Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits, 3281-3283 [2022-00496]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Notices
On
Wednesday, November 24, 2021, NOAA
published an RFI seeking comments
from Tribal Nations, Tribal officials,
members of the public, and other
interested parties to help identify
appropriate updates or revisions to the
following NOAA policies and guidance
documents, which facilitate NOAA’s
implementation of E.O. 13175: (1) Tribal
Consultation Handbook titled NOAA
Procedures for Government-toGovernment Consultation With
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and
Alaska Native Corporations (2013); (2)
NOAA Administrative Order 218–8
titled Policy on Government-toGovernment Consultation with
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and
Alaska Native Corporations (Reaffirmed
in 2018); and (3) a traditional ecological
knowledge (TEK) guidance currently
titled NOAA Fisheries and National
Ocean Service Guidance and Best
Practices for Engaging and
Incorporating Traditional Ecological
Knowledge in Decision-Making (2019).
NOAA proposes revisions to its Tribal
Consultation Handbook to reflect
lessons learned and improved practices
to better facilitate meaningful and
effective tribal consultations. NOAA
also proposes minor revisions to
Administrative Order 218–8 to reflect
necessary updates since its issuance in
2014. We are also seeking comments on
the existing TEK Guidance, which has
not been previously made available for
public comment. Though the TEK
Guidance is only currently implemented
by NOAA Fisheries and the National
Ocean Service, NOAA is now extending
the applicability of the TEK Guidance to
all NOAA Offices. NOAA is interested
in whether updates or revisions are
appropriate for this TEK Guidance,
including terminology. Updates or
revisions to NOAA’s Tribal Consultation
Handbook, Administrative Order, and
TEK Guidance will be informed by the
input we receive from federally
recognized Indian Tribes, the public,
and other interested parties.
NOAA has decided to extend the
public comment period on the RFI by 30
days to Thursday, February 24, 2022, to
allow opportunity for the public to
continue to provide information on
these important documents. All three
documents can be viewed at this NOAA
website: https://www.noaa.gov/
legislative-and-intergovernmentalaffairs/noaa-tribal-resources-updates.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Dated: January 14, 2022.
Richard W. Spinrad,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2022–01118 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–12–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XB707]
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
individuals and institutions have been
issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs)
for activities conducted under the
General Authorization for Scientific
Research on marine mammals. See
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of
names and addresses of recipients.
ADDRESSES: The LOCs and related
documents are available for review
upon written request via email to
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amy Hapeman (LOC Nos. 24033, 25471,
25529, and 25638), Carrie Hubard (LOC
Nos. 20346, 24045, 24067, 25527, and
25574), Erin Markin (LOC No. 23796),
Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. (LOC No.
23069), Courtney Smith, Ph.D. (LOC
Nos. 19540 and 22587), and Sara Young
(LOC Nos. 20386, 25751 and 25811) at
the email listed above or 301–427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
requested LOCs have been issued under
the authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations
governing the taking and importing of
marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The
General Authorization allows for bona
fide scientific research that may result
only in taking by Level B harassment of
marine mammals. The following LOCs
were issued in Fiscal Year 2021
(October 1, 2020–September 30, 2021).
File No. 24033: Issued to Eric Montie,
Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Beaufort, One University Boulevard,
Bluffton, South Carolina 29909, on
October 23, 2020. This LOC authorizes
vessel-based surveys for behavioral
observations, photo-identification,
passive acoustics, and photography/
videography of bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus) in the coastal
waters of Bluffton and Hilton Head,
SUMMARY:
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South Carolina. The objectives of the
research are to better understand the
acoustic ecology of bottlenose dolphins
and their prey and to estimate the
carrying capacity of bottlenose dolphins
in South Carolina and its relation to
water quality. The LOC replaces No.
20066 on April 1, 2021 and expires on
March 31, 2026.
File No. 24067: Issued to Jacqueline
Bucsa, George Mason University, 1450
Exploratory Hall, Fairfax, Virginia
22030, on January 28, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel-based surveys for
behavioral observations and photoidentification of bottlenose dolphins in
the lower Chesapeake Bay and coastal
waters of Virginia. The objectives of the
research are to develop an
understanding of prey selection by
bottlenose dolphins, specifically
mother-calf pairs, and to examine how
they meet their unique, high energy
demands. The LOC expires on January
31, 2023.
