82 FR 11180 - Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15682, 16094, 17845, 19627, 20197, 20452, 20341, and 20658
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 33 (February 21, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 33 (February 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 11180-11181 | |
| FR Document | 2017-03334 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 21, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 11180-11181] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-03334] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RINs 0648-XA888, 0648-XA599, 0648-XC599, 0648-XE469, 0648-XE684, 0648- XE773, 0648-XE913, and 0648-XE915 Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15682, 16094, 17845, 19627, 20197, 20452, 20341, and 20658 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit and permit amendments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits and permit amendments have been issued to the following entities: RIN 0648-XA888; Permit No. 15682-01: Mithriel MacKay, Ph.D., 1394 Alameda Ave., Spring Hill, FL 34609; RIN 0648-XA599; Permit No. 16094-04: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation, 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, AK 99811- 5526 (Responsible Party: Robert Small, Ph.D.); RIN 0648-XC599; Permit No. 17845-03: Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D., Keiki Kohola Project, 4945 Coral Way, Oxnard, CA 93035; RIN 0648-XE469; Permit No. 19627: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Room 207, Miami, FL 33149 (Responsible Party: Dr. Bonnie Ponwith); RIN 0648-XE684; Permit No. 20197: NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 025433 (Responsible Party: Dr. Jon Hare); RIN 0648-XE773; Permit No. 20341: Craig Matkin, North Gulf Oceanic Society, 3430 Main St., Suite B1, Homer, AK 99603; RIN 0648-XE913; Permit No. 20452: SMRU Consulting North America, LLC, P.O. Box 764, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; RIN 0648-XE915; Permit No. 20658: Joseph Wilson, 1st Augustine's Yard, Gaunts Lane, Bristol, BS1 5DE, United Kingdom; 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: Carrie Hubard (File Nos. 15682, 17845 and 20532), Sara Young (File Nos. 16094 and 20452), Shasta McClenahan (File Nos. 17845, 20532, and 20658), Amy Hapeman (File Nos. 19627, 20197, & 20658), and Erin Markin (File Nos. 19627, & 20197) at (301) 427-8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices were published in the Federal Register that requests for a permit or permit amendment had been submitted by the above-named applicants. The requested permits have been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), as applicable. Permit No. 15682-01: The original permit (No. 15682), issued on December 20, 2011 (77 FR 268, January 4, 2012) authorized Dr. MacKay up to 700 takes of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) annually in waters off Puerto Rico during vessel-based photo-identification, behavioral observation, and passive acoustic recording. The minor amendment (No. 15682-01) extends the duration of the permit through December 31, 2017, but does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. Permit No. 16094-04: The original permit (No. 16094), issued on September 20, 2011 (76 FR 61345, October 4, 2011) authorized the permit holder to conduct research on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) throughout their range in Alaska, including Southeast Alaska, Gulf of Alaska, and Bering Sea. Subsequent amendments were issued on March 28, 2012 (Permit No. 16094-01), June 1, 2012 (Permit No. 16094-02), and March 5, 2013 (Permit No. 16094-03). The minor amendment (No. 16094-04) extends the duration of the permit through December 31, 2017, but does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. Permit No. 17845-03: Permit No. 17845, issued on January 25, 2014 (79 FR 5382), authorizes Level A and B harassment of humpback whales during photo-identification, behavioral follows, and surface and underwater observations in Hawaii, Alaska, and California. Nine other cetacean species may be studied opportunistically and [[Page 11181]] two species of pinnipeds may be incidentally harassed. The permit amendment (81 FR 67997, October 3, 2016) authorizes Level B playbacks for humpback whales in Hawaii to estimate their hearing range using behavioral observation audiometry. The sounds will be presented to a maximum of 300 humpback whales and their behavioral responses will be measured through visual and acoustic recordings including an unmanned aerial system. Only humpback whales will be targeted for active playback, but incidental harassment to additional species may occur including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), melon headed whales (Peponocephala electra), and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). The permit is valid through January 31, 2019. Permit No. 19627: The requested permit (81 FR 12077, March 8, 2016) authorizes the permit holder to monitor and provide data on green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and olive ridley (L. olivacea) sea turtles that interact with commercial fisheries and other authorized activities in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. East Coast. Researchers may handle, photograph, measure, weigh, flipper and passive integrated transponder tag, tissue sample, and temporary carapace mark live sea turtles and salvage dead specimens legally taken during commercial fishing and other activities. The permit is valid through January 15, 2022. Permit No. 20197: The requested permit (81 FR 41296, June 24, 2016) authorizes researchers to collect data on green, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and unidentified sea turtles that interact with commercial fisheries in the U.S. Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Researchers may handle, photograph, measure, weigh, flipper tag, and tissue sample live sea turtles and salvage dead specimens legally taken in commercial fisheries. The permit is valid through January 15, 2022. Permit No. 20341: The requested permit (81 FR 59196, August 29, 2016) authorizes photo-identification, passive acoustics, morphometrics, biopsy sampling, and deployment of both suction cup and dart tagging in Alaskan waters for killer (Orcinus orca), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Baird's beaked (Berardius bairdii), Cuvier's beaked (Ziphius cavirostris), and Stejneger's beaked (Mesoplodon stenergeri) whales. Photogrammetry using unmanned aircraft systems may be used for killer whales. Prey remains may be collected from minke and gray whales, harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals, Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). The permit is valid through December 31, 2021. Permit No. 20452: The requested permit (81 FR 68406, October 4, 2016) authorizes a combination of land-based surveys and passive acoustic monitoring methods to characterize the fine-scale habitat use of harbor porpoise and pinnipeds in tidal inlets directed at harbor porpoises and harbor seals in Washington waters. Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) may also be taken by acoustic playbacks and UAS. Permit No. 20658: The requested permit (81 FR 70101, October 11, 2016) authorizes Mr. Wilson to film and photograph killer and Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) whales in McMurdo Sound and the Ross Sea for the production of a documentary film for Disneynature studio. Up to 60 whales of each species per year may be targeted and disturbed during aerial filming and photography. The permit is valid through December 31, 2018. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance of these permits and amendments were based on a finding that such permits and amendments: (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: February 15, 2017. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-03334 Filed 2-17-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![11180 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 33 / Tuesday, February 21, 2017 / Notices
part 216), the Endangered Species Act of Dated: February 15, 2017. Division, Office of Protected Resources,
1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 Julia Harrison, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
et seq.), the regulations governing the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
taking, importing, and exporting of Office of Protected Resources, National (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
endangered and threatened species (50 Marine Fisheries Service. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
CFR 222–226), and the Fur Seal Act of [FR Doc. 2017–03344 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am] Carrie Hubard (File Nos. 15682, 17845
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et BILLING CODE 3510–22–P and 20532), Sara Young (File Nos.
seq.). 16094 and 20452), Shasta McClenahan
AFSC’s Marine Mammal Laboratory (File Nos. 17845, 20532, and 20658),
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Amy Hapeman (File Nos. 19627, 20197,
requests a 5-year permit to monitor and
& 20658), and Erin Markin (File Nos.
evaluate cetacean trends, abundance, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 19627, & 20197) at (301) 427–8401.
distribution, and health in the North Administration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices
Pacific Ocean, Bering, Beaufort, and RINs 0648–XA888, 0648–XA599, 0648– were published in the Federal Register
Chukchi Seas, and in the Gulf of Maine XC599, 0648–XE469, 0648–XE684, 0648– that requests for a permit or permit
and mid-Atlantic waters. Up to 21 XE773, 0648–XE913, and 0648–XE915 amendment had been submitted by the
species of cetaceans may be targeted for above-named applicants. The requested
study including the following Marine Mammals and Endangered
permits have been issued under the
endangered or threatened species/ Species; File Nos. 15682, 16094, 17845,
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
stocks: Cook Inlet beluga 19627, 20197, 20452, 20341, and 20658
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
(Delphinapterus leucas), blue AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries regulations governing the taking and
(Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
physalus), sei (B. borealis), bowhead Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
(Balaena mysticetus), humpback Commerce. 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
(Megaptera novaeangliae), North Pacific ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit and et seq.), and the regulations governing
right (Eubalaena japonica), Southern permit amendments. the taking, importing, and exporting of
Resident killer (Orcinus orca), and endangered and threatened species (50
sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that CFR parts 222–226), as applicable.
