Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits, 35805-35807 [2024-09531]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 86 / Thursday, May 2, 2024 / Notices
merchandise which have not been
found to be entitled to a separate rate,
the cash deposit rate will be the rate for
the China-wide entity (i.e., 105.80
percent); 27 and (4) for all non-Chinese
exporters of subject merchandise that
have not received their own rate, the
cash deposit rate will be the rate
applicable to the China exporter that
supplied that non-Chinese exporter.
These cash deposit requirements, when
imposed, shall remain in effect until
further notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice also serves as a
preliminary reminder to importers of
their responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of
antidumping and/or countervailing
duties prior to liquidation of the
relevant entries during this POR. Failure
to comply with this requirement could
result in Commerce’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping and/or
countervailing duties has occurred, and
the subsequent assessment of double
antidumping duties, and/or an increase
in the amount of antidumping duties by
the amount of the countervailing duties.
Notification to Interested Parties
We are issuing and publishing these
results in accordance with sections
751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19
CFR 351.213 and 351.221(b)(4).
Dated: April 26, 2024.
Ryan Majerus,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Negotiations, performing the non-exclusive
functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
Appendix I
List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary
Decision Memorandum
I. Summary
II. Background
III. Scope of the Order
IV. Rescission of Review, In Part
V. Preliminary Determination of No
Shipments
VI. Discussion of the Methodology
VII. Adjustment Under Section 777A of the
Act
VIII. Currency Conversion
IX. Recommendation
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Appendix II
Non-Selected Separate Rate Companies
1. Dong-IL Aluminium Co., Ltd.
2. Dongwon Systems Corp.
3. Eastern Valley Co., Ltd.
4. Granges Aluminum (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
5. Shanghai Shenyan Packaging Materials
Co., Ltd.
6. Suzhou Manakin Aluminum Processing
27 See
Order.
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17:14 May 01, 2024
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Technology Co., Ltd.
7. Suzhou Manakin Trading Co., Ltd.
No Shipments
1. Anhui Maximum Aluminum Industries
Company Ltd.
2. Anhui Zhongji Battery Foil Science &
Technology Co., Ltd.
3. Manakin Industries, LLC
4. Xiamen Xiashun Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd.
Companies Determined To Be Part of the
China-Wide Entity
1. Alcha International Holdings Limited
2. Aluminum Corporation of China Limited
3. Dingheng New Materials Co., Ltd.
4. Henan Mingtai Al. Industrial
5. Hunan Suntown Marketing Limited
6. Jiangsu Dingsheng New Materials JointStock Co., Ltd.
7. SAM–A Aluminum Co., Ltd.
8. Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co., Ltd.
9. Shanghai Huafon Aluminium Corporation
10. Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co.,
Ltd
11. Shanghai Sunho Aluminum Foil Co., Ltd.
12. SK Global America Inc.
13. Suntown Technology Group Corporation
Limited (Suntown Technology Group
Co., Ltd.)
14. Walson (HK) Trading Co., Limited
15. Yinbang Clad Materials Co., Ltd.
16. Zhejiang Yongjie Aluminum Co., Ltd.
[FR Doc. 2024–09589 Filed 5–1–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XC640]
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. 21932, 25835,
27241, and 27326), Carrie Hubard (LOC
Nos. 22081, 22291–01, 22856–01,
24045, and 25957), Erin Markin, Ph.D.
(LOC Nos. 20519–01, 26784, and
27746), Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. (LOC
Nos. 21556 and 27369), Courtney Smith,
Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 21134 and 26367), and
SUMMARY:
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35805
Sara Young (LOC No. 25895 and 26643)
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 between October 1, 2021,
and December 31, 2023.