File No. 24045: Issued to Jeremy
Kiszka, Ph.D., Florida International
University, 3000 NE 151st Street,
Marine Science Building, Room 250D,
North Miami, Florida 33181 on
February 10, 2021. This LOC authorizes
vessel-based surveys for photoidentification, photography,
videography, and behavioral
observations of bottlenose and Atlantic
spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins.
Research may occur in Biscayne Bay
and coastal waters of Broward and
Miami Dade counties, Florida out to 200
m depth. The objectives of the research
are to examine the distribution,
behavior and abundance of dolphins in
the study area. The LOC expires on
February 10, 2024.
File No. 23069: Issued to Florida
Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch
Oceanographic Institute, 777 Glades
Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
(Responsible Party [RP]: Daniel Flynn,
Ph.D.; Principal Investigator [PI]: Steven
Burton) on March 16, 2021. This LOC
authorizes monthly vessel-based photoidentification and observational surveys
of cetaceans in Florida for research
projects involving cetacean biology,
ecology, behavior, social structure,
health, and anthropogenic activities.
The authorized research area includes
intercoastal and coastal waters of
Florida from Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter
Inlet, including the Indian River Lagoon
and the Atlantic Ocean. Authorized
species include Atlantic spotted,
bottlenose, pantropical spotted (Stenella
attenuata), Risso’s (Grampus griseus),
and rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis)
dolphins; and humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae), long-finned pilot
(Globicephala macrorhynchus), pygmy
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Notices
sperm (Kogia breviceps), and shortfinned pilot (G. melas) whales. The LOC
expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 23796: Issued to Quincy
Gibson, Ph.D., University of North
Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville,
Florida 32266, on March 17, 2021. This
LOC authorizes vessel-based research
surveys to include close approach,
photo-identification, behavioral
observations, videography, passive
acoustic recording, and focal follows of
bottlenose dolphins within estuarine
waters of Northeast Florida.
Specifically, the authorized area
includes the inland waterways of the St.
Johns River from the river mouth at
Mayport to approximately 40 kilometers
upriver to Hart Bridge and the
Intracoastal Waterway from the FloridaGeorgia border at St. Mary’s Inlet south
to Palm Valley Bridge in Ponte Vedra,
Florida. The objective of the research is
to continue a 10-year photoidentification study of bottlenose
dolphins, focusing on biology, ecology,
behavior, social structure, and health.
The LOC expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 20386: This LOC, held by
Golden Gate Cetacean Research, 9
Edgemar Way, Corte Madera, California
94925 (RP: William Keener, J.D.; PI:
Isidore Szczepaniak), was extended on
March 30, 2021, for one year. The LOC
authorizes vessel surveys for closeapproach, photo-identification, and
behavioral observations of harbor
porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and
bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay
through northern California waters,
including San Francisco Bay, and
Kachemak Bay, Alaska. The purpose of
the research is to collect photographic
and observational data on the
distribution and occurrence of harbor
porpoise in San Francisco Bay and to
track the movements of California
coastal bottlenose dolphins to the
northern limits of their range, as well as
conduct a comparative study with
harbor porpoises in Kachemak Bay,
Alaska. The objectives of the research
will not change. The extended LOC
expires on July 31, 2022.
File No. 25471: Issued to Andrew
Read, Ph.D., Duke University, 135 Duke
Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, on
April 02, 2021. This LOC authorizes
vessel-based surveys for close approach,
photo-identification, behavioral
observations, and focal follows for 22
species of cetaceans: Atlantic spotted,
bottlenose, clymene (Stenella clymene),
common short-beaked (Delphinus
delphis), Fraser’s (Lagenodelphis hosei),
pantropical spotted, rough-toothed,
Risso’s, rough-toothed, spinner (Stenella
longirostris), and striped (Stenella
coeruleoalba) dolphins; harbor
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porpoise; Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris)
and Mesoplodon spp. beaked whales;
dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (Kogia
breviceps) sperm whales; and false killer
(Pseudorca crassidens), killer (Orcinus
orca), melon-headed (Peponocephala
electra), minke whale (Balaenoptera
acutorostrata), pygmy killer (Feresa
attenuata), and short- and long-finned
pilot whales. Research may occur in
waters off the Florida/Georgia border,
the South Carolina/North Carolina
border, and from Cape Hatteras, North
Carolina up to Norfolk Canyon, Virginia.
