[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 51436] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-25163] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE [I.D. 090696H] Endangered Species; Permits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Issuance of permit 1015 and modification 2 to permit 885. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS issued Permit 1015 to Drs. Frank A. Chapman and Wallis H, Clark, Jr., of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida (P611), and modification 2 to Permit 885 to Mark B. Bain, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (P555), to take listed shortnose sturgeon for the purpose of scientific research subject to certain conditions set forth therein. ADDRESSES: The applications, permits, and related documents are available for review by appointment in the following offices: Office of Protected Resources, F/PR3, NMFS, 1315 East-West Hwy., Room 13307, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226 (301-713-1401); and Director, Northeast Region, NMFS, NOAA, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298 (508-281-9250) for Permit 885; or Director, Southeast Region, NMFS, NOAA, 9721 Executive Center Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 (813-893-3141) for Permit 1015. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice was published on June 6, 1996 (61 FR 28855) that Drs. Frank A. Chapman and Wallis H, Clark, Jr., of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida (P611), had applied for a permit to conduct scientific research on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), as authorized by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and NMFS regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR parts 217-222). The purpose of the research is to identify the physical, chemical, and biological parameters necessary for optimal survival and growth of shortnose sturgeon. Specific items to be studied are: salinity and temperature tolerance, nutrient requirements, embryonic development and metamorphosis, sex determination, and gonadal development and physiology. 200 shortnose sturgeon would be obtained from U.S. Fish and Wildlife hatcheries and transferred to the Permit Holders' facilities in Florida to be maintained in captivity. The fish would be PIT-tagged, anaesthetized, handled, have blood and tissue samples taken, and be spawned and progeny reared, in accordance with the application and current handling standards. On September 23, 1996, NMFS issued Permit 1015 for five years, authorizing the above research. On August 22, 1996, NMFS issued modification 2 to Permit 885 held by Mark B. Bain, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (P555), to take listed shortnose sturgeon as authorized by the ESA. The purpose of the authorized research is to study endangered shortnose sturgeon in the Hudson River downstream of Albany, NY. Data from this project will help to assess the potential impact to shortnose sturgeon from development activities in the Hudson River, and may provide insight on the complimentary management of shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. In addition, this project seeks to quantify the shortnose sturgeon population in the Hudson River. The applicant is authorized to collect, measure, weigh, and tag 5,000 shortnose sturgeon annually, and take blood and tissue samples from some fish. Two mortalities are authorized annually. Modification 2 authorizes the following: 1) Stomach sampling on 100 of the shortnose sturgeon, 2) attachment of sonic tags to 20 of the shortnose sturgeon, 3) sampling of muscle tissue, and 4) extension of the permit expiration date until December 31, 1998. Issuance of this permit and modification, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit and modification: (1) Were applied for in good faith, (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species that is the subject of the permit and modification, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: September 25, 1996. Robert C. Ziobro, Acting Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 96-25163 Filed 10-1-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F