MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROG RAMME 2013 · Shipping Traffic Associated with the Sakhalin2 Project, developed by Sakhalin Energy - (Sakhalin Energy, 2006) provides the basis for Marine

MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAMME 2013 CLOSE – OUT REPORT REV. 01

DOCUMENT NO. 1000-S-90-04-T-0221-00-E PAGE 2 OF 88

DOCUMENT REVISIONS HISTORY

Rev. Location of Change Brief Description of Change

01

First issue of the report

Report on Work Order No.12 under Contract No. Y-05155 between Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. and Sakhalin State University



TABLE OF CONTENTS

DOCUMENT REVISIONS HISTORY ..................................................................................... 2

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 4

1.1 PURPOSE ......................................................................................................... 5

2 OVERVIEW OF MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................... 6

2.1 POTENSIAL THREATS ..................................................................................... 6

2.2 COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................. 6

3 MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS – 2013 ................................................................... 13

3.1 QUALIFICATION OF MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS ................................. 13

3.2 TRAINING PROGRAMME ............................................................................... 13

3.3 ORGANISATION AND METHODS .................................................................. 13

4 MMO PROGRAMME – 2013 ........................................................................................ 14

4.1 OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES ................................................................................ 14

4.2 VESSELS AND MMO DEPLOYMENT ............................................................. 14

5 IMPLEMENTATION OF COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES ................................. 18

5.1 ADHERENCE TO VESSEL CORRIDORS ....................................................... 18

5.2 COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................... 28

6 ANIMAL SIGHTS DATA ............................................................................................... 44

6.1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 44

6.2 FACTORS AFFECTING DETECTABILITY ...................................................... 45

6.3 DETECTION OF MARINE MAMMALS AS A FUNCTION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................... 54

7 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................... 56

8 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 57

APPENDIX A OVERVIEW OF ALL MARINE MAMMALS SIGHTED IN THE REPORTING PERIOD ............................................................................................................................... 58



1 INTRODUCTION Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. was established in 1994 to develop the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoye oil and gas fields on the northeast shelf of Sakhalin Island, in the Sea of Okhotsk. This area includes habitats of several species of marine mammals, including the gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus.

The protection of marine mammals has been identified by Sakhalin Energy as a high-priority for the whole period of their oil and gas field development. In particular, emphasis has been put on the conservation of western gray whale (WGW) that is listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2012), and as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Hilton-Taylor, 2000). The endangered status has been established based on the small size and low number of reproductive females which come to Sakhalin Island every year.

Although industrial whaling was thought to have caused extinction of the WGW population (Bowen, 1974), a small number of surviving whales was identified in 1983 (Blokhin et al., 1985), and in 1995 studies of the WGW started under the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection between Russia and the USA. In 1997, Sakhalin Energy began funding studies of this population, and research conducted to date has produced extremely valuable information on population status of these whales. As of 2008, population consisted of 131 (90% with Bayesian confidence interval 120–140) non-calf individuals (Cook et al., 2010). Based on the latest data, the number of gray whales off Sakhalin is 156–165 individuals.

In 2010 and 2011, programme of satellite tagging of whales was successfully conducted using satellite telemetry, which was performed by the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEE RAS) and the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute in collaboration with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, Kronotsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve and the Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Institute of Geography. The research was contracted through the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with funding from Exxon Neftegas Ltd. (ENL) and Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd.

During these two years of studies, several whales were tagged. Three of them reached the south coast of Alaska. One whale spent winter months off the coast of California.

The data gathered for the moment allows to make a conclusion that at least some whales feeding near the north-eastern coast of Sakhalin are part of one common eastern population of gray whales consisting of 19 000 individuals.

Despite the new information which may change the status of gray whales of Sakhalin, the Company continues to fulfil all the requirements and the Sakhalin Energy Marine Mammal Protection Plan (MMPP) (Sakhalin Energy 2009b) which describes the general measures for protection of gray whales and other marine mammals within the areas of the Company activities. In general, these measures include:

• identification of protected zones (Piltun and Offshore feeding areas);

• establishment of vessel corridors (navigation, construction, etc.);

• establishment of mammal-vessel distance control parameters (minimal stand-offs); and

• limitation of vessel speed.

The use of Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) is essential for implementation of the above measures. MMO programme which has been implemented by Sakhalin Energy since 2003 employs MMOs aboard main vessels engaged in offshore operations to provide continuous monitoring of gray whales and other marine mammals. These MMOs are tasked to:



• give advice on practical measures for avoiding collisions with marine mammals;

• ensure compliance with Marine Mammal Protection Plan requirements;

• record all observations of marine mammals, and where possible to identify the species, their location, numbers, and behaviour; this information is used in assessing the adequacy of protection measures; and

• record the observations of any injured or dead animals, and where possible to identify the reasons of injury or death.

1.1 PURPOSE

This report focuses on the role of MMOs involved in the work on mitigation of collision risk by means of regular observations onboard the Sakhalin Energy vessels.

In this report, the following is provided:

• overview of mitigation measures employed by Sakhalin Energy to reduce the risk of collision between vessels and marine mammals, including the use of MMOs (Section 2);

• qualification and training of MMOs employed during 2013 (Section 3);

• Sakhalin Energy offshore activities during 2013, that required MMO support (Section 4);

• analysis of the efficacy of mitigation measures applied during 2013 (Section 5); and

• overview of observation data and factors affecting the detectability of marine mammals

(Section 6).



2 OVERVIEW OF MITIGATION MEASURES

2.1 POTENSIAL THREATS

The main aspects of the Sakhalin-2 Project activities that have potential to impact marine mammals are anthropogenic noise, accidental oil spills, and the risk of collisions with vessels. The document called Analysis of Risks for Western Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) from Shipping Traffic Associated with the Sakhalin-2 Project, developed by Sakhalin Energy (Sakhalin Energy, 2006) provides the basis for Marine Mammal Protection Plan (MMPP) (Sakhalin Energy, 2009b) which describes the measures applied by Sakhalin Energy to mitigate the risk of collisions with whales and other marine mammals. A summary of these measures is presented below.

2.2 COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES

Gray whale collision risk mitigation measures were developed according to the current understanding of usual gray whales migration, breeding and feeding behaviours.

Feeding of gray whales in Sakhalin waters has been studied during the ice-free period, from approximately June to November. Two main feeding areas are known on the NE Sakhalin shelf: a shallow water sea area adjacent to Piltun Bay (Piltun feeding area), and a deeper water sea area adjacent to Chaivo Bay (Offshore feeding area), which are shown on the whale density map in Figure 2.1. The Piltun feeding area is located in the immediate vicinity of Sakhalin Energy license area, which places the whales in proximity to industrial activities and vessel traffic.