The objective of the research is to
provide baseline data on the density,
abundance, distribution, behavior and
seasonal movements of cetaceans. The
LOC replaces No. 19903 on May 1, 2021
and expires on April 30, 2026.
File No. 25529: Issued to Maddalena
Bearzi, Ph.D., Ocean Conservation
Society, P.O. Box 12860, Marina del
Ray, California 90295, on April 6, 2021,
to take effect on August 16, 2021. This
LOC authorizes vessel surveys of 17
species of marine mammals for close
approach, counts, photo-identification,
photography/videography, underwater
photography/videography, behavioral
observations, and focal follows within
Santa Monica Bay and adjacent
California waters. Species include:
Bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), Dall’s
porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Eastern
North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius
robustus), harbor porpoises, harbor seals
(Phoca vitulina), killer whales, longbeaked common dolphins (Delphinus
capensis), minke whales, northern
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris),
northern right whale dolphins
(Lissodelphis borealis), Pacific whitesided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus
obliquidens), Risso’s dolphins, shortbeaked common dolphins, short-finned
pilot whales, and striped dolphins. The
objective of the research is to continue
the long-term study of the biology and
ecology of marine mammals in the
action area. The LOC expires on August
1, 2026.
File No. 19540: This LOC, held by
Shannon Gowans, Ph.D., Eckerd
College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33711, was extended
on May 28, 2021, for approximately one
year. The LOC authorizes vessel-based
behavioral observations, photoidentification, and passive acoustic
recording of bottlenose, rough-toothed,
and Atlantic spotted dolphins in Tampa
Bay and its surrounding waters. The
objectives of the research will not
change. The extended LOC expires on
May 31, 2022.
File No. 25527: Issued to Zach
McKenna, St. Augustine Dolphin
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Research, 1093 A1a Beach Blvd. #430,
St. Augustine, Florida 32080, on June 1,
2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based
surveys for close approach, photoidentification, behavioral observations,
videography, and passive acoustic
recordings of bottlenose dolphins.
Research may occur in inland Florida
waters from the St. Johns RiverIntracoastal Waterway boundary south
to Marineland. The objectives of the
research are to identify and refine
dolphin stock units in Florida, assess
regional population biology and
behavioral ecology, and document
dolphin survival threats (e.g., humancaused entanglements and injuries). The
LOC expires on May 31, 2026.
File No. 25638: Issued to Clearwater
Marine Aquarium (PI: Lisa Oliver), 249
Windward Passage, Clearwater, Florida
33767, on July 6, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel and aerial-based
surveys on bottlenose dolphins for
acoustic, passive recording, photoidentification, behavioral observations,
count/survey, and photography/
videography. Research may occur in the
estuarine and coastal waters of West
Central Florida. The objective of the
research is to continue a longitudinal
study on the home ranges, distribution,
population abundance, site fidelity, and
reproductive success of bottlenose
dolphins. The LOC expires on July 15,
2026.
File No. 22587: Issued to Dolphin
Research Center (PI: Armando
Rodriguez), P.O. Box 522875, Marathon
Shores, FL 33052, on August 4, 2021.
This amended LOC (No. 22587–01)
authorizes the use of unmanned aerial
systems (UAS) for breath sampling,
photography, and photogrammetry of
bottlenose dolphins in the middle
Florida Keys. The new objective of the
research is to enhance the current
vessel-based photo-identification field
study by collecting morphometric and
DNA information of dolphins. The LOC
expires on February 15, 2024.
File No. 25751: Issued to Shoals
Marine Laboratory (PI: Andrea
Bogomolni, Ph.D.), University of New
Hampshire, 24 Colovos Road, Durham,
New Hampshire 03824, on August 24,
2021. This LOC authorizes vessel
surveys, photo-identification, counts,
and behavioral and monitoring
observations of gray (Halichoerus
grypus) and harbor seals in Maine and
New Hampshire waters. The objectives
of the research are to monitor changes
in number and distribution of seals, resight of unique individuals, document
use of the area by mother-pup pairs,
visually assess health of individuals,
and monitor the effects of human
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Notices
disturbance on seals. The LOC expires
on August 31, 2026.
File No. 25811: Issued to the Naval
Facilities Engineering Systems
Command Atlantic (RP: Deanna Rees;
PI: Danielle Jones), 6506 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508.
