Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15240-01, 15453-01, 15569-01, 16160-02, 16163-03, 16479-04, 16609, 17086-01, 18016-01, 18537-02, 18890-01, 19508, 19621-01, 19697, 20294, 20339, 20430, 20455, 20465, 20527, 20646, 20993, 21026, 21043, 21155, and 21199, 29053-29057 [2017-13434]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
˜
270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1903;
telephone: (787) 766–5926.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Monday, July 10, 2017
—Call to Order
—Adoption of Agenda
—1st day Overview; review last
meetings’ outcomes
—Review ABC CR (buffer)
—Puerto Rico
—Define process for determination of
scalars used in ABC Control Rule
—Define process for determination of
buffers used in ABC Control Rule
—Determine References Points (e.g.,
OFL, ABC) for species/species
groupings for each Island Use of
multi-year sequences for comparison
to OFL (NS1)
—Review and finalize Action 2—
Indicator species for Puerto Rico, St.
Thomas/St. John and St. Croix
—Action 3: Time Series: Select a time
series of landings data to establish
management reference points for a
stock/stock complex, as applicable
—Finish with PR species (Action 3)
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
—Finish with PR species (Action 3)
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
—Day 3 USVI—STT/STJ
—Action 3: Time Series: Select a time
series of landings data to establish
management reference points for a
stock/stock complex, as applicable.
—Determination of likely stock/complex
status
—Define process for determination of
scalars used in ABC Control Rule
—Define process for determination of
buffers used in ABC Control Rule
—Determine References Points (e.g.,
OFL, ABC) for species/species
groupings for each Island Use of
multi-year sequences for comparison
to OFL (NS1)
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Thursday, July 13, 2017
—USVI STX
—Review and finalize Action 2—
Indicator species
—Action 3: Time Series: Select a time
series of landings data to establish
management reference points for a
stock/stock complex, as applicable.
—Determination of likely stock/complex
status
—Define process for determination of
scalars used in ABC Control Rule
—Define process for determination of
buffers used in ABC Control Rule
—Determine References Points (e.g.,
OFL, ABC) for species/species
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groupings for each Island Use of
multi-year sequences for comparison
to OFL (NS1)
Friday, July 14, 2017
—Recommendations to CFMC
—Other Business
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
For more information or request for sign
language interpretation and other
auxiliary aids, please contact Mr.
´
Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director,
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
˜
270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918–1903,
telephone (787) 766–5926, at least 5
days prior to the meeting date.
Dated: June 22, 2017.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–13401 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RINS 0648–XA874, 0648–XA172, 0648–
XA626, 0648–XA84, 0648–XF213, 0648–
XB005, 0648–XC644, 0648–XD224, 0648–
XD824, 0648–XF158, 0648–XE204, 0648–
XE517, 0648–XF148, 0648–XE788, 0648–
XE938, 0648–XF603, 0648–XF149, 0648–
XF082, 0648–XF154, 0648–XF213, 0648–
XF214, 0648–XF271, 0648–XF267, and 0648–
XF352
Marine Mammals and Endangered
Species; File Nos. 15240–01, 15453–01,
15569–01, 16160–02, 16163–03, 16479–
04, 16609, 17086–01, 18016–01, 18537–
02, 18890–01, 19508, 19621–01, 19697,
20294, 20339, 20430, 20455, 20465,
20527, 20646, 20993, 21026, 21043,
21155, and 21199
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and
permit amendments/modifications.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
permits or permit amendments have
been issued to the following entities:
RIN 0648–XA874; Permit No. 15240–
01: NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries
Science Center (PIFSC), 1845 Wasp
Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI
96818 (Responsible Party: Frank A.
Parrish, Ph.D.);
RIN 0648–XA172; Permit No. 15453–
01: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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29053
Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Andrew
Rossiter, Ph.D., Responsible Party);
RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 15569–
01: The Center for Whale Research
(CWR; Kenneth C. Balcomb III,
Responsible Party), P.O. Box 1577,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250;
RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 16160–
02: The Whale Museum (Jenny
Atkinson, Responsible Party), P.O. Box
945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250;
RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 16163–
03: NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science
Center (NWFSC; M. Bradley Hanson,
Ph.D., Responsible Party) 2725
Montlake Blvd.
RIN 0648–XA84; Permit No. 16479–
04: Pacific Whale Foundation (Gregory
D. Kaufman, Responsible Party), 300
Maalaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI
96793;
RIN 0648–XF213; Permit No. 16609:
Zoological Society of San Diego
(Douglas Myers, Responsible Party),
P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112;
RIN 0648–XB005; Permit No. 17086–
01: Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia
Research, 218 1⁄2 W. 4th Avenue,
Olympia, WA 98501;
RIN 0648–XC644; Permit No. 18016–
01: Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., LGL Alaska
Research Associates, Inc., 2000 W.
International Airport Rd, Suite C1,
Anchorage, AK 99502;
RIN 0648–XD224; Permit No. 18537–
02: Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (Michael J. Rehberg, Responsible
Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, Anchorage,
Alaska 99518;
RIN 0648–XD824; Permit No. 18890–
01: Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (Lori Quakenbush, Responsible
Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, Anchorage,
Alaska 99518;
RIN 0648–XF158; Permit No. 19508:
Katherine Mansfield, Ph.D., University
of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida
Boulevard, Building 20, BIO301,
Orlando, FL 32825;
RIN 0648–XE204; Permit No. 19621–
01: Michael Arendt, South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources,
Marine Resources Division, 217 Fort
Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412;
RIN 0648–XE517; Permit No. 19697:
Carlos E. Diez, Departamento de
Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de
Puerto Rico, Programa de Especies
Protegidas, P.O. Box 366147, San Juan,
Puerto Rico, 00936;
RIN 0648–XF148; Permit No. 20294:
Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Chief Scientist,
Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
(P.O. Box 932, Hampton Bays, New
York, 11946;
RIN 0648–XE788; Permit No. 20339:
NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center
(SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive,
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Miami, FL 33149 [Responsible Party:
Bonnie Ponwith];
RIN 0648–XE938; Permit No. 20430:
James Harvey, Ph.D., Moss Landing
Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss
Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA,
95039;
RIN 0648–XF603; Permit No. 20455:
Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago
Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin
Research Program, c/o Mote Marine
Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson
Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236;
RIN 0648–XF149; Permit No. 20465:
NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center
(AFSC) Marine Mammal Laboratory,
7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA
98115–6349 (Responsible Party: Dr.