whales. Research would involve aerial permits and permit amendments have Permit No. 15682–01: The original
surveys, vessel surveys, and captures. been issued to the following entities: permit (No. 15682), issued on December
Researchers would conduct manned and RIN 0648–XA888; Permit No. 15682– 20, 2011 (77 FR 268, January 4, 2012)
unmanned aerial surveys for counts, 01: Mithriel MacKay, Ph.D., 1394 authorized Dr. MacKay up to 700 takes
observations, photo-identification, Alameda Ave., Spring Hill, FL 34609; of humpback whales (Megaptera
photogrammetry, and video of RIN 0648–XA599; Permit No. 16094– novaeangliae) annually in waters off
04: Alaska Department of Fish and Puerto Rico during vessel-based photo-
cetaceans. Vessel surveys would be
Game, Wildlife Conservation, 1255 West identification, behavioral observation,
conducted for counts, biological
8th Street, Juneau, AK 99811–5526 and passive acoustic recording. The
sampling, observation, photo-
(Responsible Party: Robert Small, minor amendment (No. 15682–01)
identification, photogrammetry, video, Ph.D.); extends the duration of the permit
tagging, and/or acoustic playbacks of RIN 0648–XC599; Permit No. 17845– through December 31, 2017, but does
cetaceans. Non-listed beluga whale 03: Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D., Keiki not change any other terms or
stocks would be captured for health Kohola Project, 4945 Coral Way, conditions of the permit.
assessments involving a suite of Oxnard, CA 93035; Permit No. 16094–04: The original
biological sampling, acoustic playbacks, RIN 0648–XE469; Permit No. 19627: permit (No. 16094), issued on
and/or tagging prior to release. Up to NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science September 20, 2011 (76 FR 61345,
four mortalities of each beluga stock are Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Room October 4, 2011) authorized the permit
requested over the life of the permit for 207, Miami, FL 33149 (Responsible holder to conduct research on harbor
capture work. Seven pinniped species Party: Dr. Bonnie Ponwith); seals (Phoca vitulina) throughout their
including endangered Steller sea lions RIN 0648–XE684; Permit No. 20197: range in Alaska, including Southeast
(Eumetopias jubatus) may be harassed NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Alaska, Gulf of Alaska, and Bering Sea.
incidental to research. Please see the Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Subsequent amendments were issued on
take tables for numbers of animals MA 025433 (Responsible Party: Dr. Jon March 28, 2012 (Permit No. 16094–01),
requested by species. Hare); June 1, 2012 (Permit No. 16094–02), and
RIN 0648–XE773; Permit No. 20341: March 5, 2013 (Permit No. 16094–03).
In compliance with the National
Craig Matkin, North Gulf Oceanic The minor amendment (No. 16094–04)
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
Society, 3430 Main St., Suite B1, extends the duration of the permit
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial
Homer, AK 99603; through December 31, 2017, but does
determination has been made that the RIN 0648–XE913; Permit No. 20452:
activity proposed is categorically not change any other terms or
SMRU Consulting North America, LLC, conditions of the permit.
excluded from the requirement to P.O. Box 764, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; Permit No. 17845–03: Permit No.
prepare an environmental assessment or RIN 0648–XE915; Permit No. 20658: 17845, issued on January 25, 2014 (79
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
environmental impact statement. Joseph Wilson, 1st Augustine’s Yard, FR 5382), authorizes Level A and B
Concurrent with the publication of Gaunts Lane, Bristol, BS1 5DE, United harassment of humpback whales during
this notice in the Federal Register, Kingdom; photo-identification, behavioral follows,
NMFS is forwarding copies of the ADDRESSES: The permits and related and surface and underwater
application to the Marine Mammal documents are available for review observations in Hawaii, Alaska, and
Commission and its Committee of upon written request or by appointment California. Nine other cetacean species
Scientific Advisors. in the Permits and Conservation may be studied opportunistically and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 33 / Tuesday, February 21, 2017 / Notices 11181
two species of pinnipeds may be Stejneger’s beaked (Mesoplodon DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
incidentally harassed. The permit stenergeri) whales. Photogrammetry
amendment (81 FR 67997, October 3, using unmanned aircraft systems may National Oceanic and Atmospheric
2016) authorizes Level B playbacks for be used for killer whales. Prey remains Administration
humpback whales in Hawaii to estimate may be collected from minke and gray
their hearing range using behavioral whales, harbor porpoise (Phocoena RIN 0648–XF215
observation audiometry. The sounds phocoena), Dall’s porpoise
will be presented to a maximum of 300 Endangered Species; File No. 20315
(Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals,
humpback whales and their behavioral Pacific white-sided dolphins AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
responses will be measured through Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and
visual and acoustic recordings including Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).
an unmanned aerial system. Only Commerce.
humpback whales will be targeted for The permit is valid through December
31, 2021. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
active playback, but incidental
harassment to additional species may Permit No. 20452: The requested SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
occur including bottlenose dolphins permit (81 FR 68406, October 4, 2016) Kristen Hart, Ph.D., U.S. Geological
(Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins authorizes a combination of land-based Survey, 3205 College Ave., Davie,
(Stenella longirostris), false killer surveys and passive acoustic monitoring Florida, 33314 has applied in due form
whales (Pseudorca crassidens), melon methods to characterize the fine-scale for a permit to take green (Chelonia
headed whales (Peponocephala electra), habitat use of harbor porpoise and mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys
and short-finned pilot whales pinnipeds in tidal inlets directed at imbricata), and loggerhead (Caretta
(Globicephala macrorhynchus). The harbor porpoises and harbor seals in caretta) sea turtles for purposes of
permit is valid through January 31, Washington waters. Steller sea lions scientific research.