This LOC authorizes close approach,
counts, unintentional disturbance,
photo-identification, photography/
videography, and behavioral
observations of harbor and gray seals via
vessel surveys, ground surveys, and
UAS along the coast of Virginia. Harp
seals may be observed during research.
The objective of the research is to
collect data on pinniped occurrence,
movement, habitat use, and haul-out
patterns at known haul-out areas near
the lower Chesapeake Bay and the
Eastern Shore, Virginia. The LOC
expires on September 30, 2026.
File No. 20346: This LOC, held by
Ann Weaver, Ph.D., Good-natured
Statistics Consulting, P.O. Box 8732, St
Petersburg, Florida 33738, was extended
on September 13, 2021, while the
holder’s new application (File No.
25957) is in process. The LOC
authorizes vessel-based research of
bottlenose dolphins, including
abundance surveys, behavioral
observations, photography and video in
and around a 6.5-mile stretch of the
Intracoastal Waterway near John’s Pass,
Florida. The objectives of the research
would not change. The extended LOC
expires on September 1, 2022, or until
a decision is made on the new
application, whichever occurs first.
File No. 25574: Issued to Wendy Noke
Durden, Hubbs-Sea World Research
Institute, 3830 South Highway A1A #4–
181, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951,
on September 23, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel-based surveys and
UAS flights for photo-identification,
behavioral observations, focal follows,
passive acoustic recordings, and breath
sampling of bottlenose dolphins.
Research may occur in the inland waters
along the east coast of Florida from
northernmost limits of Flagler County to
Jupiter Inlet, including the Indian River
Lagoon, with a focus on Mosquito
Lagoon and the Halifax River estuary.
The objective of the research is to
evaluate the abundance, stock
association, distribution, residency,
social structure, population dynamics,
habitat use, health, demography,
behavior, anthropogenic interactions,
and contact calls of dolphins within the
study area. The LOC expires on
September 30, 2026.
File No. 25895: Issued to Jacalyn
Sullivan, Stockton University, 101 Vera
King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey
08205, on October 29, 2021. This LOC
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authorizes UAS surveys of harbor seals
for count/survey, behavioral observation
monitoring, photo-identification, and
videography. The objective of the
research is to determine temporal
patterns of harbor seal habitat use in
Great Bay, New Jersey, population size,
and shifts over time as a nearby wind
farm becomes operational. The LOC
expires on October 31, 2026.
File No. 25835: Issued to Tampa Bay
Watch (PI: Savannah Gandee), 3000
Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde,
Florida 33715, on December 21, 2021.
This LOC authorizes vessel-based
surveys of bottlenose dolphins for
behavioral observations, photoidentification, passive acoustics, count/
survey, and photography/videography
in Tampa Bay. The objective of the
research is to provide an updated
account of the common bottlenose
dolphin population that utilizes
understudied regions of Tampa Bay for
management and conservation
purposes. The LOC expires on
December 31, 2021.
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 are categorically excluded
from the requirement to prepare an
environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Dated: January 7, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00496 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Review of Nomination for Hudson
Canyon National Marine Sanctuary
Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice; request for written
comments.
AGENCY:
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is
seeking written comments on its fiveyear review of the nomination for
Hudson Canyon National Marine
Sanctuary (NMS). Comments should
focus solely on any new and relevant
information relating to NOAA’s 11
sanctuary nomination evaluation
SUMMARY:
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criteria. NOAA will pay particular
attention to any additional details about
the significance of the area’s natural or
cultural resources, changes to any
threats to these resources, and evolving
management efforts, or human uses in
the proposed area (e.g., wind energy
proposals in the area). NOAA will make
a final determination on whether the
Hudson Canyon NMS nomination
remains relevant and responsive to the
evaluation criteria after it analyzes the
comments it receives and, if so, whether
Hudson Canyon NMS is to remain in the
nomination inventory for another fiveyear period. With this five-year review,
NOAA is not seeking comments on
whether to start the sanctuary
designation process for the Hudson
Canyon NMS proposal.
DATES: Comments are due by February
7, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be
submitted by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
electronic comments via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal and search for
Docket Number NOAA–NOS–2022–
0010.
• Mail: LeAnn Hogan, Regional
Operations Coordinator, NOAA
Sanctuaries Eastern Region, 1305 East
West Highway, N/NMS, Silver Spring,
MD 20910.
Email: LeAnn.Hogan@noaa.gov.
