[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 147 (Tuesday, August 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43470-43474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12373]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 071806C]


Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin 
Air Force Base, Florida

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application and proposed authorization for 
incidental harassment of marine mammals; request for comments and 
information.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from Eglin Air Force Base (EAFB) 
for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to 
Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (NEODS) Training Operations at 
EAFB, Florida. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is 
requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment 
authorization (IHA) to the Air Force to take, by Level B harassment, 
two species of cetaceans at EAFB beginning in July, 2006. NMFS is also 
requesting comments on its intent to promulgate regulations in 2007 
governing the take of marine mammals over a 5-year period incidental to 
the activities described herein. NMFS issued an IHA for these 
activities in 2005 (70 FR 51341, August 30, 2005), however, the 
activities were not conducted.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than August 
31, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Michael 
Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225. The mailbox address for 
providing email comments is [email protected]. NMFS is not 
responsible for e-mail comments sent to addresses other than the one 
provided here. Comments sent via e-mail, including all attachments, 
must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size.
    A copy of the application containing a list of the references used 
in this document may be obtained by writing to the address specified 
above, telephoning the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm.
    Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by appointment, 
during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jolie Harrison, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289, ext. 166.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the 
incidental, but not intentional taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than 
commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain 
findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is 
limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization is provided 
to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings may be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have no more than a negligible impact on the 
species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses, and that 
the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the 
mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking are set forth.
    NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as:
    an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be 
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely 
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival.
    Subsection 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited 
process by which citizens of the United States can apply for an 
authorization to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals by 
harassment. With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA 
defines ``harassment'' as:
    (i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to 
injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A 
Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned 
or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].
    Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45-day time limit for NMFS 
review of an application followed by a 30-day public notice and comment 
period on any proposed authorizations for the incidental harassment of 
small numbers of marine mammals. Within 45 days of the close of the 
comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny issuance of the 
authorization.

Summary of Request

    On May 2, 2006, NMFS received an application from EAFB requesting 
re-authorization for the harassment of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) 
incidental to NEODS training operations at EAFB, Florida, in the 
northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Each of up to six missions per year 
would include up to 5 live detonations of approximately 10-lb (4.6-kg) 
net explosive weight charges to occur in approximately 60-ft (18.3-m) 
deep water from one to three nm (1.9 to 5.6 km) off shore. Because this 
activity will be a multi-year activity, NMFS also plans to develop 
proposed regulations for NEODS training operations at EAFB.

Specified Activities

    The mission of NEODS is to train personnel to detect, recover, 
identify, evaluate, render safe, and dispose of unexploded ordnance 
(UXO) that constitutes a threat to people, material, installations, 
ships, aircraft, and

[[Page 43471]]

operations. The NEODS proposes to utilize three areas within the Eglin 
Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR), consisting of approximately 
86,000 mi2 (222,739 km\2\) within the GOM and the airspace above, for 
Mine Countermeasures (MCM) detonations, which involve mine-hunting and 
mine-clearance operations. The detonation of small, live explosive 
charges disables the function of the mines, which are inert for 
training purposes. The proposed training would occur approximately one 
to three nautical miles (nm) (1.9 to 5.6 km) offshore of Santa Rosa 
Island (SRI) six times annually, at varying times within the year.
    Each of the six training classes would include one or two ``Live 
Demolition Days.'' During each set of Live Demolition Days, five inert 
mines would be placed in a compact area on the sea floor in 
approximately 60 ft (18.3 m) of water. Divers would locate the mines by 
hand-held sonars. The AN/PQS-2A acoustic locator has a sound pressure 
level (SPL) of 178.5 re 1 microPascal @ 1 meter and the Dukane 
Underwater Acoustic Locator has a SPL of 157-160.5 re 1 microPascal @ 1 
meter. Because output from these sound sources would attenuate to below 
any current threshold for protected species within approximately 10-15 
m, noise impacts are not anticipated and are not addressed further in 
this analysis.
    Five charges packed with five lbs (2.3 kg) of C-4 explosive 
material will be set up adjacent to each of the mines. No more than 
five charges will be detonated over the 2-day period. Detonation times 
will begin no earlier than 2 hours after sunrise and end no later than 
2 hours before dusk and charges utilized within the same hour period 
will have a maximum separation time of 20 minutes. Mine shapes and 
debris will be recovered and removed from the water when training is 
completed. A more detailed description of the work proposed is 
contained in the application which is available upon request (see 
ADDRESSES).

