[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34053-34054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14452]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RIN 0648-XA488]


Marine Mammals; File No. 16314

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Jennifer Lewis, Ph.D., Tropical 
Dolphin Research Foundation, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 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 July 11, 2011.

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. 16314 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the following offices:
    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
    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) 713-
0376, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Please include the 
File No. in the subject line of the e-mail 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: Joselyd Garcia-Reyes 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 requests a five-year permit to conduct photo-
identification surveys and biopsy sampling. Research would occur in 
Whitewater Bay, Shark River, Ponce de Leon Bay and Florida Bay, which 
are found in Everglades National Park (ENP). Up to 3,020 bottlenose 
dolphins could be taken by level B harassment each year during photo-
identification surveys. Additionally, up to 38 bottlenose dolphins from 
each location could be taken by level A harassment annually, to acquire 
30 successful biopsy samples from each location over the life of the 
permit. Research would stop when the desired number of samples has been 
obtained. The purposes of the proposed research are to: (1) Examine 
spatiotemporal variation in trophic interactions (diets) of the 
dolphins, (2) elucidate patterns of transmission of a unique foraging 
behavior, mud ring feeding, and (3) compare trophic interactions and 
genetics of dolphins in ENP with existing samples from the Lower 
Florida Keys.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

[[Page 34054]]

    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: June 7, 2011.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-14452 Filed 6-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P