Marine Mammals; File Nos. 358-1787 and 1070-1783, 14503-14504 [E6-4161]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 22, 2006 / Notices their catch after they land a BFT. The reported information is tallied and used to monitor recreational landings and incorporated into scientific analysis of BFT stock status. Any State that participates in tagging programs to monitor recreational landings would submit weekly and one annual report to summarize landings and results to date. Atlantic swordfish and billfish are managed internationally by ICCAT and nationally under the ATCA and the MSFMCA. This collection will provide information needed to monitor the recreational limit established by ICCAT for Atlantic blue and white marlin, and the recreational catch of North Atlantic swordfish, which is applied to the ICCAT established U.S. quota. This collection will also provide information on recreational landings of West Atlantic sailfish which is unavailable from established monitoring programs. Collection of sailfish catch information is authorized under MSFCMA for purposes of stock management. II. Method of Collection Respondents reporting BFT in all states (including the United States Virgin Islands and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico) other than MD or NC may use either an Internet Website or an interactive voice response (IVR) telephone system. Respondents reporting Atlantic marlin, West Atlantic sailfish, or North Atlantic swordfish in all states (including the United States Virgin Islands and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico) other than MD or NC must report by calling a toll-free telephone number. In MD and NC a paper reporting system is used for all of the aforementioned species. Respondents in MD and NC must submit a landing card at a state reporting station. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES III. Data OMB Number: 0648–0328. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; individuals or households; and State, Local, or Tribal government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,089. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for an initial call-in or Internet report; 5 minutes for a confirmation call; 10 minutes for a landing card; 1 hour for a weekly state report; and 4 hours for an annual state report. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,369. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:47 Mar 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 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 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: March 16, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6–4114 Filed 3–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031506A] Marine Mammals; File Nos. 358–1787 and 1070–1783 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits to conduct scientific research on marine mammals have been issued to Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez, Biology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington (File No. 1070–1783); and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, Alaska (File No. 358–1787). ADDRESSES: The permits 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; PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14503 File No. 1070–1783: Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115–0700; phone (206)526–6150; fax (206)526–6426; and File No. 358–1787: Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668; phone (907)586–7221; fax (907)586–7249. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Adams or Amy Sloan, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 14, 2005, notice was published in the Federal Register (70 FR 54369) that a request for a scientific research permit to take harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Washington had been submitted by Dr. AcevedoGutierrez. On June 28, 2005, notice was published in the Federal Register (70 FR 37089) that a request for a scientific research permit to take harbor seals, spotted seals (P. largha), ringed seals (P. hispida), ribbon seals (P. fasciata), and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in Alaska had been submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The requested permits have been issued 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). Permit No. 1070–1783–00 authorizes researchers to disturb harbor seals from the Washington Inland Waters Stock during aerial and vessel surveys and scat collections. The objective of the research is to study temporal and spatial variation in numbers and diet composition of harbor seals to determine responses of harbor seals to changes in prey density and the impact of seal behavior on marine protected areas. The permit is valid through March 2011. Permit No. 358–1787–00 authorizes researchers to disturb seals in Alaska during aerial surveys. The permit also allows researchers to capture, sample, and tag seals and to disturb additional seals incidental to these capture and sampling operations. The permit allows for the research-related mortality of a limited number of seals each year. The permit allows for the collection of biological samples from subsistence harvested seals for various analyses. The purpose of the research is to collect additional information on the ecology of these seal species with the objectives of estimating trends in population abundance and identifying factors affecting the decline of some populations. The permit is valid through March 2011. E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1 14504 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 22, 2006 / Notices In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that issuance of the proposed permits is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Dated: March 16, 2006. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–4161 Filed 3–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 022806F] Endangered Species; File No. 1518–01 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit modification. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Carlos Diez, Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Abmientales de Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9066600, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00906–6600 has been issued a modification to scientific research Permit No.1518. ADDRESSES: The modification 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 Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727)824–5312; fax (727)824– 5309. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Opay or Kate Swails, (301)713– 2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 27, 2005, notice was published in the Federal Register (70 FR 61940) that a modification of Permit No. 1518, issued August 8, 2005 (70 FR 47813), had been requested by the above-named individual. The requested modification has been granted under the authority of 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:47 Mar 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222–226). Permit No. 1518 currently authorizes the permit holder to study green and hawksbill sea turtles. The purpose of the research is to identify marine habitat, determine distribution and abundance, determine sex ratios, evaluate the extent of ingestion of marine debris, determine growth rates and sexual maturity, and quantify threats. Mr. Diez is currently authorized to annually capture up to 320 hawksbill and 250 green sea turtles by hand or entanglement net. All turtles are measured, weighed, tagged, and blood sampled. A subset of animals are lavaged and have transmitters attached to them. One leatherback sea turtle could be incidentally captured during the course of the studies but would be released alive. The permit modification allows the permit holder to skin biopsy 190 green and hawksbill sea turtles. Under this modification a subset of 10 green turtles will undergo fibropapillomatosis tumor removal surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. Turtles that have severe tumors and are in extremely poor health would be euthanized. The applicant does not expect that more than two turtles would require euthanasia. The goal of the additional research will be to create baseline parameters of health assessments, determine groups’ heterogenity and dispersal, and provide insight into the pathogenesis of the disease in the wild through the use of long-term capture and release surveys. Issuance of this modification, as required by the ESA was based on a finding that such permit (1) was applied for in good faith, (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of any endangered or threatened species, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: March 16, 2006. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–4156 Filed 3–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031606C] Endangered Species; File No. 1571 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), NMFS, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida 33149, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), hawsbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before April 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: The application 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 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 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. 1571. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Opay or Amy Hapeman, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of 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). The research would use resource assessment cruises as a platform to fill in data gaps in the basic biology of sea E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14503-14504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4161]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 031506A]