File No. 25895: Issued to Jacalyn Toth
Sullivan, Stockton University, 101 Vera
King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey
08205 on October 29, 2021. This LOC
authorizes unmanned aircraft system
(UAS) surveys of harbor seals (Phoca
vitulina) within Great Bay, New Jersey
for count/survey, behavioral observation
monitoring, photo-identification, and
video purposes. The objectives of the
study include determination of temporal
patterns of harbor seal habitat use,
population size, and shifts therein over
time as the nearby wind farm becomes
operational. The LOC expires on
October 31, 2026.
File No. 20519–01: This LOC, held by
Peggy Stap, Marine Life Studies, P.O.
Box 884, Monterey, California 93942–
0884, was extended on November 18,
2021, through April 30, 2022, while the
holder’s new application (File No.
25843) was in process. The LOC
authorizes close approach of 18 species
of cetaceans and 4 species of pinnipeds
during vessel and UAS surveys for
photo-identification, behavioral
observations, passive acoustics,
photogrammetry, and underwater
photograph/video within the Monterey
Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The
objectives of the research would not
change. The LOC was subsequently
terminated on April 22, 2022, when a
separate scientific research permit No.
25843 was issued (87 FR 29116, May 12,
2022).
File No. 22856–01: This LOC, held by
Patricia Fair, Ph.D., South Carolina
Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf,
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, was
amended on August 30, 2021. The
original LOC authorized vessel-based
research for photo-identification,
photogrammetry, and behavioral
observations of bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus) in waters near
Charleston, South Carolina. The
amended LOC would allow researchers
to use UAS as an additional platform to
collect photographs and behavioral data.
The objectives of the research would not
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 86 / Thursday, May 2, 2024 / Notices
change. The LOC expires August 31,
2024.
File No. 25835: Issued to Tampa Bay
Watch, Inc. (Principal Investigator [PI]:
Savannah Gandee), 3000 Pinellas
Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida
33715, on December 21, 2021. This LOC
authorized authorize vessel-based
surveys of bottlenose dolphins in the
upper-middle regions of Tampa Bay,
Florida, for behavioral observations,
photo-identification, passive acoustic
recordings, and photography/
videography. The objectives of the study
were to assess current life history
parameters of the population, including
abundance, social structure, and spatial
distribution of the animals. The LOC
was subsequently terminated on January
3, 2024, at the request of the PI due to
the end of research efforts.
File No. 21134: This LOC, held by
John Schacke, Ph.D., Georgia Ecology
Dolphin Project, 223 Trace Lane,
Commerce, Georgia 30530, was
extended on January 14, 2022, until May
15, 2023. The LOC authorizes vesselbased research of bottlenose dolphins,
including abundance surveys,
behavioral observations, photography
and video within coastal and estuarine
waters of central Georgia. The objectives
of the research would not change. The
LOC was subsequently terminated on
May 2, 2022, when a new LOC (No.
27241, see below) was issued.
File No. 26367: Issued to Shannon
Gowans, Ph.D., Eckerd College, 4200
54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg,
Florida 33711 on May 10, 2022. This
LOC authorizes close approach, photoidentification, passive acoustic
recordings, and behavioral observations
of bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted
dolphins (Stenella frontalis), and roughtoothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis)
during vessel surveys in Boca Ciega Bay
and surrounding waters. The objectives
of the study are to continue assessing
population size, distribution, and
changes to social structure of local
bottlenose dolphins. The LOC expires
on May 15, 2027.
File No. 25957: Issued to Ann Weaver,
Ph.D., Good-Natured Statistics
Consulting, P.O. Box 8732, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33738 on May 11,
2022. This LOC authorizes close
approach, photo-identification, and
behavioral observations of bottlenose
dolphins during vessel surveys in the
John’s Pass area, near St. Petersburg,
Florida. The objectives of the study are
to continue monitoring the abundance,
distribution, birth rates, and behavior of
bottlenose dolphins in the study area
and identify changes, if any, related to
coastal construction projects. The LOC
expires on May 31, 2027.
