80 FR 36768 - Marine Mammals; File Nos. 18722, 18897, 19425, and 19497
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 123 (June 26, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 123 (June 26, 2015)
| Page Range | 36768-36769 | |
| FR Document | 2015-15753 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 123 (Friday, June 26, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 36768-36769] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-15753] [[Page 36768]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XE009 Marine Mammals; File Nos. 18722, 18897, 19425, and 19497 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following entities have applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export specimens of marine mammals for scientific research: File No. 18722: Cornell University, 157 Biotechnology Building, Ithaca, NY 14850 [Responsible Party: Sharron Mitchell, Ph.D.]; File No. 18897: Kathleen Colegrove, Ph.D., University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zoological Pathology Program, LUMC Room 0745, Building 101, 2160 South First Street, Maywood, IL 60153; File No. 19425: Melissa McKinney, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, 3107 Horsebarn Hill Road, U-4210, Storrs, CT 06269; File No. 19497: University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608 [Responsible Party: Thomas Waltzek, Ph.D.]. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before July 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the ``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting the appropriate File No. from the list of available applications. These documents are also available 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. Written comments on these applications should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The following Analysts at (301) 427- 8401: Rosa L. Gonz[aacute]lez (File No. 19497), Carrie Hubard (File No. 19425), Brendan Hurley (File Nos. 18722 and 18897) and Jennifer Skidmore (File Nos. 18722, 18897, 19425, 19497). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits are requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 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.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). File No. 18722: The applicant is proposing to: (1) Import/export and receive marine mammal DNA samples from dead beach-cast carcasses, and (2) receive, import/export specimens from scientists in academic, federal, and state institutions involved in marine mammal research under their own permits. The samples will be used for genotyping by sequencing to analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms in studies of genetic variation. Unlimited samples from up to 2000 pinnipeds (excluding walrus) and 2000 cetaceans would be received, imported, or exported during the duration of this permit. This permit is only for the import/export/receipt of DNA samples. Import/export activities would occur world-wide. No live animals would be harassed or taken, lethally or otherwise, under the requested permit. The permit is requested for a five-year period. File No. 18897: The applicant is proposing to import marine mammal parts (bones and organ tissue samples) from: (1) Foreign animals either euthanized, found stranded, or in captivity (including animals in rehab), or (2) animals captured/sampled by other researchers under separate permits for such activities. The purpose of the proposed research includes diagnostic testing to determine the causes of outbreaks or unusual natural mortalities and investigations into the ecology of diseases in free-ranging animals or unexpected mortalities in captive populations. Unlimited samples from up to 100 pinnipeds (excluding walrus) and 100 cetaceans would be imported during the duration of this permit. Import activities would occur world-wide. There would be no live or lethal taking resulting from the importation of samples. The permit is requested for a five-year period. File No. 19425: The applicant proposes to study marine mammal contaminant levels, specifically using fatty acid and stable isotopes to examine diets and contaminant loads and how they are affected by climate change. Tissue samples would come from remote biopsy sampling, captured animals, and animals collected during subsistence harvests. Samples would originate in the United States, Canada, and Greenland/ Denmark. Cetacean and pinniped samples (up to 50 of each species group per year, except for those species specified below) would be analyzed, with a focus on the following Arctic species: ringed seal (30 per year), bearded seal (10 per year), and narwhal (10 per year). No takes of live animals would be authorized under this permit. The permit would be valid for five years after issuance. File No. 19497: The applicant proposes to receive, import, and export tissue and other specimen materials (e.g., body fluids) to research the etiologies and cofactors of emerging marine mammal infectious diseases, utilizing standard molecular and sequencing approaches. Unlimited samples from up to 300 individual cetaceans and 700 individual pinnipeds (excluding walrus) would be received, imported, or exported annually on an opportunistic basis. Samples would be obtained from the following marine mammal sources: (1) Killed during legal U.S. or foreign subsistence harvests; (2) stranded dead or that died during rehabilitation in foreign countries; (3) died incidental to commercial fishing operations in foreign countries where such taking is legal; (4) died incidental to commercial fishing operations in the U.S. where such taking is legal; (5) in captivity where samples were taken as a result of routine husbandry procedures or under separate permit; and (6) from other authorized researchers or collections in academic, federal, state or other institutions involved in marine mammal research in the U.S. or abroad. Samples collected from stranded animals in the U.S. and received under separate authorization may be exported and reimported. No takes of live animals are requested or would be permitted. The applicant has requested a five-year permit. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 [[Page 36769]] U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the applications to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: June 23, 2015. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015-15753 Filed 6-25-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![36768 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Those individuals requesting a public up to 100 pinnipeds (excluding walrus)
hearing should submit a written request and 100 cetaceans would be imported
National Oceanic and Atmospheric to the Chief, Permits and Conservation during the duration of this permit.
