Federal Register: November 24, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 225)
DOCID: fr24no09-27 FR Doc E9-28158
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN ID: RIN 0648-XT05
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr24no09-27
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Marine Mammals; File No. 14791
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before December 24, 2009.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).
SUMMARY:
Marine Mammals; File No. 14791; Application
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 primary research objective is to determine (1) natural behavioral patterns right whales exhibit to approaching vessels and (2) the ability of right whales to localize and detect vessels and other sounds in their environment. Researchers would conduct passive recording, attach a digital sound recording tag (DTAG) via suction cup, and collect samples of exhaled air and sloughed skin on up to 40 right whales per year. Up to 90 right whales may be incidentally harassed during the research. The research would take place along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and the permit would be issued for five years.
Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: November 19, 2009.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E928158 Filed 112309; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Kate Swails or Carrie Hubard, (301) 7132289.