Effects of issuing a permit and permit modification for scientific research on protected sea turtles in the Western Pacific Ocean

The purpose of the research for Permit No. 15661 is to characterize population structure, size class composition, foraging ecology, and migration pattens for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in the Northern Mariana Islands. The permit would be valid tor five years from the date of issuance. The objective of the research for Permit No. 10027-04 would not change: to study the population biology and connectivity of green and hawksbill sea turtles at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Permit No. 10027-04 would increase the number of green sea turtles which may be taken annually during research. No other changes (location, duration, or manner of take) to the permit would be authorized. The permit modification would be valid until the permit expires on July 31, 2013.

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