[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 73 (Thursday, April 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18891-18893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10139]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 040998C]


Endangered Species; Permits

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Receipt of applications for scientific research permits (1140, 
1141, and 1143). Issuance of scientific research permits (1067, 1069, 
1081, 1093, 1112, and 1123) and modifications to scientific research 
permits (1025, 1027, 1039, and 1044).

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have 
applied in due form for permits that would authorize takes of an 
endangered or threatened species for scientific research purposes: 
Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center 
, NMFS at Seattle, WA (NWFSC) (1140); Public utility District No. 2 of 
Grant County at Ephrata, WA (PUDGC)(1141); and the Washington State 
Department of Natural Resources at Olympia, WA (DNR) (1143).
    Notice is also given that NMFS has issued scientific research 
permits that authorize takes of ESA-listed species for the purpose of 
scientific research and/or enhancement, subject to certain conditions 
set forth therein, to: NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) 
(1112); the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab (NFWFL) (1123); 
California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA (CDFG) (1067); 
Rellim Redwood Co. (1069); Redwood National and State Parks, Orick, CA 
(RNSP) (1081); and Dr. Walter Duffy, California Cooperative Fishery 
Research Unit, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA (CCFRU) (1093).
    Notice is further given that NMFS issued an amendment to a permit 
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (1027) and modifications to 
permits to: Natural Resources Management Corp., Eureka, CA (NRMC) 
(1039); and NMFS, SWFSC (1044).

DATES: Written comments or requests for a public hearing on any of 
these applications must be received on or before May 18, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for 
review in the following offices, by appointment:
    For permits 1140, 1141, and 1143: Protected Resources Division, F/
NWO3, NMFS, 525 NE Oregon Street, Suite 500,

[[Page 18892]]

Portland, OR 97232-4169 (503-230-5400).
    For permits 1025, 1027, 1039, 1044, 1067, 1069, 1081, 1093, and 
1112: Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, NOAA, 777 Sonoma Avenue 
Room 325, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707-575-6050).
    For permit 1123: Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species 
Division, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226 
(301-713-1401).
    All documents may also be reviewed by appointment in the Office of 
Protected Resources, F/PR3, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910-3226 (301-713-1401).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For permits 1140, 1141, and 1143: Tom 
Lichatowich, Portland, OR (503-230-5438).
    For permits 1025, 1027, 1039, 1044, 1067, 1069, 1081, 1093, and 
1112: Thomas Hablett, Protected Resources Division, Santa Rosa, CA 
(707-575-6066).
    For permit 1123: Terri Jordan, Endangered Species Division, Office 
of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD (301-713-1401).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority

    Permits are requested under the authority of section 10 of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and the NMFS 
regulations governing ESA-listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR 
parts 217-227).
    Those individuals requesting a hearing on these requests for 
permits should set out the specific reasons why a hearing would be 
appropriate (see ADDRESSES). The holding of such a hearing is at the 
discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA. All 
statements and opinions contained in the above application summaries 
are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect the views of 
NMFS.
    Issuance of these permits, modifications, and amendments, as 
required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permits, 
modifications, and amendments: (1) Were applied for in good faith; (2) 
would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species which are 
the subject of the permits; and (3) are consistent with the purposes 
and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. These permits, 
modifications, and amendments were also issued in accordance with and 
are subject to parts 217-222 of Title 50 CFR, the NMFS regulations 
governing listed species permits.

Species Covered in This Notice

    chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
    coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
    sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
    steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Applications Received