Administration Division at the address listed above. The Import activities would occur world-
request should set forth the specific wide. There would be no live or lethal
RIN 0648–XE009
reasons why a hearing on this taking resulting from the importation of
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 18722, application would be appropriate. samples. The permit is requested for a
18897, 19425, and 19497 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The five-year period.
following Analysts at (301) 427–8401: File No. 19425: The applicant
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Rosa L. González (File No. 19497), proposes to study marine mammal
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Carrie Hubard (File No. 19425), Brendan contaminant levels, specifically using
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurley (File Nos. 18722 and 18897) and fatty acid and stable isotopes to examine
Commerce. Jennifer Skidmore (File Nos. 18722, diets and contaminant loads and how
ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications. 18897, 19425, 19497). they are affected by climate change.
Tissue samples would come from
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that remote biopsy sampling, captured
subject permits are requested under the
the following entities have applied in animals, and animals collected during
authority of the Marine Mammal
due form for a permit to receive, import, subsistence harvests. Samples would
Protection Act of 1972, as amended originate in the United States, Canada,
and export specimens of marine
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the and Greenland/Denmark. Cetacean and
mammals for scientific research:
regulations governing the taking and pinniped samples (up to 50 of each
File No. 18722: Cornell University,
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR species group per year, except for those
157 Biotechnology Building, Ithaca, NY
part 216), the Endangered Species Act of species specified below) would be
14850 [Responsible Party: Sharron
1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 analyzed, with a focus on the following
Mitchell, Ph.D.];
et seq.), the regulations governing the Arctic species: ringed seal (30 per year),
File No. 18897: Kathleen Colegrove,
taking, importing, and exporting of bearded seal (10 per year), and narwhal
Ph.D., University of Illinois, College of
endangered and threatened species (50 (10 per year). No takes of live animals
Veterinary Medicine, Zoological
CFR 222–226), and the Fur Seal Act of would be authorized under this permit.
Pathology Program, LUMC Room 0745,
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et The permit would be valid for five years
Building 101, 2160 South First Street,
seq.). after issuance.
Maywood, IL 60153;
File No. 18722: The applicant is File No. 19497: The applicant
File No. 19425: Melissa McKinney,
proposing to: (1) Import/export and proposes to receive, import, and export
Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Center
receive marine mammal DNA samples tissue and other specimen materials
for Environmental Sciences and
from dead beach-cast carcasses, and (2) (e.g., body fluids) to research the
Engineering, 3107 Horsebarn Hill Road,
receive, import/export specimens from etiologies and cofactors of emerging
U–4210, Storrs, CT 06269;
scientists in academic, federal, and state marine mammal infectious diseases,
File No. 19497: University of Florida,
institutions involved in marine mammal utilizing standard molecular and
Aquatic Animal Health Program,
research under their own permits. The sequencing approaches. Unlimited
College of Veterinary Medicine,
samples will be used for genotyping by samples from up to 300 individual
Gainesville, FL 32608 [Responsible
sequencing to analyze single nucleotide cetaceans and 700 individual pinnipeds
Party: Thomas Waltzek, Ph.D.].
polymorphisms in studies of genetic (excluding walrus) would be received,
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email variation. Unlimited samples from up to imported, or exported annually on an
comments must be received on or before 2000 pinnipeds (excluding walrus) and opportunistic basis. Samples would be
July 27, 2015. 2000 cetaceans would be received, obtained from the following marine
ADDRESSES: The applications and imported, or exported during the mammal sources: (1) Killed during legal
related documents are available for duration of this permit. This permit is U.S. or foreign subsistence harvests; (2)
review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for only for the import/export/receipt of stranded dead or that died during
Public Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ DNA samples. Import/export activities rehabilitation in foreign countries; (3)
box on the Applications and Permits for would occur world-wide. No live died incidental to commercial fishing
Protected Species (APPS) home page, animals would be harassed or taken, operations in foreign countries where
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then lethally or otherwise, under the such taking is legal; (4) died incidental
selecting the appropriate File No. from requested permit. The permit is to commercial fishing operations in the
the list of available applications. requested for a five-year period. U.S. where such taking is legal; (5) in
These documents are also available File No. 18897: The applicant is captivity where samples were taken as
upon written request or by appointment proposing to import marine mammal a result of routine husbandry
in the Permits and Conservation parts (bones and organ tissue samples) procedures or under separate permit;
Division, Office of Protected Resources, from: (1) Foreign animals either and (6) from other authorized
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room euthanized, found stranded, or in researchers or collections in academic,
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone captivity (including animals in rehab), federal, state or other institutions
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. or (2) animals captured/sampled by involved in marine mammal research in
Written comments on these other researchers under separate permits the U.S. or abroad. Samples collected
applications should be submitted to the for such activities. The purpose of the from stranded animals in the U.S. and
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Chief, Permits and Conservation proposed research includes diagnostic received under separate authorization
Division, at the address listed above. testing to determine the causes of may be exported and reimported. No
Comments may also be submitted by outbreaks or unusual natural mortalities takes of live animals are requested or
facsimile to (301) 713–0376, or by email and investigations into the ecology of would be permitted. The applicant has
to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. diseases in free-ranging animals or requested a five-year permit.