Instructions: All comments received
are a part of the public record. All
personally identifiable information (for
example, name and address) voluntarily
submitted by the commenter may be
publicly accessible. Do not submit
confidential business information or
otherwise sensitive or protected
information. NOAA will accept
anonymous comments (enter N/A in the
required fields to remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LeAnn Hogan, Regional Operations
Coordinator, NOAA Sanctuaries Eastern
Region, 1305 East-West Highway, N/
NMS, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or at
LeAnn.Hogan@noaa.gov, or 202–731–
0678.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background Information
In June 2014, NOAA issued a final
rule establishing the sanctuary
nomination process (SNP), which
details how communities may submit
nominations to NOAA for consideration
of national marine sanctuary
designation (79 FR 33851). NOAA
moves successful nominations to an
inventory of areas that could be
considered for national marine
E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3281-3283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00496]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XB707]
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have
been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) for activities conducted
under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine
mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and
addresses of recipients.
ADDRESSES: The LOCs and related documents are available for review upon
written request via email to [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman (LOC Nos. 24033, 25471,
25529, and 25638), Carrie Hubard (LOC Nos. 20346, 24045, 24067, 25527,
and 25574), Erin Markin (LOC No. 23796), Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. (LOC
No. 23069), Courtney Smith, Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 19540 and 22587), and Sara
Young (LOC Nos. 20386, 25751 and 25811) at the email listed above or
301-427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested LOCs have been issued under
the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The General
Authorization allows for bona fide scientific research that may result
only in taking by Level B harassment of marine mammals. The following
LOCs were issued in Fiscal Year 2021 (October 1, 2020-September 30,
2021).
File No. 24033: Issued to Eric Montie, Ph.D., University of South
Carolina Beaufort, One University Boulevard, Bluffton, South Carolina
29909, on October 23, 2020. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys
for behavioral observations, photo-identification, passive acoustics,
and photography/videography of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
in the coastal waters of Bluffton and Hilton Head, South Carolina. The
objectives of the research are to better understand the acoustic
ecology of bottlenose dolphins and their prey and to estimate the
carrying capacity of bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina and its
relation to water quality. The LOC replaces No. 20066 on April 1, 2021
and expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 24067: Issued to Jacqueline Bucsa, George Mason
University, 1450 Exploratory Hall, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, on January
28, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for behavioral
observations and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in the
lower Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia. The objectives of
the research are to develop an understanding of prey selection by
bottlenose dolphins, specifically mother-calf pairs, and to examine how
they meet their unique, high energy demands. The LOC expires on January
31, 2023.
File No. 24045: Issued to Jeremy Kiszka, Ph.D., Florida
International University, 3000 NE 151st Street, Marine Science
Building, Room 250D, North Miami, Florida 33181 on February 10, 2021.
This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for photo-identification,
photography, videography, and behavioral observations of bottlenose and
Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins. Research may occur in
Biscayne Bay and coastal waters of Broward and Miami Dade counties,
Florida out to 200 m depth. The objectives of the research are to
examine the distribution, behavior and abundance of dolphins in the
study area. The LOC expires on February 10, 2024.
File No. 23069: Issued to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor
Branch Oceanographic Institute, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida
33431 (Responsible Party [RP]: Daniel Flynn, Ph.D.; Principal
Investigator [PI]: Steven Burton) on March 16, 2021. This LOC
authorizes monthly vessel-based photo-identification and observational
surveys of cetaceans in Florida for research projects involving
cetacean biology, ecology, behavior, social structure, health, and
anthropogenic activities. The authorized research area includes
intercoastal and coastal waters of Florida from Sebastian Inlet to
Jupiter Inlet, including the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic
Ocean. Authorized species include Atlantic spotted, bottlenose,
pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), Risso's (Grampus griseus),
and rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis) dolphins; and humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae), long-finned pilot (Globicephala macrorhynchus), pygmy
[[Page 3282]]
sperm (Kogia breviceps), and short-finned pilot (G. melas) whales. The
LOC expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 23796: Issued to Quincy Gibson, Ph.D., University of North
Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32266, on March 17, 2021.
This LOC authorizes vessel-based research surveys to include close
approach, photo-identification, behavioral observations, videography,
passive acoustic recording, and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins
within estuarine waters of Northeast Florida. Specifically, the
authorized area includes the inland waterways of the St. Johns River
from the river mouth at Mayport to approximately 40 kilometers upriver
to Hart Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway from the Florida-Georgia
border at St. Mary's Inlet south to Palm Valley Bridge in Ponte Vedra,
Florida. The objective of the research is to continue a 10-year photo-
identification study of bottlenose dolphins, focusing on biology,
ecology, behavior, social structure, and health. The LOC expires on
March 31, 2026.