    NWFSC (1140) requests a 5-year permit for a direct take of 
juvenile, endangered, Snake River fall chinook salmon and juvenile, 
threatened, southern Oregon/northern California (SONCC) coho salmon 
associated with a research study designed to assess the relationship 
between environmental variables, selected anthropogenic stresses, and 
bacterial and parasitic pathogens on disease-induced mortality of 
juvenile salmon in selected coastal estuaries in OR and WA. The results 
of this proposed study will benefit ESA-listed species by providing a 
better understanding of how environmental factors influence disease. 
NWFSC proposes to collect juvenile coho and chinook salmon with seines 
and fyke nets in the Elk and Columbia River estuaries. The fish would 
be lethally taken and analyzed for pathogen prevalence and intensity, 
chemical analyses, histopathology, and stomach contents. Incidental 
takes and incidental mortalities of juvenile, endangered, naturally-
produced and artificially-propagated, upper Columbia River steelhead; 
juvenile, threatened, lower Columbia River steelhead; juvenile, 
threatened, Snake River steelhead; juvenile, endangered, Snake River 
sockeye salmon; and juvenile, threatened, naturally-produced and 
artificially-propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon are 
also requested.
    PUDGC (1141) requests a five-year permit for an annual direct take 
of ESA-listed steelhead associated with enhancement and scientific 
research programs at Wanapum and Priest Rapids Dams located on the 
Columbia River. PUDGC proposes to use butterfly dip nets to remove 
smolts entrained within the wheelgate bulkhead gatewells, place them 
into a sanctuary box, and then transport them to a temporary holding 
tank until release. Smolts would be anesthetized, examined, measured, 
allowed to recover, and be released. Some would be examined for gas 
bubble trauma. Some ESA-listed steelhead smolts would be taken lethally 
as part of a hydro acoustics study. Some ESA-listed juvenile fish 
indirect mortalities associated with the research/enhancement 
activities are also requested.
    DNR (1143) requests a 1-year permit for takes of juvenile, 
endangered, naturally-produced and artificially-propagated, upper 
Columbia River steelhead; juvenile, threatened, lower Columbia River 
steelhead; and juvenile, threatened, Snake River steelhead associated 
with salmonid presence/absence surveys in proposed timber sale areas. 
The proposed stream surveys will determine the correct stream 
classification and place the stream in the correct Riparian Management 
Zones (RMZ). The correct RMZ designation will protect listed fish by 
requiring proper riparian buffers be left along streams. ESA-listed 
juvenile fish would be captured using electrofishing, netted, quickly 
identified without being removed from the water, and immediately 
released to calm water to recover. An indirect mortality of ESA-listed 
juvenile fish associated with the research is also requested.
    To date, protective regulations for threatened Snake River 
steelhead and threatened lower Columbia River steelhead under section 
4(d) of the ESA have not been promulgated by NMFS. This notice of 
receipt of applications requesting takes of these species is issued as 
a precaution in the event that NMFS issues protective regulations that 
prohibit takes of threatened Snake River steelhead and threatened lower 
Columbia River steelhead. The initiation of a 30-day public comment 
period on these applications, including their proposed takes of 
threatened Snake River steelhead and threatened lower Columbia 
steelhead, does not presuppose the contents of the eventual protective 
regulations.

Permits, Amendment, and Modifications Issued

    Notice was published on December 31, 1997 (62 FR 68260) that an 
application had been filed by CDFG (P622) for a second modification to 
a scientific research permit. Modification 2 to permit 1025 was issued 
to CDFG on March 12, 1998. Permit 1025 authorizes CDFG takes of adult 
and juvenile, endangered, Sacramento River winter-run chinook salmon 
associated with two scientific research studies. The modification 
provides for take of an additional 2,000 juvenile winter-run chinook 
and an increase in the associated, indirect mortalities of 100 fish for 
Study 1 at Knights Landing on the Sacramento River for the 1997/1998 
season only. The purpose of the monitoring program is to evaluate the

[[Page 18893]]

