Protected Species Aerial Survey Data Collection and Analysis in Waters Underlying the R-5306A Airspace: Final Report Submitted to U.S. Marine Corps, MCAS Cherry Point. NOAA Technical Memorandum

摘要

To be in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, the United States Department of the Navy is required to assess the potential environmental impacts of conducting at-sea training operations on sea turtles and marine mammals. Limited recent and area-specific density data of sea turtles and dolphins exist for many of the Navy's operations areas (OPAREAs), including the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point OPAREA, which encompasses portions of Core and Pamlico Sounds, North Carolina. Aerial surveys were conducted to document the seasonal distribution and estimated density of sea turtles and dolphins within Core Sound and portions of Pamlico Sound, and coastal waters extending one mile offshore.