National United States Regulations 50 CFR PART 216—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries PART 216—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted. Source: 39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, unless otherwise noted. Note to part 216: See also 50 CFR parts 228 and 229 for regulations governing certain incidental takings of marine mammals. Subpart A—Introduction top § 216.1 Purpose of regulations. top The regulations in this part implement the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 1027, 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407, Pub. L. 92–522, which, among other things, restricts the taking, possession, transportation, selling, offering for sale, and importing of marine mammals. § 216.2 Scope of regulations. top This part 216 applies solely to marine mammals and marine mammal products as defined in §216.3. For regulations under the MMPA, with respect to other marine mammals and marine mammal products, see 50 CFR part 18. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.3 Definitions. top In addition to definitions contained in the MMPA, and unless the context otherwise requires, in this part 216: Acts means, collectively, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq. Active sportfishing means paying passengers have their terminal fishing gear (lures, hooks, etc.) in the water in an attempt to catch fish or, in the case of fishing involving chumming, fishing is considered to be in progress from the instant fish have been sighted taking bait (boiling) during that chumming process. Administrator, Southwest Region means the Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213, or his or her designee. Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (Agreement on the IDCP) means the Agreement establishing the formal binding IDCP that was signed in Washington, DC on May 21, 1998. Alaskan Native means a person defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(b)) (85 Stat. 588) as a citizen of the United States who is of one-fourth degree or more Alaska Indian (including Tsimishian Indians enrolled or not enrolled in the Metlaktla Indian Community), Eskimo, or Aleut blood or combination thereof. The term includes any Native, as so defined, either or both of whose adoptive parents are not Natives. It also includes, in the absence of proof of a minimum blood quantum, any citizen of the United States who is regarded as an Alaska Native by the Native village or group, of which he claims to be a member and whose father or mother is (or, if deceased, was) regarded as Native by any Native village or Native group. Any such citizen enrolled by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to section 5 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall be conclusively presumed to be an Alaskan Native for purposes of this part. Article of handicraft means items made by an Indian, Aleut or Eskimo from the nonedible byproducts of fur seals taken for personal or family consumption which— (1) Were commonly produced by Alaskan Natives on or before October 14, 1983; (2) Are composed wholly or in some significant respect of natural materials, and; (3) Are significantly altered from their natural form and which are produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional native handicrafts without the use of pantographs, multiple carvers, or similar mass copying devices. Improved methods of production utilizing modern implements such as sewing machines or modern tanning techniques at a tannery registered pursuant to §216.23(c) may be used so long as no large scale mass production industry results. Traditional native handicrafts include, but are not limited to, weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing, and painting. The formation of traditional native groups, such as a cooperative, is permitted so long as no large scale mass production results. Assistant Administrator means the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or his/her designee. Authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing means items made by an Indian, Aleut or Eskimo which (a) were commonly produced on or before December 21, 1972, and (b) are composed wholly or in some significant respect of natural materials, and (c) are significantly altered from their natural form and which are produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional native handicrafts without the use of pantographs, multiple carvers, or similar mass copying devices. Improved methods of production utilizing modern implements such as sewing machines or modern tanning techniques at a tannery registered pursuant to §216.23(c) may be used so long as no large scale mass production industry results. Traditional native handicrafts include, but are not limited to, weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing, and painting. The formation of traditional native groups, such as a cooperative, is permitted so long as no large scale mass production results. Bona fide scientific research: (1) Means scientific research on marine mammals conducted by qualified personnel, the results of which: (i) Likely would be accepted for publication in a refereed scientific journal; (ii) Are likely to contribute to the basic knowledge of marine mammal biology or ecology. (Note: This includes, for example, marine mammal parts in a properly curated, professionally accredited scientific collection); or (iii) Are likely to identify, evaluate, or resolve conservation problems. (2) Research that is not on marine mammals, but that may incidentally take marine mammals, is not included in this definition (see sections 101(a)(3)(A), 101(a)(5)(A), and 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, and sections 7(b)(4) and 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA). Carrying capacity means the Regional Director's determination of the maximum amount of fish that a vessel can carry in short tons based on the greater of the amount indicated by the builder of the vessel, a marine surveyor's report, or the highest amount reported landed from any one trip. Certified charter vessel means a fishing vessel of a non-U.S. flag nation, which is operating under the jurisdiction of the marine mammal laws and regulations of another, harvesting, nation by a formal declaration entered into by mutual agreement of the nations. Co-investigator means the on-site representative of a principal investigator. Commercial fishing operation means the lawful harvesting of fish from the marine environment for profit as part of an ongoing business enterprise. Such terms may include licensed commercial passenger fishing vessel (as defined) activities, but no other sportfishing activities, whether or not the fish so caught are subsequently sold. Commercial passenger fishing vessel means any vessel licensed for commercial passenger fishing purposes within the State out of which it is operating and from which, while under charter or hire, persons are legally permitted to conduct sportfishing activities. Custody means holding a live marine mammal pursuant to the conditional authority granted under the MMPA, and the responsibility therein for captive maintenance of the marine mammal. Declaration of Panama means the declaration signed in Panama City, Republic of Panama, on October 4, 1995. Director, Office of Protected Resources means Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Dolphin Mortality Limit (DML) means the maximum allowable number of incidental dolphin mortalities per calendar year assigned to a vessel, unless a shorter time period is specified. Endangered Species means a species or subspecies of marine mammal listed as “endangered” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884, Pub. L. 93–205 (see part 17 of this title). ESA means the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ETP means the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean which includes the Pacific Ocean area bounded by 40° N. latitude, 40° S. latitude, 160° W. longitude and the coastlines of North, Central and South America. Facility means, in the context specific to captive marine mammals,: (1) One or more permanent primary enclosures used to hold marine mammals captive (i.e., pools, lagoons) and associated infrastructure (i.e., equipment and supplies necessary for the care and maintenance of marine mammals) where these enclosures are either located within the boundaries of a single contiguous parcel of land and water, or are grouped together within the same general area within which enclosure-to-enclosure transport is expected to be completed in less than one hour; or (2) A traveling display/exhibit, where the enclosure(s) and associated infrastructure is transported together with the marine mammals. Feeding is offering, giving, or attempting to give food or non-food items to marine mammals in the wild. It includes operating a vessel or providing other platforms from which feeding is conducted or supported. It does not include the routine discard of bycatch during fishing operations or the routine discharge of waste or fish byproducts from fish processing plants or other platforms if the discharge is otherwise legal and is incidental to operation of the activity. First exporter means the person or company that first exports the fish or fish product, or, in the case of shipments that are subject to the labeling requirements of 50 CFR part 247 and that only contain fish harvested by vessels of the United States, the first seller of the fish or fish product. Fisheries Certificate of Origin, or FCO, means NOAA Form 370, as described in §216.24(f)(4). Force majeure means forces outside the vessel operator's or vessel owner's control that could not be avoided by the exercise of due care. FSA means the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq. Fur seal means North Pacific fur seal, scientifically known as Callorhinus ursinus. Hard part means any bone, tooth, baleen, treated pelt, or other part of a marine mammal that is relatively solid or durable. Harvesting nation means the country under whose flag one or more fishing vessels are documented, or which has by formal declaration agreed to assert jurisdiction over one or more certified charter vessels, from which vessel(s) fish are caught that are a part of any cargo or shipment of fish to be imported into the United States, regardless of any intervening transshipments. Humane means the method of taking, import, export, or other activity which involves the least possible degree of pain and suffering practicable to the animal involved. Import means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing, or introduction constitutes an importation within the Customs laws of the United States; except that, for the purpose of any ban issued under 16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(2) on the importation of fish or fish products, the definition of “import” in §216.24(f)(1)(ii) shall apply. Incidental catch means the taking of a marine mammal (1) because it is directly interfering with commercial fishing operations, or (2) as a consequence of the steps used to secure the fish in connection with commercial fishing operations: Provided, That a marine mammal so taken must immediately be returned to the sea with a minimum of injury and further, that the taking of a marine mammal, which otherwise meets the requirements of this definition shall not be considered an incidental catch of that mammal if it is used subsequently to assist in commercial fishing operations. Intentional purse seine set means that a tuna purse seine vessel or associated vessels chase marine mammals and subsequently make a purse seine set. International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) means the international program established by the agreement signed in La Jolla, California, in June 1992, as formalized, modified, and enhanced in accordance with the Declaration of Panama and the Agreement on the IDCP. International Dolphin Conservation Program Act (IDCPA) means Public Law 105–42, enacted into law on August 15, 1997. International Review Panel (IRP) means the International Review Panel established by the Agreement on the IDCP. Intrusive research means a procedure conducted for bona fide scientific research involving: A break in or cutting of the skin or equivalent, insertion of an instrument or material into an orifice, introduction of a substance or object into the animal's immediate environment that is likely either to be ingested or to contact and directly affect animal tissues (i.e., chemical substances), or a stimulus directed at animals that may involve a risk to health or welfare or that may have an impact on normal function or behavior (i.e., audio broadcasts directed at animals that may affect behavior). For captive animals, this definition does not include: (1) A procedure conducted by the professional staff of the holding facility or an attending veterinarian for purposes of animal husbandry, care, maintenance, or treatment, or a routine medical procedure that, in the reasonable judgment of the attending veterinarian, would not constitute a risk to the health or welfare of the captive animal; or (2) A procedure involving either the introduction of a substance or object (i.e., as described in this definition) or a stimulus directed at animals that, in the reasonable judgment of the attending veterinarian, would not involve a risk to the health or welfare of the captive animal. Label means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter on or affixed to the immediate container of any article. Land or landing means to begin offloading any fish, to arrive in port with the intention of offloading fish, or to cause any fish to be offloaded. Large-scale driftnet means a gillnet that is composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more that is used on the high seas and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of harvesting fish by entangling the fish in the webbing of the net. Level A Harassment means any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild. Level B Harassment means any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering but which does not have the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild. Marine environment means the oceans and the seas, including estuarine and brackish waters. Marine mammal means those specimens of the following orders, which are morphologically adapted to the marine environment, and whether alive or dead, and any part thereof, including but not limited to, any raw, dressed or dyed fur or skin: Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and Pinnipedia, other than walrus (seals and sea lions). MMPA means the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. Native village or town means any community, association, tribe, band, clan or group. Optimum sustainable population is a population size which falls within a range from the population level of a given species or stock which is the largest supportable within the ecosystem to the population level that results in maximum net productivity. Maximum net productivity is the greatest net annual increment in population numbers or biomass resulting from additions to the population due to reproduction and/or growth less losses due to natural mortality. Per-stock per-year dolphin mortality limit means the maximum allowable number of incidental dolphin mortalities and serious injuries from a specified stock per calendar year, as established under the IDCP. Pregnant means pregnant near term. Pribilovians means Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos who live on the Pribilof Islands. Principal investigator means the individual primarily responsible for the taking, importation, export, and any related activities conducted under a permit issued for scientific research or enhancement purposes. Public display means an activity that provides opportunities for the public to view living marine mammals at a facility holding marine mammals captive. Regional Director means the Regional Administrator, Northeast Regional Office, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930; or Regional Administrator, Northwest Regional Office, NMFS, 7600 Sandpoint Way, N.E., Building 1, Seattle, WA 98115; or Regional Administrator, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702; or Regional Administrator, Southwest Regional Office, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802; or Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Regional Office, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814; or Regional Administrator, Alaska Regional Office, NMFS, PO Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. Rehabilitation means treatment of beached and stranded marine mammals taken under section 109(h)(1) of the MMPA or imported under section 109(h)(2) of the MMPA, with the intent of restoring the marine mammal's health and, if necessary, behavioral patterns. Secretary shall mean the Secretary of Commerce or his authorized representative. Serious injury means any injury that will likely result in mortality. Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Soft part means any marine mammal part that is not a hard part. Soft parts do not include urine or fecal material. South Pacific Ocean means any waters of the Pacific Ocean that lie south of the equator. South Pacific Tuna Treaty means the Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America (50 CFR part 300, subpart D). Stranded or stranded marine mammal means a marine mammal specimen under the jurisdiction of the Secretary: (1) If the specimen is dead, and is on a beach or shore, or is in the water within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States; or (2) If the specimen is alive, and is on a beach or shore and is unable to return to the water, or is in the water within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States where the water is so shallow that the specimen is unable to return to its natural habitat under its own power. Subsistence means the use of marine mammals taken by Alaskan Natives for food, clothing, shelter, heating, transportation, and other uses necessary to maintain the life of the taker or those who depend upon the taker to provide them with such subsistence. Subsistence uses means the customary and traditional uses of fur seals taken by Pribilovians for direct personal or family consumption as food, shelter, fuel, clothing, tools or transportation; for the making and selling of handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts of fur seals taken for personal or family consumption; and for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption. As used in this definition— (1) Family means all persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or any person living within a household on a permanent basis. (2) Barter means the exchange of fur seals or their parts, taken for subsistence uses— (i) For other wildlife or fish or their parts, or (ii) For other food or for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature. Take means to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal. This includes, without limitation, any of the following: The collection of dead animals, or parts thereof; the restraint or detention of a marine mammal, no matter how temporary; tagging a marine mammal; the negligent or intentional operation of an aircraft or vessel, or the doing of any other negligent or intentional act which results in disturbing or molesting a marine mammal; and feeding or attempting to feed a marine mammal in the wild. Threatened species means a species of marine mammal listed as “threatened” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884, Pub. L. 93–205. Trip means a voyage starting when a vessel leaves port with all fish wells empty of fish and ending when a vessel unloads all of its fish. Tuna product means any food product processed for retail sale and intended for human or animal consumption that contains an item listed in §216.24(f)(2)(i) or (ii), but does not include perishable items with a shelf life of less than 3 days. Wasteful manner means any taking or method of taking which is likely to result in the killing of marine mammals beyond those needed for subsistence, subsistence uses, or for the making of authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing, or which results in the waste of a substantial portion of the marine mammal and includes, without limitation, the employment of a method of taking which is not likely to assure the capture or killing of a marine mammal, or which is not immediately followed by a reasonable effort to retrieve the marine mammal. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974] Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting §216.3, see the List of Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access. § 216.4 Other laws and regulations. top (a) Federal. Nothing in this part, nor any permit issued under authority of this part, shall be construed to relieve a person from any other requirements imposed by a statute or regulation of the United States, including any applicable statutes or regulations relating to wildlife and fisheries, health, quarantine, agriculture, or customs. (b) State laws or regulations. See part 403 of this chapter. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 41 FR 36662, Aug. 31, 1976; 58 FR 65134, Dec. 13, 1993] § 216.5 Payment of penalty. top The respondent shall have 30 days from receipt of the final assessment decision within which to pay the penalty assessed. Upon a failure to pay the penalty, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in the appropriate United States District Court to collect the penalty. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974. Redesignated at 46 FR 61652, Dec. 18, 1981] § 216.6 Forfeiture and return of seized property. top (a) Whenever any cargo or marine mammal or marine mammal product has been seized pursuant to section 107 of the MMPA, the Secretary shall expedite any proceedings commenced under these regulations. (b) Whenever a civil penalty has been assessed by the Secretary under these regulations, any cargo, marine mammal, or marine mammal product seized pursuant to section 107 of the MMPA shall be subject to forfeiture. If respondent voluntarily forfeits any such seized property or the monetary value thereof without court proceedings, the Secretary may apply the value thereof, if any, as determined by the Secretary, toward payment of the civil penalty. (c) Whenever a civil penalty has been assessed under these regulations, and whether or not such penalty has been paid, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in an appropriate United States District Court to compel forfeiture of such seized property or the monetary value thereof to the Secretary for disposition by him in such manner as he deems appropriate. If no judicial action to compel forfeiture is commenced within 30 days after final decision-making assessment of a civil penalty, pursuant to §216.60, such seized property shall immediately be returned to the respondent. (d) If the final decision of the Secretary under these regulations is that respondent has committed no violation of the MMPA or of any permit or regulations issued thereunder, any marine mammal, marine mammal product, or other cargo seized from respondent in connection with the proceedings under these regulations, or the bond or other monetary value substituted therefor, shall immediately be returned to the respondent. (e) If the Attorney General commences criminal proceedings pursuant to section 105(b) of the MMPA, and such proceedings result in a finding that the person accused is not guilty of a criminal violation of the MMPA, the Secretary may institute proceedings for the assessment of a civil penalty under this part: Provided, That if no such civil penalty proceedings have been commenced by the Secretary within 30 days following the final disposition of the criminal case, any property seized pursuant to section 107 of the MMPA shall be returned to the respondent. (f) If any seized property is to be returned to the respondent, the Regional Director shall issue a letter authorizing such return. This letter shall be dispatched to the respondent by registered mail, return receipt requested, and shall identify the respondent, the seized property, and, if appropriate, the bailee of the seized property. It shall also provide that upon presentation of the letter and proper identification, the seized property is authorized to be released. All charges for storage, care, or handling of the seized property accruing 5 days or more after the date of the return receipt shall be for the account of the respondent: Provided, That if it is the final decision of the Secretary under these regulations that the respondent has committed the alleged violation, all charges which have accrued for the storage, care, or handling of the seized property shall be for the account of the respondent. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974. Redesignated at 46 FR 61652, Dec. 18, 1981, and amended at 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.7 Holding and bonding. top (a) Any marine mammal, marine mammal product, or other cargo seized pursuant to section 107 of the MMPA shall be delivered to the appropriate Regional Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service (see §201.2 of this title) or his designee, who shall either hold such seized property or arrange for the proper handling and care of such seized property. (b) Any arrangement for the handling and care of seized property shall be in writing and shall state the compensation to be paid. Subpart F of 15 CFR part 904 contains additional procedures that govern seized property that is subject to forfeiture or has been forfeited under the MMPA. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974. Redesignated at 46 FR 61652, Dec. 18, 1981, and amended at 50 FR 12785, Apr. 1, 1985; 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.8 Enforcement officers. top Enforcement Agents of the National Marine Fisheries Service shall enforce the provisions of the MMPA and may take any actions authorized by the MMPA with respect to enforcement. In addition, the Secretary may utilize, by agreement, the personnel, services, and facilities of any other Federal Agency for the purposes of enforcing this MMPA. Pursuant to the terms of section 107(b) of the MMPA, the Secretary may also designate officers and employees of any State or of any possession of the United States to enforce the provisions of this MMPA. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974. Redesignated at 46 FR 61652, Dec. 18, 1981, and amended at 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994] Subpart B—Prohibitions top § 216.11 Prohibited taking. top Except as otherwise provided in subparts C, D, and I of this part 216 or in part 228 or 229, it is unlawful for: (a) Any person, vessel, or conveyance subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take any marine mammal on the high seas, or (b) Any person, vessel, or conveyance to take any marine mammal in waters or on lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, or (c) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take any marine mammal during the moratorium. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 47 FR 21254, May 18, 1982; 54 FR 21921, May 19, 1989] § 216.12 Prohibited importation. top (a) Except as otherwise provided in subparts C and D of this part 216, it is unlawful for any person to import any marine mammal or marine mammal product into the United States. (b) Regardless of whether an importation is otherwise authorized pursuant to subparts C and D of this part 216, it is unlawful for any person to import into the United States any: (1) Marine mammal: (i) Taken in violation of the MMPA, or (ii) Taken in another country in violation to the laws of that country; (2) Any marine mammal product if (i) The importation into the United States of the marine mammal from which such product is made would be unlawful under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or (ii) The sale in commerce of such product in the country of origin if the product is illegal. (c) Except in accordance with an exception referred to in subpart C and §§216.31 (regarding scientific research permits only) and 216.32 of this part 216, it is unlawful to import into the United States any: (1) Marine mammal which was pregnant at the time of taking. (2) Marine mammal which was nursing at the time of taking, or less than 8 months old, whichever occurs later. (3) Specimen of an endangered or threatened species of marine mammal. (4) Specimen taken from a depleted species or stock of marine mammals, or (5) Marine mammal taken in an inhumane manner. (d) It is unlawful to import into the United States any fish, whether fresh, frozen, or otherwise prepared, if such fish was caught in a manner proscribed by the Secretary of Commerce for persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not any marine mammals were in fact taken incident to the catching of the fish. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.13 Prohibited uses, possession, transportation, sales, and permits. top It is unlawful for: (a) Any person to use any port, harbor or other place under the jurisdiction of the United States for any purpose in any way connected with a prohibited taking or an unlawful importation of any marine mammal or marine mammal product; or (b) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to possess any marine mammal taken in violation of the MMPA or these regulations, or to transport, sell, or offer for sale any such marine mammal or any marine mammal product made from any such mammal. (c) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to use in a commercial fishery, any means or method of fishing in contravention of regulations and limitations issued by the Secretary of Commerce for that fishery to achieve the purposes of this MMPA. (d) Any person to violate any term, condition, or restriction of any permit issued by the Secretary. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50375, 50376, Oct. 3, 1994; 61 FR 21933, May 10, 1996] § 216.14 Marine mammals taken before the MMPA. top (a) Section 102(e) of the MMPA provides, in effect, that the MMPA shall not apply to any marine mammal taken prior to December 21, 1972, or to any marine mammal product, consisting of or composed in whole or in part of, any marine mammal taken before that date. This prior status of any marine mammal or marine mammal product may be established by submitting to the Director, National Marine Fisheries Service prior to, or at the time of importation, an affidavit containing the following: (1) The Affiant's name and address; (2) Identification of the Affiant; (3) A description of the marine mammals or marine mammal products which the Affiant desires to import; (4) A statement by the Affiant that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the marine mammals involved in the application were taken prior to December 21, 1972; (5) A statement by the Affiant in the following language: The foregoing is principally based on the attached exhibits which, to the best of my knowledge and belief, are complete, true and correct. I understand that this affidavit is being submitted for the purpose of inducing the Federal Government to permit the importation of—under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 through 1407) and regulations promulgated thereunder, and that any false statements may subject me to the criminal penalties of 13 U.S.C. 1001, or to penalties under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. (b) Either one of two exhibits shall be attached to such affidavit, and will contain either: (1) Records or other available evidence showing that the product consists of or is composed in whole or in part of marine mammals taken prior to the effective date of the MMPA. Such records or other evidentiary material must include information on how, when, where, and by whom the animals were taken, what processing has taken place since taking, and the date and location of such processing; or (2) A statement from a government agency of the country of origin exercising jurisdiction over marine mammals that any and all such mammals from which the products sought to be imported were derived were taken prior to December 21, 1972. (c) No pre-Act marine mammal or pre-Act marine mammal product may be imported unless the requirements of this section have been fulfilled. (d) This section has no application to any marine mammal or marine mammal product intended to be imported pursuant to §§216.21, 216.31 or §216.32. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50375, 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.15 Depleted species. top The following species or population stocks have been designated by the Assistant Administrator as depleted under the provisions of the MMPA. (a) Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). (b) Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). (c) North Pacific fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). Pribilof Island population. (d) Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), coastal-migratory stock along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast. (e) Eastern spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris orientalis). (f) Northeastern offshore spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata). (g) Cook Inlet, Alaska, stock of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). The stock includes all beluga whales occurring in waters of the Gulf of Alaska north of 58° North latitude including, but not limited to, Cook Inlet, Kamishak Bay, Chinitna Bay, Tuxedni Bay, Prince William Sound, Yakutat Bay, Shelikof Strait, and off Kodiak Island and freshwater tributaries to these waters. (h) Eastern North Pacific Southern Resident stock of killer whales (Orcinus orca). The stock includes all resident killer whales in pods J, K, and L in the waters of, but not limited to, the inland waterways of southern British Columbia and Washington, including the Georgia Strait, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound. (i) AT1 stock of killer whales (Orcinus orca). The stock includes all killer whales belonging to the AT1 group of transient killer whales occurring primarily in waters of Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay, and the Kenai Fjords region of Alaska. [53 FR 17899, May 18, 1988, as amended at 58 FR 17791, Apr. 6, 1993; 58 FR 45074, Aug. 26, 1993; 58 FR 58297, Nov. 1, 1993; 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994; 65 FR 34597, May 31, 2000; 68 FR 31983, May 29, 2003; 69 FR 31324, June 3, 2004] § 216.16 Prohibitions under the General Authorization for Level B harassment for scientific research. top It shall be unlawful for any person to: (a) Provide false information in a letter of intent submitted pursuant to §216.45(b); (b) Violate any term or condition imposed pursuant to §216.45(d). [59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.17 General prohibitions. top It is unlawful for any person to: (a) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any authorized officer in the conduct of any search, inspection, investigation or seizure in connection with enforcement of the MMPA, DPCIA, or IDCPA. (b) Interfere with, delay, or prevent by any means the apprehension of another person, knowing that such person has committed any act prohibited by the MMPA. (c) Resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited under the MMPA. (d) Make any false statement, oral or written, to an authorized officer concerning any act under the jurisdiction of the MMPA, DPCIA, IDCPA, or attempt to do any of the above. (e) Interfere with, obstruct, delay, or prevent by any means an investigation, search, seizure, or disposition of seized property in connection with enforcement of the MMPA, DPCIA, or IDCPA. [70 FR 19008, Apr. 12, 2005] Subpart C—General Exceptions top § 216.21 Actions permitted by international treaty, convention, or agreement. top The MMPA and these regulations shall not apply to the extent that they are inconsistent with the provisions of any international treaty, convention or agreement, or any statute implementing the same relating to the taking or importation of marine mammals or marine mammal products, which was existing and in force prior to December 21, 1972, and to which the United States was a party. Specifically, the regulations in subpart B of this part and the provisions of the MMPA shall not apply to activities carried out pursuant to the Interim Convention on the Conservation of North Pacific Fur Seals signed at Washington on February 9, 1957, and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. 