81 FR 59982 - Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15543-06, 15488-01, 15537-02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638, 20283
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 169 (August 31, 2016)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 169 (August 31, 2016)
| Page Range | 59982-59983 | |
| FR Document | 2016-20941 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 59982-59983] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-20941] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RINS 0648-XZ51, 0648-XA524, 0648-XA756, 0648-XD824, 0648-XE041, 0648- XE580, 0648-XE599, and 0648-XE622 Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15543-06, 15488- 01, 15537-02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638, 20283 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and amendments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits or permit amendments have been issued to the following entities: Permit No. 15543-06: Randy Wells, Ph.D., Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236; Permit No. 15488-01: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR), Wildlife Resources Division, 2070 U.S. Hwy 278 SE., Social Circle, GA 30025 (Dan Forster, Responsible Party); Permit No. 15537-02: Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), P.O. Box 207, Gulfport, MS 39502 (Moby Solangi, Ph.D., Responsible Party); Permit No. 18890: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, Alaska, 99811-5526 (Robert Small, Ph.D., Responsible Party); Permit No. 19091: NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), 8901 La Jolla Shore Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037, [Lisa Ballance, Ph.D., Responsible Party]; Permit No. 19116: Brandon Southall, Ph.D., Southall Environmental Services Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003; Permit No. 19638: Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093; and Permit No. 20283: Demian Chapman, Ph.D., School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794. ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore (Permit Nos. 15537- 02, 20283), Amy Sloan (Permit Nos. 15537-02, 15543-06, 18890, 19638), Carrie Hubard (Permit No. 15488-01), Amy Hapeman (Permit No. 19091), and Sara Young (Permit Nos. 19116 and 19638), (301) 427-8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices were published in the Federal Register that requests for a permit had been submitted by the above- named applicants, as applicable. The requested permits have been issued under the following authorities, as applicable: The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226). Permit No. 15543 (Dr. Wells) was issued on May 26, 2011 (76 FR 32144, June 3, 2011), authorizing research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Florida including photo-identification, behavioral studies, remote biopsy sampling, and captures for health assessments. The purpose of the research is to study population structure and dynamics, life history, social structure, genetic structure, health and physiology, and human interactions including assessments of oil spill impacts. The permit was amended on four occasions to add minor changes to protocols, and on one occasion via a major amendment (80 FR 23258, April 27, 2015) to expand the study area to include Alabama and Louisiana, and to add studies on Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The issued minor amendment (No. 15543-06) extends the duration of the permit through June 1, 2017, and adds the use of an alternative stable isotope and administration technique for physiology studies, but otherwise does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. Permit No. 15488 (GADNR) issued on June 24, 2011 (75 FR 75458, December [[Page 59983]] 3, 2010), authorizes research on North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) off the coast of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Activities include aerial surveys, vessel surveys, photo- identification, biopsy sampling, and behavioral observations. The purpose of the research is to monitor population status, demographics, habitat and anthropogenic impacts. The issued minor amendment (No. 15488-01) extends the duration of the permit through June 30, 2017, but does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. Permit No. 15537 (IMMS) was issued on October 5, 2011 (76 FR 63286, October 12, 2011), authorizing the acquisition of up to eight stranded, releasable California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) from the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program for the purposes of public display. Permit No. 15537 was amended on May 2, 2016 (81 FR 33217, May 25, 2016), in response to a Court-ordered remand of the permit to NMFS for reconsideration. IMMS v. NMFS, No. 1:11CV318-LG-JMR (S.D.Miss. 2014). Permit Condition B.3 was removed, Permit Condition B.2 was amended and the permit was extended for one year. The issued permit amendment (No. 15537-02) further extends the duration of permit through December 31, 2018, but does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. Permit No. 18890 (ADF&G; 80 FR 15992, March 26, 2015) authorizes research on beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray, and humpback whales in Alaska including photo- identification, biopsy sampling, and tagging (large whales and belugas) and aerial surveys and captures for health assessments (belugas, excluding the Cook Inlet Distinct Population Segment). Research studies include population abundance (beluga), stock structure (bowhead, gray, humpback, and beluga), feeding areas and other important habitats (all species), migration routes (all species), behavior relative to human disturbance (all species), and to genetically identify individuals in order to determine survival and calving intervals (belugas). Ice seals may be incidentally captured or harassed during research. Biological samples may be imported or exported for analysis. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Permit No. 19091 (SWFSC; 80 FR 45196, July 29, 2015) authorizes research on over 55 species of marine mammals and five species of sea turtles in all oceans of the world, with special focus on the eastern Pacific Ocean. The purpose of this research is to determine the abundance, distribution, movement patterns, dive behavior, demography and stock structure, and to monitor trends in recruitment of pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea turtles in U.S. territorial and international waters. Researchers may conduct ground, vessel, and aerial surveys for observation, photogrammetry, photo-identification, biological sampling, and tagging animals. A request to use fully implantable satellite tags for cetaceans was denied. Researchers also may salvage and receive/ import/export specimens and biological samples of these species. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Permit No. 19116 (Dr. Southall; 81 FR 29847, May 13, 2016) authorizes research involving studies of sound production, diving and other behavior, and responses to sound of sixteen species of marine mammals, including endangered species. This study involves close approaches, attachment of tags, and sound exposure. Small fragments of sloughed skin, which often remain attached to retrieved tags, would be used for genetic analyses. Target species include beaked whales and other odontocetes, key baleen whales, and pinniped species for whom such data have not been previously obtained; other marine species may be incidentally harassed. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Permit No. 19638 (Dr. Ponganis; 81 FR 29846, May 13, 2016) authorizes research to determine the role of blood oxygen store depletion in the dive behavior and foraging ecology of California sea lions on San Nicolas Island, California. Lactating females would be captured, flipper tagged, anesthetized, and equipped with a venous or arterial blood oxygen recorder, a velocity-acceleration-depth recorder, kinematic recorders, intravascular lactate sensor, or intravascular thermistor probe during foraging trips to sea. Animals would be recaptured after the foraging trip to remove the recorders. The pups of the females would also be captured and marked for ID purposes. Other pinnipeds may be incidentally harassed. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Permit No. 20283 (Dr. Chapman; 81 FR 33212, May 25, 2016) authorizes the import of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) samples obtained from the Hong Kong fish market in order to assess global trade of shark fins through genetic analysis. Samples from up to 200 individuals would be imported to the Florida International University for analysis. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, with the exception of File No. 19116. For File No. 19116, an environmental assessment (EA) was prepared analyzing the effects of the permitted activities on the human environment in compliance with NEPA. Based on the analyses in the EA, NMFS determined that issuance of the permit would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment and that preparation of an environmental impact statement was not required. That determination is documented in a Finding of No Significant Impact, signed on July 8, 2016. As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance of these permits were based on a finding that such permits: (1) Were applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: August 25, 2016. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-20941 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![59982 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices
Average Hours per Response: 0.67. Written comments and Permit No. 20283: Demian Chapman,
Burden Hours: 42,700. recommendations for the proposed Ph.D., School of Marine and
Needs and Uses: The SIPP is a information collection should be sent Atmospheric Science, Stony Brook
household-based survey designed as within 30 days of publication of this University, Stony Brook, NY 11794.
continuous series of national panels. notice to OIRA_Submission@ ADDRESSES: The permits and related
The SIPP represents a source of omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. documents are available for review
information for a wide variety of topics upon written request or by appointment
Dated: August 25, 2016.
and allows the integration of in the Permits and Conservation
information for separate topics to form Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Division, Office of Protected Resources,
a single, unified database allowing for NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
the examination of the interaction Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016–20902 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am]
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
between tax, transfer, and other (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
government and private policies. BILLING CODE 3510–07–P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Government domestic policy
Jennifer Skidmore (Permit Nos. 15537–
formulators depend heavily upon SIPP
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 02, 20283), Amy Sloan (Permit Nos.
information concerning the distribution
15537–02, 15543–06, 18890, 19638),
of income received either directly as
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Carrie Hubard (Permit No. 15488–01),
money or indirectly as in-kind benefits
and the effect of tax and transfer Administration Amy Hapeman (Permit No. 19091), and
programs on that distribution. They also RINS 0648–XZ51, 0648–XA524, 0648–XA756,
Sara Young (Permit Nos. 19116 and
need improved and expanded data on 0648–XD824, 0648–XE041, 0648–XE580, 19638), (301) 427–8401.
the income and general economic and 0648–XE599, and 0648–XE622 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices
financial situation of the U.S. were published in the Federal Register
population, which the SIPP has Marine Mammals and Endangered that requests for a permit had been
provided on a continuing basis since Species; File Nos. 15543–06, 15488–01, submitted by the above-named
1983. The SIPP has measured levels of 15537–02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638, applicants, as applicable. The requested
economic well-being and permitted 20283 permits have been issued under the
measurement of changes in these levels following authorities, as applicable: The
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
over time. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
The 2014 SIPP interview includes a as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
portion conducted using an Event regulations governing the taking and
Commerce.