Collision risk mitigation measures are described in Sakhalin Energy MMPP. In general, the risk of vessel-whale collisions can be effectively mitigated by:

• control of vessel routes;

• control of vessel speed;

• establishment of an exclusion zone for the vessels;

• setting the limitations for vessels operating in feeding areas;

• use of Marine Mammal Observers; and

• development of procedure for vessel response in case of collision with marine mammals.

Although there is a low likelihood of a vessel-whale collision in the vicinity of the platforms, the pipeline routes, and along the designated vessel routes, in 2013, the following mitigation measures, envisaged by the MMPP, were employed to further reduce the risk.



Figure 2.1. Gray whale densities along the NE coast of Sakhalin Island

2.2.1 CONTROL OF VESSEL ROUTES

As in previous year, vessels were not allowed to enter the Piltun and Offshore feeding areas (Fig. 2.1), unless it was essential for safety, monitoring or other purposes, subject to making a request and obtaining an authorisation.

Special vessel corridors have been established for all Sakhalin Energy vessel traffic along the eastern coast of Sakhalin Island. All Sakhalin Energy vessels were required to maintain the course within the designated corridors, unless deviation from this course was essential for



safety reasons, subject to making a request and obtaining an authorisation. The following corridors were determined:

• crew transfer corridors for crew change vessels travelling from the Kaigan Port to LUN-A, PA-A or PA-B platforms (Fig. 2.2 and 2.3);

• navigation corridors for all vessels transiting from Kholmsk or Korsakov to Lunskoye and/or Piltun areas (Figures 2.2 and 2.3);

• pipeline inspection corridor for all vessels involved in offshore pipeline inspection and offshore environmental monitoring (previously also referred to as ‘construction corridor’). For example, dynamic positioning vessels equipped with sonar systems and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) should follow the established navigation corridors while on transit, and the pipeline inspection corridors during the survey. Other examples include research vessels for monitoring of marine sediments, benthos and seawater (Fig. 2.3).

• In addition to the above-mentioned corridors, a platform safety zone with a radius of 5 km has been identified around all three platforms. As a rule, supply vessels and rescue vessels drift or are anchored in this area. Vessels without an affiliation with Sakhalin Energy are not allowed to enter this zone which is guarded by emergency response vessels (Fig. 2.3).

2.2.2 ESTABLISHED SPEED LIMITS

Speed limits for vessels during 2013 were as follows:

Conditions Crew transfer corridor

Within navigation corridors

Westward from corridors1 and within inspection and PA-A and PA-B

approach corridors

Daylight conditions & visibility ≥1 km 21 knots 17 knots 10 knots

Visibility <1 km or at night 21 knots 17 knots 7 knots

Vessels are required to avoid sudden changes in speed and course.

1 Speed limits westward from the corridors (towards areas where encounters with WGW are more likely) need to be adhered to in all cases, unless the emergencies or safety considerations require otherwise.



Figure 2.2. Vessel corridors for all vessel traffic involved in offshore activities related to the

Sakhalin-2 Project



Figure 2.3. Diagram of navigation, construction and crew transfer corridors in Piltun and

Lunskoye areas



Non-transiting2 vessels moving with a speed of less than 5 knots should maintain course and speed unless there is an imminent risk of collision. If a whale is observed near the vessel and there is a risk of collision between the vessel and the whale, the vessel is required to stop (if safe to do so), until the risk of collision with the whale has passed.

2.2.3 USE OF MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS

Sakhalin Energy 2009 MMPP requires that one or two trained MMOs be present on each of the main vessels3 involved in offshore activities along Sakhalin Island eastern coast and that MMOs maintain watch for gray whales and other marine mammals. The number of MMOs assigned to each vessel depends mainly on duration and area of operations, and on the type of activities conducted by the vessel.

Roles and Responsibilities

In general, the tasks of MMOs include the following:

• maintain diligent and systematic watch for marine mammals during daylight hours and during all period of operational activities;

• advise the vessel (via Sakhalin Energy representative or the Vessel Master) about practical measures that may be taken to avoid possible collision with a marine mammal observed within the safety distance4; this might include change of course, reduction of speed, or full stop of the vessel, if this can be done safely;

• record location and number of marine mammals sighted, as well as their behaviour; this data may be used to improve mitigation measures; in case if marine mammals are observed, records shall be made on the standard Data Recording Form; in addition, notes are made every 30 minutes, whether or not a marine mammal was sighted;

• record all actions taken to mitigate the risk of collision and note the respective timings;

• observe the area in the vicinity of the vessel for 30 minutes prior to commencement of noisy operations;

• immediately report collision between vessel and marine mammal to the Sakhalin Energy representative aboard and to the MMO Programme Coordinator, and record the event in a Marine Mammal Mortality-Injury Report;

• where necessary, remind the Vessel Master to adhere to navigation, construction and other corridors, to comply with the speed limits, especially in night hours and under poor visibility conditions, and not to traverse known feeding areas of gray whales unless it is essential for safety reasons, subject to making a request and obtaining an authorisation; and

• before anchoring, the MMO shall conduct a visual search of the area to make sure that this operation will not endanger any marine mammal.

Protocols

MMOs perform continuous monitoring of gray whales and other marine mammals during daylight hours. Watches are conducted when the Beaufort Sea state is 5 or less5. Since

2 Transiting vessels move between ports, usually Kaigan or Kholmsk, and the Sakhalin Energy offshore areas. Non-transiting vessels move between platforms within the Sakhalin Energy offshore areas. 3 ‘Main vessel’ is defined as a vessel that has a high probability of a whale encounter or that provides the most appropriate base for marine mammal observations during the planned activity. 4 Safety distance of 1 km is envisaged for endangered whale species (WGW, bowhead whale, north pacific right whale, fin whale); safety distance of 0.5 km—for other whales, dolphins and porpoises; although safety distances are not specified for pinnipeds, vessels are required to proceed with caution. 5 The Beaufort scale defines force 5 as 17–21 knots wind speed, 1.8 to 2.8 m waves, many white caps, and some spray.



continuous observation is an exhausting task under often adverse weather conditions, watch duration is restricted to four hours, after which the MMO takes a break for a minimum of two hours.

In situations where the MMO on watch needs to leave his/her post, the MMO warns the bridge staff that he/she won’t be on duty for some time. If marine mammals are observed during this time, the MMO is required to remain on watch; i.e. the MMO can only leave watch if he/she is replaced by another MMO. In situations where several marine mammals are present in the area, all MMOs aboard the vessel shall be called on to keep watch.

The MMO shall be stationed on the highest observation post available on the vessel. Observations of a 180° sector of the sea surface shall be made mostly by naked eye, alternated with binocular6 scans at regular intervals. When a marine mammal is observed, binoculars shall be used to confirm the observation and to identify the species, distance from the vessel, and direction of movement. Where whales are observed in front of the vessel, the MMO immediately informs the bridge and advises on precautions to avoid collision.

