[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 77 (Tuesday, April 22, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Page 22479]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09134]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD248


Endangered Species; File No. 18526

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 sea 
turtles for purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before May 22, 2014.

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. 18526 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the following office:
    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
     by email to [email protected] (include the File 
No. in the subject line of the email),
     by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or
     at the address listed above.
    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: Kristy Beard 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).
    The purpose of the research is to continue ongoing research to 
assess and reduce sea turtle bycatch in sea scallop fisheries in the 
Mid-Atlantic Bight. The research will aid in evaluating abundance 
estimates, evaluating scallop harvesting strategies to minimize harm to 
sea turtles, and defining critical habitat. Loggerhead (Caretta 
caretta), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), leatherback (Dermochelys 
coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas), and unidentified hardshell sea 
turtles would be captured by hoopnet. Up to 20 loggerhead, 1 Kemp's 
ridley, 1 leatherback, 1 green, and 1 unidentified sea turtle annually 
would be captured, weighed and measured, blood and tissue sampled, and 
tagged with flipper tags, passive integrated transponders, and 
satellite tags. Turtles would also be tracked and monitored with a 
remotely operated vehicle.
    The permit would be valid for five years.

    Dated: April 17, 2014.
Tammy C. Adams,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09134 Filed 4-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P