Section 217.315 - Monitoring and reporting requirementsSunrise Wind must implement the following monitoring and reporting requirements when conducting the specified activities (see § 217.310(c)):
(a) Protected species observer (PSO) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) operator qualifications: Sunrise Wind must implement the following measures applicable to PSOs and PAM operators:(1) Sunrise Wind must use independent, NMFS-approved PSOs and PAM operators, meaning that the PSOs and PAM operators must be employed by a third-party observer provider, must have no tasks other than to conduct observational effort, collect data, and communicate with and instruct relevant personnel with regard to the presence of protected species and mitigation requirements;(2) All PSOs and PAM operators must have successfully attained a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences, a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences, and at least one undergraduate course in math or statistics. The educational requirements may be waived if the PSO or PAM operator has acquired the relevant skills through a suitable amount of alternate experience. Requests for such a waiver must be submitted to NMFS Office of Protected Resources and must include written justification containing alternative experience. Alternate experience that may be considered includes, but is not limited to, previous work experience conducting academic, commercial, or government-sponsored marine mammal visual and/or acoustic surveys; or previous work experience as a PSO/PAM operator;(3) PSOs must have visual acuity in both eyes (with correction of vision being permissible) sufficient enough to discern moving targets on the water's surface with the ability to estimate the target size and distance (binocular use is allowable); ability to conduct field observations and collect data according to the assigned protocols; sufficient training, orientation, or experience with the construction operation to provide for personal safety during observations; writing skills sufficient to document observations, including but not limited to, the number and species of marine mammals observed, the dates and times of when in-water construction activities were conducted, the dates and time when in-water construction activities were suspended to avoid potential incidental take of marine mammals from construction noise within a defined shutdown zone, and marine mammal behavior; and the ability to communicate orally, by radio, or in-person, with project personnel to provide real-time information on marine mammals observed in the area;(4) All PSOs must be trained in northwestern Atlantic Ocean marine mammal identification and behaviors and must be able to conduct field observations and collect data according to assigned protocols. Additionally, PSOs must have the ability to work with all required and relevant software and equipment necessary during observations described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this section);(5) All PSOs and PAM operators must successfully complete a relevant training course within the last 5 years and obtain a certificate of course completion;(6) PSOs and PAM operators are responsible for obtaining NMFS' approval. NMFS may approve PSOs as conditional or unconditional. A conditionally approved PSO may be one who has completed training in the last 5 years but has not yet attained the requisite field experience. An unconditionally approved PSO is one who has completed training within the last 5 years and attained the necessary experience (i.e., demonstrate experience with monitoring for marine mammals at clearance and shutdown zone sizes similar to those produced during the respective activity). A conditionally approved PSO must be paired with an unconditionally approved PSO;(7) PSOs for cable landfall and temporary pier construction (i.e., vibratory and impact pile installation and removal; pneumatic hammering) and HRG surveys may be unconditionally or conditionally approved. PSOs and PAM operators for foundation installation and UXO detonation must be unconditionally approved;(8) At least one on-duty PSO for each activity (e.g., foundation installation, cable landfall and temporary pier construction, and HRG surveys) must be designated as the Lead PSO. The Lead PSO must meet the minimum requirements described in paragraphs (a)(2) through (5) of this section, have a minimum of ninety days of at-sea experience working in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and have no more than eighteen months elapsed since the conclusion of their last at-sea experience;(9) Sunrise Wind must submit NMFS previously approved PSOs and PAM operators to NMFS Office of Protected Resources for review and confirmation of their approval for specific roles at least 30 days prior to commencement of the activities requiring PSOs/PAM operators or 15 days prior to when new PSOs/PAM operators are required after activities have commenced;(10) For prospective PSOs and PAM operators not previously approved, or for PSOs and PAM operators whose approval is not current, Sunrise Wind must submit resumes for approval at least 60 days prior to PSO and PAM operator use. Resumes must include information related to relevant education, experience, and training, including dates, duration, location, and description of prior PSO or PAM operator experience. Resumes must be accompanied by relevant documentation of successful completion of necessary training;(11) To be approved