Military Readiness Activity

    NEODS supports the Naval Fleet by providing training to personnel 
from all four armed services, civil officials, and military students 
from over 70 countries. The NEODS facility supports the Department of 
Defense Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal training mission. The 
Navy and the Marine Corps believe that the ability of Sailors and 
Marines to detect, characterize, and neutralize mines from their 
operating areas at sea, on the shore, and inland, is vital to their 
doctrines.
    The Navy believes that an array of transnational, rogue, and 
subnational adversaries now pose the most immediate threat to American 
interests. Because of their relative low cost and ease of use, mines 
will be among the adversaries' weapons of choice in shallow-water 
situations, and they will be deployed in an asymmetrical and 
asynchronous manner. The Navy needs organic means to clear mines and 
obstacles rapidly in three challenging environments: shallow water; the 
surf zone; and the beach zone. The Navy also needs a capability for 
rapid clandestine surveillance and reconnaissance of minefields and 
obstacles in these environments. The NEODS mission in the GOM offshore 
of EAFB is considered a military readiness activity pursuant to the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)(Public Law 108-136).

Marine Mammals and Habitat Affected by the Activity

    Marine mammal species that potentially occur within the EGTTR 
include several species of cetaceans and the West Indian manatee. While 
a few manatees may migrate as far north from southern Florida (where 
there are generally confined in the winter) as Louisiana in the summer, 
they primarily inhabit coastal and inshore waters and rarely venture 
offshore. NEODS missions are conducted one to 3 nm (5.6 km) from shore 
and effects on manatees are therefore considered very unlikely and not 
discussed further in this analysis.
    Cetacean abundance estimates for the project area are derived from 
GulfCet II aerial surveys conducted from 1996 to 1998 over a 70,470 
km\2\ area, including nearly the entire continental shelf region of the 
EGTTR, which extends approximately 9 nm (16.7 km) from shore. The dwarf 
and pygmy sperm whales are not included in this analysis because their 
potential for being found near the project site is remote. Although 
Atlantic spotted dolphins do not normally inhabit nearshore waters, 
they are included in the analysis to ensure conservative mitigation 
measures are applied. The two marine mammal species expected to be 
affected by these activities are the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops 
truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). 
Descriptions of the biology and local distribution of these species can 
be found in the application (see ADDRESSES for availability); other 
sources such as Wursig et al. (2000), and the NMFS Stock Assessments, 
can be viewed at: http://www.NMFS.noaa.gov/pr/PR2/Stock_Assessment_Program/sars.html.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins

    Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are distributed worldwide in tropical 
and temperate waters and occur in the slope, shelf, and inshore waters 
of the GOM. Based on a combination of geography and ecological and 
genetic research, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have been divided into 
many separate stocks within the GOM. The exact structure of these 
stocks is complex and continues to be revised as research is completed. 
For now, bottlenose dolphins inhabiting waters less than 20 m (66 ft) 
deep in the U.S. GOM are believed to constitute 33 provisional inshore 
stocks, and those inhabiting waters from 20 to 200 m (66 to 656 ft) 
deep in the northern GOM from the U.S.-Mexican border to the Florida 
Keys are considered the continental shelf stock (Waring et al., 2004). 
The proposed action would occur on the ocean floor at a depth of 
approximately 60 ft (18 m) and, therefore, has the potential to affect 
both the continental shelf and inshore stocks.
    Continental shelf stock assessments were estimated using data from 
vessel surveys conducted between 1998 and 2001 (at 20- to 200-m (66- to 
656-ft) depths). The minimum population estimate for the northern GOM 
continental shelf stock of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is 20,414 
(Waring et al., 2005).
    Distinct inshore stocks are provisionally identified in each of 33 
areas of contiguous, enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water adjacent 
to the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) based on descriptions of relatively 
discrete dolphin ``communities'' in some of these areas (Waring et al., 
2005). A ``community includes resident dolphins that regularly share 
large portions of their ranges, exhibit similar distinct genetic 
profiles, and interact with each other to a much greater extent than 
with dolphins in adjacent waters (dolphins from different communities 
do interbreed). The most recent inshore stock assessment surveys were 
conducted aerially in 1993. Two bodies of water north of the project 
area are thought to support distinct communities, the Pensacola Bay and 
the Choctawhatchee Bay. Population size estimates for most of the 
inshore stocks are greater than 8 years old and therefore the current 
population size for each stock is considered unknown. Previous 
abundance in Pensacola Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay was estimated as 33 
and 242 animals, respectively.
    Texas A&M University and NMFS conducted GulfCet II aerial surveys 
in an area including the EGTTR from 1996 to 1998. Density estimates 
were

