TABLE OF CONTENTS

13. Marine Mammals

13.1 Existing Environment

13.1.1 Environmental Assessment Boundaries

13.1.1.1 Administrative Boundaries
13.1.1.2 Technical Boundaries

13.1.2 Methods

13.1.2.1 Aerial and Boat-Based Surveys
13.1.2.2 Ringed Seal Surveys
13.1.2.3 Incidental Mammal Observations
13.1.2.4 Underwater Noise Modelling

13.1.3 Existing Conditions

13.1.3.1 Ringed Seals
13.1.3.2 Harp Seals
13.1.3.3 Harbour Seals
13.1.3.4 Bearded Seals
13.1.3.5 Minke Whales

13.1.4 Likely Future Conditions

13.2 Environmental Effects Assessment

13.2.1 The Effects of Noise

13.2.1.1 Vessel Traffic Noise
13.2.1.2 Aircraft Noise
13.2.1.3 Construction Noise

13.2.2 Effects of Ice Disturbance
13.2.3 Bioaccumulation
13.2.4 Accidental Events
13.2.5 Cumulative Environmental Effects
13.2.6 Environmental Design, Mitigation, and Optimization

13.3 Residual Environmental Effects

13.3.1 Construction
13.3.2 Operation
13.3.3 Decommissioning
13.3.4 Post-Decommissioning
13.3.5 Accidental Events
13.3.6 Follow-up Program

13.4 References

Appendix 13A Environmental Effects Assessment Synthesis: Marine Mammals
Appendix 13B Marine Mammal Incidental Sightings 1996


LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 13.1 Spring-Summer Seal Harvesting Activities in Nain District, Northern Labrador, 1977-1997
Figure 13.2 Autumn-Winter Seal Harvesting Activities in Nain District, Northern Labrador, 1977-1997
Figure 13.3 Landscape Region and Marine Mammal Assessment Area
Figure 13.4 Marine Mammal Aerial and Boat-Based Survey Transects
Figure 13.5 Ringed Seal Survey Area
Figure 13.6 Mean Relative Densities of Ringed Seals During the Spring Survey, 1996 and 1997
Figure 13.7 The Exchange of Metals in The Marine Food Chain


LIST OF TABLES

Table 13.1 Reported Catches of ‘Other' Seals in Atlantic Canada, 1988-92
Table 13.2 Potential Environmental Effects
Table 13.3 Summary of Residual Environmental Effects