as a PAM operator, the person must meet the following qualifications: the PAM operator must demonstrate that they have prior experience with real-time acoustic detection systems and/or have completed specialized training for operating PAM systems, including experience with relevant Project acoustic software and equipment. They must also demonstrate experience detecting and identifying Atlantic Ocean marine mammals sounds, including North Atlantic right whale sounds, humpback whale sounds and deconflicting them from similar North Atlantic right whale sounds and other co-occurring species' sounds in the area. The PAM operator must be able to review and classify acoustic detections in real-time (prioritizing North Atlantic right whales and noting detection of other cetaceans) during the real-time monitoring periods and must be able to distinguish between whether a marine mammal or other species sound is detected, possibly detected, not detected. Where localization of sounds or deriving bearings and distance are possible, the PAM operators must demonstrate experience in using this technique. PAM operators must have the qualifications and relevant experience/training to safely deploy and retrieve equipment and program the software, as necessary and test software and hardware functionality prior to operation; and(12) PSOs may work as PAM operators and vice versa, pending NMFS-approval; however, they may only perform one role at any one time and must not exceed work time restrictions, which must be tallied cumulatively.(b)General PSO and PAM operator requirements. The following measures apply to PSOs and PAM operators and must be implemented by Sunrise Wind:(1) All PSOs must be located at the best vantage point(s) on any platform, as determined by the Lead PSO, in order to collectively obtain 360-degree visual coverage of the entire clearance and shutdown zones around the activity area, and as much of the Level B harassment zone as possible. PAM operators may be located on a vessel or remotely on-shore, but must have the appropriate equipment (i.e., computer station equipped with a data collection software system and acoustic data analysis software) available wherever they are stationed, and data or data products must be streamed in real-time or in near real-time to allow PAM operators to provide assistance to on-duty visual PSOs;(2) PSOs must use high magnification (25x) binoculars, standard handheld (7x) binoculars, and the naked eye to search continuously for marine mammals. During foundation installation, at least two PSOs on the pile driving-dedicated PSO vessel must be equipped with functional Big Eye binoculars (e.g., 25 x 150; 2.7 view angle; individual ocular focus; height control). These must be pedestal mounted on the deck at the best vantage point that provides for optimal sea surface observation and PSO safety. PAM operators must use a NMFS-approved PAM system to conduct monitoring;(3) During periods of low visibility (e.g., darkness, rain, fog, poor weather conditions, etc.), PSOs must use alternative technology (e.g., infrared or thermal cameras) to monitor the mitigation zones;(4) PSOs and PAM operators must not exceed 4 consecutive watch hours on duty at any time, must have a 2-hour (minimum) break between watches, and must not exceed a combined watch schedule of more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period;(5) For UXO/MEC detonation areas larger than 2 km, Sunrise Wind must use a secondary PSO vessel to monitor for marine mammals. For any additional vessels determined to be necessary, three PSOs must be used and located at the appropriate vantage point on the vessel. These additional PSOs would maintain watch during the same time period as the PSOs on the primary monitoring vessel. For detonation areas larger than 5 km, Sunrise Wind must use an aircraft or additional PSO vessels in addition to the primary monitoring vessel to monitor for marine mammals. If an aircraft is used, two PSOs must be used and located at the appropriate vantage point on the aircraft. These additional PSOs would maintain watch during the same time period as the PSOs on the primary monitoring vessel;(6) During foundation installation and UXO/MEC detonation, Sunrise Wind must conduct PAM for at least 24 hours immediately prior to pile driving activities. The PAM operator must review all detections from the previous 24-hour period immediately prior to pile driving;(7) During cable landfall construction, at least two PSOs must be on active duty 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after all pile driving activities; and(8) Sunrise Wind must ensure that visual PSOs conduct, as rotation schedules allow, observations for comparison of sighting rates and behavior with and without use of the specified acoustic sources. Off-effort PSO monitoring must be reflected in the PSO monitoring reports.