[[Page 43472]]

calculated using abundance data collected from the continental shelf 
area of the EGTTR. In an effort to provide better species conservation 
and protection, estimates were adjusted to incorporate temporal and 
spatial variations, surface and submerged variations, and overall 
density confidence. The adjusted density estimate for Atlantic 
bottlenose dolphins within the project area is 0.810 individuals/km\2\. 
A small number of dolphins could not be identified specifically as 
Atlantic bottlenose or Atlantic spotted and their estimated density was 
0.053 individuals/km\2\.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins

    Atlantic spotted dolphins are endemic to the tropical and warm 
temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean and can be found from the 
latitude of Cape May, New Jersey south along mainland shores to 
Venezuela, including the GOM and Lesser Antilles. In the GOM, Atlantic 
spotted dolphins occur primarily in continental shelf waters 10 to 200 
m (33 to 656 ft) deep out to continental slope waters less than 500 m 
(1640.4 ft) deep. One recent study presents strong genetic support for 
differentiation between GOM and western North Atlantic management 
stocks, but the Gulf of Mexico stock has not yet been further 
subdivided.
    Abundance was estimated in the most recent assessment of the 
northern GOM stock of the Atlantic spotted dolphin using combined data 
from continental shelf surveys (20 to 200 m (66 to 656 ft) deep) and 
oceanic surveys (200 m (656 ft)) to offshore extent of U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone) conducted from 1996 to 2001. The minimum population 
estimate for the northern GOM is 24,752 Atlantic spotted dolphins 
(Waring et al., 2005).
    Density estimates for the Atlantic spotted dolphin within the EGTTR 
were calculated using abundance data collected during the GulfCet II 
aerial surveys. In an effort to provide better species conservation and 
protection, estimates were adjusted to incorporate temporal and spatial 
variations, surface and submerged variations, and overall density 
confidence. The adjusted density estimate for Atlantic spotted dolphins 
within the project area is 0.677 individuals/km2. A small number of 
dolphins could not be identified specifically as Atlantic bottlenose or 
Atlantic spotted and their estimated density was 0.053 individuals/
km\2\.

Potential Effects of Activities on Marine Mammals

    The primary potential impact to the Atlantic bottlenose and the 
Atlantic spotted dolphins occurring in the EGTTR from the proposed 
detonations is Level B harassment from noise. In the absence of any 
mitigation or monitoring measures, there is a very small chance that a 
marine mammal could be injured or killed when exposed to the energy 
generated from an explosive force on the sea floor. However, NMFS 
believes the proposed mitigation measures will preclude this 
possibility in the case of this particular activity. Analysis of NEODS 
noise impacts to cetaceans was based on criteria and thresholds 
initially presented in U.S. Navy Environmental Impact Statements for 
ship shock trials of the SEAWOLF submarine and the WINSTON CHURCHILL 
vessel and subsequently adopted by NMFS.
    Non-lethal injurious impacts (Level A Harassment) are defined in 
EAFB's application and this proposed IHA as tympanic membrane (TM) 
rupture and the onset of slight lung injury. The threshold for Level A 
Harassment corresponds to a 50 percent rate of TM rupture, which can be 
stated in terms of an energy flux density (EFD) value of 205 dB re 1 
microPa\2\ s. TM rupture is well-correlated with permanent hearing 
impairment (Ketten (1998) indicates a 30 percent incidence of permanent 
threshold shift (PTS) at the same threshold). The zone of influence 
(ZOI) (farthest distance from the source at which an animal is exposed 
to the EFD level referred to) for the Level A Harassment threshold is 
52 m (172 ft).
    Level B (non-injurious) Harassment includes temporary (auditory) 
threshold shift (TTS), a slight, recoverable loss of hearing 
sensitivity. One criterion used for TTS is 182 dB re 1 microPa\2\s 
maximum EFD level in any 1/3-octave band above 100 Hz for toothed 
whales (e.g., dolphins). The ZOI for this threshold is 230 m (754 ft). 
A second criterion, 23 psi, has recently been established by NMFS to 
provide a more conservative range for TTS when the explosive or animal 
approaches the sea surface, in which case explosive energy is reduced, 
but the peak pressure is not. The ZOI for 23 psi is 222 m (728 ft) 
(NMFS will apply the more conservative of these two).
    Level B Harassment also includes behavioral modifications resulting 
from repeated noise exposures (below TTS) to the same animals (usually 
resident) over a relatively short period of time. Threshold criteria 
for this particular type of harassment are currently still under 
debate. One recommendation is a level of 6 dB below TTS (see 69 FR 
21816, April 22, 2004), which would be 176 dB re 1 microPa\2\ s. Due, 
however, to the infrequency of the detonations, the potential 
variability in target locations, and the continuous movement of marine 
mammals off the northern Gulf, NMFS believes that behavioral 
modification from repeated exposures to the same animal is highly 
unlikely.