1151 through 1187, as in each case, from time to time amended. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.22 Taking by State or local government officials. top (a) A State or local government official or employee may take a marine mammal in the normal course of his duties as an official or employee, and no permit shall be required, if such taking: (1) Is accomplished in a humane manner; (2) Is for the protection or welfare of such mammal or for the protection of the public health or welfare; and (3) Includes steps designed to insure return of such mammal, if not killed in the course of such taking, to its natural habitat. In addition, any such official or employee may, incidental to such taking, possess and transport, but not sell or offer for sale, such mammal and use any port, harbor, or other place under the jurisdiction of the United States. All steps reasonably practicable under the circumstances shall be taken by any such employee or official to prevent injury or death to the marine mammal as the result of such taking. Where the marine mammal in question is injured or sick, it shall be permissible to place it in temporary captivity until such time as it is able to be returned to its natural habitat. It shall be permissible to dispose of a carcass of a marine mammal taken in accordance with this subsection whether the animal is dead at the time of taking or dies subsequent thereto. (b) Each taking permitted under this section shall be included in a written report to be submitted to the Secretary every six months beginning December 31, 1973. Unless otherwise permitted by the Secretary, the report shall contain a description of: (1) The animal involved; (2) The circumstances requiring the taking; (3) The method of taking; (4) The name and official position of the State official or employee involved; (5) The disposition of the animal, including in cases where the animal has been retained in captivity, a description of the place and means of confinement and the measures taken for its maintenance and care; and (6) Such other information as the Secretary may require. (c) Salvage of dead stranded marine mammals or parts therefrom and subsequent transfer. (1) Salvage. In the performance of official duties, a state or local government employee; an employee of the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or any other Federal agency with jurisdiction and conservation responsibilities in marine shoreline areas; or a person authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1382(c) may take and salvage a marine mammal specimen if it is stranded and dead or it was stranded or rescued and died during treatment, transport, captivity or other rehabilitation subsequent to that stranding or distress if salvage is for the purpose of utilization in scientific research or for the purpose of maintenance in a properly curated, professionally accredited scientific collection. (2) Registration. A person salvaging a dead marine mammal specimen under this section must register the salvage of the specimen with the appropriate Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service within 30 days after the taking or death occurs. The registration must include: (i) The name, address, and any official position of the individual engaged in the taking and salvage; (ii) A description of the marine mammal specimen salvaged including the scientific and common names of the species; (iii) A description of the parts salvaged; (iv) The date and the location of the taking; (v) Such other information as deemed necessary by the Assistant Administrator. (3) Identification and curation. The Regional Director will assign a single unique number to each carcass, and the parts thereof, that are salvaged under the provisions of this section. The person who salvaged the specimen may designate the number to be assigned. After this number is assigned, the person who salvaged the specimen must permanently mark that number on each separate hard part of that specimen and must affix that number with tags or labels to each soft part of that specimen or the containers in which that soft part is kept. Each specimen salvaged under this section must be curated in accordance with professional standards. (4) No sale or commercial trade. No person may sell or trade for commercial purposes any marine mammal specimen salvaged under this section. (5) Transfer without prior authorization. A person who salvages a marine mammal specimen under this section may transfer that specimen to another person if: (i) The person transferring the marine mammal specimen does not receive remuneration for the specimen; (ii) The person receiving the marine mammal specimen is an employee of the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or any other Federal agency with jurisdiction and conservation responsibilities in marine shoreline areas; is a person authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1382(c); or is a person who has received prior authorization under paragraph (c)(6) of this section; (iii) The marine mammal specimen is transferred for the purpose of scientific research, for the purpose of maintenance in a properly curated, professionally accredited scientific collection, or for educational purposes; (iv) The unique number assigned by the National Marine Fisheries Service is on, marked on, or affixed to the marine mammal specimen or container; and (v) Except as provided under paragraph (c)(8) of this section, the person transferring the marine mammal specimen notifies the appropriate Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the transfer, including notification of the number of the specimen transferred and the person to whom the specimen was transferred, within 30 days after the transfer occurs. (6) Other transfers within the United States. Except as provided under paragraphs (c)(5) and (c)(8) of this section, a person who salvages a marine mammal specimen, or who has received a marine mammal specimen under the provisions of this section, may not transfer that specimen to another person within the United States unless the Regional Director of the appropriate Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service grants prior written authorization for the transfer. The Regional Director may grant authorization for the transfer if there is evidence that the conditions listed under paragraphs (c)(5)(i), (c)(5)(iii), and (c)(5)(iv) of this section are met. (7) Tranfers outside of the United States. A person who salvages a marine mammal specimen, or a person who has received a marine mammal specimen under the provisions of this section, may not transfer that specimen to a person outside of the United States unless the Assistant Administrator grants prior written authorization for the transfer. The Assistant Administrator may grant authorization for the transfer if there is evidence that the conditions listed under paragraphs (c)(5)(i), (c)(5)(iii), and (c)(5)(iv) of this section are met. (8) Exceptions to requirements for notification or prior authorization. A person may transfer a marine mammal specimen salvaged under this section without the notification required in paragraph (c)(5)(v) of this section or the prior authorization required in paragraph (c)(6) of this section if: (i) The transfer is a temporary transfer to a laboratory or research facility within the United States so that analyses can be performed for the person salvaging the specimen; or (ii) The transfer is a loan of not more than 1 year to another professionally accredited scientific collection within the United States. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 56 FR 41307, Aug. 20, 1991] § 216.23 Native exceptions. top (a) Taking. Notwithstanding the prohibitions of subpart B of this part 216, but subject to the restrictions contained in this section, any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who resides on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean may take any marine mammal without a permit, if such taking is: (1) By Alaskan Natives who reside in Alaska for subsistence, or (2) For purposes of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicraft and clothing, and (3) In each case, not accomplished in a wasteful manner. (b) Restrictions. (1) No marine mammal taken for subsistence may be sold or otherwise transferred to any person other than an Alaskan Native or delivered, carried, transported, or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, unless: (i) It is being sent by an Alaskan Native directly or through a registered agent to a tannery registered under paragraph (c) of this section for the purpose of processing, and will be returned directly or through a registered agent to the Alaskan Native; or (ii) It is sold or transferred to a registered agent in Alaska for resale or transfer to an Alaskan Native; or (iii) It is an edible portion and it is sold in an Alaskan Native village or town. (2) No marine mammal taken for purposes of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicraft and clothing may be sold or otherwise transferred to any person other than an Indian, Aleut or Eskimo, or delivered, carried, transported or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce, unless: (i) It is being sent by an Indian, Aleut or Eskimo directly or through a registered agent to a tannery registered under paragraph (c) of this section for the purpose of processing, and will be returned directly or through a registered agent to the Indian, Aleut or Eskimo; or (ii) It is sold or transferred to a registered agent for resale or transfer to an Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo; or (iii) It has first been transformed into an authentic native article of handicraft or clothing; or (iv) It is an edible portion and sold (A) in an Alaskan Native village or town, or (B) to an Alaskan Native for his consumption. (c) Any tannery, or person who wishes to act as an agent, within the jurisdiction of the United States may apply to the Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20235, for registration as a tannery or an agent which may possess and process marine mammal products for Indians, Aleuts, or Eskimos. The application shall include the following information: (i) The name and address of the applicant; (ii) A description of the applicant's procedures for receiving, storing, processing, and shipping materials; (iii) A proposal for a system of bookkeeping and/or inventory segregation by which the applicant could maintain accurate records of marine mammals received from Indians, Aleuts, or Eskimos pursuant to this section; (iv) Such other information as the Secretary may request; (v) A certification in the following language: I hereby certify that the foregoing information is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that this information is submitted for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an exception under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 through 1407) and regulations promulgated thereunder, and that any false statement may subject me to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001, or to penalties under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. (vi) The signature of the applicant. The sufficiency of the application shall be determined by the Secretary, and in that connection, he may waive any requirement for information, or require any elaboration or further information deemed necessary. The registration of a tannery or other agent shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary prescribes, which may include, but are not limited to, provisions regarding records, inventory segregation, reports, and inspection. The Secretary may charge a reasonable fee for processing such applications, including an appropriate apportionment of overhead and administrative expenses of the Department of Commerce. (d) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this section, whenever, under the MMPA, the Secretary determines any species of stock of marine mammals to be depleted, he may prescribe regulations pursuant to section 103 of the MMPA upon the taking of such marine animals by any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo and, after promulgation of such regulations, all takings of such marine mammals shall conform to such regulations. (e) Marking and reporting of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales—(1) Definitions. In addition to definitions contained in the MMPA and the regulations in this part: (i) Reporting means the collection and delivery of biological data, harvest data, and other information regarding the effect of taking a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from Cook Inlet, as required by NMFS. (ii) Whaling captain or vessel operator means the individual who is identified by Alaskan Natives as the leader of each hunting team (usually the other crew on the boat) and who is the whaling captain; or the individual operating the boat at the time the whale is harvested or transported to the place of processing. (iii) Cook Inlet means all waters of Cook Inlet north of 59° North latitude, including, but not limited to, waters of Kachemak Bay, Kamishak Bay, Chinitna Bay, and Tuxedni Bay. (2) Marking. Each whaling captain or vessel operator, upon killing and landing a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from Cook Inlet, Alaska, must remove the lower left jawbone, leaving the teeth intact and in place. When multiple whales are harvested during one hunting trip, the jawbones will be marked for identification in the field to ensure correct reporting of harvest information by placing a label marked with the date, time, and location of harvest within the container in which the jawbone is placed. The jawbone(s) must be retained by the whaling captain or vessel operator and delivered to NMFS at the Anchorage Field Office, 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99513 within 72 hours of returning from the hunt. (3) Reporting. Upon delivery to NMFS of a jawbone, the whaling captain or vessel operator must complete and mail a reporting form, available from NMFS, to the NMFS Anchorage Field Office within 30 days. A separate form is required for each whale harvested. (i) To be complete, the form must contain the following information: the date and location of kill, the method of harvest, and the coloration of the whale. The respondent will also be invited to report on any other observations concerning the animal or circumstance of the harvest. (ii) Data collected pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section will be reported on forms obtained from the Anchorage Field Office. These data will be maintained in the NMFS Alaska Regional Office in Juneau, Alaska, where such data will be available for public review. (4) No person may falsify any information required to be set forth on the reporting form as required by paragraph (e) of this section. (5) The Anchorage Field Office of NMFS is located in room 517 of the Federal Office Building, 222 West 7th Avenue; its mailing address is: NMFS, Box 43, Anchorage, AK. 99513. (f) Harvest management of Cook Inlet beluga whales—(1) Cooperative management of subsistence harvest. Subject to the provisions of 16 U.S.C. 1371(b) and any further limitations set forth in §216.23, any taking of a Cook Inlet beluga whale by an Alaska Native must be authorized under an agreement for the co-management of subsistence uses (hereinafter in this paragraph “co-management agreement”) between the National Marine Fisheries Service and an Alaska Native organization(s). (2) Limitations. (i) Sale of Cook Inlet beluga whale parts and products. Authentic Native articles of handicraft and clothing made from nonedible by-products of beluga whales taken in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph may be sold in interstate commerce. The sale of any other part or product, including food stuffs, from Cook Inlet beluga whales is prohibited, provided that nothing herein shall be interpreted to prohibit or restrict customary and traditional subsistence practices of barter and sharing of Cook Inlet beluga parts and products. (ii) Beluga whale calves or adults with calves. The taking of a calf or an adult whale accompanied by a calf is prohibited. (iii) Season. All takings of beluga whales authorized under §216.23(f) shall occur no earlier than July 1 of each year. (iv) Taking during 2001–2004. The harvest of Cook Inlet beluga whales is restricted during the four-year period of 2001–2004 as follows: (A) Strike limitations. Subject to the suspension provision