Marine Mammals; File Nos. 393-1772, 545-1761, 587-1767, 1071-1770, 731-1774, 945-1776, 782-1719, 1000-1617, 8076-8078 [05-3093]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
8076
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 32 / Thursday, February 17, 2005 / Notices
the basis for this collection of
information. NMFS Alaska Region
requests information from participating
groundfish participants. This
information, upon receipt, results in an
increasingly more efficient and accurate
database for management and
monitoring of the groundfish fisheries of
the EEZ off Alaska.
II. Method of Collection
Internet and facsimile transmission of
paper forms. Paper reports, electronic
reports, and telephone calls are
required.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648–0213.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Not-for-profit
institutions; and business or other forprofit organizations.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
1,033.
Estimated Time Per Response: 18
minutes for Catcher Vessel trawl gear
daily fishing logbook (DFL); 28 minutes
for Catcher Vessel longline and pot gear
DFL; 30 minutes for Catcher/processor
trawl gear daily cumulative production
logbook (DCPL); 41 minutes for Catcher/
processor longline and pot gear DCPL;
31 minutes for Shoreside processor
DCPL; 31 minutes for Mothership DCPL;
8 minutes for Shoreside Processor
Check-in/Check-out Report; 7 minutes
for Mothership or Catcher/processor
Check-in/Check-out Report; 11 minutes
for Product Transfer Report; 17 minutes
for Weekly Production Report; 11
minutes for Daily Production Report;
estimated time to electronically submit
the Weekly Production Report (5 min./
report); 5 minutes to electronically
submit the check-in/check-out report;
35 minutes for Weekly Cumulative
Mothership ADF&G Fish Tickets; 14
minutes for U.S. Vessel Activity Report;
23 minutes for buying station report.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 36,705.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to
Public: $188,000.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:41 Feb 16, 2005
Jkt 205001
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for OMB
approval of this information collection;
they also will become a matter of public
record.
Dated: February 10, 2005.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 05–3038 Filed 2–16–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 111004F]
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 393–1772,
545–1761, 587–1767, 1071–1770, 731–
1774, 945–1776, 782–1719, 1000–1617
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Receipt of applications for
permits and for permit amendments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
the following applicants have applied in
due form for a permit or permit
amendment for scientific research on
marine mammals:
Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari, 39
Woodvine Court, Covington, LA 70433,
(File No. 393–1772);
North Gulf Oceanic Society (Craig O.
Matkin, Principal Investigator), 2030
Mary Allen Avenue, Homer, AK 99603,
(File No. 545–1761);Dan R. Salden,
Ph.D., Hawaii Whale Research
Foundation, 52 Cheshire Drive,
Maryville, IL 62062–1931, (File No.
587–1767);
The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack,
Ph.D., Principal Investigator), 420 Ward
Avenue, Suite 212, Honolulu, HI 96814,
(File No. 1071–1770);
Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia
Research, 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue,
Olympia, WA 98501, (File No. 731–
1774);
Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele,
Principal Investigator) P.O. Box 140,
Gustavus, AK 99826, (File No. 945–
1776);
NMFS, National Marine Mammal
Laboratory (NMML), 7600 Sand Point
Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98102, (Permit
No. 782–1719); and
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Whitlow W. L. Au, Ph.D., University
of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, HI
96734 (Permit No. 1000–1617).
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail
comments on the new applications and
amendment requests must be received
on or before March 21, 2005.
ADDRESSES: The applications and
related documents are available for
review upon written request or by
appointment (See SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
Written comments or requests for a
public hearing on this application
should be mailed to the Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those
individuals requesting a hearing should
set forth the specific reasons why a
hearing on this particular request would
be appropriate.
Comments may also be submitted by
facsimile at (301) 427–2521, provided
the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy
submitted by mail and postmarked no
later than the closing date of the
comment period.