History Calendar (EHC) that facilitates importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and
the collection of dates of events and part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
amendments. 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
spells of coverage. The EHC assists the
respondent’s ability to recall events SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that et seq.), and the regulations governing
accurately over the one year reference permits or permit amendments have the taking, importing, and exporting of
period and provides increased data been issued to the following entities: endangered and threatened species (50
quality and inter-topic consistency for Permit No. 15543–06: Randy Wells, CFR parts 222–226).
dates reported by respondents. The EHC Ph.D., Sarasota Dolphin Research Permit No. 15543 (Dr. Wells) was
is intended to help respondents recall Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, issued on May 26, 2011 (76 FR 32144,
information in a more natural 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, June 3, 2011), authorizing research on
‘‘autobiographical’’ manner by using life FL 34236; bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
events as triggers to recall other Permit No. 15488–01: Georgia truncatus) in Florida including photo-
economic events. The EHC was Department of Natural Resources identification, behavioral studies,
previously used in the 2010–2013 SIPP– (GADNR), Wildlife Resources Division, remote biopsy sampling, and captures
EHC field tests in addition to 2014 Panel 2070 U.S. Hwy 278 SE., Social Circle, for health assessments. The purpose of
Waves 1 and 2. The 2014 Panel SIPP GA 30025 (Dan Forster, Responsible the research is to study population
design does not contain freestanding Party); structure and dynamics, life history,
topical modules; however, a portion of Permit No. 15537–02: Institute for social structure, genetic structure,
traditional SIPP topical module content Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), P.O. health and physiology, and human
is integrated into the 2014 SIPP Panel Box 207, Gulfport, MS 39502 (Moby interactions including assessments of oil
interview. Examples of this content Solangi, Ph.D., Responsible Party); spill impacts. The permit was amended
include questions on medical expenses, Permit No. 18890: Alaska Department on four occasions to add minor changes
child care, retirement and pension plan of Fish and Game (ADFG), 1255 West to protocols, and on one occasion via a
coverage, marital history, adult and 8th Street, Juneau, Alaska, 99811–5526 major amendment (80 FR 23258, April
child well-being, and others. (Robert Small, Ph.D., Responsible 27, 2015) to expand the study area to
Affected Public: Respondents, Party); include Alabama and Louisiana, and to
researchers, policymakers. Permit No. 19091: NMFS Southwest add studies on Atlantic spotted
Frequency: The 2014 SIPP Panel is an Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), 8901 dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The issued
annual survey that runs for four years La Jolla Shore Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037, minor amendment (No. 15543–06)
consecutively. [Lisa Ballance, Ph.D., Responsible extends the duration of the permit
through June 1, 2017, and adds the use
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Party];
Legal Authority: Title 13, United Permit No. 19116: Brandon Southall, of an alternative stable isotope and
States Code, Sections 141 and 182. Ph.D., Southall Environmental Services administration technique for physiology
This information collection request Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, studies, but otherwise does not change
may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. CA 95003; any other terms or conditions of the
Follow the instructions to view Permit No. 19638: Paul Ponganis, permit.
Department of Commerce collections Ph.D., University of California at San Permit No. 15488 (GADNR) issued on
currently under review by OMB. Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093; and June 24, 2011 (75 FR 75458, December
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices 59983
3, 2010), authorizes research on North the abundance, distribution, movement analysis. The permit is valid for two
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena patterns, dive behavior, demography years from the date of issuance.
glacialis) off the coast of Georgia, and stock structure, and to monitor In compliance with the National
Florida, and South Carolina. Activities trends in recruitment of pinnipeds, Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
include aerial surveys, vessel surveys, cetaceans, and sea turtles in U.S. U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final
photo-identification, biopsy sampling, territorial and international waters. determination has been made that the
and behavioral observations. The Researchers may conduct ground, activities proposed are categorically
purpose of the research is to monitor vessel, and aerial surveys for excluded from the requirement to
population status, demographics, observation, photogrammetry, photo- prepare an environmental assessment or
habitat and anthropogenic impacts. The identification, biological sampling, and environmental impact statement, with
issued minor amendment (No. 15488– tagging animals. A request to use fully the exception of File No. 19116.
01) extends the duration of the permit implantable satellite tags for cetaceans For File No. 19116, an environmental
through June 30, 2017, but does not was denied. Researchers also may assessment (EA) was prepared analyzing
change any other terms or conditions of salvage and receive/import/export the effects of the permitted activities on
the permit. specimens and biological samples of the human environment in compliance
Permit No. 15537 (IMMS) was issued these species. The permit is valid for with NEPA. Based on the analyses in
on October 5, 2011 (76 FR 63286, five years from the date of issuance. the EA, NMFS determined that issuance
October 12, 2011), authorizing the Permit No. 19116 (Dr. Southall; 81 FR of the permit would not significantly
acquisition of up to eight stranded, 29847, May 13, 2016) authorizes impact the quality of the human
releasable California sea lions (Zalophus research involving studies of sound environment and that preparation of an
californianus) from the NMFS Marine production, diving and other behavior, environmental impact statement was
Mammal Health and Stranding and responses to sound of sixteen not required. That determination is
Response Program for the purposes of species of marine mammals, including documented in a Finding of No
public display. Permit No. 15537 was endangered species. This study involves Significant Impact, signed on July 8,
amended on May 2, 2016 (81 FR 33217, close approaches, attachment of tags, 2016.
