Notice2022-00496
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) for activities conducted under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and addresses of recipients.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3281-3283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00496]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XB707]
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have
been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) for activities conducted
under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine
mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and
addresses of recipients.
ADDRESSES: The LOCs and related documents are available for review upon
written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f2bcbfb4a1dca280c3b19d9f9f979c8681b29c9d9393dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2fcfff4e19ce2c083f1dddfdfd7dcc6c1f2dcddd3d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman (LOC Nos. 24033, 25471,
25529, and 25638), Carrie Hubard (LOC Nos. 20346, 24045, 24067, 25527,
and 25574), Erin Markin (LOC No. 23796), Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. (LOC
No. 23069), Courtney Smith, Ph.D. (LOC Nos. 19540 and 22587), and Sara
Young (LOC Nos. 20386, 25751 and 25811) at the email listed above or
301-427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested LOCs have been issued under
the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The General
Authorization allows for bona fide scientific research that may result
only in taking by Level B harassment of marine mammals. The following
LOCs were issued in Fiscal Year 2021 (October 1, 2020-September 30,
2021).
File No. 24033: Issued to Eric Montie, Ph.D., University of South
Carolina Beaufort, One University Boulevard, Bluffton, South Carolina
29909, on October 23, 2020. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys
for behavioral observations, photo-identification, passive acoustics,
and photography/videography of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
in the coastal waters of Bluffton and Hilton Head, South Carolina. The
objectives of the research are to better understand the acoustic
ecology of bottlenose dolphins and their prey and to estimate the
carrying capacity of bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina and its
relation to water quality. The LOC replaces No. 20066 on April 1, 2021
and expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 24067: Issued to Jacqueline Bucsa, George Mason
University, 1450 Exploratory Hall, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, on January
28, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for behavioral
observations and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in the
lower Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia. The objectives of
the research are to develop an understanding of prey selection by
bottlenose dolphins, specifically mother-calf pairs, and to examine how
they meet their unique, high energy demands. The LOC expires on January
31, 2023.
File No. 24045: Issued to Jeremy Kiszka, Ph.D., Florida
International University, 3000 NE 151st Street, Marine Science
Building, Room 250D, North Miami, Florida 33181 on February 10, 2021.
This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for photo-identification,
photography, videography, and behavioral observations of bottlenose and
Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins. Research may occur in
Biscayne Bay and coastal waters of Broward and Miami Dade counties,
Florida out to 200 m depth. The objectives of the research are to
examine the distribution, behavior and abundance of dolphins in the
study area. The LOC expires on February 10, 2024.
File No. 23069: Issued to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor
Branch Oceanographic Institute, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida
33431 (Responsible Party [RP]: Daniel Flynn, Ph.D.; Principal
Investigator [PI]: Steven Burton) on March 16, 2021. This LOC
authorizes monthly vessel-based photo-identification and observational
surveys of cetaceans in Florida for research projects involving
cetacean biology, ecology, behavior, social structure, health, and
anthropogenic activities. The authorized research area includes
intercoastal and coastal waters of Florida from Sebastian Inlet to
Jupiter Inlet, including the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic
Ocean. Authorized species include Atlantic spotted, bottlenose,
pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), Risso's (Grampus griseus),
and rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis) dolphins; and humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae), long-finned pilot (Globicephala macrorhynchus), pygmy
[[Page 3282]]
sperm (Kogia breviceps), and short-finned pilot (G. melas) whales. The
LOC expires on March 31, 2026.
File No. 23796: Issued to Quincy Gibson, Ph.D., University of North
Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32266, on March 17, 2021.
This LOC authorizes vessel-based research surveys to include close
approach, photo-identification, behavioral observations, videography,
passive acoustic recording, and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins
within estuarine waters of Northeast Florida. Specifically, the
authorized area includes the inland waterways of the St. Johns River
from the river mouth at Mayport to approximately 40 kilometers upriver
to Hart Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway from the Florida-Georgia
border at St. Mary's Inlet south to Palm Valley Bridge in Ponte Vedra,
Florida. The objective of the research is to continue a 10-year photo-
identification study of bottlenose dolphins, focusing on biology,
ecology, behavior, social structure, and health. The LOC expires on
March 31, 2026.