Comments may also be submitted by
e-mail. The mailbox address for
providing email comments is
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include
in the subject line of the e-mail
comment the following document
identifier: File No. 393–1772, 545–1761,
587–1767, 1071–1770, 731–1774, 945–
1776, 782–1719, or 1000–1617.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carrie Hubard, Amy Sloan, or Ruth
Johnson, (301)713–2289.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
subject permits and amendments are
requested under the authority of the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et
seq.), the Regulations Governing the
Taking and Importing of Marine
Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.),
and the regulations governing the
taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR 222–227), and the Fur Seal Act of
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et
seq.).
Applications for Permits
Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari (File No.
393–1772) requests a 5–year permit to
continue long-term population studies
of humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) on their winter breeding
grounds with a particular emphasis on
defining life histories, documenting
behavior and recording distribution.
Incidental observations would be made
E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM
17FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 32 / Thursday, February 17, 2005 / Notices
of additional cetacean species,
including false killer whales (Pseudorca
crassidens), short-finned pilot whales
(Globicephala macrorhynchus), killer
whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), spinner
dolphins (Stenella longirostris), and
pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella
attenuata). Takes would occur by close
approach for vessel surveys, photoidentification, behavioral observation,
video recording, passive acoustic
recording, underwater observation,
collection of sloughed skin, and
incidental harassment. Research would
take place in waters off Hawaii with
emphasis on the waters of the Auau
Channel within the four island region of
Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai.
North Gulf Oceanic Society (File No.
545–1761) requests a 5–year permit to
continue population studies on
numerous cetacean species with a
particular emphasis on killer whales.
The research would specifically focus
on gathering data to study: (1) mating
and social systems and feeding behavior
of killer whales; and (2) diving behavior,
feeding, movement and contaminant
loads of several cetacean species,
including killer whales, gray whales
(Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena), Dall’s porpoise
(Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific whitesided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus
obliquidens), Baird’s beaked whale
(Berardius bairdii), Cuvier’s beaked
whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and
Stejneger’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon
stejnergeri). Takes would occur by close
approach for vessel surveys, photoidentification, behavioral observation,
passive acoustic recording, tagging,
biopsy sampling, collection and export
of dead parts, and incidental
harassment. Collection of dead parts
from the above species and humpback
whales, minke whales (Balaenoptera
acutorostrata), Steller sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals
(Phoca vitulina), and Northern fur seals
(Callorhinus ursinus) would take place
during killer whale predation studies.
No biopsy sampling would take place
on large whale calves less than six
months of age or females accompanying
such calves. Research would take place
in waters off Alaska with a
concentration in Glacier Bay/Icy Strait,
Sitka Sound, Prince William Sound,
Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay, Eastern
Aleutian chain, and Kodiak Island. Most
research would be performed between
the months of May and September.
Mention other whale species??
Dan R. Salden, Ph.D. (File No. 587–
1767) requests a 5–year permit to
continue studies of long-term social
affiliations among humpback whales.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:41 Feb 16, 2005
Jkt 205001
Incidental observations would be made
of additional cetacean species,
including false killer whales, shortfinned pilot whales, killer whales,
bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins,
and pantropical spotted dolphins. Takes
would occur by close approach for
vessel surveys, photo-identification,
behavioral observation, passive acoustic
recording, underwater observation,
collection of sloughed skin, and
incidental harassment. Research would
take place in waters off Hawaii and
Alaska, primarily off the islands of Maui
(especially between 20°46′N and 21°N
in the Auau Channel), Hawaii
(especially off the Kona Coast), Molokai
(including the area known as the
Penguin Banks), Lanai, Kauai, and
Kahoolawe, and in southeastern Alaska
(especially in the Frederick Sound,
Chatham Strait, Seymour Canal, and
Stephens Passage areas).
The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack,
Ph.D., Principal Investigator) (File No.
1071–1770) requests a 5–year permit to
continue long-term population studies
of humpback whales and other cetacean
species in the Eastern, Western, and
Central North Pacific Ocean. These
studies would include: (1) photoidentification of individuals to
determine individual life histories,
social role, migration, habitat use,
distribution, and reproductive status; (2)
underwater videogrammetry to
determine the sizes of animals in
different social roles and how size
affects or is correlated with the social
role adopted, and to derive estimations
of sexual maturity of animals; (3)
underwater videography to document
behaviors and aid in sex determination;
(4) song recording and observation of
singers to determine song source levels
and propagation characteristics; (5)
Crittercam studies of animals in
competitive groups and in dyads, and of
singers, to help in the understanding of
the mating system; and (6) skin biopsy
sampling for sex determination and
individual identification to accompany
and supplement Crittercam information.