John Bengtson);
RIN 0648–XF082; Permit No. 20527:
Ann Pabst, Ph.D., University of North
Carolina Wilmington, Biology and
Marine Biology, 601 S. College Road,
Wilmington, NC 28403;
RIN 0648–XF213; Permit No. 20646:
Morgridge Institute for Research [James
Thomson, Ph.D., Responsible Party],
330 N. Orchard St., Madison, WI 53715;
RIN 0648–XF154; Permit No. 20993:
Christopher Cilfone, Be Blue, 2569
Douglas Hwy. Unit 1, Juneau, AK 99801;
RIN 0648–XF214; Permit No. 21026:
Dorian Houser, Ph.D., National Marine
Mammal Foundation, 22400 Shelter
Island Drive #200, San Diego, CA 92106;
RIN 0648–XF271; Permit No. 21043:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute, 585 Prineville Street,
Port Charlotte, FL 33954;
RIN 0648–XF267; Permit No. 21155:
Karina Amaral, Federal University of
Rio Grande do Sul, Zoology Department,
Avenida Bento Goncalves, 9500 Build
43435, Room 206, Porto Alegre, MI,
91.501–970, Brazil;
RIN 0648–XF352; Permit No. 21199:
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Natural History Unit, BBC Bristol,
Whiteladies Road, United Kingdom BS8
2LR, (Responsible Party: Vanessa
Coates).
The permits and related
documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment
in the Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shasta McClenahan (File Nos. 16160–
02, 16163–03, 16609, 17086–01, 20430,
20455, 20465, 20527, 20646, and
21026), Amy Hapeman (File Nos.
16160–02, 16163–03, 18016–01, 19508,
19621–01, 19697, 20339, 20430, 20455,
and 20465), Carrie Hubard (File Nos.
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ADDRESSES:
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18:33 Jun 26, 2017
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15240–01, 17086, 19508, 20993, 20527,
21026, 21155, and 21199), Jennifer
Skidmore (File Nos. 21155, 15453–01,
16609, and 20646), Courtney Smith (File
Nos. 16479–04, 18537–02, 18890–01,
and 20294), Malcolm Mohead (File Nos.
19621–01 and 21043), Sara Young (File
No. 15240–01, 18016–01 and 21199),
and Erin Markin (File Nos. 19697 and
20339) at (301) 427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices
were published in the Federal Register
that requests for a permit or permit
amendment had been submitted by the
above-named applicants. The requested
permits have been issued under 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), as applicable.
Permit No. 15240–01: The original
permit (No. 15240), issued on May 15,
2012 (77 FR 31836) authorized the
PIFSC to study 20 cetacean species in
U.S. and international waters of the
Pacific Islands Region. The action area
includes Hawaii, Palmyra, American
Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, Johnston
Atoll, Kingman Reef, Howland Island,
Baker Island, Jarvis Island, and Wake
Island. Research methodologies include
aerial and vessel surveys, behavioral
observations, photo-identification,
acoustic recordings, biopsy collection,
and dart and suction cup tagging.
Salvage and import/export of cetacean
parts, specimens, and biological
samples may also occur. The minor
amendment (No. 15240–01) extends the
duration of the permit through May 31,
2018, but does not change any other
terms or conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 15453–01: The original
permit (No. 15453), issued on April 30,
2012 (77 FR 27718) authorized the
Waikiki Aquarium to maintain in
captivity up to three non-releasable
Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus
schauinslandi) for research and
enhancement purposes. Research
includes (1) a long-term study on the
digestive efficiency of captive seals; and
(2) a post-vaccination antibody response
study using West Nile virus and canine
distemper virus vaccinations. The seals
will be displayed to the public
incidental to the research program, and
the Waikiki Aquarium provides daily
public narrations and educational
graphics about the Hawaiian monk seal.
The minor amendment (No. 15453–01)
PO 00000
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extends the duration of the permit
through April 30, 2018, but does not
change any other terms or conditions of
the permit.
Permit No. 15569–01: The original
permit (No. 15569), issued on June 5,
2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized WCR
take of 22 species of marine mammals
in the coastal eastern North Pacific from
the southern boundary of California to
Alaskan waters east of Kodiak Island,
including all territorial waters up to 200
nautical miles offshore. Harassment of
all species of cetaceans will occur
through vessel approach for
photographic identification, behavioral
research, opportunistic sampling (fecal
material and prey remains), remote
measuring (aerial and laser techniques),
and passive acoustic recording. The
minor amendment (No. 15569–01)
authorizes the addition of unmanned
aircraft systems (UAS) as an approved
aerial system and extends the duration
of the permit through June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16160–02: The original
permit (No. 16160), issued on June 5,
2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized takes of
eight species of cetaceans in the inland
waters of Washington State. Harassment
of all species will occur through close
vessel approach for photo-identification,
behavioral observation, and monitoring.
The minor amendment (No. 16160–02)
extends the duration of the permit
through June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16163–03: The original
permit (No. 16163), issued on June 5,
2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized take of
42 species of marine mammals in all
U.S. and international waters in the
Pacific Ocean, including waters of
Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California,
and Hawaii. Harassment of all species of
cetaceans could occur through vessel
approach for sighting surveys,
photographic identification, behavioral
research, opportunistic sampling
(breath, sloughed skin, fecal material,
and prey remains), acoustic imaging
with echosounders, and aerial surveys.
Twenty-seven cetacean species and
unidentified mesoplodon species could
be biopsy sampled, dart, and/or suctioncup tagged. Ultrasound sampling and
active acoustic playback studies were
authorized for killer whales including
the Southern Resident stock. Import and
export of marine mammal prey
specimens, skin and blubber, sloughed
skin, fecal and breath samples obtained
was authorized. The minor amendment
(No. 16163–03) extends the duration of
the permit through June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16479–04: The original
permit (No. 16479), issued on
September 8, 2012 (77 FR 59594)
authorized vessel approaches for photoidentification and behavioral
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observation of humpback whales and
incidental harassment of Hawaiian
insular false killer whales (Pseudorca
crassidens) in Maui County waters,
Hawaii. A minor amendment (No. 01) to
the permit was issued on August 23,
2013, authorizing the field season to
start in December versus January of each
permit year. A major amendment (No.
02) to the permit was issued on July 7,
2014 (79 FR 44754), authorizing the
approach of false killer whales for
photo-identification and behavioral
observation to study their occurrence,
distribution, movement, site fidelity,
abundance, social organization, home
ranges, and life history in place of
previously authorized takes for
incidental harassment during vessel
surveys. The minor amendment (No.
16479–04) extends the duration of the
permit through June 1, 2018.
Permit No. 16609: The requested
permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the
receipt, import, and export of biological
samples to establish and bank cell lines.
Samples may be received from any
species of cetacean, pinniped, or sea
turtle, including ESA-listed species,
from up to 30 individuals of each
species. The duration of the permit is
five years.