of subparagraph (C), a total of six (6) strikes, which could result in up to six landings, are to be allocated through co-management agreement(s). (B) Strike allocations. Four strikes, not to exceed one per year, are allocated to the Native Village of Tyonek. The remaining two strikes will be allocated over the 4–year period through co-management agreement with other Cook Inlet community hunters, with no more than one such strike being allocated during every other year. (C) Emergency provisions. Takings of beluga whales authorized under §216.23 will be suspended whenever unusual mortalities exceed six (6) whales in any year. “Unusual mortalities” include all documented human-caused mortality (including illegal takings and net entanglements but excluding all legally harvested whales) and all documented mortality resulting from unknown or natural causes that occur above normal levels, considered for the purposes of this provision to be twelve beluga whales per year. The level of unusual mortalities shall be calculated by documenting mortality for the calendar year and subtracting twelve. The sum of this result and the carry over of unusual mortality from any previous year from which the population has not recovered is the level of unusual mortalities for the current year. If in any year the number of unusual mortalities exceeds six whales, no strikes will be allowed in that year or in subsequent years until the population has recovered from those mortalities through foregone future harvests and natural recruitment. (v) Taking during 2005 and subsequent years. [Reserved] [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994; 64 FR 27927, May 24, 1999; 69 FR 17980, Apr. 6, 2004] § 216.24 Taking and related acts incidental to commercial fishing operations by tuna purse seine vessels in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. top (a)(1) No marine mammal may be taken in the course of a commercial fishing operation by a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel in the ETP unless the taking constitutes an incidental catch as defined in §216.3, and vessel and operator permits have been obtained in accordance with these regulations, and such taking is not in violation of such permits or regulations. (2)(i) It is unlawful for any person using a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel of 400 short tons (st) (362.8 metric tons (mt)) carrying capacity or less to intentionally deploy a net on or to encircle dolphins, or to carry more than two speedboats, if any part of its fishing trip is in the ETP. (ii) It is unlawful for any person using a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity that does not have a valid permit obtained under these regulations to catch, possess, or land tuna if any part of the vessel's fishing trip is in the ETP. (iii) It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to receive, purchase, or possess tuna caught, possessed, or landed in violation of paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section. (iv) It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to intentionally deploy a purse seine net on, or to encircle, dolphins from a vessel operating in the ETP when there is not a DML assigned to that vessel. (v) It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to intentionally deploy a purse seine net on, or to encircle, dolphins from a vessel operating in the ETP with an assigned DML after a set in which the DML assigned to that vessel has been reached or exceeded. (vi) Alleged violations of the Agreement on the IDCP and/or these regulations identified by the International Review Panel will be considered for potential enforcement action by NMFS. (3) Upon written request made in advance of entering the ETP, the limitations in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section may be waived by the Administrator, Southwest Region, for the purpose of allowing transit through the ETP. The waiver will provide, in writing, the terms and conditions under which the vessel must operate, including a requirement to report to the Administrator, Southwest Region, the vessel's date of exit from or subsequent entry into the permit area. (b) Permits—(1) Vessel permit. The owner or managing owner of a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity that participates in commercial fishing operations in the ETP must possess a valid vessel permit issued under paragraph (b) of this section. This permit is not transferable and must be renewed annually. If a vessel permit holder surrenders his/her permit to the Administrator, Southwest Region, the permit will not be returned and a new permit will not be issued before the end of the calendar year. Vessel permits will be valid through December 31 of each year. (2) Operator permit. The person in charge of and actually controlling fishing operations (hereinafter referred to as the operator) on a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel engaged in commercial fishing operations under a vessel permit must possess a valid operator permit issued under paragraph (b) of this section. Such permits are not transferable and must be renewed annually. To receive a permit, the operator must have satisfactorily completed all required training under paragraph (c)(5) of this section. The operator's permit is valid only when the permit holder is on a vessel with a valid vessel permit. Operator permits will be valid through December 31 of each year. (3) Possession and display. A valid vessel permit issued pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section must be on board the vessel while engaged in fishing operations, and a valid operator permit issued pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section must be in the possession of the operator to whom it was issued. Permits must be shown upon request to NMFS enforcement agents, U.S. Coast Guard officers, or designated agents of NMFS or the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) (including observers). A vessel owner or operator who is at sea on a fishing trip when his or her permit expires and to whom a permit for the next year has been issued, may take marine mammals under the terms of the new permit without having to display it on board the vessel until the vessel returns to port. (4) Application for vessel permit. The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel may apply for a permit from the Administrator, Southwest Region, allowing at least 15 days for processing. All vessel permit applications must be faxed to (562) 980–4027. An owner or managing owner requesting to have a vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity for which a DML was requested categorized as active on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4)(i) of this title must submit to the Administrator, Southwest Region, the vessel permit application, payment of the observer placement fee under paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section and payment of the vessel permit application processing fee no later than September 15 of the year prior to the year for which the DML was requested. The owner or managing owner of a vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity not requesting a DML must submit the vessel permit application, payment of the observer placement fee, and payment of the vessel permit application processing fee no later than November 30 of the year prior to the year for which the vessel permit was requested. An application must contain: (i) The name, official number, tonnage, carrying capacity in short or metric tons, maximum speed in knots, processing equipment, and type and quantity of gear, including an inventory of equipment required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section if the application is for purse seining involving the intentional taking of marine mammals, of the vessel that is to be covered under the permit; (ii) A statement of whether the vessel will make sets involving the intentional taking of marine mammals; (iii) The type and identification number(s) of Federal, state, and local commercial fishing licenses under which vessel operations are conducted, and the dates of expiration; (iv) The name(s) of the operator(s) anticipated to be used; and (v) The name and signature of the applicant, whether he/she is the owner or the managing owner, his/her address, telephone and fax numbers, and, if applicable, the name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the agent or organization acting on behalf of the vessel. (5) Application for operator permit. An applicant for an operator permit must provide the following information to the Administrator, Southwest Region, allowing at least 45 days for processing: (i) The name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the applicant; (ii) The type and identification number(s) of any Federal, state, and local fishing licenses held by the applicant; (iii) The name of the vessel(s) on which the applicant anticipates serving as an operator; (iv) The date, location, and provider of training required under paragraph (c)(5) of this section for the operator permit; and (v) The applicant's signature or the signature of the applicant's representative. (6) Fees—(i) Vessel permit application fees. Payment of the permit application fee is required before NMFS will issue a permit. The Assistant Administrator may change the amount of this fee at any time if a different fee is determined in accordance with the NOAA Finance Handbook. The amount of the fee will be printed on the vessel permit application form provided by the Administrator, Southwest Region. (ii) Operator permit fee. There is no fee for the operator permit. The Assistant Administrator may require a fee at any time if a fee is determined in accordance with the NOAA Finance Handbook and specified by the Administrator, Southwest Region, on the application form. (iii) Observer placement fee. The observer placement fee supports the placement of observers on individual vessels, and maintenance of the observer program, as established by the IATTC or other approved observer program. (A) The owner or managing owner of a vessel for which a DML has been requested must submit the observer placement fee, as established by the IATTC or other approved observer program, to the Administrator, Southwest Region, no later than September 15 of the year prior to the calendar year for which the DML was requested. Payment of the observer placement fee must be consistent with the fee for active status on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4) of this title. (B) The owner or managing owner of a vessel for which a DML has not been requested, but that is listed on the Vessel Register, as defined in §300.21 of this title, must submit payment of the observer placement fee, as established by the IATTC or other approved observer program, to the Administrator, Southwest Region, no later than November 30 of the year prior to the calendar year in which the vessel will be listed on the Vessel Register. Payment of the observer placement fee must be consistent with the vessel's status, either active or inactive, on the Vessel Register in §300.22(b)(4) of this title. (C) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel that is licensed under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty must submit the observer placement fee, as established by the IATTC or other approved observer program, to the Administrator, Southwest Region, prior to obtaining an observer and entering the ETP to fish. Consistent with §300.22(b)(1)(i) of this title, this class of purse seine vessels is not required to be listed on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4) of this title in order to purse seine for tuna in the ETP during a single fishing trip per calendar year of 90 days or less. Payment of the observer placement fee must be consistent with the fee for active status on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4) of this title. (D) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel listed as inactive on the Vessel Register at the beginning of the calendar year and who requests to replace a vessel removed from active status on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4) of this title during the year, must pay the observer placement fee associated with active status less the observer placement fee associated with inactive status that was already paid before NMFS will request the IATTC Secretariat change the status of the vessel from inactive to active. (E) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel not listed on the Vessel Register at the beginning of the calendar year and who requests to replace a vessel removed from active status on the Vessel Register under §300.22(b)(4) of this title during the year, must pay the observer placement fee associated with active status before NMFS will request the IATTC Secretariat change the status of the vessel to active. (F) Payments received after the dates specified in paragraphs (b) (6) (iii)(A) or (B) of this section will be subject to a 10 percent surcharge. The Administrator, Southwest Region, will forward all observer placement fees described in this section to the IATTC or to the applicable organization approved by the Administrator, Southwest Region. (7) Application approval. The Administrator, Southwest Region, will determine the adequacy and completeness of an application and, upon determining that an application is adequate and complete, will approve that application and issue the appropriate permit, except for applicants having unpaid or overdue civil penalties, criminal fines, or other liabilities incurred in a legal proceeding. (8) Conditions applicable to all permits—(i) General conditions. Failure to comply with the provisions of a permit or with these regulations may lead to suspension, revocation, modification, or denial of a permit. The permit holder, vessel, vessel owner, operator, or master may be subject, jointly or severally, to the penalties provided for under the MMPA. Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904. (ii) Observer placement. By obtaining a permit, the permit holder consents to the placement of an observer on the vessel during every trip involving operations in the ETP and agrees to payment of the fees for observer placement. No observer will be assigned to a vessel unless that vessel owner has submitted payment of observer fees to the Administrator, Southwest Region. The observers may be placed under an observer program of NMFS, IATTC, or another observer program approved by the Administrator, Southwest Region. (iii) Explosives. The use of explosive devices is prohibited during all tuna purse seine operations that involve marine mammals. (iv) Reporting requirements. (A) The vessel permit holder of each permitted vessel must notify the Administrator, Southwest Region or the IATTC contact designated by the Administrator, Southwest Region, at least 5 days in advance of the vessel's departure on a fishing trip to allow for observer placement on every trip. (B) The vessel permit holder must notify the Administrator, Southwest Region, or the IATTC contact designated by the Administrator, Southwest Region, of any change of vessel operator at least 48 hours prior to departing on a fishing trip. In the case of a change in operator due to an emergency, notification must be made within 72 hours of the change. (v) Data release. By using a permit, the permit holder authorizes the release to NMFS and the IATTC of all data collected by observers aboard purse seine vessels during fishing trips under the IATTC observer program or another international observer program approved by the Administrator, Southwest Region. The permit holder must furnish the international observer program with all release forms required to authorize the observer data to be provided to NMFS and the IATTC. Data obtained under such releases will be used for the same purposes as would data collected directly by observers placed by NMFS and will be subject to the same standards of confidentiality. (9) Mortality and serious injury reports. The Administrator, Southwest Region, will provide to the public periodic status reports summarizing the estimated incidental dolphin mortality and serious injury by U.S. vessels of individual species and stocks. (c) Purse seining by vessels with Dolphin Mortality Limits (DMLs). In addition to the terms and conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, any permit for a vessel to which a DML has been assigned under paragraph (c)(9) of this section and any operator permit when used on such a vessel are subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) A vessel may be used to chase and encircle schools of dolphins in the ETP only under the immediate direction of the holder of a valid operator's permit. (2) No retention of live marine mammals. Except as otherwise authorized by a specific permit, live marine mammals incidentally taken must be immediately returned to the ocean without further injury. The operator of a purse seine vessel must take every precaution to refrain from causing or permitting incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals. Live marine mammals may not be brailed, sacked up, or hoisted onto the deck during ortza retrieval. (3) Gear and equipment required for valid permit. A vessel possessing a vessel permit for purse seining involving the intentional taking of marine mammals may not engage in fishing operations involving the intentional deployment of the net on or encirclement of dolphins unless it is equipped with a dolphin safety panel in its purse seine, has the other required gear and equipment, and uses the required procedures. (i) Dolphin safety panel. The dolphin safety panel must be a minimum of 180 fathoms in length (as measured before