Takes are also requested for other
cetacean species, including bottlenose
dolphins, spinner dolphins, false killer
whales, melon-headed whales
(Peponocephala electra), pygmy killer
whales (Feresa attenuata), roughtoothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis),
pilot whales, striped dolphins (Stenella
coeruleoalba), pygmy and dwarf sperm
whales (Kogia spp.), killer whales,
sperm whales (Physeter
macrocephalus), Blainville’s beaked
whales (Mesoplodon densirostris),
spotted dolphins, Cuvier’s beaked
whales, fin whales (Balaenoptera
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
8077
physalus), and blue whales
(Balaenoptera musculus). The applicant
is requesting that biopsy sampling takes
be authorized on humpback whale
calves less than 6 months of age and/or
females accompanying such calves.
Research would take place in waters of
the Eastern, Central, and Western North
Pacific Ocean, with a primary focus on
the winter and summer grounds of the
three North Pacific humpback whale
stocks. This includes waters off the
main Hawaiian Islands (primary study
area) and along the rim of the North
Pacific from California northward to
Southeast Alaska and then westward
through the Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian
Islands, and regions of the upper
western Pacific. Research would also
take place in Japanese waters off the
Mariana, Bonin (Ogasawara), and
Ryukyuan islands.
Robin Baird, Ph.D. (File No.731–1774)
requests a 5–year permit to conduct
research on all cetacean species in U.S.
and international waters in the Pacific
Ocean, including Alaska, Washington,
Oregon, California, Hawaii, and other
U.S. territories. The purposes of the
proposed research are to study: (1)
diving and night-time behavior; (2)
population assessment; and (3) social
organization and inter-specific
interactions of cetaceans. Incidental
harassment of all species of cetaceans
may occur through vessel approach for
sighting surveys, photographic
identification, and behavioral research,
and aerial over-flights for the purpose of
locating animals and conducting aerial
validation studies. Individuals of all
cetacean species, with the exception of
North Pacific right whales, may have a
suction-cup tag attached and be tracked.
Dive data (using suction-cup attached
tags) will provide a quantitative
estimate of time animals are at the
surface and available to be seen during
visual surveys, as well as to examine
other aspects of behavior (e.g., diurnal
patterns, reactions to vessel approaches,
and/or acoustic behavior). Photoidentification data will be used in
population assessment through markrecapture population estimation and in
studies of stock structure involving
movements of individuals. Small
numbers of pinnipeds including
California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus), harbor seals, northern
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris),
and Steller sea lions may be incidentally
harassed from research activities. Import
of skeletal parts from beach-cast
specimens from Canada and export of
skin tissue samples obtained from
suction-cups is requested for research
purposes.
E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM
17FEN1
8078
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 32 / Thursday, February 17, 2005 / Notices
Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele,
Principal Investigator) (File No. 945–
1776) requests a 5–year permit to
continue population studies on
numerous cetacean species with a
particular emphasis on humpback,
minke, and killer whales. The research
would focus on gathering data to study
ecology, behavior and population status
to enhance management objectives for
these species in and around the Glacier
Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Takes would occur by close approach by
vessel survey for photo-identification,
behavioral observation, passive acoustic
recording, collection of sloughed skin
and feces, prey sampling, and incidental
harassment. Research would take place
in waters of and around Glacier Bay
with the main study area including a
70–mile (113 km) radius centered at the
mouth of Glacier Bay (58°20′N
13°00′W.). Research would mainly take
place annually primarily during the
months of April-November.