File No. 20386: This LOC, held by Golden Gate Cetacean Research, 9
Edgemar Way, Corte Madera, California 94925 (RP: William Keener, J.D.;
PI: Isidore Szczepaniak), was extended on March 30, 2021, for one year.
The LOC authorizes vessel surveys for close-approach, photo-
identification, and behavioral observations of harbor porpoises
(Phocoena phocoena) and bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay through
northern California waters, including San Francisco Bay, and Kachemak
Bay, Alaska. The purpose of the research is to collect photographic and
observational data on the distribution and occurrence of harbor
porpoise in San Francisco Bay and to track the movements of California
coastal bottlenose dolphins to the northern limits of their range, as
well as conduct a comparative study with harbor porpoises in Kachemak
Bay, Alaska. The objectives of the research will not change. The
extended LOC expires on July 31, 2022.
File No. 25471: Issued to Andrew Read, Ph.D., Duke University, 135
Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, on April 02, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel-based surveys for close approach, photo-
identification, behavioral observations, and focal follows for 22
species of cetaceans: Atlantic spotted, bottlenose, clymene (Stenella
clymene), common short-beaked (Delphinus delphis), Fraser's
(Lagenodelphis hosei), pantropical spotted, rough-toothed, Risso's,
rough-toothed, spinner (Stenella longirostris), and striped (Stenella
coeruleoalba) dolphins; harbor porpoise; Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris)
and Mesoplodon spp. beaked whales; dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (Kogia
breviceps) sperm whales; and false killer (Pseudorca crassidens),
killer (Orcinus orca), melon-headed (Peponocephala electra), minke
whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pygmy killer (Feresa attenuata),
and short- and long-finned pilot whales. Research may occur in waters
off the Florida/Georgia border, the South Carolina/North Carolina
border, and from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina up to Norfolk Canyon,
Virginia. The objective of the research is to provide baseline data on
the density, abundance, distribution, behavior and seasonal movements
of cetaceans. The LOC replaces No. 19903 on May 1, 2021 and expires on
April 30, 2026.
File No. 25529: Issued to Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D., Ocean
Conservation Society, P.O. Box 12860, Marina del Ray, California 90295,
on April 6, 2021, to take effect on August 16, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel surveys of 17 species of marine mammals for close
approach, counts, photo-identification, photography/videography,
underwater photography/videography, behavioral observations, and focal
follows within Santa Monica Bay and adjacent California waters. Species
include: Bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Eastern North
Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoises, harbor
seals (Phoca vitulina), killer whales, long-beaked common dolphins
(Delphinus capensis), minke whales, northern elephant seals (Mirounga
angustirostris), northern right whale dolphins (Lissodelphis borealis),
Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), Risso's
dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, and
striped dolphins. The objective of the research is to continue the
long-term study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals in the
action area. The LOC expires on August 1, 2026.
File No. 19540: This LOC, held by Shannon Gowans, Ph.D., Eckerd
College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711, was
extended on May 28, 2021, for approximately one year. The LOC
authorizes vessel-based behavioral observations, photo-identification,
and passive acoustic recording of bottlenose, rough-toothed, and
Atlantic spotted dolphins in Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters. The
objectives of the research will not change. The extended LOC expires on
May 31, 2022.
File No. 25527: Issued to Zach McKenna, St. Augustine Dolphin
Research, 1093 A1a Beach Blvd. #430, St. Augustine, Florida 32080, on
June 1, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for close
approach, photo-identification, behavioral observations, videography,
and passive acoustic recordings of bottlenose dolphins. Research may
occur in inland Florida waters from the St. Johns River-Intracoastal
Waterway boundary south to Marineland. The objectives of the research
are to identify and refine dolphin stock units in Florida, assess
regional population biology and behavioral ecology, and document
dolphin survival threats (e.g., human-caused entanglements and
injuries). The LOC expires on May 31, 2026.
File No. 25638: Issued to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (PI: Lisa
Oliver), 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, Florida 33767, on July 6,
2021. This LOC authorizes vessel and aerial-based surveys on bottlenose
dolphins for acoustic, passive recording, photo-identification,
behavioral observations, count/survey, and photography/videography.
