Proposed 2011 Glacier Bay Cruise Ship Quota

In accordance with 36 CFR 13.1160(b), the Superintendent of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has proposed the seasonal use day quota for cruise ships for the 2011 operating season.

In 2003, the National Park Service completed a Vessel Quota and Operating Requirements Environmental Impact Statement (VQOR EIS). Subsequent regulations delegated the authority to set annual cruise ship quotas to the park superintendent. The VQOR EIS Record of Decision states that the determination of whether to increase seasonal use day quotas for cruise ships will rely on criteria that define the environmental and social conditions to be met before any additional seasonal use days are approved.

In 2005, an independent Science Advisory Board was appointed by Glacier Bay that recommended various studies to assess potential impacts from vessels-including cruise ships-on physical and biological resources, visitor experience, and the Huna Tlingit relationship to the park.

In December, 2009, Science Advisory Board members, principal investigators, and National Park Service scientists and managers met to review the results of the first suite of studies. Their assessment indicates that the original impacts analyses from the VQOR EIS remain accurate. However, the NPS will continue to pursue independently recommended research and monitoring in order to assess the effects of vessel traffic on the environment, as well as their effects on cultural relationships to and visitor experience in Glacier Bay. Further research into wildlife disturbance, soundscape, and visitor experience is planned.

The Superintendent has proposed that the 2011 quota remain at the current level. For June, July, and August the quota is set at 153 use days. For May and September the quota is set at 92 use days.

The NPS is soliciting public comment on the proposed 2011 quota. Comment may be submitted until close of business on May 28, 2010.

Document Content:

No files have been uploaded for this document.