Proposed 2012 Glacier Bay Cruise Ship Quota

In 2003, the National Park Service (NPS) 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 (ROD) 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 2004, an independent Science Advisory Board (SAB) was appointed to assist in determining and recommending studies that better define these environmental and social conditions. In 2005 the SAB made recommendations for priority research and several studies were implemented.

In December, 2009, SAB members, principal investigators, and NPS 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 SAB identified important information gaps that require investigation, including air quality, soundscape, wildlife disturbance, and the Huna Tlingit relationship to the park.

Given the ongoing nature of these important studies assessing the potential impacts from cruise ships on biological and sociocultural resources, the Superintendent has proposed that the 2012 seasonal use-day quota for cruise ships remain unchanged from the 2011 levels. For the June, July, and August summer season the quota would be set at 153 use days. The May and September shoulder season quota would be set at 92 use days. The year-round daily quota for cruise ships remains at two per day in accordance with the 2003 VQOU EIS ROD and existing regulations.

The NPS is soliciting public comment on the proposed 2012 quota. Comment may be submitted until close of business on August 15, 2011.

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