Please include the File No. in the unexpected mortalities in captive In compliance with the National
subject line of the email comment. populations. Unlimited samples from Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices 36769
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial to file a separate federal registration. If research permit to take hawksbill, olive
determination has been made that the applicable, vessel owners will be ridley, leatherback, loggerhead and
activities proposed are categorically notified of this simplified registration green sea turtles had been submitted by
excluded from the requirement to process when they apply for their state the above-named organization. The
prepare an environmental assessment or or Federal permit or license. requested permit has been issued under
environmental impact statement. Affected Public: Business or other for- the authority of the Endangered Species
Concurrent with the publication of profit organizations. Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16
this notice in the Federal Register, Frequency: Annually. U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the regulations
NMFS is forwarding copies of the Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. governing the taking, importing, and
applications to the Marine Mammal This information collection request exporting of endangered and threatened
Commission and its Committee of may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow species (50 CFR parts 222–226).
Scientific Advisors. the instructions to view Department of NMFS PIRO has been issued a five-
Commerce collections currently under year research permit to conduct research
Dated: June 23, 2015.
review by OMB. on sea turtles bycaught in three longline
Julia Harrison, Written comments and
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, fisheries in the Pacific Ocean around
recommendations for the proposed
Office of Protected Resources, National Hawaii and American Samoa to assess
information collection should be sent
Marine Fisheries Service. sea turtle post-hooking survival,
within 30 days of publication of this
[FR Doc. 2015–15753 Filed 6–25–15; 8:45 am] movements, and ecology in pelagic
notice to OIRA_Submission@
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P habitats. The permit authorizes
omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806.
examination, morphometrics, biological
Dated: June 22, 2015. sampling, and tagging of live sea turtles
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Sarah Brabson, and the collection of carcasses, tissues
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. and parts from dead sea turtles.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric [FR Doc. 2015–15681 Filed 6–25–15; 8:45 am] Authorized take numbers for these
Administration BILLING CODE 3510–22–P activities are consistent with the
number of turtle captures analyzed in
Submission for OMB Review; the incidental take statement of the
Comment Request DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE biological opinion prepared for each
The Department of Commerce will fishery.
submit to the Office of Management and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Issuance of this permit, as required by
Budget (OMB) for clearance the Administration the ESA, was based on a finding that
following proposal for collection of RIN 0648–XD505 such permit (1) was applied for in good
information under the provisions of the faith, (2) will not operate to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Endangered Species; File No. 18688 disadvantage of such endangered or
chapter 35). AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries threatened species, and (3) is consistent
Agency: National Oceanic and Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and with the purposes and policies set forth
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in section 2 of the ESA.
Title: Application for Commercial Dated: June 23, 2015.
Commerce.
Fisheries Authorization under Section
ACTION: Issuance of permit. Julia Harrison,
118 of the Marine Mammal Protection
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Act. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Office of Protected Resources, National
OMB Control Number: 0648–0293. NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office Marine Fisheries Service.
Form Number(s): None. (PIRO), 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite [FR Doc. 2015–15749 Filed 6–25–15; 8:45 am]
Type of Request: Regular (extension of 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814 [Responsible BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
a currently approved information Party: Michael Tosatto], has been issued
collection). a permit to take hawksbill
Number of Respondents: 600. (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley
Average Hours per Response: 15 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
(Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback
minutes. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
(Dermochelys imbricata), loggerhead
Burden Hours: 150. Administration
(Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia
Needs and Uses: This request is for
mydas) sea turtles for purposes of
extension of a currently approved Submission for OMB Review;
scientific research.
information collection. Comment Request
The Marine Mammal Protection Act ADDRESSES: The permit and related
requires any commercial fisherman documents are available for review The Department of Commerce will
operating in Category I and II fisheries upon written request or by appointment submit to the Office of Management and
to register for a certificate of in the Permits and Conservation Budget (OMB) for clearance the
authorization that will allow the Division, Office of Protected Resources, following proposal for collection of
fisherman to take marine mammals NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room information under the provisions of the
incidental to commercial fishing 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone: Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
operations. Category I and II fisheries (301) 427–8401; fax: (301) 713–0376. Chapter 35).
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
are those identified by NOAA as having FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Agency: National Oceanic and
either frequent or occasional takings of Amy Hapeman or Courtney Smith; Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
marine mammals. All states have phone: (301) 427–8401.
Title: List of Gear by Fisheries and
integrated the National Marine Fisheries SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
Fishery Management Council.
Service (NMFS) registration process into September 22, 2014, notice was
the existing state fishery registration published in the Federal Register (79 OMB Control Number: 0648–0346.
process and vessel owners do not need FR 56573) that a request for a scientific Form Number(s): None.
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 14:14:55
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 14:14:55
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice; receipt of applications. | |
| Dates | Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before July 27, 2015. | |
| Contact | The following Analysts at (301) 427- 8401: Rosa L. Gonz[aacute]lez (File No. 19497), Carrie Hubard (File No. 19425), Brendan Hurley (File Nos. 18722 and 18897) and Jennifer Skidmore (File Nos. 18722, 18897, 19425, 19497). | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 36768 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE00 |
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