(c)Reporting. Sunrise Wind must comply with the reporting measures in paragraphs (c)(1) through (20) of this section: (1) Prior to initiation of project activities, Sunrise Wind must demonstrate in a report submitted to NMFS Office of Protected Resources (pr.itp.monitoringreports@noaa.gov) that all required training for Sunrise Wind personnel, including the vessel crews, vessel captains, PSOs, and PAM operators has been completed;(2) Sunrise Wind must use a standardized reporting system. All data collected related to the Project must be recorded using industry-standard software that is installed on field laptops and/or tablets. Unless stated otherwise, all reports must be submitted to NMFS Office of Protected Resources (PR.ITP.MonitoringReports@noaa.gov), dates must be in MM/DD/YYYY format, and location information must be provided in Decimal Degrees and with the coordinate system information (e.g., NAD83, WGS84, etc.);(3) For all visual monitoring efforts and marine mammal sightings, the following information must be collected and reported to NMFS Office of Protected Resources: the date and time that monitored activity begins or ends; the construction activities occurring during each observation period; the watch status (i.e., sighting made by PSO on/off effort, opportunistic, crew, alternate vessel/platform); the PSO who sighted the animal; the time of sighting; the weather parameters (e.g., wind speed, percent cloud cover, visibility); the water conditions (e.g., Beaufort sea state, tide state, water depth); all marine mammal sightings, regardless of distance from the construction activity; species (or lowest possible taxonomic level possible); the pace of the animal(s); the estimated number of animals (minimum/maximum/high/low/best); the estimated number of animals by cohort (e.g., adults, yearlings, juveniles, calves, group composition, etc.); the description (i.e., as many distinguishing features as possible of each individual seen, including length, shape, color, pattern, scars or markings, shape and size of dorsal fin, shape of head, and blow characteristics); the description of any marine mammal behavioral observations (e.g., observed behaviors such as feeding or traveling) and observed changes in behavior, including an assessment of behavioral responses thought to have resulted from the specific activity; the animal's closest distance and bearing from the pile being driven or specified HRG equipment and estimated time entered or spent within the Level A harassment and/or Level B harassment zone(s); the activity at time of sighting (e.g., pile driving, construction surveys), use of any noise attenuation device(s), and specific phase of activity (e.g., ramp-up of HRG equipment, HRG acoustic source on/off, soft-start for pile driving, active pile driving, etc.); the marine mammal occurrence in Level A harassment or Level B harassment zones; the description of any mitigation-related action implemented, or mitigation-related actions called for but not implemented, in response to the sighting (e.g., delay, shutdown, etc.) and time and location of the action; other human activity in the area, and; other applicable information, as required in any LOA issued under section 5 herein;(4) If a marine mammal is acoustically detected during PAM monitoring, the following information must be recorded and reported to NMFS: species identification (if possible); call type and number of calls (if known); temporal aspects of vocalization (date, time, duration, etc.; date times in ISO 8601 format); confidence of detection (detected, or possibly detected); comparison with any concurrent visual sightings; location and/or directionality of call (if determined) relative to acoustic recorder or construction activities; location of recorder and construction activities at time of call and site name; name and version of detection or sound analysis software used, with protocol reference; minimum and maximum frequencies viewed/monitored/used in detection (in Hz); name of PAM operator(s) on duty; bottom depth and depth of recording unit (in meters); recorder (model & manufacturer) and platform type (i.e., bottom-mounted, electric glider, etc.), and instrument ID of the hydrophone and recording platform (if applicable); time zone for sound files and recorded date/times in data and metadata (in relation to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC); i.e., Eastern Standard Time (EST) time zone is UTC-5); duration of recordings (start/end dates and times; in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8601 format, yyyy-mm-ddTHH:MM:SS.sssZ); deployment/retrieval dates and times (in ISO 8601 format); recording schedule (must be continuous); hydrophone and recorder sensitivity (in dB re. 1 microPascal ([MICRO]Pa)); calibration curve for each recorder; bandwidth/sampling rate (in Hz); sample bit-rate of recordings; and detection range of equipment for relevant frequency bands (in meters);(5) Full marine mammal acoustic detection data, metadata, and location of recorders (or GPS tracks, if applicable) from all real-time hydrophones used for monitoring during construction must be submitted within 90 calendar days following completion of activities requiring PAM for mitigation via the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard metadata forms available on the NMFS Passive Acoustic Reporting System website (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/passive-acoustic-reporting-system-templates). Submit the completed data templates to nmfs.nec.pacmdata@noaa.gov. The full acoustic recordings from real-time systems must also be sent to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) for archiving within 90 days following completion of activities requiring PAM for mitigation. Submission details can be found at: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/passive-acoustic-data;(6) Sunrise Wind must compile and submit weekly reports during foundation installation to NMFS Office of Protected Resources that document SFV results, the daily start and stop of all pile driving HRG survey, or UXO/MEC detonation activities associated with the Project; the start