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Part
III Table of Contents
In evaluating the proposal to designate a Monterey Bay National
Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) has analyzed institutional, boundary, regulatory
and management alternatives in terms of achieving optimum protection
of the ecosystem, improving scientific knowledge of the area,
and promoting public understanding of the value of Monterey Bay
area resources and qualities. This Part describes the alternatives
considered in the evaluation process. Part IV describes the environmental
consequences of the alternatives described below.
The fundamental choice of alternatives is between the two institutional
alternatives: (1) no action or continuing the status quo, and
(2) the preferred alternative, Sanctuary designation as a complementary
measure to existing programs. Boundary, regulatory, and management
alternatives are considered in the context of the preferred institutional
alternative.
I.
Section: Boundary Alternatives [Part
III TOC]
A.
Introduction
[Part
III TOC]
This section describes the seven proposed boundary alternatives
for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The study area
for the proposed sanctuary (also included as Boundary Alternative
5, the preferred alternative) encompasses an area of 4,024 square
nautical miles. The northern range of the alternatives extends
to the Golden Gate National Recreation area in Marin County. The
southern range extends to Cambria in San Luis Obispo County. Five
of the boundary alternatives extend approximately 46 nautical
miles seaward from Moss Landing and approximately 18 nautical
miles from the California coast. Depths of over 1,500 fathoms
are included in all but one of the alternatives. All of the boundary
alternatives include Monterey Bay and its adjacent coastline to
the north and the south. They also include state waters between
Pigeon Point to the north, and Partington Point to the south.
Comprehensive tables follow each boundary description and map,
graphically illustrating the resources and human uses contained
in each boundary alternative.
All boundary alternatives were derived based on: (1) the distribution
of living resources and human uses, (2) geological and physical
oceanographic parameters, and (3) management logistics which provide
for effective resource protection and enforcement, improve research
on the Monterey Bay environment, and enhance public awareness
and understanding of the resources and uses of the Sanctuary area.
B.
Boundary Alternative 1 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
The boundary extends from the mean high water level at Pigeon
Point on a southwest heading of 240ö to the 50 fathom isobath
(Figure 30). Following this isobath
south to a point where it intersects the three nautical mile geographic
limit drawn from the baseline across Monterey Bay, the boundary
then turns south along this limit. Upon reaching the 100 fathom
isobath on the Sur platform, the boundary then runs generally
to the southeast along the 100 fathom isobath. The boundary then
proceeds to the head of Partington Canyon until it rejoins the
three nautical mile limit. Following the three mile limit until
it reaches a point three nautical miles off Partington Point on
a heading of 240ö, the boundary then proceeds shoreward to the
mean high tide level. The land-side boundary follows along the
mean high tide level, but Santa Cruz, Moss Landing (except for
Elkhorn Slough), and Monterey Harbors are all excluded from this
alternative's boundary.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
This boundary focuses on nearshore coastal resources and uses.
Consequently high percentages of kelp, intertidal invertebrates,
and sea otters are located here (Table 17a
& 17b). The area contains
a high concentration of fissipeds (otters), particularly in
the southern portion, a major concentration of pinniped (seal)
colonies/rookeries (equal to Alternatives 2, 6, and 7), and
several cetacean sighting areas. However, feeding areas associated
with the offshore canyon are excluded. Deep water fish associated
with the offshore canyon are also excluded from this proposed
alternative. This alternative encompasses only 11 percent of
the canyons (excluding deep sea portions) in the study area.
Water quality stations, protected areas, freshwater input, and
kelp beds are the same as in Alternatives 2, 6, and 7. Due to
the limited amount of Federal OCS lands encompassed, this boundary
alternative contains only an estimated 80 million barrels of
oil and 110 billion cubic feet of natural gas (Table 17). Lands
adjacent to the sanctuary are home to three major ports. Commercial
ship traffic is often outside of the proposed boundary alternative
due to its limited seaward extent. Only two military training
areas, adjacent to the coast of Monterey Bay itself, are included.
Figure
30: Boundary Alt 1
Table
17 a: Summary of human uses
Table
17 b: Summary of resources
C.
Boundary Alternative 2 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
This proposed boundary, includes the entire Monterey Canyon between
the northern boundary of Pescadero Marsh, two nmi north of Pescadero
Point, and the southern boundary of Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater
Park and Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), 2.5 nmi
southeast from Partington Point (Figure
31). The boundary extends from the mean high tide line from
these sites seaward approximately 18 nmi on a southwesterly heading
of 240ö. These southern and northern boundaries are joined by
an arc drawn from Moss Landing, with a radius of 46 nmi, over
the entire Monterey Canyon complex out to the abyssal plain at
1500 fathoms (approx 3,000 m). Santa Cruz, Moss Landing (except
for Elkhorn Slough), and Monterey Harbors are all excluded from
the sanctuary boundary.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
Most resource values (i.e., kelp, historical sites, protected
areas) are similar to those in Alternatives 1, 6, and 7 (Table
18a & 18b).
