[Federal Register: December 9, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 236)] [Notices] [Page 69003-69004] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr09de99-33] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 120399B] Endangered Species; Permits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Issuance of a modification to scientific research permit 1159. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a modification to scientific research permit 1159 to Dr. Robert Brownell of NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by appointment in the Office of Protected Resources, Endangered Species Division, F/PR3, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301-713-1401). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terri Jordan, Silver Spring, MD (ph: 301-713-1401, fax: 301-713-0376, e-mail: Terri.Jordan@noaa.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [[Page 69004]] Authority Issuance of permits and permit modifications, as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (ESA), is based on a finding that such permits/modifications: (1) Are applied for in good faith; (2) would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species which are the subject of the permits; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set forth in the permits. Permits and modifications are issued in accordance with and are subject to the ESA and NMFS regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR parts 222-226). All statements and opinions contained in the permit action summary are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect the views of NMFS. Species Covered in this Notice The following species are covered in this notice: endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas), endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), threatened loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and endangered olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Modification Issued SWFSC currently possesses a 3-year scientific research permit (1159) to take listed sea turtles opportunistically during marine mammal research surveys in the eastern tropical Pacific. Authorization was granted to take up to 400 turtles over the three year period to include the following species: olive ridley, green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead. The turtles would be weighed, photographed, flipper tagged, blood sampled, and tissue sampled. Additionally, stomach lavage would be performed on captured turtles to identify prey items and up to 30 turtles would be outfitted with satellite transmitters. The purpose of the research is to obtain data on the geographic distribution and stock assessment, migratory and dive behavior, and habitat needs and primary foraging areas of turtles at sea. On November 10, 1999, SWFSC applied for an emergency modification to permit 1159 as a result of unexpectedly high numbers of olive ridley turtles encountered during survey efforts. Modification #2 authorizes increased take of olive ridley turtles from 330 to 500. No additional stomach lavage or satellite tagging is authorized. Modification #2 to Permit 1159 was issued on November 23, 1999, authorizing take of listed species and is valid for the duration of the permit, which expires December 31, 2000. Dated: December 6, 1999. Wanda L. Cain, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 99-31970 Filed 12-8-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F