The MMO records the situation every 30 minutes regardless of whether marine mammals have been observed. Records shall be made using data codes describing the vessel operations and speed, coordinates and course, time of day, sea state, visibility, marine mammal species and number, movements, the animals’ activity, and if relevant, also the distance between the vessel and the animals.

At the end of each day of watch, the MMO enters the data from the Data Recording Forms into a Microsoft Access Database. A daily report is then sent to the Sakhalin Energy MMO Programme Coordinator. The daily report summarises the data on marine mammal species observed, their number and distance relative to the vessel, time of day, location, and the vessel speed. It also describes any collision mitigation measures that were applied. Weekly reports are also sent to the MMO Programme Coordinator.

In addition, the MMO records the GPS-track of the vessel with one-minute intervals using hand-held GPS navigator.

After completion of the voyage, the MMOs receive a de-briefing by the MMO Coordinator and are requested to submit all paper data forms, electronic databases, and a brief summary of observations during the voyage in a close out report.

Further details on protocols are included in the MMO Manual (Sakhalin Energy, 2009с), in the MMPP (Sakhalin Energy, 2009b), and in the Marine Operating Procedures and Methodical Recommendations (Sakhalin Energy, 2010).

2.2.4 CONTROL OF VESSEL MOVEMENTS

Transiting vessels are required to maintain, where possible, a minimum distance of 1000 m from the observed whales belonging to endangered species (western gray whale, bowhead, north pacific right whale, and fin whales); in addition, they should maintain a distance of 500 m from other non-endangered marine mammals. No minimum separation distance is established for pinnipeds, but vessels shall proceed with appropriate caution if pinnipeds are observed close to the vessel.

If a whale surfaces in the vicinity of, or moves towards the vessel, the vessel is required to take all possible precautions to avoid collision until the collision risk has passed.

The MMPP forbids any vessel to pursue, intercept, encircle whales, or separate groups of whales.

Vessels are also required to avoid proceeding directly in front of moving or stationary whales, and when moving parallel to whales, vessels should maintain constant speed and course.

6 The binoculars used are Fujinon 7X50 FMTRC-SX or similar types.



3 MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS – 2013

3.1 QUALIFICATION OF MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS

In 2013, a total of fourteen Marine Mammal Observers participated in the Sakhalin Energy activities. All MMOs have a university degree (5-year course) in biology, and half of MMOs have a PhD degree in biology. All are experienced MMOs who previously worked as MMOs on behalf of Sakhalin Energy or other operators in the area.

3.2 TRAINING PROGRAMME

Roles and responsibilities of MMOs are described in the MMO Manual (Sakhalin Energy, 2009c). This manual is a working document which has been amended to reflect updates to the Sakhalin Energy MMPP and also in response to comments and proposals put forward by MMOs and other stakeholders with regard to the implementation of the MMO programme. The main objectives of the MMO Manual are to:

• serve as a training manual for the MMO programme;

• provide guidance and reference information to the trained MMOs participating in Sakhalin Energy offshore activities; and

• provide information to vessel operators and vessel crews with regard to the Marine Mammal Observer roles and responsibilities.

Sakhalin Energy has conducted training for most of the MMOs in Vladivostok before commencement of the field season. Sakhalin-based MMOs were trained in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk before commencement of each voyage. All MMOs had attended this type of training before.

The following documents were provided to the MMOs and used during the field season:

• Marine Mammal Observers Manual (2009c);

• Database Instruction Manual (2009a);

• laminated brief for identification of marine mammals in Sakhalin waters;

• laminated data code table; and

• hardcopies of the data recording form.

3.3 ORGANISATION AND METHODS

No detailed description of the MMO work organisation, monitoring protocols, communication and reporting structure is provided in this document. The detailed description is provided in the Marine Mammal Observers Manual (Sakhalin Energy, 2009c).



4 MMO PROGRAMME – 2013

4.1 OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES

In 2013, Sakhalin Energy offshore activities were performed in the Piltun-Astokhskoye, Lunskoye and Aniva Bay areas. Activities which required vessel support and could potentially present a collision-risk to marine mammals are described below7.

4.1.1 PILTUN-ASTOKHSKOYE AREA

Activities in the Piltun-Astokhskoye area included:

• hydrocarbon production from PA-B platform;

• hydrocarbon production from PA-A platform;

• backfilling for stabilisation of pipeline freespans; and

• visual (with Remotely Operated Vehicle and divers) inspection of pipelines, platform cables subsea sections, and platform scour protection.

These activities also involved supply vessels shuttling between Kholmsk and the platforms, emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRV) and oil spill response (OSR) standby vessels located between PA-A and PA-B platforms, crew change vessels shuttling between the Kaigan Port and the platforms, vessel with the Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV), and scientific survey vessels.

4.1.2 LUNSKOYE AREA

Apart from normal production and well drilling, no specific activities were conducted in the Lunskoye area. As part of the production programme, supply vessels, ERRV and OSR vessels, crew change vessels and survey vessels worked in the Lunskoye area. Environmental monitoring was conducted around the offshore pipeline and platform.

4.1.3 ANIVA BAY

Activities in Aniva Bay included tanker traffic to and from TLU through La Perouse Straight, tug and line boats, OSR vessel, and survey vessel. Additionally, the research vessel Pavel Gordienko was involved in environmental monitoring in the direct vicinity of the LNG plant and Oil Export Terminal.

4.2 VESSELS AND MMO DEPLOYMENT

Pacific Endurance, Pacific Endeavour, Pacific Enterprise, Vidar Viking supply vessels ran shuttle by rotation between Kholmsk and Sakhalin Energy license areas. The vessels were strictly required to follow the navigation corridors. During handling operations in the port, trainings for vessel crews were arranged.

Smit Sakhalin, Ikaluk, Katun and Neftegas-55 ERRV and OSR standby vessels were permanently stationed between PA-A, PA-B and LUN-A platforms.

La Boudeuse vessel and Mermaid Sapphire ROV vessel were working along the offshore pipeline.

Also the Heimdal support vessel for platform crew accommodation was used during the works.

7 Brief overview of these ‘around-the-clock’ activities is provided in this section, while further details are provided in Section 4.



Collision risk between these vessels (Smit Sakhalin, Heimdal, La Boudeuse, Mermaid Sapphire) and marine mammals was considered low and MMOs were therefore not deployed on them.

Two MMOs were stationed on the Pavel Gordienko environmental research vessel working in Aniva Bay, in Lunskoye, and Piltun areas (Table 4.1). The Pavel Gordienko operated in the Piltun area from 27 to 29 June, and from 26 October to 7 November; in the Lunskoye area—from 20 to 21 June, from 8 to 9 November, from 14 to 15 November; in Aniva Bay—from 14 to 17 June, from 21 to 29 September.

The vessel was used for environmental monitoring (seabed sediment and benthos) in the PA-A, PA-B and LUN-A platforms area, along the offshore pipeline and in Aniva Bay near the LNG Plant.