and stop of associated observation periods by PSOs, details on the deployment of PSOs, a record of all detections of marine mammals (acoustic and visual); any mitigation actions (or if mitigation actions could not be taken, provide reasons why), and details on the noise attenuation system(s) used and its performance. Weekly reports are due on Wednesday for the previous week (Sunday-Saturday) and must include the information required under this section. The weekly report must identify which turbines become operational and when (a map must be provided);(7) Sunrise Wind must compile and submit monthly reports to NMFS Office of Protected Resources during foundation installation (PR.ITP.monitoringreports@noaa.gov) that include a summary of all information in the weekly reports, including project activities carried out in the previous month, vessel transits (number, type of vessel, MMIS number, and route), number of piles installed, number of UXO/MEC detonations, all detections of marine mammals, and any mitigative action taken. Monthly reports are due on the 15th of the month for the previous month. The monthly report must also identify which turbines become operational and when (a map must be provided). Full PAM detection data and metadata must also be submitted monthly on the 15th of every month for the previous month via the webform on the NMFS North Atlantic Right Whale Passive Acoustic Reporting System website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/passive-acoustic-reporting-system-templates.(8) Sunrise Wind must submit draft annual marine mammal monitoring report to NMFS (PR.ITP.monitoringreports@noaa.gov) no later than March 31, annually. Sunrise Wind must submit a draft annual SFV report to NMFS (PR.ITP.monitoringreports@noaa.gov) no later than 90 days after SFV is completed for the year. The annual marine mammal monitoring report must detail the following: the total number of marine mammals of each species/stock detected and how many were within the designated Level A harassment and Level B harassment zone(s) with comparison to authorized take of marine mammals for the associated activity type; marine mammal detections and behavioral observations before, during, and after each activity; what mitigation measures were implemented (i.e., number of shutdowns or clearance zone delays, etc.) or, if no mitigative actions was taken, why not; operational details (i.e., days and duration of impact and vibratory pile driving, days, days and amount of HRG survey effort, etc.); any PAM systems used; the results, effectiveness, and which noise attenuation systems were used during relevant activities (i.e., foundation pile driving); summarized information related to situational reporting; and any other important information relevant to the Project, including additional information that may be identified through the adaptive management process. The annual SFV report must summarize all reporting during complete and abbreviated monitoring for the construction year. The final annual reports must be prepared and submitted within 30 calendar days following the receipt of any comments from NMFS on the draft report;(9) Sunrise Wind must submit its draft final 5-year report to NMFS (PR.ITP.monitoringreports@noaa.gov) on all visual and acoustic monitoring, including SFV, conducted within 90 calendar days of the completion of the specified activities. A 5-year report must be prepared and submitted within 30 calendar days following receipt of any NMFS Office of Protected Resources comments on the draft report. The draft and final 5-year report must include, but is not limited to: the total number (annually and across all five years) of marine mammals of each species/stock detected and how many were detected within the designated Level A harassment and Level B harassment zone(s) with comparison to authorized take of marine mammals for the associated activity; a summary table(s) indicating the amount of each activity type (e.g., pile installation, HRG) completed in each of the five years and total; GIS shapefile(s) of the final location of all piles, cable routes, and other permanent structures including an indication of what year installed and began operating; GIS shapefile of all North Atlantic right whale sightings, including dates and group sizes; a five-year summary and evaluation of all SFV data collected; a five-year summary and evaluation of all PAM and SFV data collected; a five-year summary and evaluation of marine mammal behavioral observations; a five-year summary and evaluation of mitigation and monitoring implementation and effectiveness; and a list of recommendations to inform environmental compliance assessments for future offshore wind actions.