Issuance of scientific research permit no. 16919 for photo-identification surveys of humpback whales in Alaska ; Environmental assessment on the issuance of scientific research permit no. 16919 for photo-identification surveys of humpback whales in Alaska ;

Golde, Helen M. (Helen Marcy)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to issue a scientific research permit for takes of marine mammals in the wild, pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The permit would be valid for five years from the date of issuance and would authorize takes of marine mammals during vessel surveys of humback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) for counts, photo-identification, monitoring and observation in Prince William Sound and adjacent waters of Alaska. The objectives of the research are to determine humpback whale population numbers, distribution, recurrence of individuals, feeding habits, vital rates, associations between animals, and gender of individuals.

Environmental Assessment