Two MMOs within the whale photo-identification team were onboard the Ikaluk, Katun and Neftegas-55 alternating OSR vessels and Pacific Endeavour supply vessel in the Piltun area from 3 July to 18 October. The Katun vessel with the MMO onboard was in transit from the Piltun area to Kholmsk Port from 15 October to 18 October.

Two MMOs within the acoustic team were working onboard the Pacific Enterprise vessel in the Piltun area from 5 to 15 August and from 24 September to 5 November. The Pacific Enterprise with the MMO onboard was in transit from the Kholmsk Port to the Piltun area and back during both work stages.

Polar Piltun and Polar Baikal platform crew change vessels made voyages between the Kaigan Port and PA-A, PA-B and LUN-A platforms. In general, 7 MMOs were working on these vessels in 2013.

In total, the Polar Piltun and the Polar Baikal made 31 voyages from Kaigan Port to PA-A and back; 36 voyages from Kaigan Port to PA-B and back; and 44 voyages from Kaigan Port to LUN-A and back (Table 4.2).

For each vessel the number of observation hours were counted depending on the weather (e.g. no observations were conducted during a storm) and the amount of daylight. The total in 2013, effort included 2474:34 hours of observations (Table 4.3).



Table 4.1. List of vessels and Marine Mammal Observers

Area and type of activity Vessel Names of MMOs Date of commencement

Date of completion

Piltun/Lunskoye/Aniva: environmental monitoring

Pavel Gordienko

D. Korobov

Yu. Gluschenko 11 June 2013 4 July 2013

Piltun/Lunskoye/Aniva: environmental monitoring

Pavel Gordienko

Yu. Gluschenko

D. Korobov 17 September

2013 20 November

2013

Piltun:

PA-B, PA-A platforms supply vessel, work within the photo-identification team

Neftegaz-55

A. Khrapov, E. Kozhukhov 4 July 2013 8 August 2013

Piltun

PA-B, PA-A platform supply vessel, working as part of photo-identification team

Ikaluk A. Khrapov, E. Kozhukhov 9 August 2013 16 August 2013

Piltun:

PA-B, PA-A platforms supply vessel, work within the photo-identification team

Katun A. Khrapov, E. Kozhukhov 17 August 2013 18 October

2013

Piltun/supply vessel/transit Kholmsk-Piltun, work within the photo-identification team

Pacific Endeavour

A. Khrapov, E. Kozhukhov 30 June 2013 4 July 2013

Piltun/Offshore area/supply vessel, work within the photo-identification team

Pacific Endeavour

A. Khrapov, E. Kozhukhov

16 September 2013

20 September 2013

Piltun/supply vessel/transit Kholmsk-Piltun, work within the acoustic team

Pacific Enterprise

N. Romanov, S. Vinogradov 5 August 2013 15 August 2013

Piltun/supply vessel/transit Kholmsk-Piltun, work within the acoustic team

Pacific Enterprise

N. Storchakov, S. Vinogradov

24 September 2013

5 November 2013

Piltun/Lunskoye: crew change Polar Piltun D. Kovshov, A.

Tischuk, E. Lebedev, V. Kavun, M. Kornienko,

A. Balanov, Z. Sakhapov, A. Tischuk (one MMO per vessel)

21 June 2012 11 November 2012

Piltun/Lunskoye: crew change

Polar Baikal 21 June 2012 31 October

2012



Table 4.2. Number of voyages for crew-change vessels

Area Number of voyages

Polar Baikal Polar Piltun Total

Kaigan–LUN-A–Kaigan 25 19 44

Kaigan–PA-A–Kaigan 5 26 31

Kaigan–PA-B–Kaigan 11 25 36

Total 41 70 111

Table 4.3. Number of observation hours in 2013

Area Observation effort (hours)

June July August September October November Total

Piltun 160:38 124:41 175:30 82:08 355:13 78:55 977:05

Lunskoye 62:40 46:38 48:39 32:15 43:24 48:00 281:36

Aniva 66:25 0:00 13:30 60:35 23:23 0:00 163:53

Transit 129:45 224:32 160:56 146:33 297:52 92:22 1052:00

Total 419:28 395:51 398:35 321:31 719:52 219:17 2474:34



5 IMPLEMENTATION OF COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES Responsibility for implementing the marine mammal collision mitigation measures rests with the MMOs, Sakhalin Energy representatives, the Vessel Masters and crew-members of vessels chartered by Sakhalin Energy. The Vessel Masters were required to adhere to the Sakhalin Energy Marine Operating Procedures and Methodical Recommendations (Sakhalin Energy, 2010) which included the mitigation measures from the Marine Mammal Protection Plan. The main role of MMOs was to inform the Vessel Master on the presence of marine mammals, and to advise on actions to be taken if marine mammals were observed within the safety distance. These mitigation measures can include speed reduction, course change, or full stop of the vessel. The effectiveness of these measures depends on the reliability, coordination and prompt response of the MMO and the crew, and on their ability to detect an animal and to determine its species.

5.1 ADHERENCE TO VESSEL CORRIDORS

In 2013, MMOs were stationed on 8 vessels during the feeding period (Table 4.1). The MMOs recorded the vessel position every 30 minutes on watch, or whenever a marine mammal was sighted. In total, over 5800 vessel coordinates were recorded by the MMOs, which were used to map the voyage tracks. Based on these voyage tracks, the MMO Programme Coordinator monitored compliance to vessel corridors. The tracks were plotted on maps on a weekly basis to check compliance with the corridors and protected zones. In addition, observers on each vessel were equipped with GPS navigators (Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx). GPS tracks were recorded with one-minute intervals. After each journey, MMOs downloaded the recorded tracks from the GPS to a computer and sent them to the MMO Coordinator. This GPS data was used when more thorough analysis of possible deviations from corridors was required. If deviations were identified, the MMO Programme Coordinator initiated investigations in order to determine the reason for these deviations. In general, there was a good adherence to the corridors. Most vessel tracks were within the specified crew-change and navigation corridors, and deviations were relatively rare (Figures 5.1 to 5.9).

• The Polar Baikal was not sheering off the corridors.

• The Polar Piltun was generally not sheering off the corridors without the management instructions to conduct two special operations.

On 19 July 2013, the vessel participated in training on positioning slick bars for oil spill response. After the training, the vessel returned to the corridor.

On 25 October 2013, the vessel left the corridor to conduct training for finding the helicopter that had crashed into the sea. After the training, the vessel returned to the corridor.

• During all field season, the Pavel Gordienko complied reasonably well with the corridors. All vessel movements during the voyage were strictly within the dedicated corridors and recommended marine routes except in rare cases of stormy weather when the vessel was moving along the coast, without penetrating gray whale feeding areas (except for the cases when scientific research were conducted directly in these areas).