Permit No. 17086–01: The original
permit (No. 17086), issued on May 11,
2012 (77 FR 29981), authorized takes of
27 species of cetaceans through vessel
approach for sighting surveys,
photographic identification, behavioral
research, opportunistic sampling
(sloughed skin, fecal material, breath
samples, and prey remains), dart and/or
suction-cup tagging, and import and
export of marine mammal samples
obtained. The minor amendment (No.
17086–01) extends the duration of the
permit through May 12, 2018, but does
not change any other terms or
conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 18016–01: The original
permit (No. 18016), issued on May 29,
2014 (79 FR 41991), authorizes the
permit holder to conduct vessel surveys
in Cook Inlet, Alaska for photoidentification and observations of
endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales
(Delphinapterus leucas). The purpose of
the research is to identify individual
whales and to provide information
about movement patterns, habitat use,
survivorship, reproduction, and
population size. The amendment (No.
01) increases the number of whales that
may be taken annually during vessel
surveys. The amended permit is valid
through June 1, 2019.
Permit No. 18537–02: The original
permit (No. 18537), issued on August 8,
2014 (79 FR 19578), authorized ADF&G
to take Steller sea lions (Eumetopias
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jubatus) during aerial, vessel, and
ground surveys in support of the longterm Steller sea lion research program.
It also authorized incidental disturbance
of California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus), and northern fur
(Callorhinus ursinus), harbor (Phoca
vitulina), spotted (Phoca largha), ribbon
(Histriophoca fasciata), ringed (Phoca
hispida hispida), and bearded
(Erignathus barbatus) seals during
research activities; and, annual
unintentional mortality of 5 Steller sea
lions from the Western Distinct
Population Segment (wDPS) and 10
Steller sea lions from the Eastern DPS
through August 31, 2019. An
amendment, Permit No. 18537–01,
issued on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 21323,
April 11, 2016) authorized an increase
in the number of California and Steller
(wDPS) sea lions taken during aerial
surveys from 4,725 to 10,000, and from
48,000 to 75,000, respectively; and an
increase in the volume on a single blood
draw from Steller sea lions from up to
1 ml/kg to up to 4 ml/kg. The minor
amendment (No. 18537–02) issued
authorizes a change in Responsible
Party (now Michael J. Rehberg).
Permit No. 18890–01: The original
permit (No. 18890), issued on March 26,
2015 (80 FR 15992), authorizes research
on beluga (Delphinapterus leucas),
bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray,
and humpback whales in Alaska
including photo-identification, biopsy
sampling, and tagging (large whales and
belugas) and aerial surveys and captures
for health assessments (belugas,
excluding the Cook Inlet Distinct
Population Segment). Research studies
include population abundance (beluga),
stock structure (bowhead, gray,
humpback, and beluga), feeding areas
and other important habitats (all
species), migration routes (all species),
behavior relative to human disturbance
(all species), and to genetically identify
individuals in order to determine
survival and calving intervals (belugas).
The minor amendment (No. 18890–01)
issued authorizes a change in
Responsible Party (now Lori
Quakenbush).
Permit No. 19508: The requested
permit (82 FR 4855) authorizes the
permit holder to study loggerhead
(Caretta caretta), Kemp’s ridley
(Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia
mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys
imbricata) and leatherback
(Dermochelys coraicea) sea turtles.
Research may occur in three study
areas: (1) Indian River Lagoon, Florida;
(2) Trident Turning Basin, Cape
Canaveral, Florida; and (3) Northern and
Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Researchers
may capture sea turtles by tangle net,
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29055
dip net, or by hand and perform the
following procedures performed before
release: Measure, flipper tag, passive
integrated transponder tag, photograph/
video, gastric lavage, and scute, blood,
fecal, and tissue sampling. A subset of
animals would receive an epoxy
attached transmitter before release. The
permit is valid for five years from the
date of issuance.
Permit No. 19621–01: The original
permit (No. 19621), issued on June 16,
2016 (81 FR 43589), authorizes the
permit holder to conduct study
loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp’s
ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), green
(Chelonia mydas), and leatherback
(Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles in the
waters of Florida, Georgia and South
Carolina. Researchers may capture
animals by trawl or tangle net and
perform the following procedures before
release: Morphometrics, tagging,
photography, biological sampling,
ultrasound, marking, laparoscopy and
associated transport, transmitter
attachment, and/or epibiota removal. A
limited number of sea turtles may
accidentally die due to capture over the
life of the permit. The modification (No.
01) authorizes researchers to (1) take
olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys
olivacea) during all research projects;
(2) expand Project 3’s area to include
coastal shoals adjacent to the Cape
Canaveral channel; (3) extend Project 3’s
duration through October 2020; and (4)
increase the annual take of green and
loggerhead sea turtles by four and nine
turtles, respectively, and authorize
double tagging and tissue sampling of a
small subset of these animals. The
modified permit is valid through June
15, 2021.
Permit No. 19697: The requested
permit (81 FR 15684) authorizes
research on green and hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtle
aggregations in the coastal waters of
Puerto Rico, including Mona, Monito,
and Desecheo Islands, and Culebra
Archipelago. Sea turtles may be
captured, marked, measured, weighed,
photographed, and biologically
sampled. A subset of animals may also
be outfitted with satellite transmitters to
track movements post-release or
undergo ultrasound and tumor removal
surgery in a local facility. The permit is
valid for five years from the date of
issuance.
Permit No. 20294: The requested
permit (82 FR 5538) authorizes aerial,
vessel, and ground surveys of North
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena
glacialis) and 44 other protected
cetaceans and pinnipeds in MidAtlantic U.S. waters, from
Massachusetts to North Carolina. Five of
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the target species are threatened or
endangered: North Atlantic right, blue
(Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B.
physalus), sei (B. borealis), and sperm
(Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
Surveys will be conducted using fixed
wing aircraft and vessels to assess
seasonal abundance and distribution of
marine mammals in the area. Ground
surveys will be conducted on foot and
with remote cameras to obtain counts of
seals throughout different tidal cycles
and to document prevalence of human
interaction around seal haul-out sites
accessible to the public. Seal scat will
be collected for health assessment
studies. The permit is valid for five
years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20339: The requested
permit (81 FR 54047) authorizes
research on loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley,
green, leatherback, hawksbill, olive
ridley and unidentified sea turtles in the
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and
Caribbean Sea. Animals for study would
be directly captured by trawl or
obtained as legal bycatch from a
commercial fishery. The purpose of this
project is to assist in the development
and testing of gear aboard commercial
fishing vessels to mitigate interactions
and capture of sea turtles. Researchers
are authorized to measure, weigh, apply
a temporary carapace mark, flipper and
Passive Integrated Transponder tag,
tissue sample, and photograph/video
live sea turtles before release and to
salvage carcasses and parts from dead
sea turtles. The permit is valid for five
years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20430: The requested
permit (81 FR 73381) authorizes
research on large whales and dolphins
in California waters including blue
(Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B.