However, this alternative contains higher concentrations of
species and greater canyon area than those alternatives. It
also contains over half of all seabird and pinniped rookeries/colonies
and cetacean high concentration areas. This boundary alternative
encompasses approximately 84% of the canyons within the study
area. The submerged lands of Boundary Alternative 2 contain
an estimated 110 million barrels of oil and 150 billion cubic
feet of natural gas (Table 18). This boundary extends seaward
to a depth of 1,500 fathoms and includes the productive fishing
grounds around the Monterey Canyon. Onshore development is concentrated
along the coast of Monterey Bay.
Figure
31: Boundary alt 2
Table
18a: Summary of human uses
Table
18b: Summary of resources
D.
Boundary Alternative 3 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
This alternative is a variation of Alternative 2 with a boundary
extension to the south (Figure 32).
Specifically, the boundary extends south from the southern boundary
of Alternative 2, along the 500 fathom isobath (1,000 m) to a
point due east of Cambria and then shoreward to the mean high
tide level at Cambria.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
Boundary Alternative 3 includes the central and southern regions
of the study area. Excluding Alternative 5, the preferred alternative,
it includes the highest concentrations of cetaceans, pinnipeds,
fissipeds, and the largest fissiped range (Table 19a
& 19b). The southern extension
of the proposed boundary encompasses the California Sea Otter
Refuge and contains major areas of kelp beds (equal to Alternative
5). It also has the second highest percentage of rockfish habitat,
number of fish species (both equal to Alternative 4), and on-shore
prehistoric sites. This boundary encompasses approximately 89
percent of the canyons. Because of this alternative's southern
extent, adjacent lands contain more forest lands and rangelands
than Alternatives 1, 2, 6, and 7 (Table 19a
& 19b). It also receives
more non-point runoff than those alternatives. The major commercial
fishing grounds around Monterey Canyon are included within this
proposal. About 120 million barrels of oil and 190 billion cubic
feet of natural gas are estimated to occur in submerged lands
in this alternative.
Figure
32: Boundary alt 3
Table
19a: Summary of human uses
Table
19b: Summary of resources
E.
Boundary Alternative 4 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
This alternative is another variation of Alternative 2, but with
a boundary extension to the north (Figure
33). Specifically, the boundary extends north from the northern
boundary of the Alternative 2, along the 500 fathom isobath (1,000
m), to the border of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine
Sanctuary. The northern border of this alternative is then contiguous
with the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The
boundary then proceeds generally south along the mean high tide
level, across the Golden Gate from Point Bonita to Point Lobos,
but excludes Princeton Harbor in Half Moon Bay, until it rejoins
the boundary of Alternative 2 at the northern boundary of Pescadero
State Beach.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
Boundary Alternative 4 includes the central and northern regions
of the study area. It contains the second highest percentage
of squid spawning habitat and the second widest variety of fish
species (equal to Alternative 3) (Table 20a
& 20b). The northern extension
adds a high concentration of birds and invertebrates. This proposal
also has the greatest number of reserves (excluding Alternative
5, the preferred alternative), including the Fitzgerald Marine
Reserve, which contains a very diverse invertebrate community.
This boundary also encompasses the most shipwreck sites and
the largest number of canyons (89 percent of those in the study
area). This is the only alternative with as many upwelling zones
(3) as Alternative 5. It is also ranked second in total number
of water quality monitoring stations. Because of its northern
extent, it is estimated to contain over 360 million barrels
of oil and 550 billion cubic feet of natural gas (second only
to preferred Boundary Alternative 5) (Table 20a
& 20b). This alternative
includes important commercial shipping fairways that enter and
exit San Francisco Bay. Lands adjacent to Alternative 4 include
four major commercial fishing ports. The heavily populated communities
that border this Sanctuary alternative are experiencing rapid
commercial and residential development. Non-point runoff from
urban lands is highest (excluding Alternative 5) in this area.
Figure
33: Boundary alt 4
Table
20a: Summary of human uses
Table
20b: Summary of resources
F.
Boundary Alternative 5 (Preferred) [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
This boundary alternative, the preferred alternative and study
area, is a composite of proposals 3 and 4 (Figure
34). The northern terminus of the boundary is located along
the southern boundary of the Gulf of Farallones National Marine
Sanctuary and runs westward to approximately 123ö07'W. The boundary
then extends south in an arc which generally follows the 500 fathom
isobath. At approximately 37ö03'N, the boundary arcs south to
122ö25'W, 36ö10'N, due west of Partington Point. The boundary
again follows the 500 fathom isobath south to 121ö41'W, 35ö33'N,
due west of Cambria. The boundary then extends shoreward towards
the mean high-water line. This boundary excludes a small area
of approximately 71 square nautical miles off the north coast
of San Mateo County and the City and County of San Francisco.
The landward boundary is defined along the mean high-water line.