Figure 5.1. Routes of Polar Baikal crew change vessel in 2013



Figure 5.2. Routes of Polar Piltun crew change vessel in 2013



Figure 5.3. Routes of Pavel Gordienko research vessel

from 11 June to 4 July 2013



Figure 5.4. Routes of Pavel Gordienko research vessel

from 17 September to 20 November 2013



Figure 5.5. Routes of Pacific Enterprise vessel (mounting and dismounting of acoustic stations)

from 5 to 15 August and from 24 September to 5 November 2013



Figure 5.6. Routes of Pacific Endeavour vessel (photo-identification team)

from 30 June to 4 July and from 16 to 20 September 2013



Figure 5.7. Routes of Ikaluk vessel (photo-identification team)

from 9 to 16 August 2013



Figure 5.8. Routes of Katun vessel (photo-identification team)

from 17 August to 18 October 2013



Figure 5.9. Routes of Neftegas-55 vessel (photo-identification team)

from 4 July to 8 August 2013



5.2 COLLISION MITIGATION MEASURES

5.2.1 GRAY WHALES

In 2013, 236 sightings of gray whales (total of 447 individuals) were recorded (Table 5.1 and Fig. 5.9.1–5.9.6). Of them, 170 sightings (319 individuals) were recorded when the vessels were in the Piltun area, 64 sightings (125 individuals) were recorded when the vessel was in transit area, and one sighting (1 individual) in the Lunskoye area.

Particularly interesting was a meeting of two gray whales on 18 June in a location further south from their feeding areas at 46º45,89' North and 144º12,19' East. Judging by the shift and shape of fountains, these whales were slowly shifting to the north-east.

Figure 5.9.1. Meeting of two gray whales on 18 June in a location further south from their feeding

areas at 46º45,89' North and 144º12,19' East in 2013

In most cases, observations of whales were at a distance of at least 1 km, so observers did not have to take measures to prevent impact on these mammals. However, in cases where there was a possibility of reducing the distance from the safe distance to 1,000 meters, the observers took precautions in advance.

Kh l k N Al k d k

Y h S kh li k

Li t i h

N l k A i

K k



Pavel Gordienko research vessel

On 18 June at 5:55 a.m., when two gray whales were moving to cross the course of the vessel at a distance of about 1.5 km, the vessel course was changed to 20 degrees and the whales passed far from the vessel on the starboard side.

On 22 June at 11:17 a.m., when a gray whale was at a distance of about 1,500 m at the course of the vessel, the vessel course was changed to 50 degrees to the right, and when the whale was far away, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 22 June at 10:36 a.m., when there was about 1.5 km up to one of gray whales, the vessel changed its course to 25 degrees to the right.

On 22 June at 11:30 a.m., when two gray whales happened to be at the course of the vessel at a distance of a little more than 1 km, the vessel course was changed to the east and the speed was increased, allowing bypass of whales at a safe distance.

On 23 June at 2:46 p.m., when two gray whales were at a distance of a little more than 1 km from the vessel, the course was changed to 30 degrees.

On 25 June at 10:44 a.m., when a gray whale appeared at a distance of 1200 m at the course of the vessel, the vessel speed was reduced, and then the vessel had to stop because the whale was feeding at the proposed place of sampling. The vessel started to move only after the whale was at the safe distance.

On 29 June at 6:07 a.m., when the vessel weighed anchor, there appeared a gray whale at a distance of about 1 km from the vessel. The vessel course was changed to 30 degrees to the left from the planned course, and when the whale was left behind, the vessel took the correct course.

On 5 October at 9:30 a.m., when a split group of five gray whales was observed at the course of the vessel at a distance of 1,000 m away, the course of the vessel was changed to 25 degrees to the right; soon the whales were left away on the port side of the vessel, and then the vessel returned to its course.

On 5 June at 11:00 a.m., when a gray whale turning to the right was at a distance of about 1,500 m from the vessel, the vessel course was changed to 15 degrees to the left, and when the whale was far away on the starboard side, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 6 October at 8:55 a.m., when a gray whale was discovered at the course of the vessel at a distance of about 800 m, the vessel changed the course to 60 degrees to the left, and when the whale appeared to traverse, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 18 October at 6:19 p.m., when a gray whale was moving to cross the course of the vessel at a distance of about 1,000 m, the vessel changed the course to 40 degrees, and when the whale appeared to traverse, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 19 October at 8:30 a.m., when a gray whale was noticed moving to cross the course of the vessel at a distance of about 1,200 m, the vessel changed the course to 40 degrees to the left, and when the whale appeared to traverse considerably to the right of the vessel, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 19 October at 9:00 a.m., when a gray whale was noticed at a distance of about 1 km away at the course of the vessel, the course was changed to 40 degrees to the left, eventually leaving the whale away on the starboard side, after which the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 19 October at 10:30 a.m., a group of 5 gray whales was observed feeding to the right of the course of the vessel, 1,000 m from the vessel. The course of the vessel was changed to 30 degrees to the left, and when the whales were left behind the vessel, the vessel returned to its previous course.



On 19 October at 11:30 a.m., when a group of 3 gray whales appeared at a distance of about 1 km from the vessel, the course of the vessel was changed to 30 degrees, and when the whales were left behind, the vessel returned to its previous course.

On 19 October at 2:07 p.m., when two gray whales appeared at a distance of about 1 km from the vessel, the vessel course was changed to 25 degrees, and when the whales were left behind, the vessel returned to its previous course.

Polar Baikal vessel

On 7 July, when approaching to Kaigan Port, a gray whale was noticed at a distance of 1,000 m. The course of the vessel was changed as recommended by MMO.

On 23 July, in the PA-A platform area a gray whale was noticed on the route at a distance of 2,000 m. The course of the vessel was changed as recommended by MMO.



Figure 5.9.2. Locations of gray whales sightings recorded by MMOs in June

2013



Figure 5.9.3. Locations of gray whales sightings recorded by MMOs in July

2013



Figure 5.9.4. Locations of gray whales sightings recorded by MMOs in August

2013



Figure 5.9.5. Locations of gray whales sightings recorded by MMOs in September

2013



Figure 5.9.6. Locations of gray whales sightings recorded by MMOs in October

2013



Table 5.1. Gray whale observations from the vessels in buffer zones during Sakhalin Energy offshore operations, and mitigation measures taken in 2013

Date Time Vessel Latitude Longitude Q-ty Behaviour* Distance Mitigation measures

18 Jun 13 5:55 Pavel Gordienko 46 45 89 144 12 19 2 FD 800 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

23-Jun-13 14:46 Pavel Gordienko 52 55 66 143 19 95 2 FD 100 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

29-Jun-13 5:00 Pavel Gordienko 52 34 2 143 22 99 1 FE 1000 No. Anchored vessel

29-Jun-13 5:00 Pavel Gordienko 52 34 2 143 22 99 1 FE 500 No. Anchored vessel

29-Jun-13 6:07 Pavel Gordienko 52 34 15 143 23 9 1 FE 1000 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

07-Jul-13 20:20 Polar Baikal 51 38 60 143 26 73 1 FD 1000 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

08-Aug-13 9:11 Pacific Enterprise 52 53 67 143 22 48 1 FD 800 No. Vessel drifted.

