[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 217 (Thursday, November 12, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58243-58245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27185]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XS81


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14682, 10018, 13846, 14451, 14585, 
14599, 14122, 14296, 14353

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

ACTION:  Notice; receipt of applications.

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SUMMARY:  Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received nine 
applications for permits or permit amendments to conduct research on 
marine mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional 
information regarding applicants and specific information on species 
affected.

DATES:  Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or 
before December 14, 2009.

ADDRESSES:  The applications 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 the 
associated File No. from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the offices listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    Written comments or requests for a public hearing on these 
applications 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)713-0376, 
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 e-mail comments is [email protected]. Include in the 
subject line of the e-mail comment the associated File Number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  The following Analysts at (301)713-
2289:
    For File No. 14682: Kristy Beard or Carrie Hubard; File No. 10018: 
Carrie Hubard or Kristy Beard; File No. 13846: Amy Hapeman or Kristy 
Beard; File No. 14451: Kate Swails or Kristy Beard; File No. 14585: Amy 
Hapeman or Kristy Beard; File No. 14599: Amy Sloan or Kristy Beard; 
File No. 14122: Amy Sloan or Kristy Beard; File No. 14296: Kristy Beard 
or Jennifer Skidmore; File No. 14353: Carrie Hubard or Kristy Beard.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits and permit amendment 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 222-226).
    Each of the nine applications is summarized below. For specific 
take numbers of each species, please refer to the associated 
application.
    Whitlow Au, Ph.D. [File No. 14682], University of Hawaii, Hawaii 
Institute of Marine Biology, Marine Mammal Research Program, PO Box 
1106, Kailua, HI 96734, requests a five-year permit to investigate the 
population dynamics and behavior of cetaceans around Hawaii and the 
Pacific, to determine aspects of the behavior and use of the acoustic 
environment by large whales, and to determine the effects of noise on 
behavior of cetaceans around Hawaii. Researchers would conduct 
behavioral observations, photo-identification, genetic sampling, 
suction-cup tagging, acoustic recording, and acoustic playbacks from 
vessels. Target species would be: Blainville's beaked whale

[[Page 58244]]

(Mesoplodon densirostris), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), 
killer whale (Orcinus orca), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), 
dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima), pygmy sperm whale (K. breviceps), 
short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), false killer 
whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), 
melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), long-beaked common dolphin 
(Delphinus capensis), short-beaked common dolphin (D. delphis), striped 
dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), spinner dolphin (S. longirostris), 
pantropical spotted dolphin (S. attenuata), bottlenose dolphin 
(Turisiops truncatus), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), Pacific 
white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and rough-toothed 
dolphin (Steno bredanensis).
    Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D. [File No. 10018], Keiki Kohola Project, 
5277 West Wooley Road, Oxnard, CA 93035, requests an amendment to 
Permit No. 10018, issued on June 18, 2008 (73 FR 36042). Dr. Cartwright 
is currently authorized to conduct humpback whale research, consisting 
of photo-identification, focal follows, underwater observations, and 
collection of sloughed skin, in Hawaiian waters. The permit holder now 
requests authorization to conduct similar research in Alaskan waters 
from May through September each year. The purpose of the amendment is 
to broaden the current study on humpback whale female-calf behavior and 
habitat choice. Field work would be based out of Kake, Alaska and 
focused primarily in Chatham Straits, Frederick Sound, Sumner Strait, 
Lynn Canal and Icy Strait. Humpback whales of all ages, including 
calves, would be harassed during surveys and the associated photo-
identification, passive acoustics, and behavioral observations. Four 
other species of cetaceans (killer whales, Pacific white-sided 
dolphins, and harbor (Phocoena phocoena) and Dall's porpoises 
(Phocoenoides dalli)) may be incidentally harassed during the research. 
Any killer whales observed would be photographed for identification 
purposes. The amended permit would expire on June 30, 2013.
    Jim Darling, Ph.D. [File No. 13846], Whale Trust, P.O. Box 384, 
Tofino, BC V0R2Z0, Canada, requests a five-year permit to study the 
social organization, behavior and communication of humpback whales in 
Hawaii (primarily off west Maui), and the population biology, ecology, 
and behavior of humpback and Eastern gray (Eschrichtius robustus) 
whales along the coastlines of Washington and Alaska. Researchers would 
conduct photo-identification, passive acoustic recording, behavioral 
observation (by vessel, underwater and aerial), video-recording, 
collection of sloughed skin, photogrammetry, biopsy sampling, playback 
experiments, and suction-cup and implant tagging of target whales. 
Whales of all ages would be harassed during surveys with the exceptions 
that only juvenile and adult humpbacks would be biopsy sampled and only 
adult humpbacks would be tagged. In Hawaii, spinner dolphins, 
pantropical spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and false killer 
whales may be incidentally harassed during research. Killer whales and 
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) may be incidentally harassed in 
Washington or Alaskan waters during research.
    Joseph Mobley, Jr. [File No. 14451], University of Hawaii at Manoa, 
2528 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96816, requests a five-year permit to 
investigate short and long-term changes in population size, habitat 
use, and behavior of cetaceans off the coast of eastern and western 
United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the Mariana Islands. 
Researchers would conduct aerial and vessel surveys, photo-
identification, videography, and behavioral observations. Research 
would target numerous cetacean species including endangered blue whales 
(Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (B. physalus), humpback whales, sei 
whales (B. borealis) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
    Adam Pack, Ph.D. [File No. 14585], University of Hawaii at Hilo, 
200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, requests a five-year permit to 
continue long-term population studies of humpback whales and other 
cetacean species in the Eastern, Western and Central North Pacific 
Ocean, primarily Hawaii and Alaska. These studies include: (1) photo-
identification to determine individual life histories, social role, 
migration, habitat use, distribution, and reproductive states; (2) 
underwater videogrammetry to determine the body sizes of animals in 
different social roles; (3) underwater videography to document 
behaviors and social interactions, and to aid in sex determination; (4) 
passive acoustic recordings of song to trace the evolution of song in 
Hawaii and to examine acoustic characteristics of song in relation to 
singer size and life history; (5) passive acoustic recordings of non-
song vocalizations to determine acoustic properties, contexts, and 
functions; (6) Crittercam studies of humpbacks in different group types 
to help in the understanding of the humpback mating system; and (7) 
skin and blubber biopsy sampling for sex determination, and for health 
assessment. In addition to humpback whales, the following species may 
be opportunistically studied or incidentally harassed during surveys: 
bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, Risso's dolphin, 
false killer whale, melon-headed whale, pygmy killer whale, rough 
toothed dolphin, pilot whale, striped dolphin, pygmy and dwarf sperm 
whales, killer whale, sperm whale, North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena 
japonica), fin whale, blue whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, minke whale 
(B. acutorostrata), sei whale, Bryde's whale (B. edeni), Fraser's 
dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) and Blainville's beaked whale.
    Fred A. Sharpe, Ph.D. [File No. 14599], Alaska Whale Foundation, 
4739 University Way NE 1239, Seattle WA 98105, requests a 
five-year permit to conduct research on the social complexity of 
Alaskan humpback whale bubble feeding to gain insight into the manner 
in which environmental and social factors shape this behavior. Research 
would be conducted annually and include approaches to individuals for: 
(1) photo-identification; (2) acoustic recordings; (3) sonar profiling; 
(4) pole cam observations; (5) broadcasting sounds to individuals; (6) 
attachment of suction cup tags; (7) aerial observations; (8) SCUBA 
observations; and (9) opportunistic collection of fecal material. Most 
activities would be conducted independently; however, photo-
identification would occur before or after most other activities, and 
some playbacks would be broadcast concurrently to tagged individuals to 
document received levels and subsurface movements. No impacts to non-
target species are anticipated. The applicant is also requesting 
opportunistic approaches to killer whales for photo-identification. The 
proposed activities are part of an ongoing study, and ouldl be 
conducted in the waters of Southeast Alaska, primarily from mid-May to 
mid-October.
    Jan Straley [File No. 14122], University of Alaska Southeast Sitka 
Campus, 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK 99835, requests a five-year permit 
to study the biology of large whales in Alaskan waters to: (1) continue 
and expand a study of humpback whales including takes by close 
approach/disturbance, biological sampling, suction cup and satellite 
tagging and acoustic playbacks; (2) study sperm whale movements, 
foraging behavior and depredation on longline fishing gear to reduce 
interactions involving takes by close approach/disturbance, biological 
sampling, suction cup and satellite