physalus), humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae), gray (Eschrichtius
robustus), and sperm (Physeter
macrocephalus) whales, and Risso’s
dolphins (Grampus griseus) in order to
study distribution, movement, diet,
foraging, and acoustic behaviors of
marine mammals. Research activities for
large whales includes passive acoustics,
behavioral observations, photography,
video recording, biopsy sampling,
collection of sloughed skin, attachment
of suction cup or dart/barb tags, and
tracking during vessel surveys. Research
for Risso’s dolphins includes passive
acoustics, behavioral observations, and
photo-identification. The number of
species to be taken annually via tagging/
biopsy/photo-identification are: 50/100/
150 blue whales, 40/90/140 fin whales,
50/100/150 humpback whales, 160/210/
260 gray whales, and 0/0/2,000 Risso’s
dolphins. Up to five sperm whales may
be incidentally harassed and
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opportunistically photographed,
annually. Up to 200 California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), 20 harbor
seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), 50
Pacific white-sided dolphins
(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), 20
northern right whale dolphins
(Lissodelphis borealis), 10 harbor
porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and 20
short-beaked common dolphins
(Delphinus delphis) may be harassed
incidental to research activities. The
permit is valid through March 31, 2022.
Permit No. 20455: The requested
permit (81 FR 90781) authorizes takes of
up to 10,000 bottlenose (Tursiops
truncatus) and 1,000 Atlantic spotted
(Stenella frontalis) dolphins annually
during vessel surveys for photography,
photo-identification, video recording,
behavioral observation, acoustic
playbacks, and passive acoustic
recording, with concurrent deployment
of an unmanned aircraft system for
photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose
and 100 spotted dolphins of the above
animals may also be biopsy sampled
during vessel surveys annually, and up
to 50 bottlenose and 25 spotted
dolphins annually of the above animals
may be captured for health assessments,
which would include biological
sampling, auditory brainstem response
tests, metabolic rate studies, ultrasound,
x-rays, marking, tagging, tracking, and
release. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of
each species annually would be
remotely satellite tagged to test the
feasibility of a new dorsal fin
attachment method. Two unintentional
mortalities of each species could occur
due to capture over the life of the
permit. The permit is valid through May
31, 2022.
Permit No. 20465: The requested
permit (82 FR 11179) authorizes
researchers to monitor and evaluate
cetacean trends, abundance,
distribution, and health in the North
Pacific Ocean, Bering, Beaufort, and
Chukchi Seas, and in the Gulf of Maine
and mid-Atlantic waters. Up to 26
species/stocks of cetaceans may be
targeted for study including the
following endangered or threatened
species/stocks: Cook Inlet beluga, blue,
fin, sei (B. borealis), bowhead (Balaena
mysticetus), humpback, North Pacific
right (Eubalaena japonica), Southern
Resident killer (Orcinus orca), and
sperm whales. Researchers may conduct
manned and unmanned aerial surveys
for counts, observations, photoidentification, photogrammetry, and
video of cetaceans. Vessel surveys may
be conducted for counts, biological
sampling, observation, photoidentification, photogrammetry, video,
tagging, and/or acoustic playbacks of
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cetaceans. Seven pinniped species
including endangered Steller sea lions
may be harassed incidental to research.
Requested captures, research activities
and associated mortalities of beluga
whales is not authorized. The permit is
valid for five years.
Permit No. 20527: The requested
permit (81 FR 91919) authorizes takes of
up to 29 species of cetaceans year-round
in the Atlantic Ocean from Delaware
Bay to Cape Canaveral, FL, and will
include aerial and vessel surveys to
conduct counts, photo-identification,
photogrammetry, and behavioral
observations. The permit is valid
through May 31, 2022.
Permit No. 20646: The requested
permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the
receipt, import, and export of biological
samples to establish and bank cetacean
stem cells. Samples may be acquired
from any species of marine mammal;
however, the applicant has identified 38
species of cetaceans, including ESAlisted species, to focus acquisition
efforts. Up to 12 individuals of each
species would be requested. In addition,
eight samples (from four individual
animals) currently on loan would be
transferred permanently to the
applicant. The permit is valid for five
years.
Permit No. 20993: The requested
permit (82 FR 4860) authorizes the
filming of 50 humpback whales in
Hawaiian waters as part of a commercial
photography project. Whales may be
filmed using boats, unmanned aerial
systems, or snorkelers. Bottlenose
(Tursiops truncatus), pantropical
spotted (Stenella attenuata), and
spinner (S. longirostris) dolphins may
be incidentally harassed during filming.
Footage will be used to create a film
about humpback whales and their
conservation success. The permit is
valid through April 30, 2018.
Permit No. 21026: The requested
permit (82 FR 11004) authorizes the use
evoked auditory potential testing on
stranded cetaceans to determine their
hearing range. Up to 15 individuals of
any species and any age class of nonlisted or ESA-listed cetacean may be
tested. Passive acoustic recording,
suction-cup sensors, subcutaneous
electrodes, and ultrasound may be used
during testing. Listed cetacean species
may include: Beluga, blue, bowhead,
false killer (Pseudorca crassidens), fin,
gray, humpback, killer North Atlantic
right (Eubalaena glacialis), North Pacific
right, sei, and sperm whales, and
vaquita (Phocoena sinus). The permit is
valid through March 31, 2022.
Permit No. 21043: The requested
permit (82 FR 15514) authorizes capture
and further monitoring of endangered
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices
smalltooth sawfish to develop
conservation and protective measures,
ensuring species recovery. Other listed
species potentially encountered and
incidentally collected include green,
hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback,
and loggerhead sea turtles. Researchers
may capture smalltooth sawfish in
Florida waters, and then measure,
weigh, tag, genetic tissue sample, draw
blood, and photograph the animals prior
to release. The researchers will also
receive salvaged animals and parts
taken at other locations within the target
species’ range. The permit is valid
through May 31, 2022.
Permit No. 21155: The requested
permit (82 FR 13801) authorizes the
importation of 118 DNA samples from
the Federal University of Rio Grande Do
Sul in Brazil to the University of
Michigan, Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology Department in Ann Arbor, MI,
for genetics research. The Atlantic
spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)
samples were collected between 1996
and 2016 via biopsy sampling of live
animals or from stranded animals, in
accordance with the laws of Brazil. The
permit also authorizes the export of any
remaining samples back to Brazil. The
permit is valid for five months.