utility of the site and various sampling protocols in determining the 
timing and abundance of juvenile anadromous salmonids emigrating to the 
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Permit 1025 expires on June 30, 2001.
    An amendment to the FWS enhancement permit 1027 was issued on March 
13, 1998. Permit 1027 authorizes FWS takes of adult and juvenile, 
endangered, Sacramento River winter-run chinook salmon associated with 
artificial propagation and captive broodstock programs. FWS has 
developed a genetic testing protocol to identify the origin of 
returning adults so as to prevent hybridization problems. FWS has also 
developed a rearing facility on the mainstem Sacramento River to avoid 
imprinting problems. NMFS has reviewed and approved both the genetics 
testing protocol and the rearing facility, and thereby, authorizes 
collection of ESA-listed adult winter-run chinook for broodstock. 
Permit 1027 expires on July 31, 2001.
    Notice was published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61295) that an 
application had been filed by NRMC for a modification to a scientific 
research permit. Modification 1 to permit 1039 was issued to NRMC on 
March 26, 1998. Permit 1039 authorizes takes of adult and juvenile, 
threatened, central California coast (CCC) coho salmon associated with 
fish population and habitat studies through out the ESU. ESA-listed 
fish may be observed or captured, anesthetized, handled, allowed to 
recover from the anesthetic, and released. Indirect mortalities are 
also authorized. The modification authorizes takes of juvenile, 
threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated with fish population and 
habitat studies throughout the California portion of the ESU. ESA-
listed juvenile fish are proposed to be observed and counted. 
Modification 1 is valid for the duration of the permit which expires on 
June 30, 2002.
    Notice was published on November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63317) that an 
application had been filed by SWFSC for a modification to a scientific 
research permit. Modification 1 to permit 1044 was issued to SWFSC on 
April 1, 1998. Permit 1044 authorizes takes of adult and juvenile, 
threatened, CCC coho salmon associated with fish population and habitat 
studies throughout the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be observed or 
captured, anesthetized, handled, allowed to recover from the 
anesthetic, and released. Indirect mortalities are also authorized. The 
modification authorizes takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC 
coho salmon associated with fish population and habitat studies 
throughout the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be observed or captured, 
anesthetized, handled, allowed to recover from the anesthetic, and 
released. Indirect mortalities are also requested. Modification 1 is 
valid for the duration of the permit which expires on June 30, 2002.
    Notice was published on September 24, 1997 (62 FR 49960) that an 
application had been filed by CDFG for a scientific research permit. 
Permit 1067 was issued to CDFG on March 25, 1998. Permit 1067 
authorizes CDFG takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, CCC coho 
salmon associated with fishery studies in drainages throughout the ESU. 
ESA-listed juvenile fish are authorized to be observed or captured, 
handled, and released. ESA-listed juvenile fish indirect mortalities 
are also authorized. CDFG is authorized takes of juvenile, threatened, 
SONCC coho salmon using electroshocker methods associated with fishery 
studies in California drainages throughout the ESU. ESA-listed juvenile 
fish are authorized to be captured by electrofishing, handled, and 
released. ESA-listed juvenile fish indirect mortalities associated with 
the research are also authorized. Permit 1067 expires on June 30, 2002.
    Notice was published on December 17, 1997 (62 FR 66053) that an 
application had been filed by RRC for a scientific research permit. 
Permit 1069 was issued to RRC on March 26, 1998. Permit 1069 authorizes 
RRC takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONNC coho salmon in 
California, associated with fish population and habitat studies on RRC 
properties within the ESU. ESA-listed juvenile fish will be captured, 
handled, and then be released. ESA-listed salmon indirect mortalities 
associated with the research are also authorized. Permit 1069 expires 
on June 30, 2003.
    Notice was published on November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63317) that an 
application had been filed by NPS for a scientific research permit. 
Permit 1081 was issued to NPS on April 6, 1998. Permit 1081 authorizes 
NPS takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon 
associated with fish population studies in NPS regulated drainages 
within the ESU in California. ESA-listed juveniles are observed or 
captured, handled, and released. ESA-listed salmon indirect mortalities 
associated with the research are also authorized. Permit 1081 expires 
on June 30, 2003.
    Notice was published on November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63317) that an 
application had been filed by HFRU for a scientific research permit. 
Permit 1093 was issued to HFRU on April 1, 1998. Permit 1093 authorizes 
HFRU takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon 
associated with defined fish population studies throughout the ESU in 
California. ESA-listed fish will be observed or captured, handled, and 
released. Indirect mortalities are also authorized. Permit 1093 expires 
on June 30, 2003.
    Notice was published on December 31, 1997 (62 FR 68260) that an 
application had been filed by SWFSC for a scientific research permit. 
Permit 1112 was issued to SWFSC on March 20, 1998. Permit 1112 
authorizes SWFSC to take juvenile, endangered, Sacramento River winter-
run chinook salmon associated with a study to determine the interannual 
variability of growth, development, health, and ecology of juvenile 
salmonids within the San Francisco Estuary and the Gulf of the 
Farallones. Permit 1112 expires on June 30, 2003.
    Notice was published on February 19, 1998 (63 FR 8435), that an 
application had been filed by NFWFL, to possess tissues (fin clips, 
barbels, blood, muscle, skin) of all listed, non-marine mammal, non-
reptilian species under NMFS jurisdiction for purposes of conducting 
research. NFWFL would provide technical support to FWS and NMFS on 
enforcement issues pertaining to protected and endangered species. 
Samples would be archived for future use by Federal, state or local law 
enforcement agents. Permit 1123 was issued on March 26, 1998, and 
expires on December 31, 2003.

    Dated: April 9, 1998.
Patricia A. Montanio,
 Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10139 Filed 4-15-98; 8:45 am]
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