Marine Mammals; File Nos. 781-1824, 965-1821, 532-1822, 540-1811, 774-1714, 782-1719, 731-1774, 19875-19876 [E6-5779]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 18, 2006 / Notices Complaint but that intends to appear in support of any reviewable portion of the final determination may participate in the panel review by filing a Notice of Appearance in accordance with Rule 40 within 45 days after the filing of the first Request for Panel Review (the deadline for filing a Notice of Appearance is May 18, 2006); and (c) the panel review shall be limited to the allegations of error of fact or law, including the jurisdiction of the investigating authority, that are set out in the Complaints filed in the panel review and the procedural and substantive defenses raised in the panel review. Dated: April 12, 2006. Caratina L. Alston, United States Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat. [FR Doc. E6–5710 Filed 4–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–GT–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 041106A] Marine Mammals; File Nos. 781–1824, 965–1821, 532–1822, 540–1811, 774– 1714, 782–1719, 731–1774 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and amendments. hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that seven entities have been issued permits and amendments to conduct scientific research on marine mammal species and import marine mammal part specimens for scientific research purposes. 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; Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115–0700; phone (206)526–6150; fax (206)526–6426; Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001; fax (562)980–4018; and Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668; phone (907)586–7221; fax (907)586–7249. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:03 Apr 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Guan or Kelsey Abbott, (301)713– 2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Permits have been issued to the following entities: Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC, Dr. M. Bradley Hanson, Principal Investigator), 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, Washington 98112– 2097 (Permit No. 781–1824); Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC, Dr. Stephen B. Reilly, Principal Investigator), 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, California 92037 (Permit No. 774–1714); National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (NMML, Dr. John L. Bengtson, Principal Investigator), 7600 Sand Point Way, NE., Seattle, Washington 98115–6349 (Permit No. 782–1719); Dr. Robin W. Baird, Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501 (Permit No. 731–1774); Dr. David E. Bain, Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, 620 University Road, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 (Permit No. 965– 1821); Center for Whale Research (CWR, Mr. Kenneth C. Balcomb III, Principal Investigator), 355 Smuggler’s Cove Road, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 (Permit No. 532–1822); and Mr. John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research, Waterstreet Bldg., 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501 (File No. 540–1811). On January 6, 2006, notice was published in the Federal Register (71 FR 917) that requests for scientific research permits and amendments to take marine mammals had been submitted by the above-named organizations and individuals. The requested permits and amendments have been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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 parts 222–226). Permit No. 781–1824 authorizes the NWFSC to conduct research to determine the abundance, distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, contaminant levels, prey, behavior, energetics, and stock structure of cetacean species in the eastern North Pacific off the coast of Washington, PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19875 Oregon, and California. These studies will be carried out through vessel surveys, photo-identification from large and small vessels, biological sample collection, passive acoustic monitoring, and satellite/radio and data log/timedepth tagging and tracking. The permit authorizes NWFSC to take endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW, Orcinus orca), as well as 15 non-ESA-listed cetacean species. The permit expires on April 14, 2011. Permit No. 965–1821 authorizes Dr. David Bain to study killer whales, including the SRKW DPS. Dr. Bain’s research is designed to examine killer whale distribution and movement patterns; diet and energetic requirements; reproduction and mortality patterns; health; social structure; and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, including noise, on the whales. Research will focus on the inland waters of Washington with comparative data collected from central California to central Alaska. The permit expires on April 14, 2011. Permit No. 532–1822 issued to the CWR authorizes annual photoidentification studies on SRKW throughout their range to monitor population size and demographics, movements and distribution, social structure, and individual health and body condition of these animals. CWR will also collect photo-identification data from other killer whale stocks that are encountered opportunistically, including the Eastern North Pacific Offshore stock, Eastern North Pacific Northern Resident stock, and the Eastern North Pacific Transient stock. This permit expires April 14, 2011. Permit No. 540–1811 authorizes John Calambokidis to study marine mammals in the North Pacific Ocean including the waters off California, Oregon, and Washington. Mr. Calambokidis will: (1) use photo-identification activities to determine the abundance, movements, and population structure of cetaceans; (2) collect skin biopsies to determine sex and relatedness, and to evaluate stock structure of cetaceans; (3) conduct suction cup tagging activities to examine the diving behavior, feeding, movements, and vocal behavior of cetacean species; (4) conduct aerial, vessel, and shore-based surveys to examine distribution, abundance, habitat, and feeding behavior; and (5) to recover dead harbor seals