Permit No. 21199: The requested
permit (82 FR 18739) authorizes the
BBC Natural History Unit to film killer
whales (Orcinus orca), Dall’s porpoise
(Phocoenoides dalli), and Pacific whitesided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus
obliquidens). Filming may occur near
Seward, Alaska over six days in May
2017 and in Juneau, AK over six days
at the end of July 2017. Filming would
occur from cameras on board a vessel or
by helicopter. Hydrophones would be
used to record vocalizations. Footage
would be used for an Alaska Live
television series to showcase the
gathering of wildlife in Alaska that
occurs around the salmon runs. The
permit is valid through August 31, 2017.
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
activities proposed are categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
As required by the ESA, as applicable,
issuance of these permit was based on
a finding that such permits: (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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:33 Jun 26, 2017
Jkt 241001
Dated: June 22, 2017.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–13434 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Air Force
U.S. Air Force Partially Exclusive
Patent License
Department of the Air Force,
Air Force Research Laboratory
Information Directorate, Rome, New
York, Department of Defense.
ACTION: Notice of intent to issue a
partially exclusive patent license.
AGENCY:
The Department of the Air
Force announces its intention to grant
Mentis Technologies, having a place of
business at 725 Daedalian Drive, Rome,
New York 13440, a partially exclusive
license in any right, title and interest the
United States Air Force has in: In U.S.
Patent No. 9,349,007 issued on May 24,
2016 and entitled ‘‘WEB MALWARE
BLOCKING THROUGH PARALLEL
RESOURCE RENDERING’’, having been
filed on May 29, 2014 as U.S. Patent
Application No. 14/290,175.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: An
exclusive license for this patent will be
granted unless a written objection is
received within fifteen (15) days from
the date of publication of this Notice.
Written objections should be sent to: Air
Force Research Laboratory, Office of the
Staff Judge Advocate, AFRL/RIJ, 26
Electronic Parkway, Rome, New York
13441–4514. Telephone: (315) 330–
2087; Facsimile (315) 330–7583.
SUMMARY:
Authority: Pursuant to the provisions of
part 404 of Title 37, Code of Federal
Regulations, which implements Public Law
96–517, as amended.
Henry Williams,
Acting Air Force Federal Register Liaison
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–13402 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–10–P
Department of the Army
Intent To Grant an Exclusive License
of U.S. Government-Owned Patents
Department of the Army, DoD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In accordance with 35 U.S.C.
209(e) and 37 CFR 404.7(a)(1)(i),
SUMMARY:
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announcement is made of the intent to
grant an exclusive, royalty-bearing,
revocable license to U.S. Patent
7,956,086, issued June 7, 2011, entitled,
‘‘Methods for the Formulation and
Manufacture of Artesunic Acid for
Injection’’ to Amivas, LLC, having its
principal place of business at 8403
Colesville Road, Suite 630, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910.
ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army
Medical Research and Materiel
Command, ATTN: Command Judge
Advocate, MCMR–JA, 504 Scott Street,
Fort Detrick, MD 21702–5012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
licensing issues, Mr. Barry Datlof, Office
of Research & Technology Applications,
(301) 619–0033. For patent issues, Ms.
Elizabeth Arwine, Patent Attorney, (301)
619–7808, both at telefax (301) 619–
5034.
Anyone
wishing to object to grant of this license
can file written objections along with
supporting evidence, if any, within 15
days from the date of this publication.
Written objections are to be filed with
the Command Judge Advocate (see
ADDRESSES).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Brenda S. Bowen,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–13408 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–03–P
DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES
SAFETY BOARD
Sunshine Act Notice
Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board.
ACTION: Notice of closed meeting.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to the provisions of
the Government in the Sunshine Act (5
U.S.C. 552b), and the Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board’s (Board)
regulations implementing the
Government in the Sunshine Act, notice
is hereby given of the Board’s closed
meeting described below.
DATES: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., July 18,
2017.
SUMMARY:
Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue NW.,
Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Glenn Sklar, General Manager, Defense
Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625
Indiana Avenue NW., Suite 700,
Washington, DC 20004–2901, (800) 788–
4016. This is a toll-free number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
meeting will be closed to the public. No
ADDRESSES:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
29057
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29053-29057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13434]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RINS 0648-XA874, 0648-XA172, 0648-XA626, 0648-XA84, 0648-XF213, 0648-
XB005, 0648-XC644, 0648-XD224, 0648-XD824, 0648-XF158, 0648-XE204,
0648-XE517, 0648-XF148, 0648-XE788, 0648-XE938, 0648-XF603, 0648-XF149,
0648-XF082, 0648-XF154, 0648-XF213, 0648-XF214, 0648-XF271, 0648-XF267,
and 0648-XF352
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15240-01, 15453-
01, 15569-01, 16160-02, 16163-03, 16479-04, 16609, 17086-01, 18016-01,
18537-02, 18890-01, 19508, 19621-01, 19697, 20294, 20339, 20430, 20455,
20465, 20527, 20646, 20993, 21026, 21043, 21155, and 21199
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and permit amendments/
modifications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits or permit amendments have
been issued to the following entities:
RIN 0648-XA874; Permit No. 15240-01: NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries
Science Center (PIFSC), 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI
96818 (Responsible Party: Frank A. Parrish, Ph.D.);
RIN 0648-XA172; Permit No. 15453-01: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777
Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Andrew Rossiter, Ph.D.,
Responsible Party);
RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 15569-01: The Center for Whale Research
(CWR; Kenneth C. Balcomb III, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 1577, Friday
Harbor, WA 98250;
RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 16160-02: The Whale Museum (Jenny
Atkinson, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250;
RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 16163-03: NMFS Northwest Fisheries
Science Center (NWFSC; M. Bradley Hanson, Ph.D., Responsible Party)
