[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5493-5494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2486]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA603


Marine Mammals; File No. 15802

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

ACTION: Notice; requested change to permit application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission, 100 Eighth Avenue SE., St. Petersburg, FL 
33701 [Gregg Poulakis, Responsible Party], has requested a change to 
the application for a permit (File No. 15802).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 5, 2012.

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

[[Page 5494]]

Species home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 15802 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) 427-8401; 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 and Conservation Division:
     By email to [email protected] (include the File 
No. 15802 in the subject line of the email),
     By facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or
     At the address listed above.
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: Jennifer Skidmore or Colette Cairns, 
(301)427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The subject permit is requested under the authority of 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).
    On July 28, 2011 (76 FR 45230), notice was published that a permit 
had been requested by the applicant for scientific research and 
monitoring of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) populations of 
Florida, primarily in the greater Charlotte Harbor estuarine system by 
gillnet, seine, or longline. These animals would be handled, measured, 
passive integrated transponder, roto, and external satellite tagged, 
tissue and biopsy sampled, examined by ultrasound, and released. 
Receipt of sawfish samples acquired through strandings, law enforcement 
confiscations, or other permitted researchers is also requested. The 
applicant also seeks authorization to capture green (Chelonia mydas), 
hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys 
kempii), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta 
caretta) sea turtles. Sea turtles would be measured, photographed, and 
released. On December 14, 2011 (76 FR 77781), notice was published 
clarifying the number of sawfish takes requested and the addition of 
blood sampling to the proposed activities. The applicant is requesting 
to amend the application to request the modification of the acoustic/
satellite attachment methods to be the same as those currently 
authorized under another sawfish permit. The permit is requested for a 
duration of 5 years.

    Dated: January 31, 2012.
Carrie W. Hubard,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-2486 Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P