for contaminant analysis. The permit E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1 hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES 19876 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 18, 2006 / Notices authorizes takes of five species of pinnipeds and 27 cetacean species, including humpback whales, blue whales, killer whales, fin whales, and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). The permit expires on April 14, 2011. Permit No. 774–1714–04 issued to the SWFSC has been amended to allow takes of the recently ESA-listed SRKW DPS. The purpose of the research is to document the range of the SRKW within 300 nm of the California, Oregon, and Washington outer coasts, which are outside their relatively well studied distribution in inland and coastal waters. The research will be carried out opportunistically during SWFSC’s linetransect surveys designed to provide data for Stock Assessment Reports on abundance and stock identity of all cetacean species in these areas. The permit expires on June 30, 2009. Permit No. 782–1719–03 issued to the NMML has been amended to allow takes of SRKW. The amended permit authorizes NMML to opportunistically sample SRKW when encountered during stock assessment surveys. NMML may biopsy sample 10 SRKW (excluding calves and accompanying females) annually and may take up to 500 SRKW annually for photoidentification from vessel and aerial surveys and 500 SRKW annually by incidental harassment. The amended permit expires on June 30, 2009. Permit No. 731–1774–01 issued to Dr. Robin Baird authorizes takes by close approach, including vessel approaches, aerial over-flights, and suction cup tagging of cetacean species in all U.S. and international waters in the Pacific, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories. The permit now authorizes takes of SRKW by harassment during close approach for vessel and aerial surveys, photo-identification, behavioral observations, video and acoustic recordings, suction cup tagging, and incidental harassment. The research will primarily occur in the waters of Washington, but may also occur in the waters of California and Oregon. The amended permit expires on August 31, 2010. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment was prepared analyzing the effects of the permitted activities. After a Finding of No Significant Impact, the determination was made that it was not necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement. Issuance of these permits and amendments, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Apr 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 permits/amendments: (1) were applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: April 12, 2006. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–5779 Filed 4–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Agency: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Title: Public User ID Badging. Form Number(s): PTO–2030, PTO– 2224. Agency Approval Number: 0651– 0041. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Burden: 1,097 hours annually. Number of Respondents: 11,369 responses per year. Avg. Hours Per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take the public approximately 5 minutes (0.08 hours) to renew a security identification badge, including preparing and submitting the completed form. The USPTO estimates that it will take the public approximately 5 to 10 minutes (0.08 to 0.17 hours) to complete the other items in this collection, including the time to gather the necessary information, prepare the appropriate form, and submit the completed request. Needs and Uses: The USPTO is required by 35 U.S.C. 41(i)(1) to maintain a Public Search Facility to provide patent and trademark collections for searching and retrieval of information. In order to manage the patent and trademark collections, the USPTO issues online access cards to customers who wish to use the electronic search systems at one of the Public Search Facilities. Under the authority provided in 41 CFR Part 102– PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 81, the USPTO also issues security identification badges to members of the public who wish to use the facilities at the USPTO. The public uses this collection to request an online access card, a security identification badge, or to register for user training classes. This collection currently contains forms for the Application for Public User ID (Online Access Card) (PTO–2030), Security Identification Badges for Public Users (PTO–2224), and two user training application forms. The USPTO is updating this information collection to include the renewal of security identification badges, to delete the replacement fee for online access cards, and to revise the estimated annual responses in order to reflect current submissions. No new forms are being added to this collection. Affected Public: Individuals or households, businesses or other forprofits, not-for-profit institutions, farms, the Federal Government, and state, local or tribal governments. Frequency: On occasion with annual renewals for online access cards and security identification badges. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits. OMB Desk Officer: David Rostker, (202) 395–3897. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by any of the following methods: • E-mail: Susan.Brown@uspto.gov. Include ‘‘0651–0041 copy request’’ 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, Architecture, Engineering and Technical Services, Data Architecture and Services Division, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent on or before May 18, 2006 to David Rostker, OMB Desk Officer, Room 10202, New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. Dated: April 12, 2006. Susan K. Brown, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Architecture, Engineering and Technical Services, Data Architecture and Services Division. [FR Doc. E6–5721 Filed 4–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–16–P E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 18, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19875-19876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5779]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 041106A]


