[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 103 (Friday, May 29, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29382-29386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14247]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 052298A]
Endangered Species; Permits
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Receipt of applications for scientific research permits (1142,
1152, 1154) and for modifications to scientific research permits (900,
946, 964, 994, 996); Issuance of scientific research permits (1050,
1060, 1071, 1074, 1091, 1097, 1105), modifications to scientific
research permits (900, 1030, 1035, 1036, 1079, 1104) and an amendment
to a scientific research permit (844).
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following actions regarding
permits for takes of endangered and threatened species for the purposes
of scientific research and/or enhancement: NMFS has received permit
applications from: Fish Ecology Division of the Northwest Fisheries
Science Center, NMFS at
[[Page 29383]]
Seattle, WA (NWFSC) (1142), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
at La Grande, OR (ODFW) (1152) and NWFSC (1154); NMFS has received
applications for modifications to existing permits from: NWFSC (900,
946, 964), the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at
Moscow, ID (ICFWRU) (994), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at
Walla Walla, WA (Corps) (996); NMFS has issued permits subject to
certain conditions set forth therein, to: ENTRIX, Inc. (1050), Simpson
Timber Company (STC) (1060), U.S.D.A., Forest Service (USFS) (1071),
Pacific Lumber Company (PLC) (1074), Santa Ynez River Technical
Advisory Committee (SYRTAC) (1091), Resource Management International
(RMI) (1097), and Hagar Environmental Science (HES) (1105); NMFS has
issued modifications to scientific research permits to: NWFSC (900),
Sarah V. Mitchell, of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (1030), the
U.S. Geological Survey at Cook, WA (USGS) (1035, 1036), Pacific Coast
Federation of Fishermen's Associations (PCFFA) (1075), Georgia-Pacific
West Inc. (GPWI) (1079), and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPC)
(1104); and NMFS has issued an amendment to a scientific research
permit to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at Boise, ID (IDFG)
(844).
DATES: Written comments or requests for a public hearing on any of the
applications must be received on or before June 28, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for
review in the following offices, by appointment:
For permits 844, 900, 946, 964, 994, 996, 1035, 1036, 1142, and
1152: Protected Resources Division (PRD), F/NWO3, 525 NE Oregon Street,
Suite 500, Portland, OR 97232-4169 (503-230-5400).
For permits 1050, 1060, 1071, 1074, 1079, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1105,
and 1154: Protected Species Division, NMFS, 777 Sonoma Avenue, Room
325, Santa Rosa, CA 95404-6528 (707-575-6066).
For permit 1030: Director, Southeast Region, NMFS, NOAA, 9721
Executive Center Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 (813-893-3141).
All documents may also be reviewed by appointment in the Office of
Protected Resources, F/PR3, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910-3226 (301-713-1401).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For permits 844, 900, 946, 964, 994,
996, 1035, 1036, 1124, 1127, 1142, and 1152: Robert Koch, Portland, OR
(503-230-5424).
For permits 1050, 1060, 1071, 1074, 1079, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1105,
and 1154: Thomas Hablett, Protected Resources Division, (707-575-6066).
For permit 1030: Michelle Rogers, Endangered Species Division,
Silver Spring, MD (301-713-1401).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
Permits are requested under the authority of section 10 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and the NMFS
regulations governing ESA-listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR
parts 217-227).
Those individuals requesting a hearing on these requests for
permits should set out the specific reasons why a hearing would be
appropriate (see ADDRESSES). The holding of such a hearing is at the
discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA. All
statements and opinions contained in the below application summaries
are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect the views of
NMFS.
Issuance of these permits, modifications, and amendments, as
required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permits,
modifications, and amendments: (1) Were applied for in good faith; (2)
would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species which are
the subject of the permits; and (3) are consistent with the purposes
and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. These permits,
modifications, and amendments were also issued in accordance with and
are subject to parts 217-222 of Title 50 CFR, the NMFS regulations
governing listed species permits.
Species Covered in This Notice
The following species are covered in this notice: chinook salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch),
Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus
nerka), and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
To date, protective regulations for threatened Snake River
steelhead and threatened lower Columbia River steelhead under section
4(d) of the ESA have not been promulgated by NMFS. This notice of
receipt of applications requesting takes of these species is issued as
a precaution in the event that NMFS issues protective regulations that
prohibit takes of Snake River steelhead and lower Columbia River
steelhead. The initiation of a 30-day public comment period on the
applications, including their proposed takes of Snake River steelhead
and lower Columbia River (LCR) steelhead, does not presuppose the
contents of the eventual protective regulations.