12-Aug-13 18:45 Pacific Enterprise 52 41 65 143 30 55 3 FD 600 No. Vessel drifted.

14-Aug-13 10:30 Ikaluk 52 51 81 143 23 11 2 NO 1000 No. Vessel drifted.



05-Sep-13 11:00 Katun 52 54 49 143 22 49 1 FD 1000 No. Vessel drifted.






05-Oct-13 9:30 Pavel Gordienko 52 52 92 143 21 43 5 FD 1000 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

06-Oct-13 8:55 Pavel Gordienko 52 58 54 143 19 42 1 FE 800 Yes. The vessel changed the course.






25-Oct-13 12:37 Polar Piltun 52 50 26 143 22 77 1 FD 1000 No. Vessel drifted.

Behaviour*: FD—front dive, FE—feed, NO—no data.



5.2.2 FIN WHALES

In total in 2013, 14 fin whale sightings (22 individuals) were registered (Fig. 5.9.7). In all cases, the distance between the vessel and the whales was 1,000 meters or more (Table 5.2), so in most cases (78.6%) measures to reduce the impact on these whales were not required.

Figure 5.9.7. Locations of fin whales sightings recorded by MMOs

in 2013



However, in cases where there was a possibility of reducing the distance from the safe distance to 1,000 meters, the observers took precautions in advance.

Pavel Gordienko vessel

On 18 June at 1:20 p.m., when a feeding fin whale was about 1 km from the moving vessel, the vessel course was changed to 45 degrees to the left, leaving the whale far away on the starboard side.

On 30 September at 12:30 p.m., when two fin whales were moving to cross the course of the vessel at a distance of about 1 km, the vessel changed the course to 30 degrees to the left, and after some time the whales appeared to traverse and eventually behind the vessel.

On 21 October at 8:53 a.m., a group of three fin whales was observed at the course of the vessel, moving to cross it, the vessel course was changed to 50 degrees to the left, and when the whales were left behind, the vessel returned to its previous course.

Since the speed of the Pavel Gordienko during the voyage did not exceed 10 knots, observers suggested to change the course as a measure to reduce the impact on fin whales. In all cases MMOs’ suggestions were fulfilled.



Table 5.2. Fin whale observations from the vessels during Sakhalin Energy offshore operations in 2013

No. Vessel Date Time Number

of whales

Distance

(m) Behaviour*

Coordinates Were any measures taken?

Latitude Longitude

1 Pavel Gordienko 18.06.2013 13:20 1 1000 FD 47 45 14 144 40 1 Yes. The vessel changed the course.

2 Pavel Gordienko 18.06.2013 14:47 1 1000 FD 47 57 25 144 44 99 No, the fin whale was observed going away from the vessel

3 Pavel Gordienko 01.07.2013 11:45 2 3000 NO 47 25 96 144 28 54 No. Distance > 1000

4 Pavel Gordienko 01.07.2013 12:00 1 1200 NO 47 23 53 144 27 94 No. Distance ≥ 1000

5 Pavel Gordienko 01.07.2013 14:35 1 1500 FD 47 4 10 144 18 89 No. Distance > 1000



8 Pavel Gordienko 01.07.2013 21:00 2 1500 FE 46 18 54 143 49 32 No. Distance ≥ 1000




12 Pavel Gordienko 07.10.2013 14:22 1 2500 NO 53 10 21 143 17 2 No. Distance > 1000




14 Pavel Gordienko 18.11.2013 9:13 1 1200 FD 45 32 64 138 10 4 No. Distance ≥ 1000

Behaviour*: FD—front dive, FE—feed, NO—no data.



5.2.3 OTHER CETACEANS

In 2013, six other species of cetaceans were observed:

• minke whale,

• killer whale,

• dall’s porpoise,

• harbour porpoise,

• pacific white-sided dolphin, and

• white whale.

In general, in about half of the cases (81 of 189), all these cetacean species were recorded at a distance of 0.5 km or less (i.e. equal or less than the established safety distance). At the same time, a significant range of these values for different species was noticed: pacific white-sided dolphins were the most rarely observed at this or shorter distance and harbour porpoises were the most often. Table 5.3 provides the observation statistics for minke and killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor porpoises, and pacific white-sided dolphins. When considering the moving direction of these species in relation to the vessel, two types of movement (from the vessel or parallel to the vessel course) were identified as major and in total constituted more than 86.7% of all observations.

Table 5.3. Observations of certain cetacean species

Date

Species

Minke whale Killer whale Dall’s porpoise

Harbour porpoise

Pacific white-sided dolphin

Number of sightings 50 22 64 49 4

Number of sightings when distance ≤

500m 16 6 23 33 3

Visibility ≤ 500m 0 3 0 2 0

Movement

Away from the vessel 29 7 31 30 1

Parallel to the vessel 20 11 17 16 2

Toward the vessel 0 1 0 0 0

Milling 1 2 16 2 1

No movement 0 0 0 1 0

Unknown 0 1 0 0 0

Out of 81 sightings of the above cetacean species at a distance ≤500 m, in the majority of cases no mitigation measures were required, as the animals were moving parallel to the vessel course or away



from the vessel. Therefore, in 2013, mitigation measures were taken only in 6 cases, and only in one case cetaceans were heading towards the vessel.

Below is a description of measures taken, arranged by types of mitigation of impact on the listed cetaceans.

Minke whale

On 23 July, when the vessel was approaching to the Kaigan Port, right ahead of the vessel, a minke whale was observed at a distance of 500 m. In order to mitigate the impact, the vessel course was changed, as recommended by observer.

On 2 August, when the vessel was on its way to the PA-A platform, a minke whale moving away from the vessel was observed at a distance of 350 m. In order to mitigate the impact on the animal, the vessel course was changed according to the MMO recommendation.

Killer whale

On 18 June at 11:16 a.m., when a large killer whale male was slowly moving in front of the vessel at a distance of 700 m, the course of the vessel was changed to 20 degrees, eventually leaving the killer whale at a safe distance.

On 30 June, in the Lun-A platform area, 100 m along the course of the vessel, a killer whale was observed. As recommended by the MMO, the vessel reduced the speed and changed the course.

On 28 August, next to the Kaigan Port. on the way to Lun-A platform at the distance of 200 m from the vessel, 4 killer whales were observed. In order to mitigate the impact on the animals, the vessel course was changed according to the MMO recommendation.

Harbour porpoise

On 29 July, in the area of the Kaigan Port, straight ahead of the vessel, at a distance of 150 m, 3 harbour porpoises were noticed. In order to mitigate the impact on the animals, the vessel course was changed according to the MMO recommendation.