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File No. 26643: Issued to Kachemak
Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve (PI: Deborah Boege Tobin,
Ph.D.), University of Alaska Anchorage,
2181 Kachemak Drive, Homer, Alaska
99603 on October 15, 2022. This LOC
authorizes vessel and aerial-based
surveys to monitor harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena), assess site
fidelity and habitat use, study foraging
and social behavior, and compile a
photo-identification catalog to track
individuals in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli),
Eastern North Pacific gray whales
(Eschrichtius robustus), killer whales
(Orcinus orca; excluding the
endangered Southern Resident Distinct
Population Segment), minke whales
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and
harbor seals may also be encountered.
The LOC expires on October 14, 2027.
File No. 26784: Issued to Gerard
Pinto, Ph.D., Jacksonville University,
Marine Science Research Institute, 2800
University Blvd. North, Jacksonville,
Florida 32211 on October 19, 2022. This
LOC authorizes vessel-based research
surveys for close approach, photoidentification, behavioral observations,
videography, passive acoustic
recordings, and focal follows of
bottlenose dolphins within the St. Johns
River between Hart Bridge in
Jacksonville and Shands Bridge in
Green Cove Springs, Florida. The
objective of the research is to continue
a 10-year collaborative photoidentification study of the bottlenose
dolphins in the St. Johns River in
northeast Florida, focused on
identifying individuals as well as
dolphin biology, ecology, behavior,
social structure, and health. The LOC
expires on October 31, 2027.
File No. 21932: This LOC, held by
Jessica Taylor, Outer Banks Center for
Dolphin Research, 310 West Eden St.,
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948,
was extended on January 13, 2023. This
amended LOC authorizes vessel
surveys, close approach, photoidentification, behavioral observations,
and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins
in the waters of northern North
Carolina. The amended LOC expires on
April 30, 2024.
File No. 21556: This LOC, held by
Stephen McCulloch, Dolphins Plus
Marine Mammal Responder, 31 Corrine
Place, Key Largo, Florida 33037, was
extended on April 26, 2023, until May
15, 2024. This LOC authorized vessel
surveys, close approach, photoidentification, behavioral observations,
and video recording of bottlenose
dolphins in Southern Florida waters.
This amendment extended the duration
of the LOC until August 14, 2023. The
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LOC was subsequently terminated on
August 14, 2023, when a new LOC (No.
27269, see below) was issued.
File No. 27241: Issued to John
Schacke, Ph.D., Georgia Dolphin
Ecology Project, 223 Trace Lane,
Commerce, Georgia 30530, on May 2,
2023. This LOC authorizes research on
bottlenose dolphins involving close
approach during vessel surveys for
count/survey, observations, photograph/
video, and photo-identification within
coastal and estuarine waters of central
Georgia. The objective of the research is
to describe basic population dynamics
of the common bottlenose dolphin
populations in the Central Georgia
Estuarine Stock System. This includes
evaluation of their abundance,
distribution, residency, habitat
utilization, and stock structure. The
LOC expires on May 15, 2028.
File No. 27326: Issued to Nicole
Mader, Dolphin Ecology Project, 106
Abbie Court, Stuart, Florida 34996, on
June 12, 2023. This LOC authorizes
research on bottlenose dolphins
involving close approach during vessel
surveys for counts, observations,
monitoring, passive acoustic recordings,
photography/videography, photoidentification, and focal follows within
the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon
from the Stuart Causeway to Jupiter
Inlet, and adjacent Atlantic coastal
waters. The objectives of the research
are to (1) identify dolphin seasonal
residency or transient patterns on a
small temporal scale, (2) monitor
reproductive success and calf survival,
(3) evaluate habitat use and behavior,
and (4) document ranging patterns of
dolphins into the nearshore coastal
Atlantic Ocean of the Indian River
Lagoon Estuarine System stock. The
LOC expires on June 30, 2028.