New Applications Received
NWFSC (1142) requests a one-year permit that would authorize takes
of juvenile, endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon; juvenile,
threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated, Snake River
spring/summer chinook salmon; adult and juvenile, endangered, naturally
produced and artificially propagated, upper Columbia River (UCR)
steelhead; and adult and juvenile, threatened, Snake River steelhead
associated with a study designed to evaluate the effects of the new
juvenile bypass/sampling facility at John Day Dam (located on the lower
Columbia River) on migrating salmonids. The information will be used to
identify and correct any problem areas associated with the bypass
system with the ultimate goal of increasing juvenile salmonid survival
at the dam. ESA-listed juvenile fish are proposed to be captured,
handled, and released while obtaining non-listed fish for the study. A
lethal take of ESA-listed juvenile fish is requested to determine how
the facility affects fish physiology. In addition, ESA-listed adult
steelhead fallbacks are proposed to be captured, marked with a visible
external identifier, released above the dam, recaptured at or below the
dam, examined, and released to evaluate the facility for adult salmonid
passage. ESA-listed juvenile fish indirect mortalities associated with
the scientific research activities are also requested.
ODFW (1152) requests a five-year permit that would authorize takes
of adult and juvenile, threatened, naturally produced, Snake River
spring/summer chinook salmon and adult and juvenile, threatened, Snake
River steelhead associated with scientific research conducted in the
Grande Ronde and Imnaha River Basins in the state of OR. ODFW proposes
to conduct ten research tasks: (1) Spring chinook salmon spawning
ground surveys, (2) spring chinook salmon early life history, (3)
habitat and fish inventory surveys, (4) passage and irrigation
screening, (5) steelhead kelt rejuvenation, (6) steelhead straying
study, (7) anadromous versus resident life history strategy in
steelhead, (8) monitoring of residual hatchery steelhead, (9) steelhead
spawning ground surveys, and (10) Lookingglass Creek spring chinook
salmon reintroduction study. ODFW proposes to observe/harass ESA-listed
fish during surveys and redd counts and to employ seines, traps, and
electrofishing to capture ESA-listed fish
[[Page 29384]]
to acquire biological information or to apply passive integrated
transponders, jaw tags, opercular marks, or other marks for migration
studies. A lethal take of ESA-listed adult steelhead is requested. ESA-
listed fish indirect mortalities associated with the scientific
research activities are also requested.
NWFSC (1154) requests a five-year permit for takes of juvenile,
threatened, southern Oregon/northern California coast (SONCC) coho
salmon associated with the National Wild Fish Health Survey in the
Klamath River, within the California portion of the Evolutionarily
Significant Unit (ESU). The study consists of the capture and
intentional killing of ESA-listed juveniles for a tissues analysis of
bacterial and parasitic pathogens in the species. Direct mortalities of
50 juvenile coho salmon annually are requested.
Modification Requests Received
NWFSC requests modification 6 to permit 900. Permit 900 authorizes
NWFSC annual takes of juvenile, endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon;
juvenile, threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated,
Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon; juvenile, threatened, Snake
River fall chinook salmon ; and juvenile, endangered, naturally
produced and artificially propagated, UCR steelhead associated with
three studies designed to determine the relative survival of migrating
juvenile salmonids at hydropower dams and reservoirs on the Snake and
Columbia Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. For modification 6, NWFSC
requests an increase in the takes of ESA-listed juvenile fish
associated with The Dalles Dam survival study. Actual field conditions
to date in 1998 indicate that NWFSC underestimated the amount of ESA-
listed fish takes needed to validate the study. ESA-listed juvenile
fish are proposed to be captured at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia
River, handled, and released while collecting non-listed fish for the
study or captured at Bonneville Dam, tagged with passive integrated
transponders (PIT), transported to The Dalles Dam, and released above
the dam. ESA-listed juvenile fish that are PIT-tagged are subsequently
proposed to be automatically detected in the juvenile fish bypass
systems of Bonneville Dam without further handling. An associated
increase in ESA-listed juvenile fish indirect mortalities are
requested. Modification 6 is requested to be valid for the duration of
the permit. Permit 900 expires on December 31, 1999.
