[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 32 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8076-8078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3093]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 111004F]


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 393-1772, 545-1761, 587-1767, 1071-
1770, 731-1774, 945-1776, 782-1719, 1000-1617

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

ACTION: Receipt of applications for permits and for permit amendments.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have 
applied in due form for a permit or permit amendment for scientific 
research on marine mammals:
    Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari, 39 Woodvine Court, Covington, LA 
70433, (File No. 393-1772);
    North Gulf Oceanic Society (Craig O. Matkin, Principal 
Investigator), 2030 Mary Allen Avenue, Homer, AK 99603, (File No. 545-
1761);Dan R. Salden, Ph.D., Hawaii Whale Research Foundation, 52 
Cheshire Drive, Maryville, IL 62062-1931, (File No. 587-1767);
    The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., Principal 
Investigator), 420 Ward Avenue, Suite 212, Honolulu, HI 96814, (File 
No. 1071-1770);
    Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W. 4\th\ Avenue, 
Olympia, WA 98501, (File No. 731-1774);
    Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele, 
Principal Investigator) P.O. Box 140, Gustavus, AK 99826, (File No. 
945-1776);
    NMFS, National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), 7600 Sand Point 
Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98102, (Permit No. 782-1719); and
    Whitlow W. L. Au, Ph.D., University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106, 
Kailua, HI 96734 (Permit No. 1000-1617).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments on the new applications 
and amendment requests must be received on or before March 21, 2005.

ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment (See SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION).
    Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this 
application should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and 
Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 
East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those 
individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons 
why a hearing on this particular request would be appropriate.
    Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301) 427-2521, 
provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and 
postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period.
    Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for 
providing email comments is [email protected]. Include in the 
subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: 
File No. 393-1772, 545-1761, 587-1767, 1071-1770, 731-1774, 945-1776, 
782-1719, or 1000-1617.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard, Amy Sloan, or Ruth 
Johnson, (301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits and amendments are 
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 222-227), and 
the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).

Applications for Permits

    Deborah A. Glockner-Ferrari (File No. 393-1772) requests a 5-year 
permit to continue long-term population studies of humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae) on their winter breeding grounds with a 
particular emphasis on defining life histories, documenting behavior 
and recording distribution. Incidental observations would be made

[[Page 8077]]