File No. 27369: Issued to Stephen
McCulloch, President, Protect Wild
Dolphins Alliance, Inc., 307 Saint
Thomas Avenue, Key Largo, Florida
33037, on August 14, 2023. This LOC
authorizes research to estimate
abundance, determine distribution
patterns, assess habitat use, and
evaluate site fidelity of bottlenose
dolphins inhabiting the Upper Florida
Keys. Authorized activities include
close approach by vessel, for counts,
photography, photo-identification,
video recordings, behavioral
observations, and underwater
photography/videography by pole
camera. The LOC expires on August 31,
2028.
File No. 22081: This LOC, held by
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
(PI: Mobashir Solangi, Ph.D.), P.O. Box
207, Gulfport, Mississippi 39502, was
extended on September 25, 2023. The
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02MYN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 86 / Thursday, May 2, 2024 / Notices
LOC authorizes vessel and aerial
surveys using photo-identification,
behavioral observations, photography,
filming, and passive acoustic recordings
to study bottlenose dolphins and other
cetaceans, including Atlantic spotted,
pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata),
and spinner (Stenella longirostris)
dolphins, and pygmy sperm whales
(Kogia breviceps) in select Mississippi
and Louisiana waters. The extended
LOC expires on December 1, 2024.
File No. 22291–01. Amended LOC
issued to Barbara Brunnick, Ph.D., Palm
Beach Dolphin Project, Taras
Oceanographic Foundation, 5905
Stonewood Court, Jupiter, Florida
33468, on September 26, 2023. The LOC
authorized vessel-based research for
photo-identification, videography, and
behavioral observations of bottlenose
dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins,
and ten other cetacean species in the
nearshore and coastal waters of Palm
Beach and Martin Counties, Florida.
The amended LOC allows researchers to
use unmanned aircraft systems as an
additional platform to collect
photographs, photogrammetry, and
behavioral data. The LOC expires on
June 30, 2025.
File No. 24045: This LOC, held by
Jeremy Kiszka, Ph.D., Florida
International University, 3000 NE 151st
Street, Marine Science Building, Room
250D, North Miami, Florida 33181, was
extended on January 30, 2024. The LOC
authorizes vessel-based surveys for
photo-identification, photography,
videography, and behavioral
observations of bottlenose and Atlantic
spotted 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 would not
change. The extended LOC expires on
February 10, 2025.
File No. 27746: Issued to Barbara
Clark, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin
Research, P.O. Box 7721, Kill Devil
Hills, North Carolina 27948, on
December 22, 2023. This LOC
authorizes vessel surveys for close
approach, photo-identification, and
behavioral observations of bottlenose
dolphins to monitor the presence,
identity, ecology, and behavior of
bottlenose dolphins within the sounds
of North Carolina, including Roanoke
Sound. The LOC expires on December
31, 2028.
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
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17:14 May 01, 2024
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environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Dated: April 29, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–09531 Filed 5–1–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XD870]
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council;
Public Meeting
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.
AGENCY:
The South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council (Council) will
hold a meeting of its Citizen Science
Operations Committee via webinar May
22, 2024.
DATES: The Citizen Science Operations
Committee meeting will be held via
webinar on Wednesday, May 22, 2024,
from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
via webinar. The webinar is open to
members of the public. Those interested
in participating should contact Julia
Byrd (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT) to request an invitation
providing webinar access information.
Please request webinar invitations at
least 24 hours in advance of each
webinar. There will be an opportunity
for public comment at the beginning of
the meeting.
Council address: South Atlantic
Fishery Management Council, 4055
Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N
Charleston, SC 29405.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia
Byrd, Citizen Science Program Manager,
SAFMC; phone: (843) 302–8439 or toll
free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769–
4520; email: julia.byrd@safmc.net.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Citizen Science Operations Committee
serves as advisors to the Council’s
Citizen Science Program. Committee
members include representatives from
the Council’s Citizen Science Advisory
Panel Pool, NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast
Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries’
Southeast Fisheries Science Center, and
the Council’s Science and Statistical
Committee. Their responsibilities
SUMMARY:
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35807
include developing programmatic
recommendations, reviewing policies,
providing program direction/multipartner support, identifying citizen
science research needs, and providing
general advice.