2725 Montlake Blvd.
RIN 0648-XA84; Permit No. 16479-04: Pacific Whale Foundation
(Gregory D. Kaufman, Responsible Party), 300 Maalaea Road, Suite 211,
Wailuku, HI 96793;
RIN 0648-XF213; Permit No. 16609: Zoological Society of San Diego
(Douglas Myers, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA
92112;
RIN 0648-XB005; Permit No. 17086-01: Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia
Research, 218 \1/2\ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501;
RIN 0648-XC644; Permit No. 18016-01: Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., LGL
Alaska Research Associates, Inc., 2000 W. International Airport Rd,
Suite C1, Anchorage, AK 99502;
RIN 0648-XD224; Permit No. 18537-02: Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (Michael J. Rehberg, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue,
Anchorage, Alaska 99518;
RIN 0648-XD824; Permit No. 18890-01: Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (Lori Quakenbush, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue,
Anchorage, Alaska 99518;
RIN 0648-XF158; Permit No. 19508: Katherine Mansfield, Ph.D.,
University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Building
20, BIO301, Orlando, FL 32825;
RIN 0648-XE204; Permit No. 19621-01: Michael Arendt, South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, 217 Fort
Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412;
RIN 0648-XE517; Permit No. 19697: Carlos E. Diez, Departamento de
Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico, Programa de Especies
Protegidas, P.O. Box 366147, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936;
RIN 0648-XF148; Permit No. 20294: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Chief
Scientist, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (P.O. Box 932, Hampton
Bays, New York, 11946;
RIN 0648-XE788; Permit No. 20339: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center
(SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive,
[[Page 29054]]
Miami, FL 33149 [Responsible Party: Bonnie Ponwith];
RIN 0648-XE938; Permit No. 20430: James Harvey, Ph.D., Moss Landing
Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA, 95039;
RIN 0648-XF603; Permit No. 20455: Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago
Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine
Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236;
RIN 0648-XF149; Permit No. 20465: NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science
Center (AFSC) Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE.,
Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (Responsible Party: Dr. John Bengtson);
RIN 0648-XF082; Permit No. 20527: Ann Pabst, Ph.D., University of
North Carolina Wilmington, Biology and Marine Biology, 601 S. College
Road, Wilmington, NC 28403;
RIN 0648-XF213; Permit No. 20646: Morgridge Institute for Research
[James Thomson, Ph.D., Responsible Party], 330 N. Orchard St., Madison,
WI 53715;
RIN 0648-XF154; Permit No. 20993: Christopher Cilfone, Be Blue,
2569 Douglas Hwy. Unit 1, Juneau, AK 99801;
RIN 0648-XF214; Permit No. 21026: Dorian Houser, Ph.D., National
Marine Mammal Foundation, 22400 Shelter Island Drive #200, San Diego,
CA 92106;
RIN 0648-XF271; Permit No. 21043: Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 585
Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954;
RIN 0648-XF267; Permit No. 21155: Karina Amaral, Federal University
of Rio Grande do Sul, Zoology Department, Avenida Bento Goncalves, 9500
Build 43435, Room 206, Porto Alegre, MI, 91.501-970, Brazil;
RIN 0648-XF352; Permit No. 21199: British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC) Natural History Unit, BBC Bristol, Whiteladies Road, United
Kingdom BS8 2LR, (Responsible Party: Vanessa Coates).
ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway,
Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301)
713-0376.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan (File Nos. 16160-02,
16163-03, 16609, 17086-01, 20430, 20455, 20465, 20527, 20646, and
21026), Amy Hapeman (File Nos. 16160-02, 16163-03, 18016-01, 19508,
19621-01, 19697, 20339, 20430, 20455, and 20465), Carrie Hubard (File
Nos. 15240-01, 17086, 19508, 20993, 20527, 21026, 21155, and 21199),
Jennifer Skidmore (File Nos. 21155, 15453-01, 16609, and 20646),
Courtney Smith (File Nos. 16479-04, 18537-02, 18890-01, and 20294),
Malcolm Mohead (File Nos. 19621-01 and 21043), Sara Young (File No.
15240-01, 18016-01 and 21199), and Erin Markin (File Nos. 19697 and
20339) at (301) 427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices were published in the Federal
Register that requests for a permit or permit amendment had been
submitted by the above-named applicants. The requested permits have
been issued under 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), as
applicable.
Permit No. 15240-01: The original permit (No. 15240), issued on May
15, 2012 (77 FR 31836) authorized the PIFSC to study 20 cetacean
species in U.S. and international waters of the Pacific Islands Region.
The action area includes Hawaii, Palmyra, American Samoa, Guam, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Johnston Atoll, Kingman
Reef, Howland Island, Baker Island, Jarvis Island, and Wake Island.
Research methodologies include aerial and vessel surveys, behavioral
observations, photo-identification, acoustic recordings, biopsy
collection, and dart and suction cup tagging. Salvage and import/export
of cetacean parts, specimens, and biological samples may also occur.
The minor amendment (No. 15240-01) extends the duration of the permit
through May 31, 2018, but does not change any other terms or conditions
of the permit.
Permit No. 15453-01: The original permit (No. 15453), issued on
April 30, 2012 (77 FR 27718) authorized the Waikiki Aquarium to
maintain in captivity up to three non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals
(Neomonachus schauinslandi) for research and enhancement purposes.
Research includes (1) a long-term study on the digestive efficiency of
captive seals; and (2) a post-vaccination antibody response study using
West Nile virus and canine distemper virus vaccinations. The seals will
be displayed to the public incidental to the research program, and the
Waikiki Aquarium provides daily public narrations and educational
graphics about the Hawaiian monk seal. The minor amendment (No. 15453-
01) extends the duration of the permit through April 30, 2018, but does
not change any other terms or conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 15569-01: The original permit (No. 15569), issued on
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized WCR take of 22 species of marine
mammals in the coastal eastern North Pacific from the southern boundary
of California to Alaskan waters east of Kodiak Island, including all
territorial waters up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Harassment of all
species of cetaceans will occur through vessel approach for
photographic identification, behavioral research, opportunistic
sampling (fecal material and prey remains), remote measuring (aerial
and laser techniques), and passive acoustic recording. The minor
amendment (No. 15569-01) authorizes the addition of unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS) as an approved aerial system and extends the duration of
the permit through June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16160-02: The original permit (No. 16160), issued on
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized takes of eight species of
cetaceans in the inland waters of Washington State. Harassment of all
species will occur through close vessel approach for photo-
identification, behavioral observation, and monitoring. The minor
amendment (No. 16160-02) extends the duration of the permit through
June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16163-03: The original permit (No. 16163), issued on
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized take of 42 species of marine
mammals in all U.S. and international waters in the Pacific Ocean,
including waters of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.
Harassment of all species of cetaceans could occur through vessel
approach for sighting surveys, photographic identification, behavioral
research, opportunistic sampling (breath, sloughed skin, fecal
material, and prey remains), acoustic imaging with echosounders, and
aerial surveys. Twenty-seven cetacean species and unidentified
mesoplodon species could be biopsy sampled, dart, and/or suction-cup
tagged. Ultrasound sampling and active acoustic playback studies were
authorized for killer whales including the Southern Resident stock.
Import and export of marine mammal prey specimens, skin and blubber,
sloughed skin, fecal and breath samples obtained was authorized. The
minor amendment (No. 16163-03) extends the duration of the permit
through June 6, 2018.
Permit No. 16479-04: The original permit (No. 16479), issued on
September 8, 2012 (77 FR 59594) authorized vessel approaches for photo-
identification and behavioral
[[Page 29055]]
observation of humpback whales and incidental harassment of Hawaiian
insular false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Maui County
waters, Hawaii. A minor amendment (No. 01) to the permit was issued on
August 23, 2013, authorizing the field season to start in December
versus January of each permit year. A major amendment (No. 02) to the
permit was issued on July 7, 2014 (79 FR 44754), authorizing the
approach of false killer whales for photo-identification and behavioral
observation to study their occurrence, distribution, movement, site
fidelity, abundance, social organization, home ranges, and life history
in place of previously authorized takes for incidental harassment
during vessel surveys. The minor amendment (No. 16479-04) extends the
duration of the permit through June 1, 2018.
