[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29053-29057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13434]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RINS 0648-XA874, 0648-XA172, 0648-XA626, 0648-XA84, 0648-XF213, 0648-
XB005, 0648-XC644, 0648-XD224, 0648-XD824, 0648-XF158, 0648-XE204, 
0648-XE517, 0648-XF148, 0648-XE788, 0648-XE938, 0648-XF603, 0648-XF149, 
0648-XF082, 0648-XF154, 0648-XF213, 0648-XF214, 0648-XF271, 0648-XF267, 
and 0648-XF352


Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15240-01, 15453-
01, 15569-01, 16160-02, 16163-03, 16479-04, 16609, 17086-01, 18016-01, 
18537-02, 18890-01, 19508, 19621-01, 19697, 20294, 20339, 20430, 20455, 
20465, 20527, 20646, 20993, 21026, 21043, 21155, and 21199

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and permit amendments/
modifications.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits or permit amendments have 
been issued to the following entities:
    RIN 0648-XA874; Permit No. 15240-01: NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries 
Science Center (PIFSC), 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 
96818 (Responsible Party: Frank A. Parrish, Ph.D.);
    RIN 0648-XA172; Permit No. 15453-01: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 
Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Andrew Rossiter, Ph.D., 
Responsible Party);
    RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 15569-01: The Center for Whale Research 
(CWR; Kenneth C. Balcomb III, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 1577, Friday 
Harbor, WA 98250;
    RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 16160-02: The Whale Museum (Jenny 
Atkinson, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250;
    RIN 0648-XA626; Permit No. 16163-03: NMFS Northwest Fisheries 
Science Center (NWFSC; M. Bradley Hanson, Ph.D., Responsible Party) 
2725 Montlake Blvd.
    RIN 0648-XA84; Permit No. 16479-04: Pacific Whale Foundation 
(Gregory D. Kaufman, Responsible Party), 300 Maalaea Road, Suite 211, 
Wailuku, HI 96793;
    RIN 0648-XF213; Permit No. 16609: Zoological Society of San Diego 
(Douglas Myers, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 
92112;
    RIN 0648-XB005; Permit No. 17086-01: Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia 
Research, 218 \1/2\ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501;
    RIN 0648-XC644; Permit No. 18016-01: Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., LGL 
Alaska Research Associates, Inc., 2000 W. International Airport Rd, 
Suite C1, Anchorage, AK 99502;
    RIN 0648-XD224; Permit No. 18537-02: Alaska Department of Fish and 
Game (Michael J. Rehberg, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, 
Anchorage, Alaska 99518;
    RIN 0648-XD824; Permit No. 18890-01: Alaska Department of Fish and 
Game (Lori Quakenbush, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, 
Anchorage, Alaska 99518;
    RIN 0648-XF158; Permit No. 19508: Katherine Mansfield, Ph.D., 
University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Building 
20, BIO301, Orlando, FL 32825;
    RIN 0648-XE204; Permit No. 19621-01: Michael Arendt, South Carolina 
Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, 217 Fort 
Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412;
    RIN 0648-XE517; Permit No. 19697: Carlos E. Diez, Departamento de 
Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico, Programa de Especies 
Protegidas, P.O. Box 366147, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936;
    RIN 0648-XF148; Permit No. 20294: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Chief 
Scientist, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (P.O. Box 932, Hampton 
Bays, New York, 11946;
    RIN 0648-XE788; Permit No. 20339: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center 
(SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive,

[[Page 29054]]