Agenda items include: Review of the
Citizen Science Program’s initial
evaluation plan, including researchers
sharing preliminary findings and
committee discussion of those findings;
a Citizen Science Program and Project
update; the Citizen Science Program’s
project idea portal; and other business.
Special Accommodations
The meeting is physically accessible
to people with disabilities. Requests for
auxiliary aids should be directed to the
Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days
prior to the meeting.
Note: The times and sequence specified in
this agenda are subject to change.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: April 29, 2024.
Claudia Stephanie Womble,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–09537 Filed 5–1–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RTID 0648–XD916]
Schedule for Atlantic Highly Migratory
Species Outreach Workshops;
Correction
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public outreach
workshops; correction.
AGENCY:
NMFS has rescheduled the
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
(HMS) Outreach Workshop originally
scheduled for May 2, 2024 in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico. This workshop was
announced in the Federal Register on
April 29, 2024. NMFS has rescheduled
the HMS Outreach Workshop for May 2,
2024 at a new time and location in
Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
DATES: The date of the rescheduled
workshop has not changed. The HMS
Outreach Workshop in Arecibo, Puerto
Rico will be held on May 2, 2024. See
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
for the specific time.
ADDRESSES: The HMS Outreach
Workshop will be held in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico. See the SUPPLEMENTARY
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\02MYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 86 (Thursday, May 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35805-35807]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09531]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XC640]
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. 21932, 25835,
27241, and 27326), Carrie Hubard (LOC Nos. 22081, 22291-01, 22856-01,
24045, and 25957), Erin Markin, Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 20519-01, 26784, and
27746), Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 21556 and 27369), Courtney
Smith, Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 21134 and 26367), and Sara Young (LOC No. 25895
and 26643) 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 between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
File No. 25895: Issued to Jacalyn Toth Sullivan, Stockton
University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey 08205 on
October 29, 2021. This LOC authorizes unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
surveys of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) within Great Bay, New Jersey
for count/survey, behavioral observation monitoring, photo-
identification, and video purposes. The objectives of the study include
determination of temporal patterns of harbor seal habitat use,
population size, and shifts therein over time as the nearby wind farm
becomes operational. The LOC expires on October 31, 2026.
File No. 20519-01: This LOC, held by Peggy Stap, Marine Life
Studies, P.O. Box 884, Monterey, California 93942-0884, was extended on
November 18, 2021, through April 30, 2022, while the holder's new
application (File No. 25843) was in process. The LOC authorizes close
approach of 18 species of cetaceans and 4 species of pinnipeds during
vessel and UAS surveys for photo-identification, behavioral
observations, passive acoustics, photogrammetry, and underwater
photograph/video within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The
objectives of the research would not change. The LOC was subsequently
terminated on April 22, 2022, when a separate scientific research
permit No. 25843 was issued (87 FR 29116, May 12, 2022).
File No. 22856-01: This LOC, held by Patricia Fair, Ph.D., South
Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, South Carolina
29401, was amended on August 30, 2021. The original LOC authorized
vessel-based research for photo-identification, photogrammetry, and
behavioral observations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in
waters near Charleston, South Carolina. The amended LOC would allow
researchers to use UAS as an additional platform to collect photographs
and behavioral data. The objectives of the research would not
[[Page 35806]]
change. The LOC expires August 31, 2024.
File No. 25835: Issued to Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. (Principal
Investigator [PI]: Savannah Gandee), 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra
Verde, Florida 33715, on December 21, 2021. This LOC authorized
authorize vessel-based surveys of bottlenose dolphins in the upper-
middle regions of Tampa Bay, Florida, for behavioral observations,
photo-identification, passive acoustic recordings, and photography/
videography. The objectives of the study were to assess current life
history parameters of the population, including abundance, social
structure, and spatial distribution of the animals. The LOC was
subsequently terminated on January 3, 2024, at the request of the PI
due to the end of research efforts.
