[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 38296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15353]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB250]


Endangered Species; File No. 25602

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 Coonamessett Farm Foundation, 
Inc., 277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536 (Responsible Party: 
Ronald Smolowitz), has applied in due form for a permit to take 
leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and unidentified sea 
turtles for purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before August 19, 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. 25602 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. 25602 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 Erin Markin, (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 determine the impacts of impulsive sounds 
on the behavior of leatherback sea turtles within Massachusetts waters 
and adjacent Federal waters. Researchers would (1) remotely deploy 
suction cup camera tags on 30 leatherbacks annually, (2) observe and 
film them from an aircraft, vessel, and underwater by polecam, (3) 
remotely scan them in-water for passive integrated transponder (PIT) 
tags, and (4) expose them to an underwater sound source. Up to 60 
leatherbacks annually could be harassed during unsuccessful tag 
deployments or incidental sound exposure. Another 60 leatherbacks 
annually would be observed during aerial and vessel surveys, 
photographed, and remotely PIT tag scanned. Researchers also request to 
harass up to 30 unidentified sea turtles annually for incidental sound 
exposures. The permit would be valid for five years.

    Dated: July 13, 2021.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15353 Filed 7-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P