"The proposed action for this consultation is the issuance of a scientific research permit (Permit No. 20527) to Dr. Ann Pabst to authorize take of ESA-listed blue, fin, North Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales, in addition to several non-ESA-listed cetaceans, in the form of harassment under the MMPA. Under the MMPA, take of all age classes and both sexes would be authorized. No take of blue, fin, North Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales under the ESA would be authorized since, as discussed above, the proposed research would not rise to the level of take under the ESA. The proposed research would involve both aerial and vessel surveys of cetaceans in the Atlantic Ocean from Delaware Bay to Cape Canaveral, Florida, over a five-year period (June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2022)"--Page [3]. [doi:10.7289/V5GB225Q (https://doi.org/10.7289/V5GB225Q)]

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)