Marine Mammals; File No. 978-1567, 13480-13481 [05-5538]

Download as PDF 13480 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Notices notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Gail Bendixen at 907–271–2809 at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: March 16, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5–1214 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031105H] Endangered Species; File No. 1295 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application for modification AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center (Responsible Official- Dr. John Boreman), 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543–1097, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1295. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before April 20, 2005. ADDRESSES: The modification request and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): 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)427–2521; and Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9328; fax (978)281–9394. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this request should be submitted 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 modification request would be appropriate. VerDate jul<14>2003 18:36 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 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. 1295. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Opay or Ruth Johnson, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject modification to Permit No. 1295, issued on June 4, 2001 (66 FR 29934) is requested under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222– 226). Permit No. 1295 authorizes the permit holder to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles for scientific research. The current permit authorizes the sampling of turtles taken during bottom trawl, scallop, acoustic and Illex squid surveys; research designed to develop and test methods to reduce incidental bycatch of sea turtles that occurs in a commercial pound net fishery of Virginia; sampling during research designed to develop and test methods to reduce incidental bycatch of sea turtles that occurs in scallop drag fisheries; and the sampling of sea turtles captured during the NMFS Northeast Fishery Science Center’s biennial shark longline surveys. The permit holder requests authorization to extend the duration of the pound net experiment from 42 days to 55 days. The permit holder also requests an increase in the number of annual lethal takes of loggerhead sea turtles from 2 to 4, the number of annual lethal takes of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from 3 to 6, and the number of annual lethal takes of green sea turtles from 0 to 1. The permit holder also asks for a total annual take increase of leatherbacks from 1 to 2 including an increase in allowed annual lethal takes from 0 to 1, and the addition of 1 hawksbill annual take that may be lethal. This research permit expires May 31, 2006. The requested modifications are necessary so the permit holder can continue bycatch reduction research relating to the pound net fishery. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: March 16, 2005. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–5540 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 030905E] Marine Mammals; File No. 978–1567 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Issuance of permit amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Paul Nachtigall, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1346, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 978–1567–00. ADDRESSES: The amendment and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): 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)427–2521; and Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814–4700; phone (808)973–2935; fax (808)973–2941. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Jennifer Skidmore, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested amendment has been granted under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216). This amendment (Permit No. 978– 1567–01) extends the expiration date of the permit from June 30, 2005 to June 30, 2006. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. E:\FR\FM\21MRN1.SGM 21MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Notices Dated: March 16, 2005. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–5538 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 030905D] Marine Mammals; Files No. 522–1785 and 633–1778 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of applications. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that two applicants have applied in due form for a permit to take marine mammals for scientific research purposes or for an amendment to an existing permit. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before April 20, 2005. ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): 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)427–2521; File No. 633–1778 - Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9328; fax (987)281–9394; and Files 522–1758 and 633–1778 Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone (727)824– 5312; fax (727)824–5309. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on these applications 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 VerDate jul<14>2003 18:36 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 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. 522–1785 or File No. 633–1778. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Johnson (Ruth.Johnson@noaa.gov) or Carrie Hubard (Carrie.W.Hubard@noaa.gov) or phone (301)713–2289. The subject permits 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 222–226). Dr. Randall Wells (File No. 522–1785) requests a permit to take bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for scientific research. The take would include capture, examination, sample, mark, tag and release of up to 120 individual bottlenose dolphins in the shallow coastal waters of central west Florida and remotely biopsy sample 100 dolphins annually for five years. This work is a continuation of research activities since 1984. The activities would provide crucial background information on individual identification, sex, age, reproductive status, and genetic relationships to support ongoing long-term observational studies of population structure, population dynamics, life history, social structure, genetic structure including paternity patterns, and human interactions. Tissue samples and veterinary examinations would support investigation of biomarkers of environmental contaminants and their effects as part of an ongoing study in collaboration with NMFS. Other components of the collaborative program involve studies of health assessment, contaminant loads and associated medical effects, immune system function, detection of brevetoxin, assessments of thermal status, identification of prey species, nutritional status, and predation events, studies of whistle development and function, measures of hearing ability, and behavior associated with sound production. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13481 Center for Coastal Studies (File No. 633–1778), (Julie Robbins (PI), requests a permit to approach, photograph (1600 animals) and collect tissue samples (200 animals) from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Humpbacks would be biopsy sampled up to three times per year. Activities would take place in all U.S. waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, but would focus on the U.S. and Canadian Gulf of Maine. The Center for Coastal Studies maintains a long-term catalog and life history database for the Gulf of Maine humpback population. In the next five years, those data are expected to be applied to the following areas of research: (1) to monitor trends in abundance and vital rates, (2) to study movement and habitat use patterns, including individual exchange with other populations, (3) to study entanglement rates and human-related impacts, (4) to perform molecular genetic investigations into demography and reproductive success, (5) to perform hormone-based studies into reproduction and neonatal mortality, and (6) to perform stable isotope investigations into foraging ecology and nutritional stress. Authorization is also requested to import, export and reexport tissue samples between the U.S. and Canada and collect sloughed skin. Additionally, six other cetacean species would be approached and biopsy sampled on an opportunistic basis during the proposed research. Samples would be used to increase scientific understanding of local populations and to clarify oceanic population structure. The six species include approach, photo-id and biopsy sample once up to 25 each of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and 50 each of killer whales (Orcinus orca). Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: March 15, 2005. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–5539 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\21MRN1.SGM 21MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 53 (Monday, March 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13480-13481]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5538]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 030905E]


Marine Mammals; File No. 978-1567

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Issuance of permit amendment.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Paul Nachtigall, Ph.D., University 
of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1346, 
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, has been issued an amendment to scientific 
research Permit No. 978-1567-00.

ADDRESSES: The amendment and related documents are available for review 
upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s):
    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)427-2521; and
    Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700; phone (808)973-2935; fax (808)973-2941.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Jennifer Skidmore, 
(301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested amendment has been granted 
under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the Regulations Governing the 
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    This amendment (Permit No. 978-1567-01) extends the expiration date 
of the permit from June 30, 2005 to June 30, 2006.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the 
activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.


[[Page 13481]]


    Dated: March 16, 2005.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5538 Filed 3-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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