installation), except that the minimum length of the panel in nets deeper than 18 strips must be determined in a ratio of 10 fathoms in length for each strip of net depth. It must be installed so as to protect the perimeter of the backdown area. The perimeter of the backdown area is the length of corkline that begins at the outboard end of the last bowbunch pulled and continues to at least two-thirds the distance from the backdown channel apex to the stern tiedown point. The dolphin safety panel must consist of small mesh webbing not to exceed 1 1/4 inches (3.18 centimeters (cm)) stretch mesh extending downward from the corkline and, if present, the base of the dolphin apron to a minimum depth equivalent to two strips of 100 meshes of 4 1/4 inches (10.80 cm) stretch mesh webbing. In addition, at least a 20–fathom length of corkline must be free from bunchlines at the apex of the backdown channel. (ii) Dolphin safety panel markers. Each end of the dolphin safety panel and dolphin apron, if present, must be identified with an easily distinguishable marker. (iii) Dolphin safety panel hand holds. Throughout the length of the corkline under which the dolphin safety panel and dolphin apron are located, hand hold openings must be secured so that they will not allow the insertion of a 1 3/8 inch (3.50 cm) diameter cylindrical-shaped object. (iv) Dolphin safety panel corkline hangings. Throughout the length of the corkline under which the dolphin safety panel and dolphin apron if present, are located, corkline hangings must be inspected by the vessel operator following each trip. Hangings found to have loosened to the extent that a cylindrical-shaped object with a 1 3/8 inch (3.50 cm) diameter can be inserted between the cork and corkline hangings, must be tightened so as not to allow the insertion of a cylindrical-shaped object with a 1 3/8 inch (3.50 cm) diameter. (v) Speedboats. A minimum of three speedboats in operating condition must be carried. All speedboats carried aboard purse seine vessels and in operating condition must be rigged with tow lines and towing bridles or towing posts. Speedboat hoisting bridles may not be substituted for towing bridles. (vi) Raft. A raft suitable to be used as a dolphin observation-and-rescue platform must be carried. (vii) Facemask and snorkel, or viewbox. At least two facemasks and snorkels or viewboxes must be carried. (viii) Lights. The vessel must be equipped with lights capable of producing a minimum of 140,000 lumens of output for use in darkness to ensure sufficient light to observe that procedures for dolphin release are carried out and to monitor incidental dolphin mortality. (4) Vessel inspection—(i) Annual. At least once during each calendar year, purse seine nets and other gear and equipment required under §216.24(c)(3) must be made available for inspection and for a trial set/net alignment by an authorized NMFS inspector or IATTC staff as specified by the Administrator, Southwest Region, in order to obtain a vessel permit. (ii) Reinspection. Purse seine nets and other gear and equipment required by these regulations must be made available for reinspection by an authorized NMFS inspector or IATTC staff as specified by the Administrator, Southwest Region. The vessel permit holder must notify the Administrator, Southwest Region, of any net modification at least 5 days prior to departure of the vessel in order to determine whether a reinspection or trial set/net alignment is required. (iii) Failure to pass inspection. Upon failure to pass an inspection or reinspection, a vessel may not engage in purse seining involving the intentional taking of marine mammals until the deficiencies in gear or equipment are corrected as required by NMFS. (5) Operator permit holder training requirements. An operator must maintain proficiency sufficient to perform the procedures required herein, and must attend and satisfactorily complete a formal training session approved by the Administrator, Southwest Region, in order to obtain his or her permit. At the training session, an attendee will be instructed on the relevant provisions and regulatory requirements of the MMPA and the IDCP, and the fishing gear and techniques that are required for reducing serious injury and mortality of dolphin incidental to purse seining for tuna. Operators who have received a written certificate of satisfactory completion of training and who possess a current or previous calendar year permit will not be required to attend additional formal training sessions unless there are substantial changes in the relevant provisions or implementing regulations of the MMPA or the IDCP, or in fishing gear and techniques. Additional training may be required for any operator who is found by the Administrator, Southwest Region, to lack proficiency in the required fishing procedures or familiarity with the relevant provisions or regulations of the MMPA or the IDCP. (6) Marine mammal release requirements. All operators fishing pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section must use the following procedures during all sets involving the incidental taking of marine mammals in association with the capture and landing of tuna. (i) Backdown procedure. Backdown must be performed following a purse seine set in which dolphins are captured in the course of catching tuna, and must be continued until it is no longer possible to remove live dolphins from the net by this procedure. At least one crewmember must be deployed during backdown to aid in the release of dolphins. Thereafter, other release procedures required will be continued so that all live dolphins are released prior to the initiation of the sack-up procedure. (ii) Prohibited use of sharp or pointed instrument. The use of a sharp or pointed instrument to remove any marine mammal from the net is prohibited. (iii) Sundown sets prohibited. On every set encircling dolphin, the backdown procedure must be completed no later than one-half hour after sundown, except as provided here. For the purpose of this section, sundown is defined as the time at which the upper edge of the sun disappears below the horizon or, if the view of the sun is obscured, the local time of sunset calculated from tables developed by the U.S. Naval Observatory or other authoritative source approved by the Administrator, Southwest Region. A sundown set is a set in which the backdown procedure has not been completed and rolling the net to sack-up has not begun within one-half hour after sundown. Should a set extend beyond one-half hour after sundown, the operator must use the required marine mammal release procedures including the use of the high intensity lighting system. In the event a sundown set occurs where the seine skiff was let go 90 or more minutes before sundown, and an earnest effort to rescue dolphins is made, the International Review Panel of the IDCP may recommend to the United States that in the view of the International Review Panel, prosecution by the United States is not recommended. Any such recommendation will be considered by the United States in evaluating the appropriateness of prosecution in a particular circumstance. (iv) Dolphin safety panel. During backdown, the dolphin safety panel must be positioned so that it protects the perimeter of the backdown area. The perimeter of the backdown area is the length of corkline that begins at the outboard end of the last bow bunch pulled and continues to at least two-thirds the distance from the backdown channel apex to the stern tiedown point. (7) Experimental fishing operations. The Administrator, Southwest Region, may authorize experimental fishing operations, consistent with the provisions of the IDCP, for the purpose of testing proposed improvements in fishing techniques and equipment that may reduce or eliminate dolphin mortality or serious injury, or do not require the encirclement of dolphins in the course of fishing operations. The Administrator, Southwest Region, may waive, as appropriate, any requirements of this section except DMLs and the obligation to carry an observer. (i) A vessel permit holder may apply for an experimental fishing operation waiver by submitting the following information to the Administrator, Southwest Region, no less than 90 days before the date the proposed operation is intended to begin: (A) The name(s) of the vessel(s) and the vessel permit holder(s) to participate; (B) A statement of the specific vessel gear and equipment or procedural requirement to be exempted and why such an exemption is necessary to conduct the experiment; (C) A description of how the proposed modification to the gear and equipment or procedures is expected to reduce incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals; (D) A description of the applicability of this modification to other purse seine vessels; (E) The planned design, time, duration, and general area of the experimental operation; (F) The name(s) of the permitted operator(s) of the vessel(s) during the experiment; (G) A statement of the qualifications of the individual or company doing the analysis of the research; and (H) Signature of the permitted operator or of the operator's representative. (ii) The Administrator, Southwest Region, will acknowledge receipt of the application and, upon determining that it is complete, will publish a notice in the Federal Register summarizing the application, making the full application available for inspection and inviting comments for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of publication. (iii) The Administrator, Southwest Region, after considering the information submitted in the application identified in paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this section and the comments received, will either issue a waiver to conduct the experiment that includes restrictions or conditions deemed appropriate, or deny the application, giving the reasons for denial. (iv) A waiver for an experimental fishing operation will be valid only for the vessels and operators named in the permit, for the time period and areas specified, for trips carrying an observer designated by the Administrator, Southwest Region, and when all the terms and conditions of the permit are met. (v) The Administrator, Southwest Region, may suspend or revoke an experimental fishing waiver in accordance with 15 CFR part 904 if the terms and conditions of the waiver or the provisions of the regulations are not followed. (8) Operator permit holder performance requirements. [Reserved] (9) Vessel permit holder dolphin mortality limits. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “vessel permit holder” includes both the holder of a current vessel permit and also the holder of a vessel permit for the following year. (i) By September 1 each year, a vessel permit holder desiring a DML for the following year must provide to the Administrator, Southwest Region, the name of the U.S. purse seine fishing vessel(s) of carrying capacity greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) that the owner intends to use to intentionally deploy purse seine fishing nets in the ETP to encircle dolphins in an effort to capture tuna during the following year. NMFS will forward the list of purse seine vessels to the Director of the IATTC on or before October 1, or as otherwise required by the IDCP, for assignment of a DML for the following year under the provisions of Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP. (ii) Each vessel permit holder that desires a DML only for the period between July 1 to December 31 must provide the Administrator, Southwest Region, by September 1 of the prior year, the name of the U.S. purse seine fishing vessel(s) of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity that the owner intends to use to intentionally deploy purse seine fishing nets in the ETP to encircle dolphins in an effort to capture tuna during the period. NMFS will forward the list of purse seine vessels to the Director of the IATTC on or before October 1, or as otherwise required under the IDCP, for possible assignment of a DML for the 6–month period July 1 to December 31. Under the IDCP, the DML will be calculated by the IDCP from any unutilized pool of DMLs in accordance with the procedure described in Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP and will not exceed one-half of an unadjusted full-year DML as calculated by the IDCP. (iii)(A) The Administrator, Southwest Region, will notify vessel owners of the DML assigned for each vessel for the following year, or the second half of the year, as applicable. (B) The Administrator, Southwest Region, may adjust the DMLs in accordance with Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP. All adjustments of full-year DMLs will be made before January 1, and the Administrator, Southwest Region, will notify the Director of the IATTC of any adjustments prior to a vessel departing on a trip using its adjusted DML. The notification will be no later than February 1 in the case of adjustments to full-year DMLs, and no later than May 1 in the case of adjustments to DMLs for the second half of the year. (C) In accordance with the requirements of Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP, the Administrator, Southwest Region, may adjust a vessel's DML if it will further scientific or technological advancement in the protection of marine mammals in the fishery or if the past performance of the vessel indicates that the protection or use of the yellowfin tuna stocks or marine mammals is best served by the adjustment, within the mandates of the MMPA. Experimental fishing operation waivers or scientific research permits will be considered a basis for adjustments. (iv)(A) A vessel assigned a full-year DML that does not make a set on dolphins by April 1 or that leaves the fishery will lose its DML for the remainder of the year, unless the failure to set on dolphins is due to force majeure or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the International Review Panel. (B) A vessel assigned a DML for the second half of the year will be considered to have lost its DML if the vessel has not made a set on dolphins before December 31, unless the failure to set on dolphins is due to force majeure or extraordinary circumstances as determined by the International Review Panel. (C) Any vessel that loses its DML for 2 consecutive years will not be eligible to receive a DML for the following year. (D) NMFS will determine, based on available information, whether a vessel has left the fishery. (1) A vessel lost at sea, undergoing extensive repairs, operating in an ocean area other than the ETP, or for which other information indicates that vessel will no longer be conducting purse seine operations in the ETP for the remainder of the period covered by the DML will be determined to have left the fishery. (2) NMFS will make all reasonable efforts to determine the intentions of the vessel owner. The owner of any vessel that has been preliminarily determined to have left the fishery will be provided notice of such preliminary determination and given the opportunity to provide information on whether the vessel has left the fishery prior to NMFS making a final determination under 15 CFR part 904 and notifying the IATTC. (v) Any vessel that exceeds its assigned DML after any applicable adjustment under paragraph (c)(9)(iii) of this section will have its DML for the subsequent year reduced by 150 percent of the overage, unless another adjustment is determined by the International Review Panel, as mandated by the Agreement on the IDCP. (vi) A vessel that is covered by a valid vessel permit and that does not normally fish for tuna in the ETP but desires to participate in the fishery on a limited basis may apply for a per-trip DML from the Administrator, Southwest Region, at any time, allowing at least 60 days for processing. The request must state the expected number of trips involving sets on dolphins and the anticipated dates of the trip or trips. The request will be forwarded to the Secretariat of the IATTC for processing in accordance with Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP. A per-trip DML will be assigned if one is made available in accordance with the terms of Annex IV of the Agreement on the IDCP. If a vessel assigned a per-trip DML does not set on dolphins during that trip, the vessel will be considered to have lost its DML unless this was a result of force majeure or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the International Review Panel. After two consecutive losses of a DML, a vessel will not be eligible to receive a DML for the next fishing year. (vii) Observers will make their records available to the vessel operator at any reasonable time, including after each set, in order for the operator to monitor the balance of the DML(s) remaining for use. (viii) Vessel and operator permit holders must not deploy a purse seine net on or encircle any school of dolphins containing individuals of a particular stock of dolphins for the remainder of the calendar year: (A) after the applicable per-stock per-year dolphin mortality limit for that stock of dolphins (or for that vessel, if so assigned) has been reached or exceeded; or (B) after the time and date provided in actual notification or notification in the Federal Register by the Administrator, Southwest Region, based upon the best available evidence, stating when any applicable per-stock per-year dolphin mortality limit has been reached or exceeded, or is expected to be reached in the near future. (ix) If individual dolphins belonging to a stock that is prohibited from being taken are not reasonably observable at the time the net skiff attached to the net is released from the vessel at the start of a set, the fact that individuals of that stock are subsequently taken will not be cause for enforcement action provided that all procedures required by the applicable regulations have been followed. (x) Vessel and operator permit holders must not intentionally deploy a purse seine net on or encircle dolphins intentionally: (A) after a set in which the vessel's DML, as adjusted, has been reached or exceeded; or (B) after the date and time provided in actual notification by letter, facsimile, radio, or electronic mail, or notice in the Federal Register by the Administrator, Southwest Region, based upon the best available evidence, that intentional sets on dolphins must cease because the total of the DMLs assigned to the U.S. fleet has been reached or exceeded, or is expected to be exceeded in the near future. (d) Purse seining by vessels without assigned DMLs. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, a vessel permit used for a trip not involving an assigned DML and the operator's permit when used on such a vessel are subject to the following terms and conditions: a permit holder may take marine mammals provided that such taking is an accidental occurrence in the course of normal commercial fishing operations and the vessel does not intentionally deploy its net on, or to encircle, dolphins; marine mammals taken incidental to such commercial fishing operations must be immediately returned to the environment where captured without further injury, using release procedures such as hand rescue, or aborting the set at the earliest effective opportunity; and the use of one or more rafts and facemasks or viewboxes to aid in the rescue of dolphins is recommended. (e) Observers—(1) The holder of a vessel permit must allow an observer duly authorized by the Administrator, Southwest Region, to accompany the vessel on all fishing trips in the ETP for the purpose of conducting research and observing operations, including collecting information that may be used in civil or criminal penalty proceedings, forfeiture actions, or permit sanctions. A vessel that fails to carry an observer in accordance with these requirements may not engage in fishing operations. (2) Research and observation duties will be carried out in such a manner as to minimize interference with commercial fishing operations. Observers must be provided access to vessel personnel and to dolphin safety gear and equipment, electronic navigation equipment, radar displays, high powered binoculars, and electronic communication equipment. The navigator must provide true vessel locations by latitude and longitude, accurate to the nearest minute, upon request by the observer. Observers must be provided with adequate space on the bridge or pilothouse for clerical work, as well as space on deck adequate for carrying out observer duties. No vessel owner, master, operator, or crew member of a permitted vessel may impair, or in any way interfere with, the research or observations being carried out. Masters must allow observers to use vessel communication equipment necessary to report information concerning the take of marine mammals and other observer collected data upon request of the observer. (3) Any marine mammals killed during fishing operations that are accessible to crewmen and requested from the permit holder or master by the observer must be brought aboard the vessel and retained for biological processing, until released by the observer for return to the ocean. Whole marine mammals or marine mammal parts designated as biological specimens by the observer must be retained in cold storage aboard the vessel until retrieved by authorized personnel of NMFS or the IATTC when the vessel returns to port for unloading. (4) It is unlawful for any person to forcibly assault, impede, intimidate, interfere with, or to influence or attempt to influence an observer, or to harass (including sexual harassment) an observer by conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the observer's work performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. In determining whether conduct constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances, including the nature of the conduct and the context in which it occurred, will be considered. The determination of the legality of a particular action will be made from the facts on a case-by-case basis. (5)(i) All observers must be provided sleeping, toilet and eating accommodations at least equal to that provided to a full crew member. A mattress or futon on the floor or a cot is not acceptable in place of a regular bunk. Meal and other galley privileges must be the same for the observer as for other crew members. (ii) Female observers on a vessel with an all-male crew must be accommodated either in a single-person cabin or, if reasonable privacy can be ensured by installing a curtain or other temporary divider, in a two-person cabin shared with a licensed officer of the vessel. If the cabin assigned to a female observer does not have its own toilet and shower facilities that can be provided for the exclusive use of the observer, then a schedule for time-sharing common facilities must be established before the placement meeting and approved by NMFS or other approved observer program and must be followed during the entire trip. (iii) In the event there are one or more female crew members, the female observer must be provided a bunk in a cabin shared solely with female crew members, and provided toilet and shower facilities shared solely with these female crew members. (f) Importation, purchase, shipment, sale and transport. (1)(i) It is illegal to import into the United States any fish, whether fresh, frozen, or otherwise prepared, if the fish have been caught with commercial fishing technology that results in the incidental kill or incidental serious injury of marine mammals in excess of that allowed under this part for U.S. fishermen, or as specified at paragraph (f)(6) of this section. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph (f), and in applying the definition of an “intermediary nation,” an import occurs when the fish or fish product is released from a nation's Customs' custody and enters into the commerce of the nation. For other purposes, “import” is defined in §216.3. (2) Imports requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin. Shipments of tuna, tuna products, and certain other fish products identified by the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers listed in paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii) and (f)(2)(iii) of this section may not be imported into the United States unless a properly completed Fisheries Certificate of Origin (FCO), NOAA Form 370, is filed with the U.S. Customs Service at the time of importation. (i) HTS numbers requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin, subject to yellowfin tuna embargo. The following HTS numbers identify yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products (other than fresh tuna) known to be imported into the United States. All shipments imported into the United States under these HTS numbers must be accompanied by an FCO. The scope of yellowfin tuna embargoes and procedures for attaining an affirmative finding are described under paragraphs (f)(6) and (f)(8) of this section, respectively. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A) Frozen:............................... 0303.42.0020.............................. Yellowfin tuna, whole, frozen 0303.42.0040.............................. Yellowfin tuna, eviscerated, head on, frozen 0303.42.0060.............................. Yellowfin tuna, other, frozen (B) Airtight Containers: (products containing Yellowfin). 1604.14.1010.............................. Tuna, non-specific, in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each 1604.14.1090.............................. Tuna, non-specific, in oil, in airtight containers, other 1604.14.2291.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, under quota 1604.14.2299.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, under quota 1604.14.3091.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, over quota 1604.14.3099.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, over quota (C) Loins: (Yellowfin).................... 1604.14.4000.............................. Tuna, not in airtight containers, not in oil, weighing with their contents over 6.8 kg 1604.14.5000.............................. Tuna, not in airtight containers, other (D) Other: (products containing Yellowfin) 0304.20.2066.............................. Other fish, fillets, skinned, in blocks weighing over 4.5 kg, frozen 0304.20.6096.............................. Other fish, fillets, frozen 1604.20.2500.............................. Balls and cakes, not in oil, in airtight containers, other 1604.20.3000.............................. Balls and cakes, other ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (ii) HTS numbers requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin, not subject to yellowfin tuna embargo. The following HTS numbers identify tuna or tuna products, (other than fresh tuna or yellowfin tuna identified in paragraph (f)(2)(i)) of this section, known to be imported into the United States. All shipments imported into the United States under these HTS numbers must be accompanied by an FCO. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A) Frozen:............................... 0303.41.0000.............................. Albacore or longfinned tunas, frozen 0303.43.0000.............................. Skipjack, frozen 0303.44.0000.............................. Bigeye, frozen 0303.45.0000.............................. Bluefin, frozen 0303.46.0000.............................. Bluefin Southern, frozen 0303.49.0100.............................. Other tuna, frozen (B) Airtight Containers: (Other than Yellowfin). 1604.14.1010.............................. Tuna, non-specific, in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each 1604.14.1090.............................. Tuna, non-specific, in oil, in airtight containers, other 1604.14.2251.............................. Tuna, albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, under quota 1604.14.2259.............................. Tuna, albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, other, under quota 1604.14.2291.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, under quota 1604.14.2299.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, other, under quota 1604.14.3051.............................. Tuna, albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, over quota 1604.14.3059.............................. Tuna, albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, other, over quota 1604.14.3091.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in foil or other flexible airtight containers weighing with their contents not more than 6.8 kg each, over quota 1604.14.3099.............................. Tuna, other than albacore, not in oil, in airtight containers, other, over quota (C) Loins: (Other than Yellowfin)......... 1604.14.4000.............................. Tuna, not in airtight containers, in bulk or in immediate containers weighing with their contents over 6.8 kg, in oil 1604.14.5000.............................. Tuna, not in airtight containers, other (D) Other: (only if the product contains tuna). 0304.20.2066.............................. Other fish, fillets, skinned, in blocks weighing over 4.5 kg, frozen 0304.20.6096.............................. Other fish, fillets, frozen 1604.20.2500.............................. Balls and cakes, not in oil, in airtight containers, other 1604.20.3000.............................. Balls and cakes, other ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (iii) Exports from driftnet nations only: HTS numbers requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin and official certification. The following HTS numbers identify categories of fish and shellfish, in addition to those identified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this section, known to have been harvested using a large-scale driftnet and imported into the United States. Shipments exported from a large-scale driftnet nation, as identified under paragraph (f)(7) of this section, and imported into the United States under any of the HTS numbers listed in paragraph (f)(2) of this section must be accompanied by an FCO and the official statement described in paragraph (f)(4)(xiii) of this section. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A) Frozen:............................... 0303.19.0012.............................. Salmon, chinook, frozen 0303.19.0022.............................. Salmon, chum, frozen 0303.19.0032.............................. Salmon, pink, frozen 0303.19.0052.............................. Salmon, coho, frozen 0303.19.0062.............................. Salmon, Pacific, non- specific, frozen 0303.21.0000.............................. Trout, frozen 0303.22.0000.............................. Salmon, Atlantic and Danube, frozen 0303.29.0000.............................. Salmonidae, other, frozen 0303.75.0010.............................. Dogfish, frozen 0303.75.0090.............................. Other sharks, frozen 0303.79.2041.............................. Swordfish steaks, frozen 0303.79.2049.............................. Swordfish, other, frozen 0303.79.4097.............................. Fish, other, frozen 0304.20.2066.............................. Fish, fillet, skinned, in blocks, frozen over 4.5 kg 0304.20.6008.............................. Salmonidae, salmon fillet, frozen 0304.20.6092.............................. Swordfish fillets, frozen 0304.20.6096.............................. Fish, fillet, other, frozen 0307.49.0010.............................. Squid, other, fillet, frozen (B) Canned:............................... 1604.11.2020.............................. Salmon, pink, canned in oil, in airtight containers 1604.11.2030.............................. Salmon, sockeye, canned in oil, in airtight containers 1604.11.2090.............................. Salmon, other, canned in oil, in airtight containers 1604.11.4010.............................. Salmon, chum, canned, not in oil 1604.11.4020.............................. Salmon, pink, canned, not in oil 1604.11.4030.............................. Salmon, sockeye, canned, not in oil 1604.11.4040.............................. Salmon, other, canned, not in oil 1604.11.4050.............................. Salmon, other, canned, not in oil 1604.19.2000.............................. Fish, other, in airtight containers, not in oil 1604.19.3000.............................. Fish, other, in airtight containers, in oil 1605.90.6050.............................. Squid, loligo, prepared/ preserved 1605.90.6055.............................. Squid, other, prepared/ preserved (C) Other:................................ 0305.30.6080.............................. Fish, other, fillet, dried/ salted/brine 0305.49.4040.............................. Fish, other, smoked 0305.59.2000.............................. Shark fins, dried 0305.59.4000.............................. Fish, other, dried 0305.69.4000.............................. Salmon, other, salted (or in brine) 0305.69.5000.............................. Fish, other, salted (or in brine), in immediate containers, not over 6.8 kg 0305.69.6000.............................. Fish, other, salted (or in brine) 0307.49.0050.............................. Squid, other, frozen/dried/ salted/brine 0307.49.0060.............................. Squid, other, & cuttle fish frozen/dried/salted/ brine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (3) Disposition of Fisheries Certificates of Origin. The FCO described in paragraph (f)(4) of this section may be obtained from the Administrator, Southwest Region, or downloaded from the Internet at http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/noaa370.htm. (i) A properly completed FCO and its attached certificates, if applicable, must accompany the required U.S. Customs entry documents that are filed at the time of import. (ii) FCOs and associated certifications, if any, that accompany imported shipments of tuna must be submitted by the importer of record to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program, Southwest Region, within 30 days of the shipment's entry into the commerce of the United States. FCOs submitted via mail should be sent to Tuna Tracking and Verification Program, Southwest Region, P.O. Box 32469, Long Beach, CA 90832–2469. Copies of the documents may be submitted electronically using a secure file transfer protocol (FTP) site. Importers of record interested in submitting FCOs and associated certifications via FTP may contact a representative of the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program at the following email address: SWRTuna.Track@noaa.gov. The Tuna Tracking and Verification Program will facilitate secure transfer and protection of certifications by assigning a separate electronic folder for each importer. Access to the electronic folder will require a user identification and password. The Tuna Tracking and Verification Program will assign each importer a unique user identification and password. Safeguarding the confidentiality of the user identification and password is the responsibility of the importer to whom they are assigned. Copies of the documents may also be submitted via mail either on compact disc or as hard copies. All electronic submissions, whether via FTP or on compact disc, must be in either Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or as an image file embedded in a Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Corel WordPerfect file. (iii) FCOs that accompany imported shipments of tuna destined for further processing in the United States must be endorsed at each change in ownership