NWFSC requests modification 5 to permit 946. Permit 946 authorizes
NWFSC annual takes of juvenile, endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon;
adult and juvenile, threatened, naturally produced and artificially
propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon; juvenile,
threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon; and juvenile, endangered,
naturally produced and artificially propagated, UCR steelhead
associated with two scientific research studies. The studies are
designed to assess the migration timing and relative survival of
chinook salmon smolts transported by barge to below Bonneville Dam with
the survival to adulthood of smolts migrating volitionally inriver to
Bonneville Dam and to the mouth of the Columbia River. For modification
5, NWFSC requests an increase in the takes of ESA-listed juvenile fish
associated with both studies. Actual field conditions to date in 1998
indicate that NWFSC underestimated the amount of ESA-listed fish takes
needed to complete the studies. An associated increase in ESA-listed
juvenile fish indirect mortalities are requested. Modification 5 is
requested to be valid for the duration of the permit. Permit 946
expires on December 31, 1999.
NWFSC requests modification 1 to permit 964. Permit 964 authorizes
NWFSC annual takes of juvenile, endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon;
juvenile, threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon; and juvenile,
threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated, Snake River
spring/summer chinook salmon associated with a study designed to
compare the adult recoveries of run-of-the-river subyearling chinook
salmon transported around the hydropower dams on the Columbia River
versus those migrating inriver. For modification 1, NWFSC requests
annual takes of juvenile, endangered, naturally produced and
artificially propagated, UCR steelhead and juvenile, threatened, Snake
River steelhead associated with the research. ESA-listed juvenile
steelhead are proposed to be captured at McNary Dam on the Columbia
River, handled, and released while collecting subyearling chinook
salmon for the study. ESA-listed juvenile steelhead indirect
mortalities are requested. Modification 1 is requested to be valid for
the duration of the permit. Permit 964 expires on December 31, 1999.
ICFWRU requests modification 4 to scientific research permit 994.
Permit 994 authorizes ICFWRU annual takes of adult, ESA-listed, Snake
River salmon associated with a study designed to assess the passage
success of migrating adult salmonids at the four dams and reservoirs in
the lower Columbia River, evaluate adult fish responses to specific
flow and spill conditions, and evaluate measures to improve adult fish
passage. For modification 4, ICFWRU requests annual takes of adult,
endangered, UCR steelhead; adult, threatened, Snake River steelhead;
and adult, threatened, LCR steelhead associated with a new study
designed to determine the effects of transporting steelhead smolts on
the homing of returning adults. ESA-listed adult steelhead are proposed
to be captured at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, fitted with
radio transmitters and identifier tags, and released. Once returned to
the river, ESA-listed adult fish will be tracked electronically to
hatcheries and spawning grounds. Modification 4 is requested to be
valid for the duration of the permit. Permit 994 expires on December
31, 2000.
The Corps requests modification 1 to scientific research permit
996. Permit 996 authorizes the Corps annual takes of juvenile,
endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon; juvenile, threatened, naturally
produced and artificially propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook
salmon; and juvenile, threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon
associated with a study designed to monitor the operation of the
juvenile fish bypass system at Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River in WA.
For modification 1, the Corps requests authorization for a take of
juvenile, threatened, Snake River steelhead associated with the
research. ESA-listed juvenile steelhead are proposed to be captured,
examined, and released. ESA-listed juvenile steelhead indirect
mortalities associated with the research are requested. Modification 1
is requested to be valid for the duration of the permit. Permit 996
expires on December 31, 2000.
Permits, Modifications, and Amendment Issued
On April 30, 1998, NMFS issued an amendment of IDFG's incidental
take permit 844. The amendment provides an extension of the duration of
the permit through December 31, 1998. The permit was due to expire on
April 30, 1998. Permit 844 authorizes IDFG an incidental take of adult
and juvenile, threatened, Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon and
adult, threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon associated with the
state of Idaho's sport-fishing program. An extension of permit 844 will
allow IDFG to manage sport-fishing activities in Idaho in 1998 while
NMFS processes IDFG's application for a new permit. NMFS determined
that the current permit adequately addresses the incidental take
[[Page 29385]]
of ESA-listed species associated with recreational fisheries in the
state.