Numbers of Marine Mammals Estimated to be Harassed

    Estimates of the potential number of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins 
and Atlantic spotted dolphins to be harassed by the training were 
calculated using the number of distinct firing or test events (maximum 
30 per year), the ZOI for noise exposure, and the density of animals 
that potentially occur in the ZOI. The take estimates provided here do 
not include mitigation measures, which are expected to further minimize 
impacts to protected species and make injury or death highly unlikely.
    The estimated number of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic 
spotted dolphins potentially taken through exposure to the Level A 
Harassment threshold (205 dB re 1 microPa2 s), are less than one (0.22 
and 0.19, respectively) annually.
    For Level B Harassment, two separate criteria were established, one 
expressed in dB re 1 microPa\2\ s maximum EFD level in any 1/3-octave 
band above 100 Hz, and one expressed in psi. The estimated numbers of 
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins potentially 
taken through exposure to 182 dB are 4 and 3 individuals, respectively. 
The estimated numbers potentially taken through exposure to 23 psi are 
also 4 and 3 individuals, respectively.

Possible Effects of Activities on Marine Mammal Habitat

    The Air Force anticipates no loss or modification to the habitat 
used by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins in 
the EGTTR. The primary source of marine mammal habitat impact resulting 
from the NEODS missions is noise, which is intermittent (maximum 30 
times per year) and of limited duration. The effects of debris (which 
will be recovered following test activities), ordnance, fuel, and 
chemical residues were analyzed in the NEODS Biological Assessment and 
the Air Force concluded that marine mammal habitat would not be 
affected.

Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring

    Mitigation will consist primarily of surveying and taking action to 
avoid detonating charges when protected species are within the ZOI. A 
trained, NMFS-approved observerwill be staged from the highest point 
possible on a support ship and have proper lines of

[[Page 43473]]

communication to the Officer in Tactical Command. The survey area will 
be 460 m (1509 ft) in every direction from the target, which is twice 
the radius of the ZOI for Level B Harassment (230 m (755 ft)). To 
ensure visibility of marine mammals to observers, NEODS missions will 
be delayed if whitecaps cover more than 50 percent of the surface or if 
the waves are greater than 3 feet (Beaufort Sea State 4).
    Pre-mission monitoring will be used to evaluate the test site for 
environmental suitability of the mission. Visual surveys will be 
conducted two hours, one hour, and the entire 15 minutes prior to the 
mission to verify that the ZOI (230 m (755 ft)) is free of visually 
detectable marine mammals and large schools of fish, and that the 
weather is adequate to support visual surveys. The observer will plot 
and record sightings, bearing, and time for all marine mammals 
detected, which would allow the observer to determine if the animal is 
likely to enter the test area during detonation. If a marine mammal 
appears likely to enter the test area during detonation, if large 
schools of fish are present, or if the weather is inadequate to support 
monitoring, the observer will declare the range fouled and the tactical 
officer will implement a hold until monitoring indicates that the test 
area is and will remain clear of detectable marine mammals.
    Monitoring of the test area will continue throughout the mission 
until the last detonation is complete. The mission would be postponed 
if:
    (1) Any marine mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (230 m 
(755 ft)). The delay would continue until the animal that caused the 
postponement is confirmed to be outside the ZOI (visually observed 
swimming out of the range).
    (2) Any marine mammal is detected in the ZOI and subsequently is 
not seen again. The mission would not continue until the last verified 
location is outside of the ZOI and the animal is moving away from the 
mission area.
    (3) Large schools of fish are observed in the water within of the 
ZOI. The delay would continue until large fish schools are confirmed to 
be outside the ZOI.
    In the event of a postponement, pre-mission monitoring would 
continue as long as weather and daylight hours allow. If a charge 
failed to explode, mitigation measures would continue while operations 
personnel attempted to recognize and solve the problem (detonate the 
charge).
    Post-mission monitoring is designed to determine the effectiveness 
of pre-mission mitigation by reporting any sightings of dead or injured 
marine mammals. Post-detonation monitoring, concentrating on the area 
down current of the test site, would commence immediately following 
each detonation and continue for at least two hours after the last 
detonation. The monitoring team would document and report to the 
appropriate marine animal stranding network any marine mammals killed 
or injured during the test and, if practicable, recover and examine any 
dead animals. The species, number, location, and behavior of any 
animals observed by the teams would be documented and reported to the 
Officer in Tactical Command.

