[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42984-42985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19395]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF619


Endangered Species; File No. 21169

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 Inwater Research Group, Inc. 
[Responsible Party: Michael Bresette], 4160 NE Hyline Drive, Jensen 
Beach, FL 34957, has applied in due form for a

[[Page 42985]]

permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys 
imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and loggerhead 
(Caretta caretta) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 13, 2017.

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. 21169 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available 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.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. 
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, 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 and Conservation 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: Erin Markin or Amy Hapeman, (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 
parts 222-226).
    Inwater Research Group, Inc., proposes to continue long-term 
monitoring on habitat preference, species abundance, size frequencies, 
and disease prevalence in sea turtles in the Key West National Wildlife 
Refuge, Big Bend region, and coastal and offshore waters of Monroe, 
Citrus, and Dixie Counties, Florida. Annually, up to 2,432 green, 749 
hawksbill, 560 Kemp's ridley, and 500 loggerhead sea turtles would be 
pursued by vessel for the purpose of species identification and capture 
using hand capture or dip nets. Of the animals pursued by vessel, 
annually, up to 350 green, 105 hawksbill, 230 Kemp's ridley, and 225 
loggerhead sea turtles would be captured for collection of morphometric 
data, biological samples, and tagging (flipper and passive integrated 
transponder). Of the animals pursued by vessel, up to 50 green, 25 
hawksbill, 25 Kemp's ridley, and 50 loggerhead sea turtles would be 
captured for morphometric data, biological samples and instrument 
attachment (acoustic and/or satellite transmitters), annually. In 
addition, up to 50 green, 25 hawksbill, 50 Kemp's ridley, and 25 
loggerhead neonate sea turtles would be captured, annually, for 
collection of morphometric data, biological samples, and tagging 
(flipper and passive integrated transponder). The permit would be valid 
for up to ten years from the date of issuance.

    Dated: September 8, 2017.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19395 Filed 9-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P