May 25, 2016), in response to a Court- and sound exposure. Small fragments of As required by the ESA, as applicable,
ordered remand of the permit to NMFS sloughed skin, which often remain issuance of these permits were based on
for reconsideration. IMMS v. NMFS, No. attached to retrieved tags, would be a finding that such permits: (1) Were
1:11CV318–LG–JMR (S.D.Miss. 2014). used for genetic analyses. Target species applied for in good faith; (2) will not
Permit Condition B.3 was removed, include beaked whales and other operate to the disadvantage of such
Permit Condition B.2 was amended and odontocetes, key baleen whales, and endangered species; and (3) are
the permit was extended for one year. pinniped species for whom such data consistent with the purposes and
The issued permit amendment (No. policies set forth in section 2 of the
have not been previously obtained;
15537–02) further extends the duration ESA.
other marine species may be
of permit through December 31, 2018,
incidentally harassed. The permit is Dated: August 25, 2016.
but does not change any other terms or
valid for five years from the date of Julia Harrison,
conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 18890 (ADF&G; 80 FR issuance. Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
15992, March 26, 2015) authorizes Permit No. 19638 (Dr. Ponganis; 81 FR Office of Protected Resources, National
research on beluga (Delphinapterus 29846, May 13, 2016) authorizes Marine Fisheries Service.
leucas), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), research to determine the role of blood [FR Doc. 2016–20941 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am]
gray, and humpback whales in Alaska oxygen store depletion in the dive BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
including photo-identification, biopsy behavior and foraging ecology of
sampling, and tagging (large whales and California sea lions on San Nicolas
belugas) and aerial surveys and captures Island, California. Lactating females DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
for health assessments (belugas, would be captured, flipper tagged,
excluding the Cook Inlet Distinct anesthetized, and equipped with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Population Segment). Research studies venous or arterial blood oxygen Administration
include population abundance (beluga), recorder, a velocity-acceleration-depth
recorder, kinematic recorders, United States Global Change Research
stock structure (bowhead, gray, Program (USGCRP)
humpback, and beluga), feeding areas intravascular lactate sensor, or
and other important habitats (all intravascular thermistor probe during AGENCY: National Oceanic and
species), migration routes (all species), foraging trips to sea. Animals would be Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
behavior relative to human disturbance recaptured after the foraging trip to United States Global Change Research
(all species), and to genetically identify remove the recorders. The pups of the Program (USGCRP).
individuals in order to determine females would also be captured and ACTION: Request for public nominations.
survival and calving intervals (belugas). marked for ID purposes. Other
Ice seals may be incidentally captured pinnipeds may be incidentally harassed. Context: The U.S. Global Change
or harassed during research. Biological The permit is valid for five years from Research Program (USGCRP) is
samples may be imported or exported the date of issuance. mandated under the Global Change
for analysis. The permit is valid for five Permit No. 20283 (Dr. Chapman; 81 Research Act (GCRA) of 1990 to conduct
years from the date of issuance. FR 33212, May 25, 2016) authorizes the a quadrennial National Climate
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Permit No. 19091 (SWFSC; 80 FR import of scalloped hammerhead shark Assessment (NCA). Under its current
45196, July 29, 2015) authorizes (Sphyrna lewini) samples obtained from decadal strategic plan (http://
research on over 55 species of marine the Hong Kong fish market in order to go.usa.gov/3qGU4) USGCRP is building
mammals and five species of sea turtles assess global trade of shark fins through sustained assessment capacity. The
in all oceans of the world, with special genetic analysis. Samples from up to sustained assessment supports the
focus on the eastern Pacific Ocean. The 200 individuals would be imported to Nation’s ability to understand,
purpose of this research is to determine the Florida International University for anticipates, and responds to risks and
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Document Created: 2018-02-02 12:15:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 12:15:14
| 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; issuance of permits and amendments. | |
| Contact | Jennifer Skidmore (Permit Nos. 15537- 02, 20283), Amy Sloan (Permit Nos. 15537-02, 15543-06, 18890, 19638), Carrie Hubard (Permit No. 15488-01), Amy Hapeman (Permit No. 19091), and Sara Young (Permit Nos. 19116 and 19638), (301) 427-8401. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 59982 |
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