[[Page 58245]]

tagging, fishing modifications and acoustic playbacks; (3) study killer 
whale seasonal movements, foraging, migration patterns and depredation, 
including takes by close approach/disturbance, biological sampling, 
suction cup and satellite tagging and acoustic playbacks; (4) enhance 
the body of knowledge, stock structure and current status through 
research activities involving close approach/disturbance, biological 
sampling and tagging of gray, minke, fin, sei, blue, and North Pacific 
right whales; and (5) study killer whale predation events, photograph, 
observe, collect tissue samples, incidentally harass and collect dead 
parts from prey including: humpback, gray, minke, sei and fin whales, 
harbor porpoise, Dall's porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin, Northern 
fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), Steller sea lion, and harbor seal 
(Phoca vitulina).
    Briana Witteveen, Ph.D. [File No. 14296], University of Alaska 
Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, 118 Trident Way, 
Kodiak, AK 99615, requests a five-year permit to conduct scientific 
research on cetaceans year-round in the Gulf of Alaska, with emphasis 
on examining prey use and foraging patterns of gray, fin, humpback, and 
killer whales and exploring the responses of humpback whales to 
acoustic deterrent devices. Takes would occur by close approach to 
collect photographs, recordings of vocalizations, biopsy samples, prey 
parts, sloughed skin, to attach suction cup tags, and to document 
response to acoustic deterrents. Sei, blue, minke, sperm, and right 
whales would be taken by close approach to collect photographs and 
biopsy samples. Other species of marine mammals might be incidentally 
harassed during research activities.
    Ann Zoidis [File No. 14353], Cetos Research Organization, 33 Echo 
Ave., Suite 5, Oakland, CA 94611, requests a five-year permit to 
conduct scientific research on humpback and minke whales in Hawaiian 
waters. Research would occur January through March. Humpback whale 
research would be focused in the Au'au Channel near Maui. The 
objectives of the research are to examine: (1) underwater activity 
budgets of humpback whales, including during non-daylight hours; (2) 
mother/calf/escort interactions, including sound production and vocal/
behavioral responses to sounds by conspecifics; (3) habitat use; and 
(4) any behavioral and/or acoustic reactions to passing vessel traffic. 
Research activities would include photo-identification, behavioral 
observations, passive acoustic recording, and underwater photo/
videography. Suction cup tags would be deployed on humpback whales, 
including calves. Minke whales would be approached for photo-
identification anywhere within the main Hawaiian islands. Twelve other 
cetacean species may be incidentally harassed during research 
activities.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment (EA) will be 
prepared to examine whether significant environmental impacts could 
result from issuance of the proposed scientific research permits and 
permit amendment.
    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.
    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;
    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;
    Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700; phone (808)944-2200; fax (808)973-2941;
    Northeast Region, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930; phone (978)281-9300; fax (978)281-9333; and
    Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, 
Florida 33701; phone (727)824-5312; fax (727)824-5309.

    Dated: November 5, 2009.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E9-27185 Filed 11-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S