6 ANIMAL SIGHTS DATA

6.1 OVERVIEW

During the MMO field season from 11 June till 20 November 2013, a total of 813 marine mammal sightings (2,910 individuals) were recorded including cetaceans and pinnipeds that could not be identified. Table 6.1 provides a summary of the recorded marine mammals. Eight species of cetaceans and four species of pinnipeds were recorded. Gray whale and Dall’s porpoise were the most frequently observed cetaceans. Among pinnipeds, the most frequently observed was northern fur seal, and for the number of individuals—spotted seal.

Table 6.1. Total number of marine mammal sightings and total number of mammals observed in 2013

Usual name Latin name Code Number of sightings

Number of sighted* animals

Gray whale Eschrichtius robustus GW 236 447

Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus FW 14 22

Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata MW 50 53

Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena HP 49 89

Dall’s porpoise Phocoenoides dalli DP 64 209

Killer whale Orcinus orca KW 22 49

White whale Deiphinapterus leucas WW 2 2

Pacific white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens PWSD 4 51

Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus SL 32 35

Northern fur seal Callorhinus ursinus NF 216 861

Larga seal Phoca largha SS 121 1089

Ringed seal Phoca hispida RS 1 1

Unknown odontocete UO 1 1

Unknown seal US 1 1

Total: 813 2910

Among different cetacean species recorded in 2013, three are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Western gray whale (Eѕchrichtiuѕ robuѕtuѕ) is classified as Category 1



(endangered species); fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) are listed under Category 4 (species with uncertain status)8.

Of the pinnipeds recorded in 2013, the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) is listed under Category 2 (species with decreasing number) of the Russian Federation Red Data Book. In total, 32 sightings of Steller sea lions (35 individuals) were recorded (Table 6.1); for the reporting period, Steller sea lion as usual was recorded by observers less than largha seal (121 sightings and 1,089 individuals) and northern fur seal (216 sightings and 861 individuals).

6.2 FACTORS AFFECTING DETECTABILITY

The number of sightings depends on various factors of which the most important ones are the number of animals present, observation effort (i.e. the number of watch hours), and weather conditions.

For the purpose of comparing different zones of marine mammal observations, Sakhalin Energy operational area was arbitrarily divided into four separate areas (Fig. 6.1): Piltun, Lunskoye, Aniva Bay, and transit area. The latter contains all observation zones not included in the first three areas.

8 See http://www.sevin.ru/redbook.



Figure 6.1. Map of areas used for analysis

6.2.1 LABOUR EFFORT

Since the number of vessels with observers onboard and the duration of their activities varied per area and per month, the numbers of noticed animals were compared by month and area (Table 6.2). Numbers of gray whales sightings in relation to observation period are provided in Table 6.3.



Table 6.2. Number of marine mammal sightings in relation to observation period (number of sightings/total monthly hours of observation)

Species/Area

Number of sightings per hour Total number of sightings

June July August September October November Total Effort (hr) Total

Gray whale:

Piltun 0.19 0.10 0.16 0.65 0.14 0.00 977.08 0.18 172

Lunskoye 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 1

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.00 0

Transit 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.23 0.09 0.00 1052.00 0.06 63

Total 0.07 0.04 0.16 0.27 0.11 0.00 2474.567 0.10 236

Fin whale:

Piltun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 1

Lunskoye 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 0

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.00 0

Transit 0.02 0.03 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 1052.00 0.01 13

Total 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 2474.567 0.01 14

Minke whale:

Piltun 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00 977.08 0.02 16

Lunskoye 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.02 5

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.00 0

Transit 0.04 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.02 1052.00 0.03 29

Total 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 2474.567 0.02 50

Harbour porpoise:



Species/Area



Piltun 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.00 977.08 0.01 10

Lunskoye 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.00 281.60 0.01 3

Aniva 0.03 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.04 0.00 163.88 0.02 4

Transit 0.01 0.06 0.05 0.01 0.02 0.02 1052.00 0.03 32

Total 0.01 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.01 2474.567 0.02 49

Dall’s porpoise:

Piltun 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 2

Lunskoye 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 281.60 0.02 7

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.34 0.00 163.88 0.05 8

Transit 0.06 0.03 0.00 0.08 0.06 0.03 1052.00 0.04 47

Total 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.04 0.05 0.01 2474.567 0.03 64

Killer whale:

Piltun 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.01 7

Lunskoye 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.02 5

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.00 0

Transit 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 1052.00 0.01 10

Total 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 2474.567 0.01 22

White whale:

Piltun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 0

Lunskoye 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 0

Aniva 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.01 1



Species/Area



Transit 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1052.00 0.00 1

Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2474.567 0.00 2

Pacific white-sided dolphin:

Piltun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 0

Lunskoye 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 0

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.01 2

Transit 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1052.00 0.00 2

Total 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 2474.567 0.00 4

Steller sea lion:

Piltun 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.01 977.08 0.01 12

Lunskoye 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.02 0.02 281.60 0.03 8

Aniva 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 163.88 0.04 7

Transit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 1052.00 0.00 5

Total 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.01 2474.567 0.01 32

Northern fur seal:

Piltun 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 1

Lunskoye 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 281.60 0.01 4

Aniva 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 163.88 0.02 4

Transit 0.16 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.44 0.34 1052.00 0.20 207

Total 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.19 0.14 2474.567 0.09 216

Spotted seal:



Species/Area



Piltun 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.01 5

Lunskoye 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 1

Aniva 0.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 163.88 0.05 8

Transit 0.09 0.17 0.15 0.12 0.04 0.02 1052.00 0.10 107

Total 0.05 0.10 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.01 2474.567 0.05 121

Ringed seal:

Piltun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 977.08 0.00 0

Lunskoye 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 281.60 0.00 1

Aniva 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 163.88 0.00 0

Transit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1052.00 0.00 0

Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2474.567 0.00 1



Table 6.3. Sightings of gray whales in relation to observation period during crew change vessels operation in 2013

Period

Polar Piltun Polar Baikal

Hours Number of sightings Sightings/ hour Hours Number of

sightings Sightings/ hour

June 48.53 0 0.000 32.82 0 0.000

July 134.63 1 0.007 136.67 2 0.015

August 144.67 0 0.000 47.92 1 0.021

September 65.28 4 0.061 24.40 5 0.205

October 42.92 4 0.093 15.83 0 0.000

November 1.33 0 0.000 0 0 0.000

Total 437.37 9 0.021 257.63 8 0.031

6.2.2 WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather conditions play an important role in detection of marine mammals. Data were therefore grouped according to favourable and unfavourable weather conditions. Favourable weather conditions were defined as those where (a) visibility was ≥ 1 km, and (b) sea state was ≤ 3, Beaufort scale. Weather conditions that did not meet these criteria were considered as “unfavourable”.