(10) For those foundations requiring complete SFV measurements, Sunrise Wind must provide the initial results of the SFV measurements to NMFS Office of Protected Resources in an interim report after each foundation installation event as soon as they are available and prior to any subsequent foundation installation, but no later than 48 hours after each completed foundation installation event. The report must include hammer energies/schedule used during pile driving or UXO/MEC weight (including donor charge weight), the model-estimated acoustic ranges (R95% ) to compare with the real-world sound field measurements, estimated source levels at 1 m and/or 10 m, peak sound pressure level (SPLpk) and median, mean, maximum, and minimum root-mean-square sound pressure level that contains 90 percent of the acoustic energy (SPLrms) and sound exposure level (SEL, in single strike for pile driving (SELs-s) and SELcum) for each hydrophone, including at least the maximum, arithmetic mean, minimum, median (L50) and L5 (95 percent exceedance) statistics for each metric; estimated marine mammal Level A harassment and Level B harassment acoustic isopleths, calculated using the maximum-over-depth L5 (95 percent exceedance level, maximum of both hydrophones) of the associated sound metric; comparison of modeled results assuming 10-dB attenuation against the measured marine mammal Level A harassment and Level B harassment acoustic isopleths; estimated transmission loss coefficients; pile identifier name, location of the pile and each hydrophone array in latitude/longitude; depths of each hydrophone; one-third-octave band single strike SEL spectra; if filtering is applied, full filter characteristics must be reported; and hydrophone specifications including the type, model, and sensitivity. Sunrise Wind must also report any immediate observations which are suspected to have a significant impact on the results including but not limited to: observed noise mitigation system issues, obstructions along the measurement transect, and technical issues with hydrophones or recording devices. If any in situ calibration checks for hydrophones reveal a calibration drift greater than 0.75 dB, pistonphone calibration checks are inconclusive, or calibration checks are otherwise not effectively performed, Sunrise Wind must indicate full details of the calibration procedure, results, and any associated issues in the 48-hour interim reports;(11) All abbreviated SFV results must be included in the weekly reports. The report must include estimated source levels at 1 m or 10 m and the measured SELcum noise levels at distance. Any indications that distances to the identified Level A harassment and Level B harassment thresholds for marine mammals were exceeded must be addressed by Sunrise Wind, including an explanation of factors that contributed to the exceedance and corrective actions that were taken to avoid exceedance on subsequent piles;(12) The final results of all SFV measurements from each foundation installation must be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days following completion of all annual SFV measurements. The final reports must include all details included in the interim report and descriptions of any notable occurrences, explanations for results that were not anticipated, or actions taken during foundation installation. The final report must also include at least the maximum, mean, minimum, median (L50) and L5 (95 percent exceedance) statistics for each metric; the SEL and SPL power spectral density and/or one-third octave band levels (usually calculated as decidecade band levels) at the receiver locations should be reported; range of transmission loss coefficients; the local environmental conditions, such as wind speed, transmission loss data collected on-site (or the sound velocity profile); baseline pre- and post-activity ambient sound levels (broadband and/or within frequencies of concern); a description of depth and sediment type, as documented in the Construction and Operation Plan (COP), at the recording and foundation installation locations; the extents of the measured Level A harassment and Level B harassment zone(s); hammer energies required for pile installation and the number of strikes per pile; the hydrophone equipment and methods (i.e., recording device, bandwidth/sampling rate; distance from the pile where recordings were made; the depth of recording device(s)); a description of the SFV measurement hardware and software, including software version used, calibration data, bandwidth capability and sensitivity of hydrophone(s), any filters used in hardware or software, any limitations with the equipment, and other relevant information; the spatial configuration of the noise attenuation device(s) relative to the pile; a description of the noise abatement system and operational parameters (e.g., bubble flow rate, distance deployed from the pile, etc.), and any action taken to adjust the noise abatement system. A discussion which includes any observations which are suspected to have a significant impact on the results including but not limited to: observed noise mitigation system issues, obstructions along the measurement transect, and technical issues with hydrophones or recording devices. Sunrise Wind must submit a revised report within 30 days following receipt of NMFS' comments on the draft final report;(13) Sunrise Wind must submit SFV results from UXO/MEC detonation monitoring in a report prior to detonating a subsequent UXO/MEC or within the relevant weekly report, whichever comes first. The report must include, at minimum, the size of UXO/MEC detonated and doner charge weight, why detonation was necessary, current speeds, SELcum, a description of the noise abatement system and operational parameters (e.g., bubble flow rate, distance deployed from the detonation, etc.) and any action taken to adjust the noise abatement system, modeled and SFV-based estimated ranges to all relevant NMFS explosive thresholds (including those from pressure transducer measurements);(14) If at any time during the project Sunrise Wind becomes aware of any issue or issues which may to any reasonable subject-matter expert, including the persons performing the measurements and analysis call into question the validity of any measured Level A