of additional cetacean species, including false killer whales 
(Pseudorca crassidens), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala 
macrorhynchus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), and 
pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata). Takes would occur by 
close approach for vessel surveys, photo-identification, behavioral 
observation, video recording, passive acoustic recording, underwater 
observation, collection of sloughed skin, and incidental harassment. 
Research would take place in waters off Hawaii with emphasis on the 
waters of the Auau Channel within the four island region of Maui, 
Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai.
    North Gulf Oceanic Society (File No. 545-1761) requests a 5-year 
permit to continue population studies on numerous cetacean species with 
a particular emphasis on killer whales. The research would specifically 
focus on gathering data to study: (1) mating and social systems and 
feeding behavior of killer whales; and (2) diving behavior, feeding, 
movement and contaminant loads of several cetacean species, including 
killer whales, gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoise 
(Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific 
white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), Baird's beaked whale 
(Berardius bairdii), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and 
Stejneger's beaked whale (Mesoplodon stejnergeri). Takes would occur by 
close approach for vessel surveys, photo-identification, behavioral 
observation, passive acoustic recording, tagging, biopsy sampling, 
collection and export of dead parts, and incidental harassment. 
Collection of dead parts from the above species and humpback whales, 
minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Steller sea lions 
(Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Northern fur 
seals (Callorhinus ursinus) would take place during killer whale 
predation studies. No biopsy sampling would take place on large whale 
calves less than six months of age or females accompanying such calves. 
Research would take place in waters off Alaska with a concentration in 
Glacier Bay/Icy Strait, Sitka Sound, Prince William Sound, Kenai 
Fjords, Resurrection Bay, Eastern Aleutian chain, and Kodiak Island. 
Most research would be performed between the months of May and 
September. Mention other whale species??
    Dan R. Salden, Ph.D. (File No. 587-1767) requests a 5-year permit 
to continue studies of long-term social affiliations among humpback 
whales. Incidental observations would be made of additional cetacean 
species, including false killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, 
killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, and pantropical 
spotted dolphins. Takes would occur by close approach for vessel 
surveys, photo-identification, behavioral observation, passive acoustic 
recording, underwater observation, collection of sloughed skin, and 
incidental harassment. Research would take place in waters off Hawaii 
and Alaska, primarily off the islands of Maui (especially between 
20[deg]46'N and 21[deg]N in the Auau Channel), Hawaii (especially off 
the Kona Coast), Molokai (including the area known as the Penguin 
Banks), Lanai, Kauai, and Kahoolawe, and in southeastern Alaska 
(especially in the Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait, Seymour Canal, and 
Stephens Passage areas).
    The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., Principal Investigator) 
(File No. 1071-1770) requests a 5-year permit to continue long-term 
population studies of humpback whales and other cetacean species in the 
Eastern, Western, and Central North Pacific Ocean. These studies would 
include: (1) photo-identification of individuals to determine 
individual life histories, social role, migration, habitat use, 
distribution, and reproductive status; (2) underwater videogrammetry to 
determine the sizes of animals in different social roles and how size 
affects or is correlated with the social role adopted, and to derive 
estimations of sexual maturity of animals; (3) underwater videography 
to document behaviors and aid in sex determination; (4) song recording 
and observation of singers to determine song source levels and 
propagation characteristics; (5) Crittercam studies of animals in 
competitive groups and in dyads, and of singers, to help in the 
understanding of the mating system; and (6) skin biopsy sampling for 
sex determination and individual identification to accompany and 
supplement Crittercam information. Takes are also requested for other 
cetacean species, including bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, 
false killer whales, melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra), pygmy 
killer whales (Feresa attenuata), rough-toothed dolphins (Steno 
bredanensis), pilot whales, striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), 
pygmy and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia spp.), killer whales, sperm whales 
(Physeter macrocephalus), Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon 
densirostris), spotted dolphins, Cuvier's beaked whales, fin whales 
(Balaenoptera physalus), and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). The 
applicant is requesting that biopsy sampling takes be authorized on 
humpback whale calves less than 6 months of age and/or females 
accompanying such calves. Research would take place in waters of the 
Eastern, Central, and Western North Pacific Ocean, with a primary focus 
on the winter and summer grounds of the three North Pacific humpback 
whale stocks. This includes waters off the main Hawaiian Islands 
(primary study area) and along the rim of the North Pacific from 
California northward to Southeast Alaska and then westward through the 
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and regions of the upper western 
Pacific. Research would also take place in Japanese waters off the 
Mariana, Bonin (Ogasawara), and Ryukyuan islands.
    Robin Baird, Ph.D. (File No.731-1774) requests a 5-year permit to 
conduct research on all cetacean species in U.S. and international 
waters in the Pacific Ocean, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, 
California, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories. The purposes of the 
proposed research are to study: (1) diving and night-time behavior; (2) 
population assessment; and (3) social organization and inter-specific 
interactions of cetaceans. Incidental harassment of all species of 
cetaceans may occur through vessel approach for sighting surveys, 
photographic identification, and behavioral research, and aerial over-
flights for the purpose of locating animals and conducting aerial 
validation studies. Individuals of all cetacean species, with the 
exception of North Pacific right whales, may have a suction-cup tag 
attached and be tracked. Dive data (using suction-cup attached tags) 
will provide a quantitative estimate of time animals are at the surface 
and available to be seen during visual surveys, as well as to examine 
other aspects of behavior (e.g., diurnal patterns, reactions to vessel 
approaches, and/or acoustic behavior). Photo-identification data will 
be used in population assessment through mark-recapture population 
estimation and in studies of stock structure involving movements of 
individuals. Small numbers of pinnipeds including California sea lions 
(Zalophus californianus), harbor seals, northern elephant seals 
(Mirounga angustirostris), and Steller sea lions may be incidentally 
harassed from research activities. Import of skeletal parts from beach-
cast specimens from Canada and export of skin tissue samples obtained 
from suction-cups is requested for research purposes.