The harbors of Monterey, Moss Landing (excluding Elkhorn Slough),
Princeton, and Santa Cruz are excluded from this alternative.
The excluded area (described above) encompasses the anticipated
discharge plume of the combined sewer overflow component of
the City and County of San Francisco's sewage treatment program,
the shipping channel providing access to and from San Francisco
Bay, and the Golden Gate dredged material disposal site associated
with this channel. NOAA has determined that the nature and level
of these activities are not appropriate for inclusion within
a national marine sanctuary. By excluding this small area from
the Sanctuary, NOAA will be able to focus Sanctuary management
on the long-term protection of other areas that contain nationally
significant resources and qualities and are less heavily impacted
by human activity. By excluding the anticipated discharge plume
of the combined sewer overflow from the sanctuary, a buffer
zone has been created protecting sanctuary resources and qualities
from the discharge.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics [Part
III TOC]
Species from 31 of the 33 invertebrate phyla
have been found in this region. Within this preferred boundary
alternative, there are four endangered species of turtles and
94 species of birds occupying 23 rookeries/colonies (Table 21a
& 21b). There are also
five species of pinnipeds, including rapidly declining populations
of Northern Fur Seals and Steller Sea Lions, using nine rookeries/colonies.
This area also contains 20 species of cetaceans, many endangered.
The preferred alternative includes the entire California Sea
Otter Refuge and over 1,000 historical sites. There are three
major areas of upwelling of nutrient-rich waters and corresponding
periods of high primary productivity, along with large areas
of kelp, wetlands, and canyons. There are numerous human activities
within and adjacent to this area (Table 21a
& 21b).
Figure
34: Boundary alt 5
Table
21a: Summary of human uses
Table
21b: Summary of resources
G.
Boundary Alternative 6 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
Proposed boundary alternative 6 would begin at Pescadero Point
and proceed on a southwesterly heading of 240ö out three nautical
miles (Figure 35). This alternative
then proceeds south along the State water boundary to a point
of 240ö off Table Rock, where it then runs on a southwesterly
heading of 240ö to 36ö50'N latitude. The boundary then proceeds
due west along this latitude to a point 46 nautical miles from
Moss Landing. Finally, the boundary moves southward along an arc
drawn from Moss Landing, with a radius of 46 nautical miles, to
36ö10'N latitude and then proceeds due east to Partington Point.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
Boundary Alternative 6 has similar resource values and onshore
activities as Alternatives 1, 2, and 7; including the same number
of water quality stations, historical sites, protected areas,
and kelp beds (Table 22a &
22b). About one-half of the
highly concentrated areas of cetaceans within the study area
are relatively equally distributed throughout this boundary
alternative. The fissiped and pinniped rookeries/colonies are
found mostly in the southern portion of this alternative. Unlike
Boundary Alternative 1, however, it extends much further offshore.
Consequently, it includes the major commercial fishing grounds
around Monterey Canyon. This boundary was drawn to exclude Federal
waters of high oil and gas resource potential and, as a result,
less than one million barrels of oil and only three billion
cubic feet of natural gas are estimated to occur in the Federal
submerged lands in this alternative (Table 22a
& 22b).
Figure
35: Boundary alt 6
Table
22a: Summary of human uses
Table
22b: Summary of resources
H.
Boundary Alternative 7 [Part
III TOC]
1.
Geography
[Part
III TOC]
This alternative is a variation of Boundary Alternative 1, with
a seaward extension over the Monterey Bay Canyon (Figure
36). Boundary Alternative 7 intersects Boundary Alternative
1 at longitude 122öW, then proceeds seaward along the 500 fathom
isobath on the northern side of the Monterey Canyon. This alternative
then runs due westward along latitude 36ö46'N to longitude 122ö30'W,
then due south along longitude 122ö30'W to latitude 36ö30'N. The
boundary then turns eastward to intersect with the 100 fathom
isobath off Point Lobos where it turns southward along the state
water boundary line to eventually proceed shoreward off Partington
Point.
2.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[Part
III TOC]
Most resource values are similar to Alternatives 1, 2, and 6.
It has one of the smallest percentages of rockfish and squid
spawning habitats (Table 23a
& 23b). It also has the
second smallest area of canyon, as it focuses only on the Monterey
Canyon. Higher concentrations of fissipeds occur in the southern
section of this proposed alternative. Pinnipeds are concentrated
in the central area and seabirds are mostly within the northern
and central portions. Boundary Alternative 7 was designed to
exclude all areas that were included in the Minerals Management
Service (MMS) Lease Sale 119 (now canceled). It is estimated
to contain 80 million barrels of oil and about 110 billion cubic
feet of natural gas, the same as Boundary Alternative 1 (Table
23a & 23b).
Most measures of human use are also the same as for Alternative
1.
Figure
36: Boundary alt 7
Table
23a: Summary of human uses
Table
23b: Summary of resources
Section
II
Part
III Table of Contents
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