Federal Register: September 17, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 179)
DOCID: fr17se07-31 FR Doc E7-18295
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN ID: RIN 0648-XC58
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr17se07-31
ACTION: Environmental statements; availability, etc.:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Marine Mammals; File No. 1039-1916
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before October 17, 2007.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Notice is hereby given that Ann Zoidis, Cetos Research Organization, 11 Des Isle Avenue, Bar Harbor, Maine, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals in Hawaii and the Gulf of Maine.
SUMMARY:
Marine mammal permit applications, determinations, etc.,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The subject permit is 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.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222226).
The applicant is requesting to study 17 species of cetaceans in
Hawaii and 10 species in the Gulf of Maine. The purpose of the research
is to expand ESA and nonESA listed species abundance, distribution,
and acoustic data. More specifically, this research would provide
information on diving and foraging behavior of cetaceans while acoustic
studies would contribute to data investigating the relationship between
repertoire, pod composition, and behavior. Research activities would
include vessel surveys, photoID, passive acoustic recording, and [[Page 52863]]
behavioral observations for all species. Furthermore, suctioncup
tagging of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera
physalus), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei (Balaenoptera
borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales would also occur.
Tagging of sei, minke, and sperm whales would be limited to adults and
subadults while all age classes, except neonates, of humpback and fin
whales would be tagged. Underwater videography of humpback whales in
Hawaii is also requested. No mortality is anticipated. The permit would be valid for 5 years from date of issuance.
Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: September 11, 2007.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E718295 Filed 91407; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Jaclyn Daly or Carrie Hubard, (301)7132289.