Reporting

    The Air Force will notify NMFS 2 weeks prior to initiation of each 
training session. Any takes of marine mammals other than those 
authorized by the IHA, as well as any injuries or deaths of marine 
mammals, will be reported to the Southeast Regional Administrator, 
NMFS, within 24 hours. A summary of mission observations and test 
results, including dates and times of detonations as well as pre- and 
post-mission monitoring observations, will be submitted to the 
Southeast Regional Office (NMFS) and to the Division of Permits, 
Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources (NMFS) 
within 90 days after the completion of the last training session.

Endangered Species Act

    In a Biological Opinion issued on October 25, 2004, NMFS concluded 
that the NEODS training missions and their associated actions are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or 
endangered species under the jurisdiction of NMFS or destroy or 
adversely modify critical habitat that has been designated for those 
species. NMFS has issued an incidental take statement (ITS) for sea 
turtles pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The ITS 
contains reasonable and prudent measures with implementing terms and 
conditions to minimize the effects of this take. This proposed IHA 
action is within the scope of the previously analyzed action and does 
not change the action in a manner that was not considered previously.

National Environmental Policy Act

    In 2005, NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the 
Issuance of Authorizations to Take Marine Mammals, by Harassment, 
Incidental to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training 
Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and subsequently issued a 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This proposed IHA action is 
within the scope of the previously analyzed action and does not change 
the action in a manner that was not considered previously. Therefore, 
preparation of an EIS on this action is not required by section 102(2) 
of the NEPA or its implementing regulations.

Preliminary Conclusions

    NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to the USAF for the NEODS training 
missions to take place at EAFB over a 1-year period. The proposal to 
issue this IHA is contingent upon adherence to the previously mentioned 
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. NMFS has 
preliminarily determined that the impact of the NEODS training, which 
entails up to six missions per year, including up to 5 live detonations 
per mission of approximately 5-lb net explosive weight charges to occur 
in approximately 60-foot (18 m) deep water from one to three nm off 
shore, will result in the Level B harassment of small numbers of 
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins and would 
have a negligible impact on these marine mammal species and stocks. 
Dwarf and pygmy sperm whales and manatees are unlikely to be found in 
the area and, therefore, will not be affected. While behavioral 
modifications may be made by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic 
spotted dolphins to avoid the resultant acoustic stimuli, there is 
virtually no possibility of injury or mortality when the potential 
density of dolphins in the area and extent of mitigation and monitoring 
are taken into consideration. The effects of the NEODS training are 
expected to be limited to short-term and localized TTS-related 
behavioral changes.
    Due to the infrequency and localized nature of these activities, 
the estimated number of marine mammals, relative to the population 
size, potentially taken by harassment is small (less than 0.0002 
percent for each species, and perhaps 1-2 percent of an inshore stock 
of bottlenose dolphin if one of them were harassed). In addition, no 
take by injury and/or death is anticipated. No rookeries, mating 
grounds, areas of concentrated feeding, or other areas of special 
significance for marine mammals occur within or near the NEODS test 
sites.

Information Solicited

    NMFS requests interested persons to submit comments and information 
concerning this request (see ADDRESSES). Concurrent with the 
publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding 
copies of this application to

[[Page 43474]]

the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: July 26, 2006.
James H. Lecky,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-12373 Filed 7-31-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S