harassment or Level B harassment isopleths to a significant degree, which were previously transmitted or communicated to NMFS Office of Protected Resources, Sunrise Wind must inform NMFS Office of Protected Resources within 1 business day of becoming aware of this issue or before the next pile is driven, whichever comes first;(15) Performance reports for each bubble curtain deployed must include water depth (m), current speed (m/s) and direction (degrees), wind speed (m/s) and direction (degrees), Beaufort sea state, bubble curtain deployment/retrieval date and time (UTC), bubble curtain hose length (m), bubble curtain radius (distance from pile) (m), diameter of holes and hole spacing (metric units), air supply hose length (m), compressor type (including rated Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and model number), number of operational compressors, performance data from each compressor (including Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), pressure, start and stop times [UTC]), free air delivery (m3 /min), total hose air volume (m3 /(min m)), schematic of GPS waypoints during hose laying, maintenance procedures performed and results (pressure tests, inspections, flushing, re-drilling, and any other hose or system maintenance) before and after installation and start and stop times of those tests (UTC), and the length of time the bubble curtain was on the seafloor prior to the associated foundation installation, and confirmation that the bubble curtain was in full contact with the seafloor throughout the use. Additionally, the report must include any important observations regarding performance (before, during, and after pile installation), such as any observed weak areas of low pressure, corrective measures conducted to ensure the system is working sufficiently. The report may also include any relevant video and/or photographs of the bubble curtain(s) operating during all pile driving;(16) Sunrise Wind must provide NMFS Office of Protected Resources with notification of planned UXO/MEC detonation as soon as possible but at least 48 hours prior to the planned detonation unless this 48-hour notification would create delays to the detonation that would result in imminent risk of human life or safety. This notification must include the coordinates of the planned detonation, the estimated charge size, and any other information available on the characteristics of the UXO/MEC.(17) Sunrise Wind must submit situational reports if specific circumstances occur, including but not limited to the following:(i) All instances wherein an exemption is taken must be reported to the NMFS Office of Protected Resources within 24 hours.(ii) If a North Atlantic right whale is sighted with no visible injuries or entanglement by PSOs or project personnel, Sunrise Wind must immediately report the sighting to NMFS; if immediate reporting is not possible, the report must be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the initial sighting. All North Atlantic right whale acoustic detections within a 24-hour period should be collated into one spreadsheet and reported to NMFS as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours. To report sightings and acoustic detections, download and complete the Real-Time North Atlantic Right Whale Reporting Template spreadsheet found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/template-datasheet-real-time-north-atlantic-right-whale-acoustic-and-visual. Save the spreadsheet as a .csv file and email it to NMFS NEFSC-PSD (ne.rw.survey@noaa.gov), NMFS GARFO-PRD (nmfs.gar.incidental-take@noaa.gov), and NMFS Office of Protected Resources (PR.ITP.MonitoringReports@noaa.gov). If the sighting is in the Southeast (North Carolina through Florida), report via the template and to the Southeast Hotline 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) with the observation information provided below (PAM detections are not reported to the Hotline). If unable to report a sighting through the spreadsheet within 24 hours, call the relevant regional hotline (Greater Atlantic Region [Maine through Virginia] Hotline 866-755-6622; Southeast Hotline 877-WHALE-HELP) with the observation information provided below (PAM detections are not reported to the Hotline). The visual sighting report must, at minimum, include the following information: the time (note time format), date (MM/DD/YYYY), location (latitude/longitude in decimal degrees; coordinate system used) of the observation, number of whales, animal description/certainty of observation (follow up with photos/video if taken), reporter's contact information, and lease area number/project name, PSO/personnel name who made the observation, and PSO provider company (if applicable) (PAM detections are not reported to the Hotline). If unable to report via the template or the regional hotline, enter the sighting via the WhaleAlert app (http://www.whalealert.org/). If this is not possible, report the sighting to the U.S. Coast Guard via channel 16. The report to the Coast Guard must include the same information as would be reported to the Hotline. PAM detections are not reported to WhaleAlert or the U.S. Coast Guard;(iii) If a non-NARW large whale is observed, report the sighting via WhaleAlert app (https://www.whalealert.org/) as soon as possible but within 24 hours;(18) In the event that personnel involved in the Project discover a stranded, entangled, injured, or dead marine mammal, the Sunrise Wind must immediately report the observation to NMFS. If in the