[[Page 8078]]

    Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Christine M. Gabriele, 
Principal Investigator) (File No. 945-1776) requests a 5-year permit to 
continue population studies on numerous cetacean species with a 
particular emphasis on humpback, minke, and killer whales. The research 
would focus on gathering data to study ecology, behavior and population 
status to enhance management objectives for these species in and around 
the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Takes would occur 
by close approach by vessel survey for photo-identification, behavioral 
observation, passive acoustic recording, collection of sloughed skin 
and feces, prey sampling, and incidental harassment. Research would 
take place in waters of and around Glacier Bay with the main study area 
including a 70-mile (113 km) radius centered at the mouth of Glacier 
Bay (58[deg]20'N 13[deg]00'W.). Research would mainly take place 
annually primarily during the months of April-November.

Amendment Requests

    Permit No. 782-1719-00 issued on June 30, 2004 (69 FR 44514) 
authorizes NMMLthe Holder to take all species of cetaceans under NMFS 
jurisdiction during stock assessment activities throughout U.S. 
territorial waters and the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean, 
Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the territorial waters of Mexico 
(Gulf of California only), Canada, Russia, Japan and the Philippines. 
The Permit specifically authorizes close approach during Level B 
harassment (aerial surveys, vessel-based surveys, observations, and 
photo-identification), and Level A harassment (biopsy sampling and 
attachment of scientific instruments). Activities are authorized for 
all age and sex classes with the exception of biopsy sampling of calves 
less than 6 months of age and accompanying females. The Holder now 
requests authority to increase the number of humpback whales to be 
biopsy sampled to 500 in the Western North Pacific stock, 2000 in the 
Central North Pacific stock, and 1000 in the Eastern North Pacific 
stock. The Holder also requests that NMFS reconsider its earlier 
decision and allow biopsy sampling of large whale calves less than 6 
months of age (with the exception of neonates) and attending females. 
The Holder has submitted additional information and justification for 
this activity. The Holder also requests authority to increase the 
number of humpback whales to be biopsy sampled to 500 in the Western 
North Pacific stock, 2000 in the Central North Pacific stock, and 1000 
in the Eastern North Pacific stock. The amendment, if issued, would 
remain valid until the permit expires June 30, 2009.
    Permit No. 1000-1617-01 issued to Whitlow Au, Ph.D. on June 22, 
2001 (66 FR 34155) authorizes behavioral observations, photo-
identification, genetic sampling, and suction-cup tagging of small 
cetaceans in Hawaii and California, focused primarily on spinner 
dolphins. The objectives of the research are to investigate population 
structure, genetic variability, dispersal patterns, social structure, 
and foraging and diving behavior. The Permit Holder is now requesting a 
5-year amendment to expand the small cetacean research by increasing 
the number of individuals of each species that can be suction-cup 
tagged from three to 80. Furthermore, the Holder wishes to add a new 
project that will focus on large whale behavior and use of the acoustic 
environment by studying humpback whales, killer whales, and Cuvier's 
and Blainville's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon 
densirostris). Males and females of all ages and reproductive status of 
requested species would be closely approached by vessel for photo-
identification, behavioral observations, underwater observation and 
videography, and passive acoustic recording. For biopsy sampling and 
suction-cup tagging, males and females of all ages would be sampled or 
tagged, with the exception of calves under 6 months of age and females 
attending such calves. In the case of humpback whales only: the 
suction-cup tags, with a desired attachment duration of 6 hours, may 
include an acoustic transponder. The tag would emit a high-frequency 
pulse, above the theoretical hearing range of the whales, to assist the 
researchers in tracking the tagged individual. Research would take 
place in U.S. and international waters off Hawaii and California. The 
amended permit, if issued, would be valid for 5 years.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of these applications to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
    All documents may be reviewed in the following locations:
    Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 
20910; phone 301)713-2289; fax (301)713-0376; and
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 
1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax (206)526-6426;
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone 
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249;
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018; and
    Pacific Islands Region, Protected Species Coordinator, Pacific Area 
Office, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-
4700; phone (808)973-2935; fax (808)973-2941.

    Dated: February 11, 2005.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3093 Filed 2-16-05; 8:45 am]
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