Amendment Requests
Permit No. 782–1719–00 issued on
June 30, 2004 (69 FR 44514) authorizes
NMMLthe Holder to take all species of
cetaceans under NMFS jurisdiction
during stock assessment activities
throughout U.S. territorial waters and
the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean,
Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the
territorial waters of Mexico (Gulf of
California only), Canada, Russia, Japan
and the Philippines. The Permit
specifically authorizes close approach
during Level B harassment (aerial
surveys, vessel-based surveys,
observations, and photo-identification),
and Level A harassment (biopsy
sampling and attachment of scientific
instruments). Activities are authorized
for all age and sex classes with the
exception of biopsy sampling of calves
less than 6 months of age and
accompanying females. The Holder now
requests authority to increase the
number of humpback whales to be
biopsy sampled to 500 in the Western
North Pacific stock, 2000 in the Central
North Pacific stock, and 1000 in the
Eastern North Pacific stock. The Holder
also requests that NMFS reconsider its
earlier decision and allow biopsy
sampling of large whale calves less than
6 months of age (with the exception of
neonates) and attending females. The
Holder has submitted additional
information and justification for this
activity. The Holder also requests
authority to increase the number of
humpback whales to be biopsy sampled
to 500 in the Western North Pacific
stock, 2000 in the Central North Pacific
stock, and 1000 in the Eastern North
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:41 Feb 16, 2005
Jkt 205001
Pacific stock. The amendment, if issued,
would remain valid until the permit
expires June 30, 2009.
Permit No. 1000–1617–01 issued to
Whitlow Au, Ph.D. on June 22, 2001 (66
FR 34155) authorizes behavioral
observations, photo-identification,
genetic sampling, and suction-cup
tagging of small cetaceans in Hawaii and
California, focused primarily on spinner
dolphins. The objectives of the research
are to investigate population structure,
genetic variability, dispersal patterns,
social structure, and foraging and diving
behavior. The Permit Holder is now
requesting a 5–year amendment to
expand the small cetacean research by
increasing the number of individuals of
each species that can be suction-cup
tagged from three to 80. Furthermore,
the Holder wishes to add a new project
that will focus on large whale behavior
and use of the acoustic environment by
studying humpback whales, killer
whales, and Cuvier’s and Blainville’s
beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris and
Mesoplodon densirostris). Males and
females of all ages and reproductive
status of requested species would be
closely approached by vessel for photoidentification, behavioral observations,
underwater observation and
videography, and passive acoustic
recording. For biopsy sampling and
suction-cup tagging, males and females
of all ages would be sampled or tagged,
with the exception of calves under 6
months of age and females attending
such calves. In the case of humpback
whales only: the suction-cup tags, with
a desired attachment duration of 6
hours, may include an acoustic
transponder. The tag would emit a highfrequency pulse, above the theoretical
hearing range of the whales, to assist the
researchers in tracking the tagged
individual. Research would take place
in U.S. and international waters off
Hawaii and California. The amended
permit, if issued, would be valid for 5
years.
Concurrent with the publication of
this notice in the Federal Register,
NMFS is forwarding copies of these
applications to the Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors.
All documents may be reviewed in
the following locations:
Permits, Conservation and Education
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
301)713–2289; fax (301)713–0376; and
Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand
Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1,
Seattle, WA 98115–0700; phone
(206)526–6150; fax (206)526–6426;
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box
21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668; phone
(907)586–7221; fax (907)586–7249;
Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West
Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach,
CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001;
fax (562)980–4018; and
Pacific Islands Region, Protected
Species Coordinator, Pacific Area
Office, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd.,
Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814–4700;
phone (808)973–2935; fax (808)973–
2941.
Dated: February 11, 2005.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05–3093 Filed 2–16–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
Trademark Processing
ACTION:
Proposed collection; comment
request.
SUMMARY: The United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its
continuing effort to reduce paperwork
and respondent burden, invites the
general public and other Federal
agencies to comment on the submission
of a revision of a currently approved
collection, as required by the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–
13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before April 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• E-mail: Susan.Brown@uspto.gov.
Include ‘‘0651–0009 comment’’ in the
subject line of the message.
• Fax: (571) 273–0112, marked to the
attention of Susan Brown.