Permit No. 16609: The requested permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the
receipt, import, and export of biological samples to establish and bank
cell lines. Samples may be received from any species of cetacean,
pinniped, or sea turtle, including ESA-listed species, from up to 30
individuals of each species. The duration of the permit is five years.
Permit No. 17086-01: The original permit (No. 17086), issued on May
11, 2012 (77 FR 29981), authorized takes of 27 species of cetaceans
through vessel approach for sighting surveys, photographic
identification, behavioral research, opportunistic sampling (sloughed
skin, fecal material, breath samples, and prey remains), dart and/or
suction-cup tagging, and import and export of marine mammal samples
obtained. The minor amendment (No. 17086-01) extends the duration of
the permit through May 12, 2018, but does not change any other terms or
conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 18016-01: The original permit (No. 18016), issued on May
29, 2014 (79 FR 41991), authorizes the permit holder to conduct vessel
surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska for photo-identification and observations
of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). The
purpose of the research is to identify individual whales and to provide
information about movement patterns, habitat use, survivorship,
reproduction, and population size. The amendment (No. 01) increases the
number of whales that may be taken annually during vessel surveys. The
amended permit is valid through June 1, 2019.
Permit No. 18537-02: The original permit (No. 18537), issued on
August 8, 2014 (79 FR 19578), authorized ADF&G to take Steller sea
lions (Eumetopias jubatus) during aerial, vessel, and ground surveys in
support of the long-term Steller sea lion research program. It also
authorized incidental disturbance of California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus), and northern fur (Callorhinus ursinus), harbor (Phoca
vitulina), spotted (Phoca largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata),
ringed (Phoca hispida hispida), and bearded (Erignathus barbatus) seals
during research activities; and, annual unintentional mortality of 5
Steller sea lions from the Western Distinct Population Segment (wDPS)
and 10 Steller sea lions from the Eastern DPS through August 31, 2019.
An amendment, Permit No. 18537-01, issued on March 31, 2016 (81 FR
21323, April 11, 2016) authorized an increase in the number of
California and Steller (wDPS) sea lions taken during aerial surveys
from 4,725 to 10,000, and from 48,000 to 75,000, respectively; and an
increase in the volume on a single blood draw from Steller sea lions
from up to 1 ml/kg to up to 4 ml/kg. The minor amendment (No. 18537-02)
issued authorizes a change in Responsible Party (now Michael J.
Rehberg).
Permit No. 18890-01: The original permit (No. 18890), issued on
March 26, 2015 (80 FR 15992), authorizes research on beluga
(Delphinapterus leucas), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray, and
humpback whales in Alaska including photo-identification, biopsy
sampling, and tagging (large whales and belugas) and aerial surveys and
captures for health assessments (belugas, excluding the Cook Inlet
Distinct Population Segment). Research studies include population
abundance (beluga), stock structure (bowhead, gray, humpback, and
beluga), feeding areas and other important habitats (all species),
migration routes (all species), behavior relative to human disturbance
(all species), and to genetically identify individuals in order to
determine survival and calving intervals (belugas). The minor amendment
(No. 18890-01) issued authorizes a change in Responsible Party (now
Lori Quakenbush).
Permit No. 19508: The requested permit (82 FR 4855) authorizes the
permit holder to study loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley
(Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys
imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coraicea) sea turtles. Research
may occur in three study areas: (1) Indian River Lagoon, Florida; (2)
Trident Turning Basin, Cape Canaveral, Florida; and (3) Northern and
Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Researchers may capture sea turtles by tangle
net, dip net, or by hand and perform the following procedures performed
before release: Measure, flipper tag, passive integrated transponder
tag, photograph/video, gastric lavage, and scute, blood, fecal, and
tissue sampling. A subset of animals would receive an epoxy attached
transmitter before release. The permit is valid for five years from the
date of issuance.
Permit No. 19621-01: The original permit (No. 19621), issued on
June 16, 2016 (81 FR 43589), authorizes the permit holder to conduct
study loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys
kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
sea turtles in the waters of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Researchers may capture animals by trawl or tangle net and perform the
following procedures before release: Morphometrics, tagging,
photography, biological sampling, ultrasound, marking, laparoscopy and
associated transport, transmitter attachment, and/or epibiota removal.
A limited number of sea turtles may accidentally die due to capture
over the life of the permit. The modification (No. 01) authorizes
researchers to (1) take olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys
olivacea) during all research projects; (2) expand Project 3's area to
include coastal shoals adjacent to the Cape Canaveral channel; (3)
extend Project 3's duration through October 2020; and (4) increase the
annual take of green and loggerhead sea turtles by four and nine
turtles, respectively, and authorize double tagging and tissue sampling
of a small subset of these animals. The modified permit is valid
through June 15, 2021.
Permit No. 19697: The requested permit (81 FR 15684) authorizes
research on green and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtle
aggregations in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico, including Mona,
Monito, and Desecheo Islands, and Culebra Archipelago. Sea turtles may
be captured, marked, measured, weighed, photographed, and biologically
sampled. A subset of animals may also be outfitted with satellite
transmitters to track movements post-release or undergo ultrasound and
tumor removal surgery in a local facility. The permit is valid for five
years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20294: The requested permit (82 FR 5538) authorizes
aerial, vessel, and ground surveys of North Atlantic right whales
(Eubalaena glacialis) and 44 other protected cetaceans and pinnipeds in
Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters, from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Five of
[[Page 29056]]
the target species are threatened or endangered: North Atlantic right,
blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B. borealis), and
sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Surveys will be conducted using
fixed wing aircraft and vessels to assess seasonal abundance and
distribution of marine mammals in the area. Ground surveys will be
conducted on foot and with remote cameras to obtain counts of seals
throughout different tidal cycles and to document prevalence of human
interaction around seal haul-out sites accessible to the public. Seal
scat will be collected for health assessment studies. The permit is
valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20339: The requested permit (81 FR 54047) authorizes
research on loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green, leatherback, hawksbill,
olive ridley and unidentified sea turtles in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf
of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Animals for study would be directly
captured by trawl or obtained as legal bycatch from a commercial
fishery. The purpose of this project is to assist in the development
and testing of gear aboard commercial fishing vessels to mitigate
interactions and capture of sea turtles. Researchers are authorized to
measure, weigh, apply a temporary carapace mark, flipper and Passive
Integrated Transponder tag, tissue sample, and photograph/video live
sea turtles before release and to salvage carcasses and parts from dead
sea turtles. The permit is valid for five years from the date of
issuance.
