Federal Register #26329

NOAA Amendment Request for Marine Mammal Research Permit in California Waters

NOAA, part of the Department of Commerce, is considering an amendment to a scientific research permit for marine mammal studies in California waters. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Department of Commerce - Applicant/Vendor: - Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. (Brandon Southall, Ph.D.) - Scope of Research: - Behavioral studies on 17 cetacean species - Includes vessel approaches, suction-cup tagging, sloughed skin collection, acoustic playbacks, prey mapping, photo-identification, and unintentional harassment of five pinniped species - Amendment Requests: - Consolidation and improved management of fieldwork - Addition of suction-cup tagging and sloughed skin collection for six odontocete species - Deployment of suction-cup tags by uncrewed aircraft systems - Use of suction-cup tag units with built-in echosounders - Authorization of active acoustics for prey mapping - Biopsy sampling for all cetacean species - Increased take numbers for multiple cetacean species - Updates to personnel roles - Notable Requirements: - Use of advanced tagging technology (suction-cup tags with echosounders) - Uncrewed aircraft systems for tag deployment - Expanded scope for biopsy sampling and prey mapping - No specific OEMs or commercial product vendors are named, as the notice pertains to research methods and procedures rather than procurement of products. - Permit valid until March 31, 2028.

Description

Brandon Southall, Ph.D., of Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. has applied for an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 26329. The permit authorizes the study of behavioral responses of 17 cetacean species in California waters, including activities such as vessel approach, suction-cup tagging, collection of sloughed skin, acoustic playbacks, prey mapping, photo-identification, and unintentional harassment of five pinniped species. The amendment seeks to consolidate and improve management and reporting of fieldwork, add new procedures such as suction-cup tagging by uncrewed aircraft systems, authorize active acoustics for prey mapping, biopsy sampling, increase take numbers for multiple species, and update personnel roles. The permit would be valid until March 31, 2028.

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