• Mail: Susan K. Brown, Records
Officer, Office of the Chief Information
Officer, Office of Data Architecture and
Services, Data Administration Division,
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, PO
Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information
should be directed to the attention of
Ari Leifman, Staff Attorney, Office of
the Commissioner for Trademarks,
United States Patent and Trademark
Office (USPTO), PO Box 1451,
Alexandria, VA 22313–1451, by
telephone at 571–272–9572, or by e-mail
at ari.leifman@uspto.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM
17FEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 32 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8076-8078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3093]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 111004F]
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 393-1772, 545-1761, 587-1767, 1071-
1770, 731-1774, 945-1776, 782-1719, 1000-1617
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Receipt of applications for permits and for permit amendments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have
applied in due form for a permit or permit amendment for scientific
research on marine mammals:
Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari, 39 Woodvine Court, Covington, LA
70433, (File No. 393-1772);
North Gulf Oceanic Society (Craig O. Matkin, Principal
Investigator), 2030 Mary Allen Avenue, Homer, AK 99603, (File No. 545-
1761);Dan R. Salden, Ph.D., Hawaii Whale Research Foundation, 52
Cheshire Drive, Maryville, IL 62062-1931, (File No. 587-1767);
The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., Principal
Investigator), 420 Ward Avenue, Suite 212, Honolulu, HI 96814, (File
No. 1071-1770);
Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W. 4\th\ Avenue,
Olympia, WA 98501, (File No. 731-1774);
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele,
Principal Investigator) P.O. Box 140, Gustavus, AK 99826, (File No.
945-1776);
NMFS, National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), 7600 Sand Point
Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98102, (Permit No. 782-1719); and
Whitlow W. L. Au, Ph.D., University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106,
Kailua, HI 96734 (Permit No. 1000-1617).
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments on the new applications
and amendment requests must be received on or before March 21, 2005.
ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for
review upon written request or by appointment (See SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this
application should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and
Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315
East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those
individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons
why a hearing on this particular request would be appropriate.
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301) 427-2521,
provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and
postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period.
Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for
providing email comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include in the
subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier:
File No. 393-1772, 545-1761, 587-1767, 1071-1770, 731-1774, 945-1776,
782-1719, or 1000-1617.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard, Amy Sloan, or Ruth
Johnson, (301)713-2289.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits and amendments are
requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of
1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Regulations
Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216),
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and
exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-227), and
the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
Applications for Permits
Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari (File No. 393-1772) requests a 5-year
permit to continue long-term population studies of humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) on their winter breeding grounds with a
particular emphasis on defining life histories, documenting behavior
and recording distribution. Incidental observations would be made
[[Page 8077]]
of additional cetacean species, including false killer whales
(Pseudorca crassidens), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala
macrorhynchus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), and
pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata). Takes would occur by
close approach for vessel surveys, photo-identification, behavioral
observation, video recording, passive acoustic recording, underwater
observation, collection of sloughed skin, and incidental harassment.
Research would take place in waters off Hawaii with emphasis on the
waters of the Auau Channel within the four island region of Maui,
Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai.
North Gulf Oceanic Society (File No. 545-1761) requests a 5-year
permit to continue population studies on numerous cetacean species with
a particular emphasis on killer whales. The research would specifically
focus on gathering data to study: (1) mating and social systems and
feeding behavior of killer whales; and (2) diving behavior, feeding,
movement and contaminant loads of several cetacean species, including
killer whales, gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific
white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), Baird's beaked whale
(Berardius bairdii), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and
Stejneger's beaked whale (Mesoplodon stejnergeri). Takes would occur by
close approach for vessel surveys, photo-identification, behavioral
observation, passive acoustic recording, tagging, biopsy sampling,
collection and export of dead parts, and incidental harassment.
Collection of dead parts from the above species and humpback whales,
minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Steller sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Northern fur
seals (Callorhinus ursinus) would take place during killer whale
predation studies. No biopsy sampling would take place on large whale
calves less than six months of age or females accompanying such calves.
Research would take place in waters off Alaska with a concentration in
Glacier Bay/Icy Strait, Sitka Sound, Prince William Sound, Kenai
Fjords, Resurrection Bay, Eastern Aleutian chain, and Kodiak Island.