During the reporting year, the observations were mostly performed in favourable weather conditions (67.9%). Under such conditions, in 18.29% of records marine mammals are registered (Table 6.4). Records made under unfavourable weather conditions constitute 32.1%. Of these, only 82 (or 4.32%) included marine mammal sightings.

Table 6.4. Records of marine mammals sightings in different weather conditions

Weather conditions Number of records

% of total number of

records

Number of sightings

% of records with marine mammal sightings

Favourable 3997 67.79% 731 18.29%

Unfavourable 1899 32.21% 82 4.32%

Total 5896 100.00% 813 13.79%



The number of records taken under favourable conditions with good visibility accounted for 67.79%. In 2013, MMOs on all vessels under the programme were operating in similar visibility conditions.

Table 6.5. Visibility conditions during observation of marine mammals in 2013

Visibility

Pavel Gordienko and supply vessels Crew change vessels

Number of records % of total nr of records Number of

records % of total nr of

records

≥ 1 km 3060 79.21% 1372 79.67%

< 1 km 803 20.79% 350 20.33%

Total 3863 100 % 1722 100 %

The relation between the numbers of records made in favourable and unfavourable weather conditions depends on the area and month of observations (Fig. 6.2–6.5).

Figure 6.2. Relation between favourable and unfavourable weather conditions in Piltun-

Astokhskoye area in 2013



Figure 6.3. Relation between favourable and unfavourable weather conditions in Lunskoye area in 2013

Figure 6.4. Relation between favourable and unfavourable weather conditions in Aniva Bay in

20139

9 Please note that the most representative data on weather conditions in the Aniva Bay were obtained in June and September–October.10 Transit areas are all zones outside the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoye areas and the Aniva Bay.



Figure 6.5. Relation between favourable and unfavourable weather conditions in transit areas10

in 2013

In general, during the 2013 MMO field season, favourable weather prevailed (about 68% of records).

6.3 DETECTION OF MARINE MAMMALS AS A FUNCTION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS

Detection of marine mammals varies under changing weather conditions, differing between species according to their size and distance from the vessel. Behaviour of animals also matters; for example, some mammal species leave an area as a storm approaches.

During the 2013 MMO field season, 229 gray whales and 12 fin whales sightings were made in good weather conditions, and 7 gray whales and 2 fin whales sightings were made in adverse weather conditions (Table 6.7).

Table 6.7. Number and frequencies of marine mammals sighted in favourable and unfavourable weather conditions in 2013

Species*

Favourable conditions Unfavourable conditions Total

Sightings Sightings per record Sightings Sightings per

record Sightings Sightings per record

GW 229 0.0573 7 0.0037 236 0.0400

FW 12 0.0030 2 0.0011 14 0.0024

10 Transit areas are all zones outside the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoye areas and the Aniva Bay.



MW 47 0.0118 3 0.0016 50 0.0085

HP 46 0.0115 3 0.0016 49 0.0083

DP 59 0.0148 5 0.0026 64 0.0109

KW 18 0.0045 4 0.0021 22 0.0037

WW 2 0.0005 0 0.0000 2 0.0003

PWSD 4 0.0010 0 0.0000 4 0.0007

SL 23 0.0058 9 0.0047 32 0.0054

NF 196 0.0490 20 0.0105 216 0.0366

SS 94 0.0235 27 0.0142 121 0.0205

RS 0 0.0000 1 0.0005 1 0.0002

All 731 0.1829 82 0.0432 813 0.1379

* GW—gray whale, FW—fin whale, MW—minke whale, HP—harbour porpoise, DP—Dall’s porpoise, KW—killer whale, WW—white whale, PWSD—pacific white-sided dolphin, SL—Steller’s sea lion, NF—northern fur seal, SS—spotted seal, RS—ringed seal.



7 CONCLUSIONS In 2013, fourteen Marine Mammal Observers were employed on eight vessels engaged in Sakhalin Energy offshore activities in Aniva Bay, Piltun Bay, and in Lunskoye area. Observations began on 11 June and continued until 20 November.

During the season, eight species of cetaceans and four species of pinnipeds were encountered. Gray whales were observed 236 times.

Most of gray whale sightings were made at a distance more than 1 km from the vessel. In 23 out of 236 instances, sightings of gray whales were recorded within the established safety distance (1 km). Measures to avoid collision with gray whales were taken 18 times. In other cases, avoidance measures were unnecessary as the vessels were drifting or anchored.

In 2013, a total of 813 sightings of marine mammals were made including 203 sightings of cetaceans (apart from gray whales, including fin whales). In 85 out of 203 instances sightings of cetaceans were recorded within the established safety distance (500 or 1,000 m). In most cases, avoidance measures were unnecessary as the animals moved parallel to, or away from the vessel, or the vessel was not moving. However collision avoidance measures were taken in 9 cases, when the vessel had to change the course at detection of whales (apart from gray whales).

Measures taken to protect gray whales and other marine mammals during 2013 can be considered successful; no cases of (near) collision with gray whales or other marine mammals were recorded.

The programme implemented conforms with the Company commitments and the commitments of financing parties, and adheres to WGWAP recommendations.



8 REFERENCES Blokhin S.A., Maminov M.K., Kosygin G.M. 1985. On the Korean-Okhotsk Population of Gray Whales. Report of the International Whaling Commission. V. 35. P. 375–376.

Bowen, S.L. 1974. Probable extinction of the Korean stock of the Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). Journal of Mammology. V. 55. P. 208–209.

Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (animals): website of the RF Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Published on: 21 February 2012 (16:44). – URL: http://www.mnr.gov.ru/regulatory/detail.php?ID=128273&print=Y

Hilton-Taylor, С 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, United Kingdom. www.redlist.org

Cook J.G. 2010. Joint population assessment of Western Gray Whales using data from Join population assessment IBM and Russia-US photo-identification teams collected off Sakhalin Island through 2008. Report to WGWAP - 8. 23 p.

Sakhalin Energy, 2006 Analysis of Risk to Western Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) from Shipping Traffic Associated with the Sakhalin-2 Development, Sakhalin Island. Document No.: 0000-S-90-04-T-8004-00-E.

Sakhalin Energy, 2009a. Instruction for Marine Mammal Observers on the Reporting and Field Database Management. Document No. 1000-S-90-04-M-0003-00-E.

Sakhalin Energy, 2009b. Marine Mammal Protection Plan. Document No. 1000-S-90-04-P-0048-00-E.

Sakhalin Energy, 2009c. Marine Mammal Observers Manual 2009. Document No. 0000-S-90-04-M-0006-00-R\E.

Sakhalin Energy, 2010. Marine Operating Procedures and Guidelines. Document No. 1000-S-90-90-P-0017-0006.

Documents

MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROG RAMME 2013 · Shipping Traffic Associated with the Sakhalin2 Project, developed by Sakhalin Energy - (Sakhalin Energy, 2006) provides the basis for Marine