Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, 27186-27188 [2012-11205]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 27186 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices Honolulu County (alternate only), Commercial Shipping (alternate only) and Youth/Student Seat (ages 14–17). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve twoyear terms, pursuant to the council’s charter. DATES: Applications are due by 30 June 2012. ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained from Joseph Paulin, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 301, Honolulu, HI 96825 or Joseph.Paulin@noaa.gov. Completed applications should be sent to the same address. Applications are also available on line at https:// hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Paulin, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Suite 301, Honolulu, HI 96825 or Joseph.Paulin@noaa.gov or 808.397.2651 x 257. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in March 1996 to assure continued public participation in the management of the sanctuary. Since its establishment, the council has played a vital role in the decisions affecting the Sanctuary surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands. The council’s nineteen voting members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public. The council is supported by five committees: An Executive Committee chaired by the Sanctuary Advisory Council Chair, a Research Committee chaired by the Research Representative, an Education Committee chaired by the Education Representative, a Conservation Committee chaired by the Conservation Representative, and a Native Hawaiian Committee chaired by the Native Hawaiian Representative, each respectively dealing with matters concerning research, education, resource protection, and Native Hawaiian Culture. The council represents the coordination link between the sanctuary and the state and federal management agencies, user groups, researchers, educators, policy makers, and other various groups that help to focus efforts and attention on the humpback whale and its habitat around the main Hawaiian Islands. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:44 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 The council functions in an advisory capacity to the sanctuary management and is instrumental in helping to develop policies and program goals, and to identify education, outreach, research, long-term monitoring, resource protection and revenue enhancement priorities. The council works in concert with the sanctuary management by keeping him or her informed about issues of concern throughout the sanctuary, offering recommendations on specific issues, and aiding in achieving the goals of the sanctuary within the context of marine programs and policies of Hawai’i. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431, et seq. (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program) Dated: May 1, 2012. Daniel J. Basta, Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2012–11032 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–NK–M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC019 Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Applications for three new scientific research permits, two research permit renewals, and one permit modification. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received six scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/ preview_open_for_comment.cfm. DATES: Comments or requests for a public hearing on the applications must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on June 8, 2012. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the applications should be sent to the Protected Resources Division, NMFS, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1201 NE. Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232–1274. Comments may also be sent via fax to 503–230– 5441 or by email to nmfs.nwr.apps@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503–231– 2314), Fax: 503–230–5441, email: Robert.Clapp@noaa.gov). Permit application instructions are available from the address above, or online at https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Species Covered in This Notice The following listed species are covered in this notice: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound (PS); threatened lower Columbia River (LCR); endangered upper Columbia River (UCR); threatened Snake River (SR) spring/sum (spr/sum); threatened SR fall; Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS; threatened LCR; threatened UCR; threatened SR; threatened middle Columbia River (MCR). Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened Columbia River (CR). Coho salmon (O. kisutch): Threatened LCR. Eulachon: (Thaleichthys pacificus): Threatened southern distinct population segment (DPS) Authority Scientific research permits are issued in accordance with section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq) and regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR 222–226). NMFS issues permits based on findings that such permits: (1) Are applied for in good faith; (2) if granted and exercised, would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species that are the subject of the permit; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policy of section 2 of the ESA. The authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set forth in the permits. Anyone requesting a hearing on an application listed in this notice should set out the specific reasons why a hearing on that application would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such hearings are held at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS. Applications Received Permit 1135–7R The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is requesting to renew its permit to take adult and juvenile LCR steelhead. The purpose of this study is to collect information on the survival, E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices Permit 1175–5R The Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF) is requesting to renew its permit to take juvenile PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, MCR steelhead, LCR Chinook salmon, LCR coho salmon, and LCR steelhead. The purpose of this research is to determine fish species presence and distribution, record fish habitat conditions, and inventory spawning areas on lands the GPNF administers. The information would be used in broad-scale analyses (e.g., watershed analysis) and project-level planning (e.g., timber sales and habitat restoration projects). The research would benefit listed salmonids by providing the GPNF with information to improve forest management. Permit 1175 has been in place for ten years and recently expired on December 31, 2011. The GPNF would observe/harass adult and juvenile salmonids during spawner and redd counts, snorkel surveys, and habitat surveys. The GPNF would also capture (using backpack electrofishing equipment or seines), handle, and release juvenile salmonids. The GPNF does not intend to kill any fish being captured, but a small number of fish may die as an unintentional result of the research activities. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES growth, habitat use, population density, health, and life-histories of steelhead in the Wind River subbasin of southern Washington. The research would provide information to help state, tribal, and Federal managers in their efforts to restore LCR steelhead populations and habitats. Permit 1135 has been in place for several years and recently expired on December 31, 2011. Adult and juvenile LCR steelhead would be observed and possibly harassed during snorkel and habitat surveys. Juvenile LCR steelhead would be collected (using backpack electrofishers, minnow traps, angling, seines, and weir traps), anesthetized, sampled for biological data (length, weight, disease status) and tissues/ scales. The fish would then be allowed to recover from the anesthesia and released. In addition, some juvenile LCR steelhead would be tagged with passive integrated transponders (PIT-tags), some would be killed for pathological analyses, and a few more may die as an unintended result of the research. research is to study the distribution, abundance, and factors limiting the recovery of Oregon chub. The ODFW would capture, handle, and release juvenile UWR Chinook salmon, UWR steelhead, LCR Chinook salmon, LCR steelhead, LCR coho salmon, and CR chum salmon while conducting the research. The Oregon chub is endemic to the Willamette Valley of Oregon and the habitats it depends on are also important to salmonids. Research on the Oregon chub would benefit listed salmonids by helping managers recover habitats the species share. The ODFW would use boat electrofishing equipment, minnow traps, beach seines, dip nets, hoop nets, and fyke nets to capture juvenile fish. Researchers would avoid contact with adult fish. If listed salmonids are captured during the research they would be released immediately. The researchers do not expect to kill any listed salmonids but a small number may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 16791 The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking a 5-year permit to take juvenile LCR coho salmon and steelhead during research designed to assess the distribution of coastal cutthroat trout in the lower Columbia River basin and establish a baseline dataset for long-term monitoring. The objectives are to (1) establish a random sampling protocol for coastal cutthroat trout, (2) determine coastal cutthroat trout distribution and abundance, (3) record baseline habitat parameters at all sample sites, and (4) determine if habitat parameters correlate to coastal cutthroat trout distribution and abundance. Research on coastal cutthroat trout would benefit listed salmonids by helping managers recover habitats the species share. Researchers would use backpack electrofishing equipment to capture fish. The FWS would immediately release listed salmon and steelhead. Researchers may also harass adult LCR Chinook and coho salmon during habitat surveys. The FWS does not intend to kill any listed salmonids but a small number of juvenile fish may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 16290–2M The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking to modify its permit that currently allows it to annually take listed salmonids while conducting research on the Oregon chub. The ODFW is requesting to increase the number of juvenile fish they may take. The purpose of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:44 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 Permit 16792 The FWS is seeking a 5-year permit to take juvenile LCR coho salmon and steelhead during research designed to assess the distribution of bull trout in the Lewis River, Washington. The objectives of the research are to (1) establish a random sampling protocol for bull trout, (2) determine bull trout PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27187 distribution and abundance, (3) record baseline habitat parameters at all sample sites, and (4) determine if habitat parameters correlate to bull trout distribution and abundance. Research on bull trout would benefit listed salmonids by helping managers recover habitats the species share. Researchers would use backpack electrofishing equipment to capture fish. The FWS would immediately release listed salmon and steelhead. The FWS does not intend to kill any listed salmonids but a small number of juvenile fish may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 16866 The Oregon State University (OSU) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is requesting a five-year research permit to take adult and juvenile UCR Chinook and steelhead, SR spr/sum and fall Chinook, SR steelhead, MCR steelhead, LCR Chinook, LCR coho, LCR steelhead, CR chum, and UWR Chinook and steelhead during the course of research designed to provide information on the dynamics and use of cold water refuges by anadromous salmon and other cold water species. The project would also take Southern DPS eulachon. The information would provide managers with a more rigorous understanding of thermal regimes in river systems and help guide conservation and restoration planning and species management. The study would benefit listed salmonids by helping determine whether (and how) the ecosystem services of cold water habitats can be quantified and incorporated into restoration and conservation programs. The OSU proposes to capture (using boat electrofishing), identify, measure, and release juvenile fish. Adult fish may be encountered but would not be netted. The OSU does not intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a few may die as an unintended result of the activities. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments submitted to determine whether the applications meet the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal Register. E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1 27188 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Notices Dated: May 3, 2012. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–11205 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC020 Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; availability of hatchery plans and request for comment AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has submitted four Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Pacific salmon and steelhead under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HGMPs specify the operations of four hatchery programs rearing salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River subbasin within the State of Oregon. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the HGMPs and associated draft environmental assessment (EA) for comment prior to a decision by NMFS whether to approve the proposed hatchery programs. DATES: Comments must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific time on June 8, 2012. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the application should be addressed to the NMFS Salmon Management Division, 1201 NE. Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232, or faxed to 503– 872–2737. Comments may be submitted by email. The mailbox address for providing email comments is: SandyHatcheries.nwr@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the email comment the following identifier: Comments on Oregon’s Sandy hatchery plans. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Turner, at phone number: (503) 736– 4737, or email: Rich.Turner@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Species Covered in This Notice Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): threatened, naturally VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:44 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 produced and artificially propagated Lower Columbia River. Chum salmon (O. keta): threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated Columbia River. Coho salmon (O. kisutch): threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated Lower Columbia River. Steelhead (O. mykiss): threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated Lower Columbia River. Pacific eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus): threatened, naturally produced southern distinct population segment. ODFW has submitted to NMFS four HGMPs describing hatchery programs that release salmon and steelhead into the Sandy River in a manner that is intended to comply with requirements of the ESA under limit 5 of the 4(d) Rule. The programs are designed to meet mitigation responsibilities related to impacts from development in the Sandy River and Columbia River basins by providing hatchery fish to support fishing opportunities while minimizing potential risks to natural-origin spring Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead populations, consistent with Oregon’s Lower Columbia River Conservation and Recovery Plan for Oregon Populations of Salmon and Steelhead. As specified in the July 10, 2000, ESA 4(d) rule for salmon and steelhead (65 FR 42422) and updated June 28, 2005 (70 FR 37160), NMFS may approve an HGMP if it meets criteria set forth in 50 CFR 223.203(b)(5)(i)(A) through (K). Prior to final approval of an HGMP, NMFS must publish notification announcing its availability for public review and comment. Authority Under section 4 of the ESA, the Secretary of Commerce is required to adopt such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species listed as threatened. The ESA salmon and steelhead 4(d) rule (65 FR 42422, July 10, 2000, as updated in 70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005) specifies categories of activities that contribute to the conservation of listed salmonids and sets out the criteria for such activities. Limit 5 of the updated 4(d) rule (50 CFR 223.203(b)(5)) further provides that the prohibitions of paragraph (a) of the updated 4(d) rule (50 CFR 223.203(a)) do not apply to activities associated with artificial propagation programs provided that an HGMP has been approved by NMFS to be in accordance with the salmon and steelhead 4(d) rule (65 FR 42422, July 10, 2000, as updated in 70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005). PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: May 3, 2012. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–11206 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Extension of Application Period for Seats for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of extension for application period and request for applications. AGENCY: The ONMS is extending the deadline and seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Chumash Community Member and Alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve twoyear terms, pursuant to the council’s Charter. DATES: Applications are due by May 16, 2012. ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained at https:// www.channelislands.noaa.gov/sac/ news.html. Completed applications should be sent to Sara.Hutto@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Murray, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way Suite 150 Santa Barbara, CA 93109–2315, 805–884–1464 extension 464, michael.murray@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council was originally established in December 1998 and has a broad representation consisting of 21 members, including ten government agency representatives and eleven members from the general public. The Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Sanctuary Superintendent. The Council works in concert with the Sanctuary SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27186-27188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11205]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC019


Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

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

ACTION: Applications for three new scientific research permits, two 
research permit renewals, and one permit modification.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received six scientific 
research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The 
proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed 
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and 
conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.

DATES: Comments or requests for a public hearing on the applications 
must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see 
ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on June 8, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the applications should be sent to the 
Protected Resources Division, NMFS, 1201 NE. Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, 
Portland, OR 97232-1274. Comments may also be sent via fax to 503-230-
5441 or by email to nmfs.nwr.apps@noaa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503-231-
2314), Fax: 503-230-5441, email: Robert.Clapp@noaa.gov). Permit 
application instructions are available from the address above, or 
online at https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Species Covered in This Notice

    The following listed species are covered in this notice:
    Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound 
(PS); threatened lower Columbia River (LCR); endangered upper Columbia 
River (UCR); threatened Snake River (SR) spring/sum (spr/sum); 
threatened SR fall;
    Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS; threatened LCR; threatened 
UCR; threatened SR; threatened middle Columbia River (MCR).
    Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened Columbia River (CR).
    Coho salmon (O. kisutch): Threatened LCR.
    Eulachon: (Thaleichthys pacificus): Threatened southern distinct 
population segment (DPS)

Authority

    Scientific research permits are issued in accordance with section 
10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq) and regulations 
governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR 222-226). NMFS 
issues permits based on findings that such permits: (1) Are applied for 
in good faith; (2) if granted and exercised, would not operate to the 
disadvantage of the listed species that are the subject of the permit; 
and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policy of section 2 of the 
ESA. The authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set 
forth in the permits.
    Anyone requesting a hearing on an application listed in this notice 
should set out the specific reasons why a hearing on that application 
would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such hearings are held at the 
discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS.

Applications Received

Permit 1135-7R

    The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is requesting to renew 
its permit to take adult and juvenile LCR steelhead. The purpose of 
this study is to collect information on the survival,

[[Page 27187]]

growth, habitat use, population density, health, and life-histories of 
steelhead in the Wind River subbasin of southern Washington. The 
research would provide information to help state, tribal, and Federal 
managers in their efforts to restore LCR steelhead populations and 
habitats. Permit 1135 has been in place for several years and recently 
expired on December 31, 2011. Adult and juvenile LCR steelhead would be 
observed and possibly harassed during snorkel and habitat surveys. 
Juvenile LCR steelhead would be collected (using backpack 
electrofishers, minnow traps, angling, seines, and weir traps), 
anesthetized, sampled for biological data (length, weight, disease 
status) and tissues/scales. The fish would then be allowed to recover 
from the anesthesia and released. In addition, some juvenile LCR 
steelhead would be tagged with passive integrated transponders (PIT-
tags), some would be killed for pathological analyses, and a few more 
may die as an unintended result of the research.

Permit 1175-5R

    The Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF) is requesting to renew 
its permit to take juvenile PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, MCR 
steelhead, LCR Chinook salmon, LCR coho salmon, and LCR steelhead. The 
purpose of this research is to determine fish species presence and 
distribution, record fish habitat conditions, and inventory spawning 
areas on lands the GPNF administers. The information would be used in 
broad-scale analyses (e.g., watershed analysis) and project-level 
planning (e.g., timber sales and habitat restoration projects). The 
research would benefit listed salmonids by providing the GPNF with 
information to improve forest management. Permit 1175 has been in place 
for ten years and recently expired on December 31, 2011. The GPNF would 
observe/harass adult and juvenile salmonids during spawner and redd 
counts, snorkel surveys, and habitat surveys. The GPNF would also 
capture (using backpack electrofishing equipment or seines), handle, 
and release juvenile salmonids. The GPNF does not intend to kill any 
fish being captured, but a small number of fish may die as an 
unintentional result of the research activities.

