[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 23684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11782]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XP33


Marine Mammals; File No. 14352

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

ACTION:  Notice; receipt of application.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  Notice is hereby given that Dr. Gregory Bossart, Georgia 
Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, has applied in 
due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncatus).

DATES:  Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or 
before June 19, 2009.

ADDRESSES:  The application and related documents are available for 
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the 
Features box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 14352 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the following office(s):
    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) 427-2521;
    Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, 
Florida 33701; phone (727) 824-5312; fax (727) 824-5309.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, at the address 
listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 427-
2521, or by email to [email protected]. Please include the File 
No. in the subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education 
Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the 
specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be 
appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Carrie Hubard or Kristy Beard, 
(301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the 
taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to conduct health assessments of bottlenose 
dolphins in Florida's Indian River Lagoon system by capturing, 
sampling, and releasing up to 40 dolphins per year. Females with calves 
less than one year old would not be captured. Captured dolphins would 
receive a complete clinical workup including: measurements, weight, 
photographs, sample collection, freeze brand, and ultrasound. All 
captured animals would receive a roto tag. Up to ten animals per year 
would also receive a VHF tag. An experienced veterinarian would be on 
site during captures and the dolphins' vital signs would be closely 
monitored. Processing would take about forty minutes. Individual 
dolphins would only be sampled once per year. Samples would be analyzed 
to examine a variety of health topics such as: infectious diseases, 
immune status, contaminant exposure, antibiotic resistance, and 
genetics. An additional 400 dolphins per year may be harassed during 
pre- and post-capture surveys. Specific goals of the research are to: 
(1) evaluate dolphin health from individual, population, and 
comparative perspectives, (2) apply classical and novel methods and 
diagnostic tools to detect and assess anthropogenic and environmental 
factors that affect dolphins, and (3) develop predictive models to 
evaluate conservation and management strategies. The permit would be 
valid for a period of five years.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: May 15, 2009.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11782 Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S