Research may occur in the estuarine and coastal waters of West Central
Florida. The objective of the research is to continue a longitudinal
study on the home ranges, distribution, population abundance, site
fidelity, and reproductive success of bottlenose dolphins. The LOC
expires on July 15, 2026.
File No. 22587: Issued to Dolphin Research Center (PI: Armando
Rodriguez), P.O. Box 522875, Marathon Shores, FL 33052, on August 4,
2021. This amended LOC (No. 22587-01) authorizes the use of unmanned
aerial systems (UAS) for breath sampling, photography, and
photogrammetry of bottlenose dolphins in the middle Florida Keys. The
new objective of the research is to enhance the current vessel-based
photo-identification field study by collecting morphometric and DNA
information of dolphins. The LOC expires on February 15, 2024.
File No. 25751: Issued to Shoals Marine Laboratory (PI: Andrea
Bogomolni, Ph.D.), University of New Hampshire, 24 Colovos Road,
Durham, New Hampshire 03824, on August 24, 2021. This LOC authorizes
vessel surveys, photo-identification, counts, and behavioral and
monitoring observations of gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor seals
in Maine and New Hampshire waters. The objectives of the research are
to monitor changes in number and distribution of seals, re-sight of
unique individuals, document use of the area by mother-pup pairs,
visually assess health of individuals, and monitor the effects of human
[[Page 3283]]
disturbance on seals. The LOC expires on August 31, 2026.
File No. 25811: Issued to the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems
Command Atlantic (RP: Deanna Rees; PI: Danielle Jones), 6506 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508. This LOC authorizes close approach,
counts, unintentional disturbance, photo-identification, photography/
videography, and behavioral observations of harbor and gray seals via
vessel surveys, ground surveys, and UAS along the coast of Virginia.
Harp seals may be observed during research. The objective of the
research is to collect data on pinniped occurrence, movement, habitat
use, and haul-out patterns at known haul-out areas near the lower
Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore, Virginia. The LOC expires on
September 30, 2026.
File No. 20346: This LOC, held by Ann Weaver, Ph.D., Good-natured
Statistics Consulting, P.O. Box 8732, St Petersburg, Florida 33738, was
extended on September 13, 2021, while the holder's new application
(File No. 25957) is in process. The LOC authorizes vessel-based
research of bottlenose dolphins, including abundance surveys,
behavioral observations, photography and video in and around a 6.5-mile
stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway near John's Pass, Florida. The
objectives of the research would not change. The extended LOC expires
on September 1, 2022, or until a decision is made on the new
application, whichever occurs first.
File No. 25574: Issued to Wendy Noke Durden, Hubbs-Sea World
Research Institute, 3830 South Highway A1A #4-181, Melbourne Beach,
Florida 32951, on September 23, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based
surveys and UAS flights for photo-identification, behavioral
observations, focal follows, passive acoustic recordings, and breath
sampling of bottlenose dolphins. Research may occur in the inland
waters along the east coast of Florida from northernmost limits of
Flagler County to Jupiter Inlet, including the Indian River Lagoon,
with a focus on Mosquito Lagoon and the Halifax River estuary. The
objective of the research is to evaluate the abundance, stock
association, distribution, residency, social structure, population
dynamics, habitat use, health, demography, behavior, anthropogenic
interactions, and contact calls of dolphins within the study area. The
LOC expires on September 30, 2026.
File No. 25895: Issued to Jacalyn Sullivan, Stockton University,
101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey 08205, on October 29,
2021. This LOC authorizes UAS surveys of harbor seals for count/survey,
behavioral observation monitoring, photo-identification, and
videography. The objective of the research is to determine temporal
patterns of harbor seal habitat use in Great Bay, New Jersey,
population size, and shifts over time as a nearby wind farm becomes
operational. The LOC expires on October 31, 2026.
File No. 25835: Issued to Tampa Bay Watch (PI: Savannah Gandee),
3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715, on December
21, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys of bottlenose
dolphins for behavioral observations, photo-identification, passive
acoustics, count/survey, and photography/videography in Tampa Bay. The
objective of the research is to provide an updated account of the
common bottlenose dolphin population that utilizes understudied regions
of Tampa Bay for management and conservation purposes. The LOC expires
on December 31, 2021.
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 are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare
an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
Dated: January 7, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00496 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
