[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 583-584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-96]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 121905B]


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Scientific Research Permit

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 584]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; request for a scientific research permit; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of a request for a scientific 
research permit (SRP) to track the survival and movement of highly 
migratory species (HMS) with satellite pop-up tags in the Atlantic 
Ocean, specifically the Charleston Bump and adjacent areas. NMFS 
invites comments from interested parties on this SRP request.

DATES: Written comments on the application for a scientific research 
permit must be received by 5 p.m. on January 26, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include in the subject line 
the following identifier: I.D. 121905B.
     Mail: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Chief, Highly Migratory 
Species Management Division (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please mark the outside of the envelope 
``Comments on SRP Application.''
     Fax: (301)427-2593.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan Caldwell, by phone: (301)713-
2347; fax: (301)713-1917.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SRPs are requested and issued under the 
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and/or the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act 
(16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). Regulations at 50 CFR 600.745 and 635.32 
govern scientific research activity, exempted fishing, and exempted 
educational activity with respect to Atlantic HMS.
    Since 2000, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC 
DNR) has requested the authorization of an SRP for the collection, 
tagging, and release of several HMS in the Charleston Bump area to 
monitor survival rates and movement patterns; the same request has been 
submitted for 2006. The proposed sampling would occur no further north 
than 30[deg]00 N., 75[deg]00 W. and no further south than 35[deg]00 N. 
and 75[deg]00 W., specifically focusing collection efforts in the 
Charleston Bump area. The research would be conducted from February 
through December 2006, during both the closed (February 1 to April 30) 
and open seasons. Operations would be conducted during the closed 
season to reduce gear conflicts. Additionally, for the past several 
years, this research typically coincided with the closure because the 
state-owned research vessel is rigged for longline sampling in the 
first several months of the year.
    Species likely to be tagged while conducting research in this area 
are swordfish (Xiphias gladius), blue marlin (Makaira nigricans), white 
marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), 
yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), shortfin mako sharks (Isurus 
oxyrhincus), night sharks (Carcharhinus signatus), silky shark 
(Carcharhinus falciformus), dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus), 
bigeye thresher sharks (Alopias superciliosus), and thresher sharks 
(Alopias vulpinus).
    For each fish tagged, researchers will record species, estimated 
length and weight, GPS location, sea surface temperature, and any other 
data archived by the tag. Over the past three years, the average number 
of incidental mortalities that occurred during this research project 
were 14 swordfish, five scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), four 
night sharks, two silky sharks, two yellowfin tuna, one blackfin tuna 
(Thunnus atlanticus), and one sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus). 
For all incidental mortalities, data would be collected, such as 
length, weight, DNA samples, contaminant samples, aging samples, and 
gonad samples.
    Research would be conducted onboard a bonafide research vessel 
owned by the State of South Carolina. Collection of HMS would occur 
with pelagic longline gear divided into two sections with 60 16/0 non-
offset circle hooks, totaling six nautical miles in length and 120 
hooks. All hooks would be baited with whole finfish and/or squid. Green 
chemical light sticks may be attached to the gangions. The soak time 
would be no longer than four hours.
    While sea turtle interactions are not anticipated and have not 
occurred in the past, sea turtle handling and release equipment and 
instructions will be onboard the vessel at all times while engaged in 
this research activity. Additionally, one individual of the research 
team is trained and experienced in sea turtle handling and release 
techniques.
    In past years, this research was categorically excluded from the 
requirement to prepare either an Environmental Assessment or 
Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act. This action was categorically excluded because it was of 
limited size and magnitude and would not have significant effects 
individually or cumulatively on the environment. As noted above, 
limited numbers of incidental mortalities occurred while conducting 
this research over the past several years. All mortalities of sharks 
and swordfish were counted against the respective quota. Further, all 
fish tagged were to be released alive, with minimal or no post release 
mortality anticipated. If any animals died during the collection and/or 
tagging process, age structures (otoliths) and reproductive tissues 
were allowed to be sampled. If an SRP were to be issued, the number of 
incidental mortalities would be limited to ten animals per species. Any 
mortalities beyond this amount would need an additional authorization. 
This SRP, if issued, is issued, would involve the same research 
activity as in past years.
    This research may benefit all interested parties by providing 
fishery managers with additional data necessary to consider the 
importance of the Charleston Bump ecosystem in the management and 
conservation of HMS in the Atlantic Ocean.
    The regulations that would prohibit the proposed activities include 
requirements for permits and fees (50 CFR 635.4), size limits (50 CFR 
635.20), gear operation and deployment (50 CFR 635.21), commercial 
quotas (50 CFR 635.27), and closures (50 CFR 635.28).

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: December 29, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries.
[FR Doc. 06-96 Filed 1-4-06; 8:45 am]
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