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 781-1824, 965-1821, 532-1822, 540-1811, 
774-1714, 782-1719, 731-1774

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and amendments.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that seven entities have been issued 
permits and amendments to conduct scientific research on marine mammal 
species and import marine mammal part specimens for scientific research 
purposes.

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;
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 
1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax (206)526-6426;
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018; and
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone 
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Guan or Kelsey Abbott, (301)713-
2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Permits have been issued to the following 
entities:
    Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC, Dr. M. Bradley Hanson, 
Principal Investigator), 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, Washington 
98112-2097 (Permit No. 781-1824);
    Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC, Dr. Stephen B. Reilly, 
Principal Investigator), 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 
California 92037 (Permit No. 774-1714);
    National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center 
(NMML, Dr. John L. Bengtson, Principal Investigator), 7600 Sand Point 
Way, NE., Seattle, Washington 98115-6349 (Permit No. 782-1719);
    Dr. Robin W. Baird, Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue, 
Olympia, Washington 98501 (Permit No. 731-1774);
    Dr. David E. Bain, Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of 
Washington, 620 University Road, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 
(Permit No. 965-1821);
    Center for Whale Research (CWR, Mr. Kenneth C. Balcomb III, 
Principal Investigator), 355 Smuggler's Cove Road, Friday Harbor, 
Washington 98250 (Permit No. 532-1822); and
    Mr. John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research, Waterstreet Bldg., 218 1/
2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501 (File No. 540-1811).
    On January 6, 2006, notice was published in the Federal Register 
(71 FR 917) that requests for scientific research permits and 
amendments to take marine mammals had been submitted by the above-named 
organizations and individuals. The requested permits and amendments 
have been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act of 1972, as amended (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 parts 222-226).
    Permit No. 781-1824 authorizes the NWFSC to conduct research to 
determine the abundance, distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, 
contaminant levels, prey, behavior, energetics, and stock structure of 
cetacean species in the eastern North Pacific off the coast of 
Washington, Oregon, and California. These studies will be carried out 
through vessel surveys, photo-identification from large and small 
vessels, biological sample collection, passive acoustic monitoring, and 
satellite/radio and data log/time-depth tagging and tracking. The 
permit authorizes NWFSC to take endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera 
musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and 
Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW, Orcinus orca), as well as 15 
non-ESA-listed cetacean species. The permit expires on April 14, 2011.
    Permit No. 965-1821 authorizes Dr. David Bain to study killer 
whales, including the SRKW DPS. Dr. Bain's research is designed to 
examine killer whale distribution and movement patterns; diet and 
energetic requirements; reproduction and mortality patterns; health; 
social structure; and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, 
including noise, on the whales. Research will focus on the inland 
waters of Washington with comparative data collected from central 
California to central Alaska. The permit expires on April 14, 2011.
    Permit No. 532-1822 issued to the CWR authorizes annual photo-
identification studies on SRKW throughout their range to monitor 
population size and demographics, movements and distribution, social 
structure, and individual health and body condition of these animals. 
CWR will also collect photo-identification data from other killer whale 
stocks that are encountered opportunistically, including the Eastern 
North Pacific Offshore stock, Eastern North Pacific Northern Resident 
stock, and the Eastern North Pacific Transient stock. This permit 
expires April 14, 2011.
    Permit No. 540-1811 authorizes John Calambokidis to study marine 
mammals in the North Pacific Ocean including the waters off California, 
Oregon, and Washington. Mr. Calambokidis will: (1) use photo-
identification activities to determine the abundance, movements, and 
population structure of cetaceans; (2) collect skin biopsies to 
determine sex and relatedness, and to evaluate stock structure of 
cetaceans; (3) conduct suction cup tagging activities to examine the 
diving behavior, feeding, movements, and vocal behavior of cetacean 
species; (4) conduct aerial, vessel, and shore-based surveys to examine 
distribution, abundance, habitat, and feeding behavior; and (5) to 
recover dead harbor seals for contaminant analysis. The permit

[[Page 19876]]

authorizes takes of five species of pinnipeds and 27 cetacean species, 
including humpback whales, blue whales, killer whales, fin whales, and 
gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). The permit expires on April 14, 
2011.
    Permit No. 774-1714-04 issued to the SWFSC has been amended to 
allow takes of the recently ESA-listed SRKW DPS. The purpose of the 
research is to document the range of the SRKW within 300 nm of the 
California, Oregon, and Washington outer coasts, which are outside 
their relatively well studied distribution in inland and coastal 
waters. The research will be carried out opportunistically during 
SWFSC's line-transect surveys designed to provide data for Stock 
Assessment Reports on abundance and stock identity of all cetacean 
species in these areas. The permit expires on June 30, 2009.
    Permit No. 782-1719-03 issued to the NMML has been amended to allow 
takes of SRKW. The amended permit authorizes NMML to opportunistically 
sample SRKW when encountered during stock assessment surveys. NMML may 
biopsy sample 10 SRKW (excluding calves and accompanying females) 
annually and may take up to 500 SRKW annually for photo-identification 
from vessel and aerial surveys and 500 SRKW annually by incidental 
harassment. The amended permit expires on June 30, 2009.
    Permit No. 731-1774-01 issued to Dr. Robin Baird authorizes takes 
by close approach, including vessel approaches, aerial over-flights, 
and suction cup tagging of cetacean species in all U.S. and 
international waters in the Pacific, including Alaska, Washington, 
Oregon, California, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories. The permit now 
authorizes takes of SRKW by harassment during close approach for vessel 
and aerial surveys, photo-identification, behavioral observations, 
video and acoustic recordings, suction cup tagging, and incidental 
harassment. The research will primarily occur in the waters of 
Washington, but may also occur in the waters of California and Oregon. 
The amended permit expires on August 31, 2010.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment was prepared 
analyzing the effects of the permitted activities. After a Finding of 
No Significant Impact, the determination was made that it was not 
necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement.
    Issuance of these permits and amendments, as required by the ESA, 
was based on a finding that such permits/amendments: (1) were applied 
for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such 
endangered species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and 
policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA.

    Dated: April 12, 2006.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-5779 Filed 4-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.