Miami, FL 33149 [Responsible Party: Bonnie Ponwith];
    RIN 0648-XE938; Permit No. 20430: James Harvey, Ph.D., Moss Landing 
Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA, 95039;
    RIN 0648-XF603; Permit No. 20455: Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago 
Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine 
Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236;
    RIN 0648-XF149; Permit No. 20465: NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science 
Center (AFSC) Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (Responsible Party: Dr. John Bengtson);
    RIN 0648-XF082; Permit No. 20527: Ann Pabst, Ph.D., University of 
North Carolina Wilmington, Biology and Marine Biology, 601 S. College 
Road, Wilmington, NC 28403;
    RIN 0648-XF213; Permit No. 20646: Morgridge Institute for Research 
[James Thomson, Ph.D., Responsible Party], 330 N. Orchard St., Madison, 
WI 53715;
    RIN 0648-XF154; Permit No. 20993: Christopher Cilfone, Be Blue, 
2569 Douglas Hwy. Unit 1, Juneau, AK 99801;
    RIN 0648-XF214; Permit No. 21026: Dorian Houser, Ph.D., National 
Marine Mammal Foundation, 22400 Shelter Island Drive #200, San Diego, 
CA 92106;
    RIN 0648-XF271; Permit No. 21043: Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 585 
Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954;
    RIN 0648-XF267; Permit No. 21155: Karina Amaral, Federal University 
of Rio Grande do Sul, Zoology Department, Avenida Bento Goncalves, 9500 
Build 43435, Room 206, Porto Alegre, MI, 91.501-970, Brazil;
    RIN 0648-XF352; Permit No. 21199: British Broadcasting Corporation 
(BBC) Natural History Unit, BBC Bristol, Whiteladies Road, United 
Kingdom BS8 2LR, (Responsible Party: Vanessa Coates).

ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review 
upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and Conservation 
Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 
713-0376.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan (File Nos. 16160-02, 
16163-03, 16609, 17086-01, 20430, 20455, 20465, 20527, 20646, and 
21026), Amy Hapeman (File Nos. 16160-02, 16163-03, 18016-01, 19508, 
19621-01, 19697, 20339, 20430, 20455, and 20465), Carrie Hubard (File 
Nos. 15240-01, 17086, 19508, 20993, 20527, 21026, 21155, and 21199), 
Jennifer Skidmore (File Nos. 21155, 15453-01, 16609, and 20646), 
Courtney Smith (File Nos. 16479-04, 18537-02, 18890-01, and 20294), 
Malcolm Mohead (File Nos. 19621-01 and 21043), Sara Young (File No. 
15240-01, 18016-01 and 21199), and Erin Markin (File Nos. 19697 and 
20339) at (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices were published in the Federal 
Register that requests for a permit or permit amendment had been 
submitted by the above-named applicants. The requested permits have 
been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(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 parts 222-226), as 
applicable.
    Permit No. 15240-01: The original permit (No. 15240), issued on May 
15, 2012 (77 FR 31836) authorized the PIFSC to study 20 cetacean 
species in U.S. and international waters of the Pacific Islands Region. 
The action area includes Hawaii, Palmyra, American Samoa, Guam, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Johnston Atoll, Kingman 
Reef, Howland Island, Baker Island, Jarvis Island, and Wake Island. 
Research methodologies include aerial and vessel surveys, behavioral 
observations, photo-identification, acoustic recordings, biopsy 
collection, and dart and suction cup tagging. Salvage and import/export 
