[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 102 (Friday, May 28, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 28766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11349]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB133]


Endangered Species; File No. 25694

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 Carlos Diez, Department of Natural 
and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9020708, Viejo San 
Juan, PR 00901, has applied in due form for a permit to take green 
(Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for 
purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before June 28, 2021.

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. 25694 from the list of available applications. These documents are 
also available upon written request via email to 
[email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 25694 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Jordan Rutland, (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).
    The applicant proposes to continue studies of the population 
structure, trends in relative abundance, distribution, genetics, 
zoogeography, and epidemiology of green and hawksbill sea turtles in 
the coastal waters of Puerto Rico. Up to 140 sea turtles of each 
species would be captured annually by hand or tangle net for 
photographs, temporary marking, measurements, weights, blood and tissue 
sampling, and flipper and passive integrated transponder tagging. A 
subset of 10 turtles of each species would receive a satellite tag 
(epoxy attachment) prior to release. Another 140 hawksbill turtles and 
50 green turtles annually would be harassed during unsuccessful hand 
captures. The permit would be valid for up to 10 years from the date of 
issuance.

    Dated: May 25, 2021.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11349 Filed 5-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P