Permit No. 20430: The requested permit (81 FR 73381) authorizes
research on large whales and dolphins in California waters including
blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), and sperm (Physeter
macrocephalus) whales, and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in order
to study distribution, movement, diet, foraging, and acoustic behaviors
of marine mammals. Research activities for large whales includes
passive acoustics, behavioral observations, photography, video
recording, biopsy sampling, collection of sloughed skin, attachment of
suction cup or dart/barb tags, and tracking during vessel surveys.
Research for Risso's dolphins includes passive acoustics, behavioral
observations, and photo-identification. The number of species to be
taken annually via tagging/biopsy/photo-identification are: 50/100/150
blue whales, 40/90/140 fin whales, 50/100/150 humpback whales, 160/210/
260 gray whales, and 0/0/2,000 Risso's dolphins. Up to five sperm
whales may be incidentally harassed and opportunistically photographed,
annually. Up to 200 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 20
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), 50 Pacific white-sided
dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), 20 northern right whale dolphins
(Lissodelphis borealis), 10 harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and 20
short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) may be harassed
incidental to research activities. The permit is valid through March
31, 2022.
Permit No. 20455: The requested permit (81 FR 90781) authorizes
takes of up to 10,000 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and 1,000
Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins annually during vessel
surveys for photography, photo-identification, video recording,
behavioral observation, acoustic playbacks, and passive acoustic
recording, with concurrent deployment of an unmanned aircraft system
for photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose and 100 spotted dolphins of
the above animals may also be biopsy sampled during vessel surveys
annually, and up to 50 bottlenose and 25 spotted dolphins annually of
the above animals may be captured for health assessments, which would
include biological sampling, auditory brainstem response tests,
metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, x-rays, marking, tagging, tracking,
and release. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of each species annually
would be remotely satellite tagged to test the feasibility of a new
dorsal fin attachment method. Two unintentional mortalities of each
species could occur due to capture over the life of the permit. The
permit is valid through May 31, 2022.
Permit No. 20465: The requested permit (82 FR 11179) authorizes
researchers to monitor and evaluate cetacean trends, abundance,
distribution, and health in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering, Beaufort,
and Chukchi Seas, and in the Gulf of Maine and mid-Atlantic waters. Up
to 26 species/stocks of cetaceans may be targeted for study including
the following endangered or threatened species/stocks: Cook Inlet
beluga, blue, fin, sei (B. borealis), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus),
humpback, North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), Southern Resident
killer (Orcinus orca), and sperm whales. Researchers may conduct manned
and unmanned aerial surveys for counts, observations, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, and video of cetaceans. Vessel surveys
may be conducted for counts, biological sampling, observation, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, video, tagging, and/or acoustic
playbacks of cetaceans. Seven pinniped species including endangered
Steller sea lions may be harassed incidental to research. Requested
captures, research activities and associated mortalities of beluga
whales is not authorized. The permit is valid for five years.
Permit No. 20527: The requested permit (81 FR 91919) authorizes
takes of up to 29 species of cetaceans year-round in the Atlantic Ocean
from Delaware Bay to Cape Canaveral, FL, and will include aerial and
vessel surveys to conduct counts, photo-identification, photogrammetry,
and behavioral observations. The permit is valid through May 31, 2022.
Permit No. 20646: The requested permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the
receipt, import, and export of biological samples to establish and bank
cetacean stem cells. Samples may be acquired from any species of marine
mammal; however, the applicant has identified 38 species of cetaceans,
including ESA-listed species, to focus acquisition efforts. Up to 12
individuals of each species would be requested. In addition, eight
samples (from four individual animals) currently on loan would be
transferred permanently to the applicant. The permit is valid for five
years.
Permit No. 20993: The requested permit (82 FR 4860) authorizes the
filming of 50 humpback whales in Hawaiian waters as part of a
commercial photography project. Whales may be filmed using boats,
unmanned aerial systems, or snorkelers. Bottlenose (Tursiops
truncatus), pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), and spinner (S.
longirostris) dolphins may be incidentally harassed during filming.
Footage will be used to create a film about humpback whales and their
conservation success. The permit is valid through April 30, 2018.
Permit No. 21026: The requested permit (82 FR 11004) authorizes the
use evoked auditory potential testing on stranded cetaceans to
determine their hearing range. Up to 15 individuals of any species and
any age class of non-listed or ESA-listed cetacean may be tested.
Passive acoustic recording, suction-cup sensors, subcutaneous
electrodes, and ultrasound may be used during testing. Listed cetacean
species may include: Beluga, blue, bowhead, false killer (Pseudorca
crassidens), fin, gray, humpback, killer North Atlantic right
(Eubalaena glacialis), North Pacific right, sei, and sperm whales, and
vaquita (Phocoena sinus). The permit is valid through March 31, 2022.
Permit No. 21043: The requested permit (82 FR 15514) authorizes
capture and further monitoring of endangered
[[Page 29057]]
smalltooth sawfish to develop conservation and protective measures,
ensuring species recovery. Other listed species potentially encountered
and incidentally collected include green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley,
leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles. Researchers may capture
smalltooth sawfish in Florida waters, and then measure, weigh, tag,
genetic tissue sample, draw blood, and photograph the animals prior to
release. The researchers will also receive salvaged animals and parts
taken at other locations within the target species' range. The permit
is valid through May 31, 2022.
Permit No. 21155: The requested permit (82 FR 13801) authorizes the
importation of 118 DNA samples from the Federal University of Rio
Grande Do Sul in Brazil to the University of Michigan, Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Department in Ann Arbor, MI, for genetics
research. The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) samples
were collected between 1996 and 2016 via biopsy sampling of live
animals or from stranded animals, in accordance with the laws of
Brazil. The permit also authorizes the export of any remaining samples
back to Brazil. The permit is valid for five months.
Permit No. 21199: The requested permit (82 FR 18739) authorizes the
BBC Natural History Unit to film killer whales (Orcinus orca), Dall's
porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and Pacific white-sided dolphins
(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Filming may occur near Seward, Alaska
over six days in May 2017 and in Juneau, AK over six days at the end of
July 2017. Filming would occur from cameras on board a vessel or by
helicopter. Hydrophones would be used to record vocalizations. Footage
would be used for an Alaska Live television series to showcase the
gathering of wildlife in Alaska that occurs around the salmon runs. The
permit is valid through August 31, 2017.
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
activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance of these permit was
based on a finding that such permits: (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: June 22, 2017.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13434 Filed 6-26-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