File No. 20386: This LOC, held by Golden Gate Cetacean Research, 9
Edgemar Way, Corte Madera, California 94925 (RP: William Keener, J.D.;
PI: Isidore Szczepaniak), was extended on March 30, 2021, for one year.
The LOC authorizes vessel surveys for close-approach, photo-
identification, and behavioral observations of harbor porpoises
(Phocoena phocoena) and bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay through
northern California waters, including San Francisco Bay, and Kachemak
Bay, Alaska. The purpose of the research is to collect photographic and
observational data on the distribution and occurrence of harbor
porpoise in San Francisco Bay and to track the movements of California
coastal bottlenose dolphins to the northern limits of their range, as
well as conduct a comparative study with harbor porpoises in Kachemak
Bay, Alaska. The objectives of the research will not change. The
extended LOC expires on July 31, 2022.
File No. 25471: Issued to Andrew Read, Ph.D., Duke University, 135
Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, on April 02, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel-based surveys for close approach, photo-
identification, behavioral observations, and focal follows for 22
species of cetaceans: Atlantic spotted, bottlenose, clymene (Stenella
clymene), common short-beaked (Delphinus delphis), Fraser's
(Lagenodelphis hosei), pantropical spotted, rough-toothed, Risso's,
rough-toothed, spinner (Stenella longirostris), and striped (Stenella
coeruleoalba) dolphins; harbor porpoise; Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris)
and Mesoplodon spp. beaked whales; dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (Kogia
breviceps) sperm whales; and false killer (Pseudorca crassidens),
killer (Orcinus orca), melon-headed (Peponocephala electra), minke
whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pygmy killer (Feresa attenuata),
and short- and long-finned pilot whales. Research may occur in waters
off the Florida/Georgia border, the South Carolina/North Carolina
border, and from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina up to Norfolk Canyon,
Virginia. The objective of the research is to provide baseline data on
the density, abundance, distribution, behavior and seasonal movements
of cetaceans. The LOC replaces No. 19903 on May 1, 2021 and expires on
April 30, 2026.
File No. 25529: Issued to Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D., Ocean
Conservation Society, P.O. Box 12860, Marina del Ray, California 90295,
on April 6, 2021, to take effect on August 16, 2021. This LOC
authorizes vessel surveys of 17 species of marine mammals for close
approach, counts, photo-identification, photography/videography,
underwater photography/videography, behavioral observations, and focal
follows within Santa Monica Bay and adjacent California waters. Species
include: Bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Eastern North
Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoises, harbor
seals (Phoca vitulina), killer whales, long-beaked common dolphins
(Delphinus capensis), minke whales, northern elephant seals (Mirounga
angustirostris), northern right whale dolphins (Lissodelphis borealis),
Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), Risso's
dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, and
striped dolphins. The objective of the research is to continue the
long-term study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals in the
action area. The LOC expires on August 1, 2026.
File No. 19540: This LOC, held by Shannon Gowans, Ph.D., Eckerd
College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711, was
extended on May 28, 2021, for approximately one year. The LOC
authorizes vessel-based behavioral observations, photo-identification,
and passive acoustic recording of bottlenose, rough-toothed, and
Atlantic spotted dolphins in Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters. The
objectives of the research will not change. The extended LOC expires on
May 31, 2022.
File No. 25527: Issued to Zach McKenna, St. Augustine Dolphin
Research, 1093 A1a Beach Blvd. #430, St. Augustine, Florida 32080, on
June 1, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys for close
approach, photo-identification, behavioral observations, videography,
and passive acoustic recordings of bottlenose dolphins. Research may
occur in inland Florida waters from the St. Johns River-Intracoastal
Waterway boundary south to Marineland. The objectives of the research
are to identify and refine dolphin stock units in Florida, assess
regional population biology and behavioral ecology, and document
dolphin survival threats (e.g., human-caused entanglements and
injuries). The LOC expires on May 31, 2026.
File No. 25638: Issued to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (PI: Lisa
Oliver), 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, Florida 33767, on July 6,
2021. This LOC authorizes vessel and aerial-based surveys on bottlenose
dolphins for acoustic, passive recording, photo-identification,
behavioral observations, count/survey, and photography/videography.