File No. 21134: This LOC, held by John Schacke, Ph.D., Georgia
Ecology Dolphin Project, 223 Trace Lane, Commerce, Georgia 30530, was
extended on January 14, 2022, until May 15, 2023. The LOC authorizes
vessel-based research of bottlenose dolphins, including abundance
surveys, behavioral observations, photography and video within coastal
and estuarine waters of central Georgia. The objectives of the research
would not change. The LOC was subsequently terminated on May 2, 2022,
when a new LOC (No. 27241, see below) was issued.
File No. 26367: Issued to Shannon Gowans, Ph.D., Eckerd College,
4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 on May 10, 2022.
This LOC authorizes close approach, photo-identification, passive
acoustic recordings, and behavioral observations of bottlenose
dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), and rough-
toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) during vessel surveys in Boca
Ciega Bay and surrounding waters. The objectives of the study are to
continue assessing population size, distribution, and changes to social
structure of local bottlenose dolphins. The LOC expires on May 15,
2027.
File No. 25957: Issued to Ann Weaver, Ph.D., Good-Natured
Statistics Consulting, P.O. Box 8732, St. Petersburg, Florida 33738 on
May 11, 2022. This LOC authorizes close approach, photo-identification,
and behavioral observations of bottlenose dolphins during vessel
surveys in the John's Pass area, near St. Petersburg, Florida. The
objectives of the study are to continue monitoring the abundance,
distribution, birth rates, and behavior of bottlenose dolphins in the
study area and identify changes, if any, related to coastal
construction projects. The LOC expires on May 31, 2027.
File No. 26643: Issued to Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve (PI: Deborah Boege Tobin, Ph.D.), University of Alaska
Anchorage, 2181 Kachemak Drive, Homer, Alaska 99603 on October 15,
2022. This LOC authorizes vessel and aerial-based surveys to monitor
harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), assess site fidelity and habitat
use, study foraging and social behavior, and compile a photo-
identification catalog to track individuals in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Eastern North Pacific gray whales
(Eschrichtius robustus), killer whales (Orcinus orca; excluding the
endangered Southern Resident Distinct Population Segment), minke whales
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and harbor seals may also be encountered.
The LOC expires on October 14, 2027.
File No. 26784: Issued to Gerard Pinto, Ph.D., Jacksonville
University, Marine Science Research Institute, 2800 University Blvd.
North, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 on October 19, 2022. This LOC
authorizes vessel-based research surveys for close approach, photo-
identification, behavioral observations, videography, passive acoustic
recordings, and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins within the St.
Johns River between Hart Bridge in Jacksonville and Shands Bridge in
Green Cove Springs, Florida. The objective of the research is to
continue a 10-year collaborative photo-identification study of the
bottlenose dolphins in the St. Johns River in northeast Florida,
focused on identifying individuals as well as dolphin biology, ecology,
behavior, social structure, and health. The LOC expires on October 31,
2027.
File No. 21932: This LOC, held by Jessica Taylor, Outer Banks
Center for Dolphin Research, 310 West Eden St., Kill Devil Hills, North
Carolina 27948, was extended on January 13, 2023. This amended LOC
authorizes vessel surveys, close approach, photo-identification,
behavioral observations, and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins in
the waters of northern North Carolina. The amended LOC expires on April
30, 2024.
File No. 21556: This LOC, held by Stephen McCulloch, Dolphins Plus
Marine Mammal Responder, 31 Corrine Place, Key Largo, Florida 33037,
was extended on April 26, 2023, until May 15, 2024. This LOC authorized
vessel surveys, close approach, photo-identification, behavioral
observations, and video recording of bottlenose dolphins in Southern
Florida waters. This amendment extended the duration of the LOC until
August 14, 2023. The LOC was subsequently terminated on August 14,
2023, when a new LOC (No. 27269, see below) was issued.
