Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1702, 57524-57525 [E7-19930]

Download as PDF 57524 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 10, 2007 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 081403A] Marine Mammals; File No. 782–1708 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 4, Seattle, WA 98115–0070 [Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas Gelatt] has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 782– 1708. 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; Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668; phone (907)586–7221; fax (907)586–7249; and Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001; fax (562)980–4018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Adams or Amy Sloan, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 31, 2007, notice was published in the Federal Register (72 FR 50330) that an amendment to Permit No. 782–1708 had been requested by the above-named applicant. 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.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). The permit now authorizes researchers to perform additional sampling procedures on northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) already authorized for capture. The amendment does not result in an increase in the number of northern fur seals captured and sampled, but adds the following procedures related to a vital rate study or identification of location of prey consumption events: flipper tagging all animals captured; extraction of a single rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Oct 09, 2007 Jkt 214001 tooth, under anesthesia, from all nonpups captured; and use of a stomach temperature telemeter/recorder on nonpups captured. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), it has been determined that the activities proposed are consistent with the Preferred Alternative in the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Steller Sea Lion and Northern Fur Seal Research (NMFS 2007), and that issuance of the permit amendment would not have a significant adverse impact on the human environment. Dated: October 3, 2007. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–19926 Filed 10–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD16 Marine Mammals; File No. 782–1702 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98115–0070, has requested an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 782–1702. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before November 9, 2007. ADDRESSES: The amendment 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; 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 Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001; fax (562)980–4018. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this request should be PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 amendment 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 e-mail comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: File No. 782–1702. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Adams or Kate Swails, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 782– 1702 is requested 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. 782–1702, issued on September 16, 2003 (68 FR 58663) authorizes the permit holder to conduct aerial, ground, and vessel surveys annually in California, Washington, and Oregon for stock assessment of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Harbor seals, California sea lions, and northern elephant seals may be captured, tagged, and hotbranded for long-term identification of individuals and information on reproductive success, survival and longevity. Blood samples may be collected for disease screening. Blubber biopsies may be taken for contaminant analysis. Other tissues may be sampled for genetics and for fatty acid analysis. Some animals may be instrumented with VHF radio transmitters, TimeDepth Recorders, satellite tags, or sonic tags to document movements, activity and foraging patterns. The permit holder now requests authorization to conduct additional activities on up to 20 adult harbor seals annually. These seals, excluding pregnant or lactating females, would receive gas anesthesia following capture, have stomach temperature transmitters inserted via stomach intubation, and have an external data E:\FR\FM\10OCN1.SGM 10OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 10, 2007 / Notices logger attached externally. The purpose of the additional protocols is to augment current studies on harbor seal diet and abundance. This amendment would not result in capture or disturbance of marine mammals beyond those numbers already authorized by the subject permit. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. 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: October 3, 2007. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–19930 Filed 10–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648–XD19 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Habitat Protection Advisory Panel (AP). DATES: The meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2007 and conclude no later than 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the New Orleans Airport Hilton, 901 Airline Highway, New Orleans, LA; telephone: (504) 469–5000. Council address: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Rester, Habitat Support Specialist, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; telephone: (228) 875–5912. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: At this meeting, the AP will tentatively discuss the Louisiana Coastal Protection and VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Oct 09, 2007 Jkt 214001 Restoration Plan, a summary of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Plan Habitat Evaluation Team, widening of the Gulfport Harbor Ship Channel, the Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Facility, Hurricane Katrina debris removal in Louisiana coastal waters, and potential habitat impacts from hurricane levee construction. The Louisiana/Mississippi group is part of a three unit Habitat Protection AP of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The principal role of the advisory panels is to assist the Council in attempting to maintain optimum conditions within the habitat and ecosystems supporting the marine resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Advisory panels serve as a first alert system to call to the Council’s attention proposed projects being developed and other activities which may adversely impact the Gulf marine fisheries and their supporting ecosystems. The panels may also provide advice to the Council on its policies and procedures for addressing environmental affairs. Although other issues not on the agenda may come before the panel for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal panel action during this meeting. Panel action will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda listed as available by this notice. A copy of the agenda can be obtained by calling (813) 348–1630. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: October 3, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–19822 Filed 10–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648–XD20 New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57525 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a one-day Council meeting on October 25, 2007, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). DATES: The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 25 beginning at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Colonial Hotel, One Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA 01880; telephone: (781) 245–9300. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Thursday, October 25, 2007 Following introductions, the Council will review and approve final measures for Framework Adjustment 19 to Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The biennial adjustment will set management measures for fishing years 2008 and 2009. Among others, management measures will include days-at-sea allocations, access area allocations, specific measures for the general category fishery, minor modifications to the observer set-aside program, consideration of new scallop rotational areas, a revision to the overfishing definition, a 30-day Vessel Monitoring System power-down provision, a prohibition on deck-loading scallops and crew-size restrictions on access area trips. Following a lunch break there will be an opportunity for brief comments from the public on items relevant to Council business but not otherwise listed on the agenda. The meeting will adjourn once all sea scallop agenda items are addressed. Although other non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subjects of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided that the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. E:\FR\FM\10OCN1.SGM 10OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57524-57525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19930]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD16


Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1702

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for amendment.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal 
Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98115-0070, has 
requested an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 782-1702.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or 
before November 9, 2007.

ADDRESSES: The amendment 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;
    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
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018.
    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 amendment 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 e-mail comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include in the 
subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: 
File No. 782-1702.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 782-1702 
is requested 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. 782-1702, issued on September 16, 2003 (68 FR 58663) 
authorizes the permit holder to conduct aerial, ground, and vessel 
surveys annually in California, Washington, and Oregon for stock 
assessment of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), California sea lions 
(Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and 
northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Harbor seals, 
California sea lions, and northern elephant seals may be captured, 
tagged, and hot-branded for long-term identification of individuals and 
information on reproductive success, survival and longevity. Blood 
samples may be collected for disease screening. Blubber biopsies may be 
taken for contaminant analysis. Other tissues may be sampled for 
genetics and for fatty acid analysis. Some animals may be instrumented 
with VHF radio transmitters, Time-Depth Recorders, satellite tags, or 
sonic tags to document movements, activity and foraging patterns.
    The permit holder now requests authorization to conduct additional 
activities on up to 20 adult harbor seals annually. These seals, 
excluding pregnant or lactating females, would receive gas anesthesia 
following capture, have stomach temperature transmitters inserted via 
stomach intubation, and have an external data

[[Page 57525]]

logger attached externally. The purpose of the additional protocols is 
to augment current studies on harbor seal diet and abundance. This 
amendment would not result in capture or disturbance of marine mammals 
beyond those numbers already authorized by the subject permit.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    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: October 3, 2007.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-19930 Filed 10-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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