Permit 16290-2M

    The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking to 
modify its permit that currently allows it to annually take listed 
salmonids while conducting research on the Oregon chub. The ODFW is 
requesting to increase the number of juvenile fish they may take. The 
purpose of the research is to study the distribution, abundance, and 
factors limiting the recovery of Oregon chub. The ODFW would capture, 
handle, and release juvenile UWR Chinook salmon, UWR steelhead, LCR 
Chinook salmon, LCR steelhead, LCR coho salmon, and CR chum salmon 
while conducting the research. The Oregon chub is endemic to the 
Willamette Valley of Oregon and the habitats it depends on are also 
important to salmonids. Research on the Oregon chub would benefit 
listed salmonids by helping managers recover habitats the species 
share. The ODFW would use boat electrofishing equipment, minnow traps, 
beach seines, dip nets, hoop nets, and fyke nets to capture juvenile 
fish. Researchers would avoid contact with adult fish. If listed 
salmonids are captured during the research they would be released 
immediately. The researchers do not expect to kill any listed salmonids 
but a small number may die as an unintended result of the research 
activities.

Permit 16791

    The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking a 5-
year permit to take juvenile LCR coho salmon and steelhead during 
research designed to assess the distribution of coastal cutthroat trout 
in the lower Columbia River basin and establish a baseline dataset for 
long-term monitoring. The objectives are to (1) establish a random 
sampling protocol for coastal cutthroat trout, (2) determine coastal 
cutthroat trout distribution and abundance, (3) record baseline habitat 
parameters at all sample sites, and (4) determine if habitat parameters 
correlate to coastal cutthroat trout distribution and abundance. 
Research on coastal cutthroat trout would benefit listed salmonids by 
helping managers recover habitats the species share. Researchers would 
use backpack electrofishing equipment to capture fish. The FWS would 
immediately release listed salmon and steelhead. Researchers may also 
harass adult LCR Chinook and coho salmon during habitat surveys. The 
FWS does not intend to kill any listed salmonids but a small number of 
juvenile fish may die as an unintended result of the research 
activities.

Permit 16792

    The FWS is seeking a 5-year permit to take juvenile LCR coho salmon 
and steelhead during research designed to assess the distribution of 
bull trout in the Lewis River, Washington. The objectives of the 
research are to (1) establish a random sampling protocol for bull 
trout, (2) determine bull trout distribution and abundance, (3) record 
baseline habitat parameters at all sample sites, and (4) determine if 
habitat parameters correlate to bull trout distribution and abundance. 
Research on bull trout would benefit listed salmonids by helping 
managers recover habitats the species share. Researchers would use 
backpack electrofishing equipment to capture fish. The FWS would 
immediately release listed salmon and steelhead. The FWS does not 
intend to kill any listed salmonids but a small number of juvenile fish 
may die as an unintended result of the research activities.

Permit 16866

    The Oregon State University (OSU) Department of Fisheries and 
Wildlife is requesting a five-year research permit to take adult and 
juvenile UCR Chinook and steelhead, SR spr/sum and fall Chinook, SR 
steelhead, MCR steelhead, LCR Chinook, LCR coho, LCR steelhead, CR 
chum, and UWR Chinook and steelhead during the course of research 
designed to provide information on the dynamics and use of cold water 
refuges by anadromous salmon and other cold water species. The project 
would also take Southern DPS eulachon. The information would provide 
managers with a more rigorous understanding of thermal regimes in river 
systems and help guide conservation and restoration planning and 
species management. The study would benefit listed salmonids by helping 
determine whether (and how) the ecosystem services of cold water 
habitats can be quantified and incorporated into restoration and 
conservation programs. The OSU proposes to capture (using boat 
electrofishing), identify, measure, and release juvenile fish. Adult 
fish may be encountered but would not be netted. The OSU does not 
intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a few may die as an 
unintended result of the activities.
    This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS 
will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments 
submitted to determine whether the applications meet the requirements 
of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit 
decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment 
period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal 
Register.


[[Page 27188]]


    Dated: May 3, 2012.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-11205 Filed 5-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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