including USACE dredging history reports, interviews with dredging industry professionals, USACE Sea Turtle Warehouse website, and the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) database. The USACE Sea Turtle Warehouse website houses data regarding sea turtle mortality (takes) directly attributable to dredging operations occurring during hopper dredging projects. The STSSN database documents dead or injured sea turtles along the coasts of the United States. The number of sea turtle standings and takes occurring during specified dredging timeframes was determined using these two database resources. Data were mapped and developed into graphics using Arc View GIS to depict the number of sea turtle strandings that occurred in the proximity of port entrance channels during specific dredging events. This information was used to prepare a Biological Assessment (BA) for each port (Port Canaveral, Port of Palm Beach, Port Everglades, and Port of Miami) evaluating the potential effects to sea turtles and initiate consultation under ESA.