Federal Register #29841

Rutgers University application for a five-year cetacean research permit off New Jersey

NOAA’s notice concerns Rutgers University’s application for a five-year marine research permit off New Jersey, not a procurement solicitation. - Government buyer/agency: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). - Applicant and responsible party: Rutgers University; John Wiedenmann, Ph.D. - Proposed research: Study baleen whale habitat use and behavior near offshore wind construction sites and shipping areas off New Jersey. - Focus species are humpback whales and endangered fin whales; vessel surveys would use observation, photo-identification or video, and tagging. - Up to 85 humpback and fin whales combined may be taken annually under the requested permit. - Minke whales, short-beaked common dolphins, and endangered North Atlantic right whales may also be unintentionally harassed and opportunistically studied. - OEMs and commercial vendors: None identified. Rutgers University is the applicant, not a product vendor. - Procurement items or services: None; no products, part numbers, quantities for purchase, or contracted services are requested.

Description

Rutgers University, with John Wiedenmann, Ph.D. as the responsible party, has applied for a five-year permit to conduct research on cetaceans. The research would assess baleen whale habitat use and behavior at planned offshore wind construction sites and shipping areas off New Jersey, focusing on humpback and endangered fin whales. Vessel surveys would include observation, photo-identification or video, and tagging; up to 85 whales of these species may be taken annually. Comments must be received by December 7, 2026.

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