Notice was published on March 24, 1998 (63 FR 14069) that an
application had been filed by NWFSC for modification 5 to scientific
research permit 900. Modification 5 to permit 900 was issued to NWFSC
on May 8, 1998. Permit 900 authorizes NWFSC annual takes of juvenile,
endangered, Snake River sockeye salmon; juvenile, threatened, naturally
produced and artificially propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook
salmon; and juvenile, threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon
associated with three studies designed to determine the relative
survival of migrating juvenile salmonids at hydropower dams and
reservoirs on the Snake and Columbia Rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
For modification 5, NWFSC is authorized an increase in the takes of
ESA-listed juvenile fish associated with one of the studies. Also for
modification 5, NWFSC is authorized an annual take of juvenile,
endangered, naturally produced and artificially propagated, upper
Columbia River steelhead associated with the research. Modification 5
is valid for the duration of the permit. Permit 900 expires on December
31, 1999.
On March 18, 1998, Sarah V. Mitchell of Gray's Reef National Marine
Sanctuary, applied for a modification to permit 1030 to take listed
loggerhead sea turtles for examination, tagging, observation,
collection of morphometric measurements, and release. The purpose of
the authorized research, as stated in the permit application, is to
investigate population trends, migrations, habitat, and diving behavior
of loggerhead turtles in the waters of the Gray's Reef National Marine
Sanctuary. Ms. Mitchell requested a modification to permit 1030 to
allow for the attachment of radio and sonic tags to turtles captured
pursuant to her research permit. Notice is hereby given that on May 21,
1998, NMFS issued modification 2 to permit 1030 as requested.
Notice was published on March 6, 1998 (63 FR 11222) that an
application had been filed by USGS for modification 1 to scientific
research permit 1035. Modification 1 to permit 1035 was issued to USGS
on May 8, 1998. Permit 1035 authorizes USGS an annual take of juvenile,
threatened, artificially propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook
salmon associated with a study designed to monitor total dissolved gas
symptoms on juvenile salmonids. For modification 1, USGS is authorized
an annual take of juvenile, endangered, artificially propagated, UCR
steelhead and an increase in the annual take of juvenile, ESA-listed,
artificially propagated, Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon
associated with the study. Modification 1 is valid for the duration of
the permit. Permit 1035 expires on December 31, 1999.
Notice was published on March 6, 1998 (63 FR 11222) that an
application had been filed by USGS for modification 1 to scientific
research permit 1036. Modification 1 to permit 1036 was issued to USGS
on May 8, 1998. Permit 1036 authorizes USGS an annual take of adult and
juvenile, threatened, Snake River fall chinook salmon and juvenile,
threatened, naturally produced and artificially propagated, Snake River
spring/summer chinook salmon associated with a study designed to
determine the post-release attributes and survival of hatchery and
natural fall chinook salmon in the Snake River. For modification 1,
USGS is authorized an increase in the takes of ESA-listed salmon
juveniles and an annual take of juvenile, endangered, naturally
produced and artificially propagated, UCR steelhead associated with the
research. Modification 1 is valid for the duration of the permit.
Permit 1036 expires on December 31, 2001.
Notice was published on September 24, 1997 (62 FR 49961) that an
application had been filed by ENTRIX for a modification to a scientific
research permit. Modification 1 to permit 1050 was issued to ENTRIX on
March 12, 1998. Permit 1050 authorizes takes of of adult and juvenile,
threatened, central California coast (CCC) coho salmon associated with
fish population and habitat studies throughout the ESU. ESA-listed fish
may be captured, handled, and released. Indirect mortalities are also
authorized. The modification authorizes takes of adult and juvenile,
threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated with fish population and
habitat studies throughout the California portion of the ESU. ESA-
listed fish may be observed or captured, handled, and released.
Indirect mortalities are also authorized. The modification authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, endangered, southern California steelhead
associated with fish population and habitat studies throughout the ESU.
ESA-listed fish may be captured, handled, and released. Indirect
mortalities are also authorized. Modification 1 is valid for the
duration of the permit. Permit 1050 expires on June 30, 2002.