of cetacean parts, specimens, and biological samples may also occur. 
The minor amendment (No. 15240-01) extends the duration of the permit 
through May 31, 2018, but does not change any other terms or conditions 
of the permit.
    Permit No. 15453-01: The original permit (No. 15453), issued on 
April 30, 2012 (77 FR 27718) authorized the Waikiki Aquarium to 
maintain in captivity up to three non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals 
(Neomonachus schauinslandi) for research and enhancement purposes. 
Research includes (1) a long-term study on the digestive efficiency of 
captive seals; and (2) a post-vaccination antibody response study using 
West Nile virus and canine distemper virus vaccinations. The seals will 
be displayed to the public incidental to the research program, and the 
Waikiki Aquarium provides daily public narrations and educational 
graphics about the Hawaiian monk seal. The minor amendment (No. 15453-
01) extends the duration of the permit through April 30, 2018, but does 
not change any other terms or conditions of the permit.
    Permit No. 15569-01: The original permit (No. 15569), issued on 
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized WCR take of 22 species of marine 
mammals in the coastal eastern North Pacific from the southern boundary 
of California to Alaskan waters east of Kodiak Island, including all 
territorial waters up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Harassment of all 
species of cetaceans will occur through vessel approach for 
photographic identification, behavioral research, opportunistic 
sampling (fecal material and prey remains), remote measuring (aerial 
and laser techniques), and passive acoustic recording. The minor 
amendment (No. 15569-01) authorizes the addition of unmanned aircraft 
systems (UAS) as an approved aerial system and extends the duration of 
the permit through June 6, 2018.
    Permit No. 16160-02: The original permit (No. 16160), issued on 
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized takes of eight species of 
cetaceans in the inland waters of Washington State. Harassment of all 
species will occur through close vessel approach for photo-
identification, behavioral observation, and monitoring. The minor 
amendment (No. 16160-02) extends the duration of the permit through 
June 6, 2018.
    Permit No. 16163-03: The original permit (No. 16163), issued on 
June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657) authorized take of 42 species of marine 
mammals in all U.S. and international waters in the Pacific Ocean, 
including waters of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. 
Harassment of all species of cetaceans could occur through vessel 
approach for sighting surveys, photographic identification, behavioral 
research, opportunistic sampling (breath, sloughed skin, fecal 
material, and prey remains), acoustic imaging with echosounders, and 
aerial surveys. Twenty-seven cetacean species and unidentified 
mesoplodon species could be biopsy sampled, dart, and/or suction-cup 
tagged. Ultrasound sampling and active acoustic playback studies were 
authorized for killer whales including the Southern Resident stock. 
Import and export of marine mammal prey specimens, skin and blubber, 
sloughed skin, fecal and breath samples obtained was authorized. The 
minor amendment (No. 16163-03) extends the duration of the permit 
through June 6, 2018.
    Permit No. 16479-04: The original permit (No. 16479), issued on 
September 8, 2012 (77 FR 59594) authorized vessel approaches for photo-
identification and behavioral