Research may occur in the estuarine and coastal waters of West Central
Florida. The objective of the research is to continue a longitudinal
study on the home ranges, distribution, population abundance, site
fidelity, and reproductive success of bottlenose dolphins. The LOC
expires on July 15, 2026.
File No. 22587: Issued to Dolphin Research Center (PI: Armando
Rodriguez), P.O. Box 522875, Marathon Shores, FL 33052, on August 4,
2021. This amended LOC (No. 22587-01) authorizes the use of unmanned
aerial systems (UAS) for breath sampling, photography, and
photogrammetry of bottlenose dolphins in the middle Florida Keys. The
new objective of the research is to enhance the current vessel-based
photo-identification field study by collecting morphometric and DNA
information of dolphins. The LOC expires on February 15, 2024.
File No. 25751: Issued to Shoals Marine Laboratory (PI: Andrea
Bogomolni, Ph.D.), University of New Hampshire, 24 Colovos Road,
Durham, New Hampshire 03824, on August 24, 2021. This LOC authorizes
vessel surveys, photo-identification, counts, and behavioral and
monitoring observations of gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor seals
in Maine and New Hampshire waters. The objectives of the research are
to monitor changes in number and distribution of seals, re-sight of
unique individuals, document use of the area by mother-pup pairs,
visually assess health of individuals, and monitor the effects of human
[[Page 3283]]
disturbance on seals. The LOC expires on August 31, 2026.
File No. 25811: Issued to the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems
Command Atlantic (RP: Deanna Rees; PI: Danielle Jones), 6506 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508. This LOC authorizes close approach,
counts, unintentional disturbance, photo-identification, photography/
videography, and behavioral observations of harbor and gray seals via
vessel surveys, ground surveys, and UAS along the coast of Virginia.
Harp seals may be observed during research. The objective of the
research is to collect data on pinniped occurrence, movement, habitat
use, and haul-out patterns at known haul-out areas near the lower
Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore, Virginia. The LOC expires on
September 30, 2026.
File No. 20346: This LOC, held by Ann Weaver, Ph.D., Good-natured
Statistics Consulting, P.O. Box 8732, St Petersburg, Florida 33738, was
extended on September 13, 2021, while the holder's new application
(File No. 25957) is in process. The LOC authorizes vessel-based
research of bottlenose dolphins, including abundance surveys,
behavioral observations, photography and video in and around a 6.5-mile
stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway near John's Pass, Florida. The
objectives of the research would not change. The extended LOC expires
on September 1, 2022, or until a decision is made on the new
application, whichever occurs first.
File No. 25574: Issued to Wendy Noke Durden, Hubbs-Sea World
Research Institute, 3830 South Highway A1A #4-181, Melbourne Beach,
Florida 32951, on September 23, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based
surveys and UAS flights for photo-identification, behavioral
observations, focal follows, passive acoustic recordings, and breath
sampling of bottlenose dolphins. Research may occur in the inland
waters along the east coast of Florida from northernmost limits of
Flagler County to Jupiter Inlet, including the Indian River Lagoon,
with a focus on Mosquito Lagoon and the Halifax River estuary. The
objective of the research is to evaluate the abundance, stock
association, distribution, residency, social structure, population
dynamics, habitat use, health, demography, behavior, anthropogenic
interactions, and contact calls of dolphins within the study area. The
LOC expires on September 30, 2026.
File No. 25895: Issued to Jacalyn Sullivan, Stockton University,
101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey 08205, on October 29,
2021. This LOC authorizes UAS surveys of harbor seals for count/survey,
behavioral observation monitoring, photo-identification, and
videography. The objective of the research is to determine temporal
patterns of harbor seal habitat use in Great Bay, New Jersey,
population size, and shifts over time as a nearby wind farm becomes
operational. The LOC expires on October 31, 2026.
File No. 25835: Issued to Tampa Bay Watch (PI: Savannah Gandee),
3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715, on December
21, 2021. This LOC authorizes vessel-based surveys of bottlenose
dolphins for behavioral observations, photo-identification, passive
acoustics, count/survey, and photography/videography in Tampa Bay. The
objective of the research is to provide an updated account of the
common bottlenose dolphin population that utilizes understudied regions
of Tampa Bay for management and conservation purposes. The LOC expires
on December 31, 2021.
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 are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare
an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
Dated: January 7, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00496 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on January 21, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.