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 358-1787 and 1070-1783

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

ACTION:  Notice; issuance of permits.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  Notice is hereby given that permits to conduct scientific 
research on marine mammals have been issued to Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-
Gutierrez, Biology Department, Western Washington University, 
Bellingham, Washington (File No. 1070-1783); and the Alaska Department 
of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, Alaska 
(File No. 358-1787).

ADDRESSES:  The permits 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. 1070-1783: Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, 
BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax 
(206)526-6426; and
    File No. 358-1787: Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802-1668; phone (907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 14, 2005, notice was published 
in the Federal Register (70 FR 54369) that a request for a scientific 
research permit to take harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Washington had 
been submitted by Dr. Acevedo-Gutierrez. On June 28, 2005, notice was 
published in the Federal Register (70 FR 37089) that a request for a 
scientific research permit to take harbor seals, spotted seals (P. 
largha), ringed seals (P. hispida), ribbon seals (P. fasciata), and 
bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in Alaska had been submitted by the 
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The requested permits have been 
issued 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).
    Permit No. 1070-1783-00 authorizes researchers to disturb harbor 
seals from the Washington Inland Waters Stock during aerial and vessel 
surveys and scat collections. The objective of the research is to study 
temporal and spatial variation in numbers and diet composition of 
harbor seals to determine responses of harbor seals to changes in prey 
density and the impact of seal behavior on marine protected areas. The 
permit is valid through March 2011.
    Permit No. 358-1787-00 authorizes researchers to disturb seals in 
Alaska during aerial surveys. The permit also allows researchers to 
capture, sample, and tag seals and to disturb additional seals 
incidental to these capture and sampling operations. The permit allows 
for the research-related mortality of a limited number of seals each 
year. The permit allows for the collection of biological samples from 
subsistence harvested seals for various analyses. The purpose of the 
research is to collect additional information on the ecology of these 
seal species with the objectives of estimating trends in population 
abundance and identifying factors affecting the decline of some 
populations. The permit is valid through March 2011.

[[Page 14504]]

    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that 
issuance of the proposed permits is categorically excluded from the 
requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental 
impact statement.

    Dated: March 16, 2006.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-4161 Filed 3-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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