[[Page 29055]]

observation of humpback whales and incidental harassment of Hawaiian 
insular false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Maui County 
waters, Hawaii. A minor amendment (No. 01) to the permit was issued on 
August 23, 2013, authorizing the field season to start in December 
versus January of each permit year. A major amendment (No. 02) to the 
permit was issued on July 7, 2014 (79 FR 44754), authorizing the 
approach of false killer whales for photo-identification and behavioral 
observation to study their occurrence, distribution, movement, site 
fidelity, abundance, social organization, home ranges, and life history 
in place of previously authorized takes for incidental harassment 
during vessel surveys. The minor amendment (No. 16479-04) extends the 
duration of the permit through June 1, 2018.
    Permit No. 16609: The requested permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the 
receipt, import, and export of biological samples to establish and bank 
cell lines. Samples may be received from any species of cetacean, 
pinniped, or sea turtle, including ESA-listed species, from up to 30 
individuals of each species. The duration of the permit is five years.
    Permit No. 17086-01: The original permit (No. 17086), issued on May 
11, 2012 (77 FR 29981), authorized takes of 27 species of cetaceans 
through vessel approach for sighting surveys, photographic 
identification, behavioral research, opportunistic sampling (sloughed 
skin, fecal material, breath samples, and prey remains), dart and/or 
suction-cup tagging, and import and export of marine mammal samples 
obtained. The minor amendment (No. 17086-01) extends the duration of 
the permit through May 12, 2018, but does not change any other terms or 
conditions of the permit.
    Permit No. 18016-01: The original permit (No. 18016), issued on May 
29, 2014 (79 FR 41991), authorizes the permit holder to conduct vessel 
surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska for photo-identification and observations 
of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). The 
purpose of the research is to identify individual whales and to provide 
information about movement patterns, habitat use, survivorship, 
reproduction, and population size. The amendment (No. 01) increases the 
number of whales that may be taken annually during vessel surveys. The 
amended permit is valid through June 1, 2019.
    Permit No. 18537-02: The original permit (No. 18537), issued on 
August 8, 2014 (79 FR 19578), authorized ADF&G to take Steller sea 
lions (Eumetopias jubatus) during aerial, vessel, and ground surveys in 
support of the long-term Steller sea lion research program. It also 
authorized incidental disturbance of California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), and northern fur (Callorhinus ursinus), harbor (Phoca 
vitulina), spotted (Phoca largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata), 
ringed (Phoca hispida hispida), and bearded (Erignathus barbatus) seals 
during research activities; and, annual unintentional mortality of 5 
Steller sea lions from the Western Distinct Population Segment (wDPS) 
and 10 Steller sea lions from the Eastern DPS through August 31, 2019. 
An amendment, Permit No. 18537-01, issued on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 
21323, April 11, 2016) authorized an increase in the number of 
California and Steller (wDPS) sea lions taken during aerial surveys 
from 4,725 to 10,000, and from 48,000 to 75,000, respectively; and an 
increase in the volume on a single blood draw from Steller sea lions 
from up to 1 ml/kg to up to 4 ml/kg. The minor amendment (No. 18537-02) 
issued authorizes a change in Responsible Party (now Michael J. 
Rehberg).
    Permit No. 18890-01: The original permit (No. 18890), issued on 
March 26, 2015 (80 FR 15992), authorizes research on beluga 
(Delphinapterus leucas), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray, and 
humpback whales in Alaska including photo-identification, biopsy 
sampling, and tagging (large whales and belugas) and aerial surveys and 
captures for health assessments (belugas, excluding the Cook Inlet 
Distinct Population Segment). Research studies include population 
abundance (beluga), stock structure (bowhead, gray, humpback, and 
beluga), feeding areas and other important habitats (all species), 
migration routes (all species), behavior relative to human disturbance 
(all species), and to genetically identify individuals in order to 
determine survival and calving intervals (belugas). The minor amendment 
(No. 18890-01) issued authorizes a change in Responsible Party (now 
Lori Quakenbush).
    Permit No. 19508: The requested permit (82 FR 4855) authorizes the 
permit holder to study loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley 
(Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys 
imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coraicea) sea turtles. Research 
may occur in three study areas: (1) Indian River Lagoon, Florida; (2) 
Trident Turning Basin, Cape Canaveral, Florida; and (3) Northern and 
Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Researchers may capture sea turtles by tangle 
net, dip net, or by hand and perform the following procedures performed 
before release: Measure, flipper tag, passive integrated transponder 
tag, photograph/video, gastric lavage, and scute, blood, fecal, and 
tissue sampling. A subset of animals would receive an epoxy attached 
transmitter before release. The permit is valid for five years from the 
date of issuance.
    Permit No. 19621-01: The original permit (No. 19621), issued on 
June 16, 2016 (81 FR 43589), authorizes the permit holder to conduct 
study loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys 
kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) 
sea turtles in the waters of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. 
Researchers may capture animals by trawl or tangle net and perform the 
following procedures before release: Morphometrics, tagging, 
photography, biological sampling, ultrasound, marking, laparoscopy and 
associated transport, transmitter attachment, and/or epibiota removal. 
A limited number of sea turtles may accidentally die due to capture 
over the life of the permit. The modification (No. 01) authorizes 
researchers to (1) take olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys 
olivacea) during all research projects; (2) expand Project 3's area to 
include coastal shoals adjacent to the Cape Canaveral channel; (3) 
extend Project 3's duration through October 2020; and (4) increase the 
annual take of green and loggerhead sea turtles by four and nine 
turtles, respectively, and authorize double tagging and tissue sampling 
of a small subset of these animals. The modified permit is valid 
through June 15, 2021.
    Permit No. 19697: The requested permit (81 FR 15684) authorizes 
research on green and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtle 
aggregations in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico, including Mona, 
Monito, and Desecheo Islands, and Culebra Archipelago. Sea turtles may 
be captured, marked, measured, weighed, photographed, and biologically 
sampled. A subset of animals may also be outfitted with satellite 
transmitters to track movements post-release or undergo ultrasound and 
tumor removal surgery in a local facility. The permit is valid for five 
years from the date of issuance.
    Permit No. 20294: The requested permit (82 FR 5538) authorizes 
aerial, vessel, and ground surveys of North Atlantic right whales 
(Eubalaena glacialis) and 44 other protected cetaceans and pinnipeds in 
Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters, from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Five of