Greater Atlantic Region (Maine through Virginia), call the NMFS Greater Atlantic Stranding Hotline (866-755-6622), and if in the Southeast Region (North Carolina through Florida) call the NMFS Southeast Stranding Hotline (877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343)). Separately, the LOA Holder must report, within 24 hours, the incident to NMFS Office of Protected Resources (PR.ITP.MonitoringReports@noaa.gov) and, if in the Greater Atlantic Region to the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO; nmfs.gar.incidental-take@noaa.gov) or if in the Southeast Region, to the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (SERO; secmammalreports@noaa.gov). Note, the stranding hotline may request the report be sent to the local stranding network response team. The report must include contact information (e.g., name, phone number, etc.); time, date, and location (i.e., specify coordinate system) of the first discovery (and updated location information, if known and applicable); species identification (if known) or description of the animal(s) involved; condition of the animal(s) (including carcass condition if the animal is dead); observed behaviors of the animal(s) (if alive); photographs or video footage of the animal(s) (if available); and general circumstances under which the animal was discovered;(19) In the event of a suspected or confirmed vessel strike of a marine mammal by any vessel associated with the Project or other means by which Project activities caused a non-auditory injury or death of a marine mammal, Sunrise Wind must immediately report the incident to NMFS. If in the Greater Atlantic Region (Maine through Virginia), call the NMFS Greater Atlantic Stranding Hotline (866-755-6622), and if in the Southeast Region (North Carolina through Florida) call the NMFS Southeast Stranding Hotline (877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343)). Separately, the Sunrise Wind must immediately report the incident to NMFS Office of Protected Resources (PR.ITP.MonitoringReports@noaa.gov) and, if in the Greater Atlantic Region to the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO; nmfs.gar.incidental-take@noaa.gov) or if in the Southeast Region, to the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (SERO; secmammalreports@noaa.gov). The report must include time, date, and location (i.e., specify coordinate system)) of the incident; species identification (if known) or description of the animal(s) involved (i.e., identifiable features including animal color, presence of dorsal fin, body shape and size, etc.); vessel strike reporter information (name, affiliation, email for person completing the report); vessel strike witness (if different than reporter) information (e.g., name, affiliation, phone number, platform for person witnessing the event, etc.); vessel name and/or MMSI number; vessel size and motor configuration (inboard, outboard, jet propulsion); vessel's speed leading up to and during the incident; vessel's course/heading and what operations were being conducted (if applicable); part of vessel that struck marine mammal (if known); vessel damage notes; status of all sound sources in use at the time of the strike; if the marine mammal was seen before the strike event; description of behavior of the marine mammal before the strike event (if seen) and behavior immediately following the strike; description of avoidance measures/requirements that were in place at the time of the strike and what additional measures were taken, if any, to avoid strike; environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, Beaufort sea state, cloud cover, visibility, etc.) immediately preceding the strike; estimated (or actual, if known) size and length of marine mammal that was struck; if available, description of the presence and behavior of any other marine mammals immediately preceding the strike; other animal-specific details if known ( e.g., length, sex, age class); behavior or estimated fate of the marine mammal post-strike ( e.g., dead, injured but alive, injured and moving, external visible wounds (linear wounds, propellor wounds, non-cutting blunt-force trauma wounds), blood or tissue observed in the water, status unknown, disappeared); to the extent practicable, any photographs or video footage of the marine mammal(s); and, any additional notes the witness may have from the interaction. For any numerical values provided ( i.e., location, animal length, vessel length, etc.), please provide if values are actual or estimated. The Sunrise Wind must immediately cease activities until the NMFS Office of Protected Resources is able to review the circumstances of the incident and determine what, if any, additional measures are appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms of the LOA(s). NMFS Office of Protected Resources may impose additional measures to minimize the likelihood of further prohibited take and ensure MMPA compliance. Sunrise Wind may not resume their activities until notified by NMFS Office of Protected Resources; and(20) Sunrise Wind must report any lost gear associated with the fishery surveys to the NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Protected Resources Division (nmfs.gar.incidentaltake@noaa.gov) as soon as possible or within 24 hours of the documented time of missing or lost gear. This report must include information on any markings on the gear and any efforts undertaken or planned to recover the gear. 89 FR 45388 , 6/21/2024through 6/20/2029