Most research would be performed between the months of May and
September. Mention other whale species??
Dan R. Salden, Ph.D. (File No. 587-1767) requests a 5-year permit
to continue studies of long-term social affiliations among humpback
whales. Incidental observations would be made of additional cetacean
species, including false killer whales, short-finned pilot whales,
killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, and pantropical
spotted dolphins. Takes would occur by close approach for vessel
surveys, photo-identification, behavioral observation, passive acoustic
recording, underwater observation, collection of sloughed skin, and
incidental harassment. Research would take place in waters off Hawaii
and Alaska, primarily off the islands of Maui (especially between
20[deg]46'N and 21[deg]N in the Auau Channel), Hawaii (especially off
the Kona Coast), Molokai (including the area known as the Penguin
Banks), Lanai, Kauai, and Kahoolawe, and in southeastern Alaska
(especially in the Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait, Seymour Canal, and
Stephens Passage areas).
The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., Principal Investigator)
(File No. 1071-1770) requests a 5-year permit to continue long-term
population studies of humpback whales and other cetacean species in the
Eastern, Western, and Central North Pacific Ocean. These studies would
include: (1) photo-identification of individuals to determine
individual life histories, social role, migration, habitat use,
distribution, and reproductive status; (2) underwater videogrammetry to
determine the sizes of animals in different social roles and how size
affects or is correlated with the social role adopted, and to derive
estimations of sexual maturity of animals; (3) underwater videography
to document behaviors and aid in sex determination; (4) song recording
and observation of singers to determine song source levels and
propagation characteristics; (5) Crittercam studies of animals in
competitive groups and in dyads, and of singers, to help in the
understanding of the mating system; and (6) skin biopsy sampling for
sex determination and individual identification to accompany and
supplement Crittercam information. Takes are also requested for other
cetacean species, including bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins,
false killer whales, melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra), pygmy
killer whales (Feresa attenuata), rough-toothed dolphins (Steno
bredanensis), pilot whales, striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba),
pygmy and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia spp.), killer whales, sperm whales
(Physeter macrocephalus), Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon
densirostris), spotted dolphins, Cuvier's beaked whales, fin whales
(Balaenoptera physalus), and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). The
applicant is requesting that biopsy sampling takes be authorized on
humpback whale calves less than 6 months of age and/or females
accompanying such calves. Research would take place in waters of the
Eastern, Central, and Western North Pacific Ocean, with a primary focus
on the winter and summer grounds of the three North Pacific humpback
whale stocks. This includes waters off the main Hawaiian Islands
(primary study area) and along the rim of the North Pacific from
California northward to Southeast Alaska and then westward through the
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and regions of the upper western
Pacific. Research would also take place in Japanese waters off the
Mariana, Bonin (Ogasawara), and Ryukyuan islands.
Robin Baird, Ph.D. (File No.731-1774) requests a 5-year permit to
conduct research on all cetacean species in U.S. and international
waters in the Pacific Ocean, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon,
California, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories. The purposes of the
proposed research are to study: (1) diving and night-time behavior; (2)
population assessment; and (3) social organization and inter-specific
interactions of cetaceans. Incidental harassment of all species of
cetaceans may occur through vessel approach for sighting surveys,
photographic identification, and behavioral research, and aerial over-
flights for the purpose of locating animals and conducting aerial
validation studies. Individuals of all cetacean species, with the
exception of North Pacific right whales, may have a suction-cup tag
attached and be tracked. Dive data (using suction-cup attached tags)
will provide a quantitative estimate of time animals are at the surface
and available to be seen during visual surveys, as well as to examine
other aspects of behavior (e.g., diurnal patterns, reactions to vessel
approaches, and/or acoustic behavior). Photo-identification data will
be used in population assessment through mark-recapture population
estimation and in studies of stock structure involving movements of
individuals. Small numbers of pinnipeds including California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), harbor seals, northern elephant seals
(Mirounga angustirostris), and Steller sea lions may be incidentally
harassed from research activities. Import of skeletal parts from beach-
cast specimens from Canada and export of skin tissue samples obtained
from suction-cups is requested for research purposes.