[[Page 29056]]

the target species are threatened or endangered: North Atlantic right, 
blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B. borealis), and 
sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Surveys will be conducted using 
fixed wing aircraft and vessels to assess seasonal abundance and 
distribution of marine mammals in the area. Ground surveys will be 
conducted on foot and with remote cameras to obtain counts of seals 
throughout different tidal cycles and to document prevalence of human 
interaction around seal haul-out sites accessible to the public. Seal 
scat will be collected for health assessment studies. The permit is 
valid for five years from the date of issuance.
    Permit No. 20339: The requested permit (81 FR 54047) authorizes 
research on loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green, leatherback, hawksbill, 
olive ridley and unidentified sea turtles in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf 
of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Animals for study would be directly 
captured by trawl or obtained as legal bycatch from a commercial 
fishery. The purpose of this project is to assist in the development 
and testing of gear aboard commercial fishing vessels to mitigate 
interactions and capture of sea turtles. Researchers are authorized to 
measure, weigh, apply a temporary carapace mark, flipper and Passive 
Integrated Transponder tag, tissue sample, and photograph/video live 
sea turtles before release and to salvage carcasses and parts from dead 
sea turtles. The permit is valid for five years from the date of 
issuance.
    Permit No. 20430: The requested permit (81 FR 73381) authorizes 
research on large whales and dolphins in California waters including 
blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), and sperm (Physeter 
macrocephalus) whales, and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in order 
to study distribution, movement, diet, foraging, and acoustic behaviors 
of marine mammals. Research activities for large whales includes 
passive acoustics, behavioral observations, photography, video 
recording, biopsy sampling, collection of sloughed skin, attachment of 
suction cup or dart/barb tags, and tracking during vessel surveys. 
Research for Risso's dolphins includes passive acoustics, behavioral 
observations, and photo-identification. The number of species to be 
taken annually via tagging/biopsy/photo-identification are: 50/100/150 
blue whales, 40/90/140 fin whales, 50/100/150 humpback whales, 160/210/
260 gray whales, and 0/0/2,000 Risso's dolphins. Up to five sperm 
whales may be incidentally harassed and opportunistically photographed, 
annually. Up to 200 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 20 
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), 50 Pacific white-sided 
dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), 20 northern right whale dolphins 
(Lissodelphis borealis), 10 harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and 20 
short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) may be harassed 
incidental to research activities. The permit is valid through March 
31, 2022.
    Permit No. 20455: The requested permit (81 FR 90781) authorizes 
takes of up to 10,000 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and 1,000 
Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) dolphins annually during vessel 
surveys for photography, photo-identification, video recording, 
behavioral observation, acoustic playbacks, and passive acoustic 
recording, with concurrent deployment of an unmanned aircraft system 
for photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose and 100 spotted dolphins of 
the above animals may also be biopsy sampled during vessel surveys 
annually, and up to 50 bottlenose and 25 spotted dolphins annually of 
the above animals may be captured for health assessments, which would 
include biological sampling, auditory brainstem response tests, 
metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, x-rays, marking, tagging, tracking, 
and release. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of each species annually 
would be remotely satellite tagged to test the feasibility of a new 
dorsal fin attachment method. Two unintentional mortalities of each 
species could occur due to capture over the life of the permit. The 
permit is valid through May 31, 2022.
    Permit No. 20465: The requested permit (82 FR 11179) authorizes 
researchers to monitor and evaluate cetacean trends, abundance, 
distribution, and health in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering, Beaufort, 
and Chukchi Seas, and in the Gulf of Maine and mid-Atlantic waters. Up 
to 26 species/stocks of cetaceans may be targeted for study including 
the following endangered or threatened species/stocks: Cook Inlet 
beluga, blue, fin, sei (B. borealis), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), 
humpback, North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), Southern Resident 
killer (Orcinus orca), and sperm whales. Researchers may conduct manned 
and unmanned aerial surveys for counts, observations, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, and video of cetaceans. Vessel surveys 
may be conducted for counts, biological sampling, observation, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, video, tagging, and/or acoustic 
playbacks of cetaceans. Seven pinniped species including endangered 
Steller sea lions may be harassed incidental to research. Requested 
captures, research activities and associated mortalities of beluga 
whales is not authorized. The permit is valid for five years.
    Permit No. 20527: The requested permit (81 FR 91919) authorizes 
takes of up to 29 species of cetaceans year-round in the Atlantic Ocean 
from Delaware Bay to Cape Canaveral, FL, and will include aerial and 
vessel surveys to conduct counts, photo-identification, photogrammetry, 
and behavioral observations. The permit is valid through May 31, 2022.
    Permit No. 20646: The requested permit (82 FR 12081) authorizes the 
receipt, import, and export of biological samples to establish and bank 
cetacean stem cells. Samples may be acquired from any species of marine 
mammal; however, the applicant has identified 38 species of cetaceans, 
including ESA-listed species, to focus acquisition efforts. Up to 12 
individuals of each species would be requested. In addition, eight 
samples (from four individual animals) currently on loan would be 
transferred permanently to the applicant. The permit is valid for five 
years.
    Permit No. 20993: The requested permit (82 FR 4860) authorizes the 
filming of 50 humpback whales in Hawaiian waters as part of a 
commercial photography project. Whales may be filmed using boats, 
unmanned aerial systems, or snorkelers. Bottlenose (Tursiops 
truncatus), pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), and spinner (S. 
longirostris) dolphins may be incidentally harassed during filming. 
Footage will be used to create a film about humpback whales and their 
conservation success. The permit is valid through April 30, 2018.
    Permit No. 21026: The requested permit (82 FR 11004) authorizes the 
use evoked auditory potential testing on stranded cetaceans to 
determine their hearing range. Up to 15 individuals of any species and 
any age class of non-listed or ESA-listed cetacean may be tested. 
Passive acoustic recording, suction-cup sensors, subcutaneous 
electrodes, and ultrasound may be used during testing. Listed cetacean 
species may include: Beluga, blue, bowhead, false killer (Pseudorca 
crassidens), fin, gray, humpback, killer North Atlantic right 
(Eubalaena glacialis), North Pacific right, sei, and sperm whales, and 
vaquita (Phocoena sinus). The permit is valid through March 31, 2022.
    Permit No. 21043: The requested permit (82 FR 15514) authorizes 
capture and further monitoring of endangered