Notice was published on December 17, 1997 (62 FR 66053) that an
application had been filed by STC for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1060 was issued to STC on March 23, 1998. Permit 1060 authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated
with fish population and habitat studies within the California portion
of the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be captured, handled, and released.
Indirect mortalities associated with the research are also authorized.
Permit 1060 expires on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63317) that an
application had been filed by USFS for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1071 was issued to USFS on May 18, 1998. Permit 1071 authorizes
takes of juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated with fish
population and habitat studies within the California portion of the
ESU. ESA-listed fish will be captured, handled, and released. Indirect
mortalities associated with the research are also authorized. Permit
1071 expires on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on January 13, 1998 (63 FR 2364) that an
application had been filed by PLC for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1074 was issued to PLC on May 13, 1998. Permit 1074 authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated
with fish population and habitat studies within the California portion
of the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be captured, handled, and released.
Indirect mortalities associated with the research are also authorized.
Permit 1074 expires on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on January 13, 1998 (63 FR 2364) that an
application had been filed by PCFFA for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1075 was issued to PCFFA on May 19, 1998. Permit 1075 authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated
with fish population and habitat studies within the California portion
of the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be captured, handled, and released.
Indirect mortalities associated with the research are also authorized.
Permit 1075 expires on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on November 5, 1997 (62 FR 59848) that an
application had been filed by GPWI for a modification to a scientific
research permit. Modification 1 to permit 1079 was issued to GPWI on
May 12, 1998. Permit 1079 authorizes takes of of juvenile, threatened,
CCC coho salmon associated with fish population and habitat studies
throughout the ESU. ESA-listed fish may be captured, handled, and
released. Indirect mortalities are also authorized. The modification
authorizes takes of juvenile, threatened, SONCC coho salmon associated
with fish population and habitat studies throughout the
[[Page 29386]]
California portion of the ESU. ESA-listed fish may be observed or
captured, handled, and released. Indirect mortalities are also
authorized. Modification 1 is valid for the duration of the permit.
Permit 1079 expires on June 30, 2002.
Notice was published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61295) that an
application had been filed by SYRTAC for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1091 was issued to SYRTAC on March 23, 1998. Permit 1091
authorizes takes of adult and juvenile, endangered, southern California
steelhead associated with fish population and habitat studies within
the ESU. ESA-listed fish will be captured, handled, and released.
Indirect mortalities associated with the research are also authorized.
Permit 1091 expires on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61295) that an
application had been filed by RMI for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1097 was issued to RMI on May 11, 1998. Permit 1097 authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, CCC coho salmon, adult and
juvenile, threatened, SONCC (in California only) coho salmon, and adult
and juvenile, endangered, southern California steelhead associated with
fish population and habitat studies throughout the ESUs. ESA-listed
fish will be captured, handled, and released. Indirect mortalities
associated with the research are also authorized. Permit 1097 expires
on June 30, 2003.
Notice was published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61295) that an
application had been filed by LPC for a modification to a scientific
research permit. Modification 1 to permit 1104 was issued to LPC on May
11, 1998. Permit 1104 authorizes takes of of adult and juvenile,
threatened, CCC coho salmon associated with fish population and habitat
studies throughout the ESU. ESA-listed fish may be captured, handled,
and released. Indirect mortalities are also authorized. The
modification authorizes takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, SONCC
coho salmon associated with fish population and habitat studies
throughout the California portion of the ESU. ESA-listed fish may be
observed or captured, handled, and released. Indirect mortalities are
also authorized. Modification 1 is valid for the duration of the
permit. Permit 1104 expires on June 30, 2002.
Notice was published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61295) that an
application had been filed by HES for a scientific research permit.
Permit 1105 was issued to HES on May 11, 1998. Permit 1105 authorizes
takes of adult and juvenile, threatened, CCC coho salmon, adult and
juvenile, threatened, SONCC (in California only) coho salmon, and adult
and juvenile, endangered, southern California steelhead associated with
fish population and habitat studies throughout the ESUs. ESA-listed
fish will be captured, handled, and released. Indirect mortalities
associated with the research are also authorized. Permit 1105 expires
on June 30, 2003.
Dated: May 22, 1998.
Patricia A. Montanio,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14247 Filed 5-28-98; 8:45 am]
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