GMI prepared a Biological Assessment and a Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Application (Letter of Authorization Application) for the U.S. Navy as required for the Undersea Warfare Training Range the Navy is proposing to construct and use off the U.S. east coast. Further, GMI provided expert Marine Sciences services to support the preparation of a scientifically defensible Draft Overseas Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS/EIS) required for the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range.

GMI prepared a report that can function as a full and complete request for a Small Take Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the use of the BT-9 and BT-11 bombing targets. The report evaluates and addresses all potential impacts on marine mammals of ordnance delivery at these two Marine Corps in-water bombing targets. The analysis included acoustic impacts (for both sound and impulse characteristics of an individual shot and cumulative use over the long term)., and provides estimates of marine mammal takes as a result of ordnance impacts. Additionally, a comparison of two acoustic models used to calculate acoustic impacts from explosive ordnance was completed, including the results obtained from each model.

Impacts were presented and discussed in terms of both annual and seasonal range use. Impacts were also discussed in terms of the definition of harassment under the MMPA and the definition of harassment under the National Defense Reauthorization Act of 2004.

The analysis was completed using existing data and current methodologies. The modeling and analysis presented results consistent with the analysis as used in the VAST documents. Additionally, modeling and analysis was consistent with the methods used to prepare the BA for the BT-9 and BT-11 range targets dated December 2001. Since the two analyses have differences, a comparison of the two analyses was prepared in a way that an informed decision can be made as to which analysis is most appropriate for use in MMPA compliance documentation.

GMI conducted a Biological Assessment to aid both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in determining whether U.S. Navy training activities on the Island of Vieques were likely to adversely affect listed species or designated critical habitat, jeopardize the continued existence of species that are proposed for listing, or adversely modify proposed critical habitat. GMI scientists conducted aerial, terrestrial, and marine ecological surveys to characterize habitats and biota. Biological surveys were conducted for five species of threatened and endangered (T&E) plants, neo-tropical birds, T&E birds (Brown Pelican and Roseate Tern), marine mammals (including manatees and whales), sea turtles, and beach surveys for tracks. Predictive models were developed using GIS to predict the potential distribution of all T&E plant species on the island. This BA quantified the potential impacts of the proposed action.