[[Page 29057]]

smalltooth sawfish to develop conservation and protective measures, 
ensuring species recovery. Other listed species potentially encountered 
and incidentally collected include green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, 
leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles. Researchers may capture 
smalltooth sawfish in Florida waters, and then measure, weigh, tag, 
genetic tissue sample, draw blood, and photograph the animals prior to 
release. The researchers will also receive salvaged animals and parts 
taken at other locations within the target species' range. The permit 
is valid through May 31, 2022.
    Permit No. 21155: The requested permit (82 FR 13801) authorizes the 
importation of 118 DNA samples from the Federal University of Rio 
Grande Do Sul in Brazil to the University of Michigan, Ecology and 
Evolutionary Biology Department in Ann Arbor, MI, for genetics 
research. The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) samples 
were collected between 1996 and 2016 via biopsy sampling of live 
animals or from stranded animals, in accordance with the laws of 
Brazil. The permit also authorizes the export of any remaining samples 
back to Brazil. The permit is valid for five months.
    Permit No. 21199: The requested permit (82 FR 18739) authorizes the 
BBC Natural History Unit to film killer whales (Orcinus orca), Dall's 
porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and Pacific white-sided dolphins 
(Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Filming may occur near Seward, Alaska 
over six days in May 2017 and in Juneau, AK over six days at the end of 
July 2017. Filming would occur from cameras on board a vessel or by 
helicopter. Hydrophones would be used to record vocalizations. Footage 
would be used for an Alaska Live television series to showcase the 
gathering of wildlife in Alaska that occurs around the salmon runs. The 
permit is valid through August 31, 2017.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the 
activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance of these permit was 
based on a finding that such permits: (1) Were applied for in good 
faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered 
species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set 
forth in section 2 of the ESA.

    Dated: June 22, 2017.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13434 Filed 6-26-17; 8:45 am]
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