Effects of issuing marine mammal Scientific Research Permit no. 14856

Wieting, Donna

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to issue Scientific Research Permit No. 14856, 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.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). The permit would be valid for five years from the date of issuance and would authorize take of fourteen species of pinnipeds, sixty-nine species of cetaceans, and unidentified mesoplodon species worldwide. The purpose of the research is to determine the migration routes and movement patterns, habitat use, diving behavior, vocal patterns, and acoustic environment of cetaceans worldwide. The research would involve vessel surveys, aerial surveys, photo-identification, acoustic recording, biopsy collection, and implantable and suction cup tagging. Import/export of biopsy samples would also be permitted.

Environmental Assessment

United States