[[Page 8078]]
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele,
Principal Investigator) (File No. 945-1776) requests a 5-year permit to
continue population studies on numerous cetacean species with a
particular emphasis on humpback, minke, and killer whales. The research
would focus on gathering data to study ecology, behavior and population
status to enhance management objectives for these species in and around
the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Takes would occur
by close approach by vessel survey for photo-identification, behavioral
observation, passive acoustic recording, collection of sloughed skin
and feces, prey sampling, and incidental harassment. Research would
take place in waters of and around Glacier Bay with the main study area
including a 70-mile (113 km) radius centered at the mouth of Glacier
Bay (58[deg]20'N 13[deg]00'W.). Research would mainly take place
annually primarily during the months of April-November.
Amendment Requests
Permit No. 782-1719-00 issued on June 30, 2004 (69 FR 44514)
authorizes NMMLthe Holder to take all species of cetaceans under NMFS
jurisdiction during stock assessment activities throughout U.S.
territorial waters and the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean,
Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the territorial waters of Mexico
(Gulf of California only), Canada, Russia, Japan and the Philippines.
The Permit specifically authorizes close approach during Level B
harassment (aerial surveys, vessel-based surveys, observations, and
photo-identification), and Level A harassment (biopsy sampling and
attachment of scientific instruments). Activities are authorized for
all age and sex classes with the exception of biopsy sampling of calves
less than 6 months of age and accompanying females. The Holder now
requests authority to increase the number of humpback whales to be
biopsy sampled to 500 in the Western North Pacific stock, 2000 in the
Central North Pacific stock, and 1000 in the Eastern North Pacific
stock. The Holder also requests that NMFS reconsider its earlier
decision and allow biopsy sampling of large whale calves less than 6
months of age (with the exception of neonates) and attending females.
The Holder has submitted additional information and justification for
this activity. The Holder also requests authority to increase the
number of humpback whales to be biopsy sampled to 500 in the Western
North Pacific stock, 2000 in the Central North Pacific stock, and 1000
in the Eastern North Pacific stock. The amendment, if issued, would
remain valid until the permit expires June 30, 2009.
Permit No. 1000-1617-01 issued to Whitlow Au, Ph.D. on June 22,
2001 (66 FR 34155) authorizes behavioral observations, photo-
identification, genetic sampling, and suction-cup tagging of small
cetaceans in Hawaii and California, focused primarily on spinner
dolphins. The objectives of the research are to investigate population
structure, genetic variability, dispersal patterns, social structure,
and foraging and diving behavior. The Permit Holder is now requesting a
5-year amendment to expand the small cetacean research by increasing
the number of individuals of each species that can be suction-cup
tagged from three to 80. Furthermore, the Holder wishes to add a new
project that will focus on large whale behavior and use of the acoustic
environment by studying humpback whales, killer whales, and Cuvier's
and Blainville's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon
densirostris). Males and females of all ages and reproductive status of
requested species would be closely approached by vessel for photo-
identification, behavioral observations, underwater observation and
videography, and passive acoustic recording. For biopsy sampling and
suction-cup tagging, males and females of all ages would be sampled or
tagged, with the exception of calves under 6 months of age and females
attending such calves. In the case of humpback whales only: the
suction-cup tags, with a desired attachment duration of 6 hours, may
include an acoustic transponder. The tag would emit a high-frequency
pulse, above the theoretical hearing range of the whales, to assist the
researchers in tracking the tagged individual. Research would take
place in U.S. and international waters off Hawaii and California. The
amended permit, if issued, would be valid for 5 years.
Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of these applications to the Marine
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
All documents may be reviewed in the following locations:
Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD
20910; phone 301)713-2289; fax (301)713-0376; and
Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg.
1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax (206)526-6426;
Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249;
Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018; and
Pacific Islands Region, Protected Species Coordinator, Pacific Area
Office, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-
4700; phone (808)973-2935; fax (808)973-2941.
Dated: February 11, 2005.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3093 Filed 2-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