File No. 27241: Issued to John Schacke, Ph.D., Georgia Dolphin
Ecology Project, 223 Trace Lane, Commerce, Georgia 30530, on May 2,
2023. This LOC authorizes research on bottlenose dolphins involving
close approach during vessel surveys for count/survey, observations,
photograph/video, and photo-identification within coastal and estuarine
waters of central Georgia. The objective of the research is to describe
basic population dynamics of the common bottlenose dolphin populations
in the Central Georgia Estuarine Stock System. This includes evaluation
of their abundance, distribution, residency, habitat utilization, and
stock structure. The LOC expires on May 15, 2028.
File No. 27326: Issued to Nicole Mader, Dolphin Ecology Project,
106 Abbie Court, Stuart, Florida 34996, on June 12, 2023. This LOC
authorizes research on bottlenose dolphins involving close approach
during vessel surveys for counts, observations, monitoring, passive
acoustic recordings, photography/videography, photo-identification, and
focal follows within the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon from the
Stuart Causeway to Jupiter Inlet, and adjacent Atlantic coastal waters.
The objectives of the research are to (1) identify dolphin seasonal
residency or transient patterns on a small temporal scale, (2) monitor
reproductive success and calf survival, (3) evaluate habitat use and
behavior, and (4) document ranging patterns of dolphins into the
nearshore coastal Atlantic Ocean of the Indian River Lagoon Estuarine
System stock. The LOC expires on June 30, 2028.
File No. 27369: Issued to Stephen McCulloch, President, Protect
Wild Dolphins Alliance, Inc., 307 Saint Thomas Avenue, Key Largo,
Florida 33037, on August 14, 2023. This LOC authorizes research to
estimate abundance, determine distribution patterns, assess habitat
use, and evaluate site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the
Upper Florida Keys. Authorized activities include close approach by
vessel, for counts, photography, photo-identification, video
recordings, behavioral observations, and underwater photography/
videography by pole camera. The LOC expires on August 31, 2028.
File No. 22081: This LOC, held by Institute for Marine Mammal
Studies (PI: Mobashir Solangi, Ph.D.), P.O. Box 207, Gulfport,
Mississippi 39502, was extended on September 25, 2023. The
[[Page 35807]]
LOC authorizes vessel and aerial surveys using photo-identification,
behavioral observations, photography, filming, and passive acoustic
recordings to study bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans, including
Atlantic spotted, pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), and spinner
(Stenella longirostris) dolphins, and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia
breviceps) in select Mississippi and Louisiana waters. The extended LOC
expires on December 1, 2024.
File No. 22291-01. Amended LOC issued to Barbara Brunnick, Ph.D.,
Palm Beach Dolphin Project, Taras Oceanographic Foundation, 5905
Stonewood Court, Jupiter, Florida 33468, on September 26, 2023. The LOC
authorized vessel-based research for photo-identification, videography,
and behavioral observations of bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted
dolphins, and ten other cetacean species in the nearshore and coastal
waters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida. The amended LOC
allows researchers to use unmanned aircraft systems as an additional
platform to collect photographs, photogrammetry, and behavioral data.
The LOC expires on June 30, 2025.
File No. 24045: This LOC, held by Jeremy Kiszka, Ph.D., Florida
International University, 3000 NE 151st Street, Marine Science
Building, Room 250D, North Miami, Florida 33181, was extended on
January 30, 2024. The LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for photo-
identification, photography, videography, and behavioral observations
of bottlenose and Atlantic spotted 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 would not
change. The extended LOC expires on February 10, 2025.
File No. 27746: Issued to Barbara Clark, Outer Banks Center for
Dolphin Research, P.O. Box 7721, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
27948, on December 22, 2023. This LOC authorizes vessel surveys for
close approach, photo-identification, and behavioral observations of
bottlenose dolphins to monitor the presence, identity, ecology, and
behavior of bottlenose dolphins within the sounds of North Carolina,
including Roanoke Sound. The LOC expires on December 31, 2028.
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: April 29, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09531 Filed 5-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