2019. (Eumetopias jubatus) and California sea
Permit No. 19627: The requested DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
lions (Zalophus californianus) may also comments must be received on or before
permit (81 FR 12077, March 8, 2016)
authorizes the permit holder to monitor be taken by acoustic playbacks and March 23, 2017.
and provide data on green (Chelonia UAS. ADDRESSES: The application and related
mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys Permit No. 20658: The requested documents are available for review by
imbricata), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys permit (81 FR 70101, October 11, 2016) selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public
kempii), leatherback (Dermochelys authorizes Mr. Wilson to film and Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on
coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), photograph killer and Antarctic minke the Applications and Permits for
and olive ridley (L. olivacea) sea turtles (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) whales in Protected Species (APPS) home page,
that interact with commercial fisheries McMurdo Sound and the Ross Sea for https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then
and other authorized activities in the the production of a documentary film selecting File No. 20315 from the list of
Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. East for Disneynature studio. Up to 60 available applications.
Coast. Researchers may handle, whales of each species per year may be These documents are also available
photograph, measure, weigh, flipper and targeted and disturbed during aerial upon written request or by appointment
passive integrated transponder tag, in the Permits and Conservation
filming and photography. The permit is
tissue sample, and temporary carapace Division, Office of Protected Resources,
valid through December 31, 2018.
mark live sea turtles and salvage dead NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
specimens legally taken during In compliance with the National 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
commercial fishing and other activities. Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
The permit is valid through January 15, U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final Written comments on this application
2022. determination has been made that the should be submitted to the Chief,
Permit No. 20197: The requested activities proposed are categorically Permits and Conservation Division, at
permit (81 FR 41296, June 24, 2016) excluded from the requirement to the address listed above. Comments may
authorizes researchers to collect data on prepare an environmental assessment or also be submitted by facsimile to (301)
green, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, environmental impact statement. 713–0376, or by email to
loggerhead, and unidentified sea turtles NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please
that interact with commercial fisheries As required by the ESA, as applicable,
issuance of these permits and include the File No. in the subject line
in the U.S. Northwest Atlantic Ocean. of the email comment.
Researchers may handle, photograph, amendments were based on a finding
Those individuals requesting a public
measure, weigh, flipper tag, and tissue that such permits and amendments: (1)
hearing should submit a written request
sample live sea turtles and salvage dead Were applied for in good faith; (2) will
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
specimens legally taken in commercial not operate to the disadvantage of such Division at the address listed above. The
fisheries. The permit is valid through endangered species; and (3) are request should set forth the specific
January 15, 2022. consistent with the purposes and reasons why a hearing on this
Permit No. 20341: The requested policies set forth in section 2 of the application would be appropriate.
permit (81 FR 59196, August 29, 2016) ESA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin
authorizes photo-identification, passive
Dated: February 15, 2017. Markin or Amy Hapeman, (301) 427–
acoustics, morphometrics, biopsy
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
sampling, and deployment of both Julia Harrison, 8401.
suction cup and dart tagging in Alaskan Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
waters for killer (Orcinus orca), gray Office of Protected Resources, National subject permit is requested under the
(Eschrichtius robustus), minke Marine Fisheries Service. authority of the Endangered Species Act
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Baird’s [FR Doc. 2017–03334 Filed 2–17–17; 8:45 am] of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C.
beaked (Berardius bairdii), Cuvier’s BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 1531 et seq.) and the regulations
beaked (Ziphius cavirostris), and governing the taking, importing, and
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 15:04:36
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 15:04:36
| 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 permit and permit amendments. | |
| Contact | Carrie Hubard (File Nos. 15682, 17845 and 20532), Sara Young (File Nos. 16094 and 20452), Shasta McClenahan (File Nos. 17845, 20532, and 20658), Amy Hapeman (File Nos. 19627, 20197, & 20658), and Erin Markin (File Nos. 19627, & 20197) at (301) 427-8401. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 11180 |
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