and submitted to the Administrator, Southwest Region, by the last endorser when all required endorsements are completed. (iv) Importers and exporters are required to retain their records, including FCOs, import or export documents, invoices, and bills of lading for 2 years, and such records must be made available within 30 days of a request by the Secretary or the Administrator, Southwest Region. (4) Contents of Fisheries Certificate of Origin. An FCO, certified to be accurate by the exporter(s) of the accompanying shipment, must include the following information: (i) Customs entry identification; (ii) Date of entry; (iii) Exporter's full name and complete address; (iv) Importer's or consignee's full name and complete address; (v) Species description, product form, and HTS number; (vi) Total net weight of the shipment in kilograms; (vii) Ocean area where the fish were harvested (ETP, western Pacific Ocean, south Pacific Ocean, eastern Atlantic Ocean, western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Indian Ocean, or other); (viii) Type of fishing gear used to harvest the fish (purse seine, longline, baitboat, large-scale driftnet, gillnet, trawl, pole and line, or other); (ix) Country under whose laws the harvesting vessel operated based upon the flag of the vessel or, if a certified charter vessel, the country that accepted responsibility for the vessel's fishing operations; (x) Dates on which the fishing trip began and ended; (xi) The name of the harvesting vessel; (xii) Dolphin-safe condition of the shipment, described by checking the appropriate statement on the form and attaching additional certifications if required; (xiii) For shipments harvested by vessels of a nation known to use large-scale driftnets, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (f)(7) of this section, the High Seas Driftnet Certification contained on the FCO must be dated and signed by a responsible government official of the harvesting nation, certifying that the fish or fish products were harvested by a method other than large-scale driftnet; and (xiv) Each additional importer, exporter, or processor who takes custody of the shipment must sign and date the form to certify that the form and attached documentation accurately describes the shipment of fish that they accompany. (5) Dolphin-safe label. Tuna or tuna products sold in or exported from the United States that include on the label the term “dolphin-safe” or any other term or symbol that claims or suggests the tuna were harvested in a manner not injurious to dolphins are subject to the requirements of subpart H of this part (§216.90 et seq.). (6) Scope of embargoes—(i) ETP yellowfin tuna embargo. Yellowfin tuna or products of yellowfin tuna harvested using a purse seine in the ETP identified by an HTS number listed in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section may not be imported into the United States if such tuna or tuna products were: (A) Harvested on or after March 3, 1999, the effective date of section 4 of the IDCPA, and harvested by, or exported from, a nation that the Assistant Administrator has determined has jurisdiction over purse seine vessels of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity harvesting tuna in the ETP, unless the Assistant Administrator has made an affirmative finding required for importation for that nation under paragraph (f)(8) of this section; (B) Exported from an intermediary nation, as defined in Section 3 of the MMPA, and a ban is currently in force prohibiting the importation from that nation under paragraph (f)(9) of this section; or (C) Harvested before March 3, 1999, the effective date of Section 4 of the IDCPA, and would have been banned from importation under Section 101(a)(2) of the MMPA at the time of harvest. (ii) Driftnet embargo. A shipment containing fish or fish products identified by an HTS number listed in paragraph (f)(2) of this section may not be imported into the United States if it is harvested by a large-scale driftnet, or if it is exported from or harvested on the high seas by any nation determined by the Assistant Administrator to be engaged in large-scale driftnet fishing, unless a government official of the large-scale driftnet nation completes, signs and dates the High Seas Driftnet section of the FCO certifying that the fish or fish products were harvested by a method other than large-scale driftnet. (iii) Pelly certification. After 6 months of an embargo being in place against a nation under this section, the Secretary will certify that nation under section 8(a) of the Fishermen's Protective Act (22 U.S.C. 1978(a)). When such an embargo is lifted, the Secretary will terminate the certification under Section 8(d) of that Act (22 U.S.C. 1978(d)). (iv) Coordination. The Assistant Administrator will promptly advise the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security of embargo decisions, actions, and finding determinations. (7) Large-scale driftnet nation: determination. Based upon the best information available, the Assistant Administrator will determine which nations have registered vessels that engage in fishing using large-scale driftnets. Such determinations will be published in the Federal Register. A responsible government official of any such nation may certify to the Assistant Administrator that none of the nation's vessels use large-scale driftnets. Upon receipt of the certification, the Assistant Administrator may find, and publish such finding in the Federal Register, that none of that nation's vessels engage in fishing with large-scale driftnets. (8) Affirmative finding procedure for nations harvesting yellowfin tuna using a purse seine in the ETP. (i) The Assistant Administrator will determine, on an annual basis, whether to make an affirmative finding based upon documentary evidence provided by the government of the harvesting nation or by the IDCP and the IATTC, and will publish the finding in the Federal Register. A finding will remain valid for 1 year or for such other period as the Assistant Administrator may determine. An affirmative finding will be terminated if the Assistant Administrator determines that the requirements of this paragraph are no longer being met. Every 5 years, the government of the harvesting nation must submit such documentary evidence directly to the Assistant Administrator and request an affirmative finding. Documentary evidence must be submitted by the harvesting nation for the first affirmative finding application. The Assistant Administrator may require the submission of supporting documentation or other verification of statements made in connection with requests to allow importations. An affirmative finding applies to yellowfin tuna and yellowfin tuna products that were harvested by vessels of the nation after March 3, 1999. To make an affirmative finding, the Assistant Administrator must find that: (A) The harvesting nation participates in the IDCP and is either a member of the IATTC or has initiated (and within 6 months thereafter completed) all steps required of applicant nations, in accordance with article V, paragraph 3, of the Convention establishing the IATTC, to become a member of that organization; (B) The nation is meeting its obligations under the IDCP and its obligations of membership in the IATTC, including all financial obligations; (C)(1) The annual total dolphin mortality of the nation's purse seine fleet (including certified charter vessels operating under its jurisdiction) did not exceed the aggregated total of the mortality limits assigned by the IDCP for that nation's purse seine vessels for the year preceding the year in which the finding would start; or (2)(i) Because of extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the nation and the vessel captains, the total dolphin mortality of the nation's purse seine fleet (including certified charter vessels operating under its jurisdiction) exceeded the aggregated total of the mortality limits assigned by the IDCP for that nation's purse seine vessels; and (ii) Immediately after the national authorities discovered the aggregate mortality of its fleet had been exceeded, the nation required all its vessels to cease fishing for tuna in association with dolphins for the remainder of the calendar year; and (D)(1) In any years in which the parties agree to a global allocation system for per-stock per-year individual stock quotas, the nation responded to the notification from the IATTC that an individual stock quota had been reached by prohibiting any additional sets on the stock for which the quota had been reached; (2) If a per-stock per-year quota is allocated to each nation, the annual per-stock per-year dolphin mortality of the nation's purse seine fleet (including certified charter vessels operating under its jurisdiction) did not exceed the aggregated total of the per-stock per-year limits assigned by the IDCP for that nation's purse seine vessels (if any) for the year preceding the year in which the finding would start; or (3)(i) Because of extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the nation and the vessel captains, the per-stock per-year dolphin mortality of the nation's purse seine fleet (including certified charter vessels operating under its jurisdiction) exceeded the aggregated total of the per-stock per-year limits assigned by the IDCP for that nation's purse seine vessels; and (ii) Immediately after the national authorities discovered the aggregate per-stock mortality limits of its fleet had been exceeded, the nation required all its vessels to cease fishing for tuna in association with the stocks whose limits had been exceeded, for the remainder of the calendar year. (iii) Documentary Evidence and Compliance with the IDCP—(A) Documentary Evidence. The Assistant Administrator will make an affirmative finding under paragraph (f)(8)(i) of this section only if the government of the harvesting nation provides directly to the Assistant Administrator, or authorizes the IATTC to release to the Assistant Administrator, complete, accurate, and timely information that enables the Assistant Administrator to determine whether the harvesting nation is meeting the obligations of the IDCP, and whether ETP-harvested tuna imported from such nation comports with the tracking and verification regulations of subpart H of this part. (B) Revocation. After considering the information provided under paragraph (f)(8)(ii)(A) of this section, each party's financial obligations to the IATTC, and any other relevant information, including information that a nation is consistently failing to take enforcement actions on violations that diminish the effectiveness of the IDCP, the Assistant Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, will revoke an affirmative finding issued to a nation that is not meeting the obligations of the IDCP. (iv) A harvesting nation may apply for an affirmative finding at any time by providing to the Assistant Administrator the information and authorizations required in paragraphs (f)(8)(i) and (f)(8)(ii) of this section, allowing at least 60 days from the submission of complete information to NMFS for processing. (v) The Assistant Administrator will make or renew an affirmative finding for the period from April 1 through March 31 of the following year, or portion thereof, if the harvesting nation has provided all the information and authorizations required by paragraphs (f)(8)(i) and (f)(8)(ii) of this section, and has met the requirements of paragraphs (f)(8)(i) and (f)(8)(ii) of this section. (vi) Reconsideration of finding. The Assistant Administrator may reconsider a finding upon a request from, and the submission of additional information by, the harvesting nation, if the information indicates that the nation has met the requirements under paragraphs (f)(8)(i) and (f)(8)(ii) of this section. (9) Intermediary nation. Except as authorized under this paragraph, no yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products harvested by purse seine in the ETP classified under one of the HTS numbers listed in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section may be imported into the United States from any intermediary nation. (i) An “intermediary nation” is a nation that exports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products to the United States and that imports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products that are subject to a direct ban on importation into the United States pursuant to Section 101(a)(2)(B) of the MMPA. (ii) Shipments of yellowfin tuna that pass through any nation (e.g. on a 'through Bill of Lading') and are not entered for consumption in that nation are not considered to be imports to that nation and thus, would not cause that nation to be considered an intermediary nation under the MMPA. (iii) The Assistant Administrator will publish in the Federal Register a notice announcing when NMFS has determined, based on the best information available, that a nation is an “intermediary nation.” After the effective date of that notice, the import restrictions of this paragraph shall apply. (iv) Changing the status of intermediary nation determinations. Imports from an intermediary nation of yellowfin tuna and yellowfin tuna products classified under any of the HTS numbers in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section may be imported into the United States only if the Assistant Administrator determines, and publishes a notice of such determination in the Federal Register, that the intermediary nation has provided certification and reasonable proof that it has not imported in the preceding 6 months yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products that are subject to a ban on direct importation into the United States under Section 101(a)(2)(B) of the MMPA. At that time, the nation shall no longer be considered an “intermediary nation” and these import restrictions shall no longer apply. (v) The Assistant Administrator will review decisions under this paragraph upon the request of an intermediary nation. Such requests must be accompanied by specific and detailed supporting information or documentation indicating that a review or reconsideration is warranted. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “certification and reasonable proof” means the submission to the Assistant Administrator by a responsible government official from the nation of a document reflecting the nation's customs records for the preceding 6 months, together with a certification attesting that the document is accurate. (10) Fish refused entry. If fish is denied entry under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the Port Director of Customs shall refuse to release the fish for entry into the United States. (11) Disposition of fish refused entry into the United States. Fish that is denied entry under paragraph (f)(2) of this section and that is not exported under Customs supervision within 90 days shall be disposed of under Customs laws and regulations at the importer's expense. Provided, however, that any disposition shall not result in an introduction into the United States of fish caught in violation of the MMPA. (12) Market Prohibitions. (i) It is unlawful for any person to sell, purchase, offer for sale, transport, or ship in the United States, any tuna or tuna products unless the tuna products are either: (A) Dolphin-safe under subpart H of this part; or (B) Harvested in compliance with the IDCP by vessels under the jurisdiction of a nation that is a member of the IATTC or has initiated, and within 6 months thereafter completes, all steps required by an applicant nation to become a member of the IATTC. (ii) It is unlawful for any exporter, transshipper, importer, processor, or wholesaler/distributor to possess, sell, purchase, offer for sale, transport, or ship in the United States, any tuna or tuna products bearing a label or mark that refers to dolphins, porpoises, or marine mammals unless the label or mark complies with the requirements of 16 U.S.C. 1385(d). (g) Penalties. Any person or vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States will be subject to the penalties provided for under the MMPA for the conduct of fishing operations in violation of these regulations. Penalties for violating these regulations may include, but are not limited to, civil monetary fines, permit suspension or revocation, and reductions in current and future DMLs. Recommended sanctions are identified in the IDCPA/DPCIA Tuna/Dolphin Civil Administrative Penalty Schedule. Procedures for the imposition of penalties under the MMPA are found at 15 CFR part 904. [69 FR 55297, Sept. 13, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 19008, Apr. 12, 2005] § 216.25 Exempted marine mammals and marine mammal products. top (a) The provisions of the MMPA and these regulations shall not apply: (1) To any marine mammal taken before December 21, 1972 1 , or 1 In the context of captive maintenance of marine mammals, the only marine mammals exempted under this section are those that were actually captured or otherwise in captivity before December 21, 1972. (2) To any marine mammal product if the marine mammal portion of such product consists solely of a marine mammal taken before such date. (b) The prohibitions contained in §216.12(c) (3) and (4) shall not apply to marine mammals or marine mammal products imported into the United States before the date on which a notice is published in the Federal Register with respect to the designation of the species or stock concerned as depleted or endangered. (c) Section 216.12(b) shall not apply to articles imported into the United States before the effective date of the foreign law making the taking or sale, as the case may be, of such marine mammals or marine mammal products unlawful. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 56 FR 43888, Sept. 5, 1991; 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.26 Collection of certain marine mammal parts without prior authorization. top Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart: (a) Any bones, teeth or ivory of any dead marine mammal may be collected from a beach or from land within 1/4 of a mile of the ocean. The term ocean includes bays and estuaries. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subpart D, soft parts that are sloughed, excreted, or discharged naturally by a living marine mammal in the wild may be collected or imported for bona fide scientific research and enhancement, provided that collection does not involve the taking of a living marine mammal in the wild. (c) Any marine mammal part collected under paragraph (a) of this section or any marine mammal part collected and imported under paragraph (b) of this section must be registered and identified, and may be transferred or otherwise possessed, in accordance with §216.22(c). In registering a marine mammal part collected or imported under paragraph (b) of this section, the person who collected or imported the part must also state the scientific research or enhancement purpose for which the part was collected or imported. (d) No person may purchase, sell or trade for commercial purposes any marine mammal part collected or imported under this section. (e) The export of parts collected without prior authorization under paragraph (b) of this section may occur if consistent with the provisions at §216.37(d) under subpart D. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994; 61 FR 21933, May 10, 1996] § 216.27 Release, non-releasability, and disposition under special exception permits for rehabilitated marine mammals. top (a) Release requirements. (1) Any marine mammal held for rehabilitation must be released within six months of capture or import unless the attending veterinarian determines that: (i) The marine mammal might adversely affect marine mammals in the wild; (ii) Release of the marine mammal to the wild will not likely be successful given the physical condition and behavior of the marine mammal; or (iii) More time is needed to determine whether the release of the marine mammal to the wild will likely be successful. Releasability must be reevaluated at intervals of no less than six months until 24 months from capture or import, at which time there will be a rebuttable presumption that release into the wild is not feasible. (2) The custodian of the rehabilitated marine mammal shall provide written notification prior to any release into the wild. (i) Notification shall be provided to: (A) The NMFS Regional Director at least 15 days in advance of releasing any beached or stranded marine mammal, unless advance notice is waived in writing by the Regional Director; or (B) The Office Director at least 30 days in advance of releasing any imported marine mammal. (ii) Notification shall include the following: (A) A description of the marine mammal, including its physical condition and estimated age; (B) The date and location of release; and (C) The method and duration of transport prior to release. (3) The Regional Director, or the Office Director as appropriate, may: (i) Require additional information prior to any release; (ii) Change the date or location of release, or the method or duration of transport prior to release; (iii) Impose additional conditions to improve the likelihood of success or to monitor the success of the release; or (iv) Require other disposition of the marine mammal. (4) All marine mammals must be released near wild populations of the same species, and stock if known, unless a waiver is granted by the Regional Director or the Office Director. (5) All marine mammals released must be tagged or marked in a manner acceptable to the Regional Director or the Office Director. The tag number or description of the marking must be reported to the Regional Director or Office Director following release. (b) Non-releasability and postponed determinations. (1) The attending veterinarian shall provide the Regional Director or Office Director with a written report setting forth the basis of any determination under paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section. (2) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Regional Director or Office Director, in their sole discretion, may: (i) Order the release of the marine mammal; (ii) Order continued rehabilitation for an additional 6 months; or (iii) Order other disposition as authorized. (3) No later than 30 days after a marine mammal is determined unreleasable in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section, the person with authorized custody must: (i) Request authorization to retain or transfer custody of the marine mammal in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, or; (ii) Humanely euthanize the marine mammal or arrange any other disposition of the marine mammal authorized by the Regional Director or Office Director. (4) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this section, the Office Director may require use of a rehabilitated marine mammal for any activity authorized under subpart D in lieu of animals taken from the wild. (5) Any rehabilitated beached or stranded marine mammal placed on public display following a non-releasability determination under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and pending disposition under paragraph (c) of this section, or any marine mammal imported for medical treatment otherwise unavailable and placed on public display pending disposition after such medical treatment is concluded, must be held in captive maintenance consistent with all requirements for public display. (c) Disposition for a special exception purpose. (1) Upon receipt of an authorization request made under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, or release notification under (a)(2), the Office Director may authorize the retention or transfer of custody of the marine mammal for a special exception purpose authorized under subpart D. (2) The Office Director will first consider requests from a person authorized to hold the marine mammal for rehabilitation. The Office Director may authorize such person to retain or transfer custody of the marine mammal for scientific research, enhancement, or public display purposes. (3) The Office Director may authorize retention or transfer of custody of the marine mammal only if: (i) Documentation has been submitted to the Office Director that the person retaining the subject animal or the person receiving custody of the subject animal by transfer, hereinafter referred to as the recipient, complies with public display requirements of 16 U.S.C. 1374(c)(2)(A) or, for purposes of scientific research and enhancement, holds an applicable permit, or an application for such a special exception permit under §216.33 or a request for a major amendment under §216.39 has been submitted to the Office Director and has been found complete; (ii) The recipient agrees to hold the marine mammal in conformance with all applicable requirements and standards; and (iii) The recipient acknowledges that the marine mammal is subject to seizure by the Office Director: (A) If, at any time pending issuance of the major amendment or permit, the Office Director determines that seizure is necessary in the interest of the health or welfare of the marine mammal; (B) If the major amendment or permit is denied; or (C) If the recipient is issued a notice of violation and assessment, or is subject to permit sanctions, in accordance with 15 CFR part 904. (4) There shall be no remuneration associated with any transfer, provided that, the transferee may reimburse the transferor for any and all costs associated with the rehabilitation and transport of the marine mammal. (5) Marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation or pending disposition under this section shall not be subject to public display, unless such activities are specifically authorized by the Regional Director or the Office Director, and conducted consistent with the requirements applicable to public display. Such marine mammals shall not be trained for performance or be included in any aspect of a program involving interaction with the public; and (6) Marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation shall not be subject to intrusive research, unless such activities are specifically authorized by the Office Director in consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals, and are conducted pursuant to a scientific research permit. (d) Reporting. In addition to the report required under §216.22(b), the person authorized to hold marine mammals for rehabilitation must submit reports to the Regional Director or Office Director regarding release or other disposition. These reports must be provided in the form and frequency specified by the Regional Director or Office Director. [61 FR 21933, May 10, 1996] Subpart D—Special Exceptions top § 216.30 [Reserved] top § 216.31 Definitions. top For the purpose of this subpart, the definitions set forth in 50 CFR part 217 shall apply to all threatened and endangered marine mammals, unless a more restrictive definition exists under the MMPA or part 216. [61 FR 21935, May 10, 1996] § 216.32 Scope. top The regulations of this subpart apply to: (a) All marine mammals and marine mammal parts taken or born in captivity after December 20, 1972; and (b) All marine mammals and marine mammal parts that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. [61 FR 21935, May 10, 1996] § 216.33 Permit application submission, review, and decision procedures. top (a) Application submission. Persons seeking a special exemption permit under this subpart must submit an application to the Office Director. The application must be signed by the applicant, and provide in a properly formatted manner all information necessary to process the application. Written instructions addressing information requirements and formatting may be obtained from the Office Director upon request. (b) Applications to export living marine mammals. For applicants seeking a special exception permit to export living marine mammals, the application must: (1) Be submitted through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Fauna and Flora management authority of the foreign government or, if different, the appropriate agency or agencies of the foreign government that exercises oversight over marine mammals. (2) Include a certification from the foreign government that: (i) The information set forth in the application is accurate; (ii) The laws and regulations of the foreign governmentinvolved allow enforcement of the terms and conditions of the permit, and that the foreign government will enforce all terms and conditions; and (iii) The foreign government involved will afford comity to any permit amendment, modification, suspension or revocation decision. (c) Initial review. (1) NMFS will notify the applicant of receipt of the application. (2) During the initial review, the Office Director will determine: (i) Whether the application is complete. (ii) Whether the proposed activity is for purposes authorized under this subpart. (iii) If the proposed activity is for enhancement purposes, whether the species or stock identified in the application is in need of enhancement for its survival or recovery and whether the proposed activity will likely succeed in its objectives. (iv) Whether the activities proposed are to be conducted consistent with the permit restrictions and permit specific conditions as described in §216.35 and §216.36(a). (v) Whether sufficient information is included regarding the environmental impact of the proposed activity to enable the Office Director: (A) To make an initial determination under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as to whether the proposed activity is categorically excluded from preparation of further environmental documentation, or whether the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) is appropriate or necessary; and (B) To prepare an EA or EIS if an initial determination is made by the Office Director that the activity proposed is not categorically excluded from such requirements. (3) The Office Director may consult with the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) and its Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals (Committee) in making these initial, and any subsequent, determinations. (4) Incomplete applications will be returned with explanation. If the applicant fails to resubmit a complete application or correct the identified deficiencies within 60 days, the application will be deemed withdrawn. Applications that propose activities inconsistent with this subpart will be returned with explanation, and will not be considered further. (d) Notice of receipt and application review. (1) Upon receipt of a valid, complete application, and the preparation of any NEPA documentation that has been determined initially to be required, the Office Director will publish a notice of receipt in the Federal Register. The notice will: (i) Summarize the application, including: (A) The purpose of the request; (B) The species and number of marine mammals; (C) The type and manner of special exception activity proposed; (D) The location(s) in which the marine mammals will be taken, from which they will be imported, or to which they will be exported; and (E) The requested period of the permit. (ii) List where the application is available for review. (iii) Invite interested parties to submit written comments concerning the application within 30 days of the date of the notice. (iv) Include a NEPA statement that an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an EA or EIS, that an EA was prepared resulting in a finding of no significant impact, or that a final EIS has been prepared and is available for review. (2) The Office Director will forward a copy of the complete application to the Commission for comment. If no comments are received within 45 days (or such longer time as the Office Director may establish) the Office Director will consider the Commission to have no objection to issuing a permit. (3) The Office Director may consult with any other person, institution, or agency concerning the application. (4) Within 30 days of publication of the notice of receipt in the Federal Register, any interested party may submit written comments or may request a public hearing on the application. (5) If the Office Director deems it advisable, the Office Director may hold a public hearing within 60 days of publication of the notice of receipt in the Federal Register. Notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be published in the Federal Register not less than 15 days in advance of the public hearing. Any interested person may appear in person or through representatives and may submit any relevant material, data, views, or comments. A summary record of the hearing will be kept. (6) The Office Director may extend the period during which any interested party may submit written comments. Notice of the extension must be published in the Federal Register within 60 days of publication of the notice of receipt in the Federal Register. (7) If, after publishing a notice of receipt, the Office Director determines on the basis of new information that an EA or EIS must be prepared, the Office Director must deny the permit unless an EA is prepared with a finding of no significant impact. If a permit is denied under these circumstances the application may be resubmitted with information sufficient to prepare an EA or EIS, and will be processed as a new application. (e) Issuance or denial procedures. (1) Within 30 days of the close of the public hearing or, if no public hearing is held, within 30 days of the close of the public comment period, the Office Director will issue or deny a special exception permit. (2) The decision to issue or deny a permit will be based upon: (i) All relevant issuance criteria set forth at §216.34; (ii) All purpose-specific issuance criteria as appropriate set forth at §216.41, §216.42, and §216.43; (iii) All comments received or views solicited on the permit application; and (iv) Any other information or data that the Office Director deems relevant. (3) If the permit is issued, upon receipt, the holder must date and sign the permit, and return a copy of the original to the Office Director. The permit shall be effective upon the permit holder's signing of the permit. In signing the permit, the holder: (i) Agrees to abide by all terms and conditions set forth in the permit, and all restrictions and relevant regulations under this subpart; and (ii) Acknowledges that the authority to conduct certain activities specified in the permit is conditional and subject to authorization by the Office Director. (4) Notice of the decision of the Office Director shall be published in the Federal Register within 10 days after the date of permit issuance or denial and shall indicate where copies of the permit, if issued, may be reviewed or obtained. If the permit issued involves marine mammals listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA, the notice shall include a finding by the Office Director that the permit: (i) Was applied for in good faith; (ii) If exercised, will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered or threatened species; and (iii) Is consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in section 2 of the ESA. (5) If the permit is denied, the Office Director shall provide the applicant with an explanation for the denial. (6) Under the MMPA, the Office Director may issue a permit for scientific research before the end of the public comment period if delaying issuance could result in injury to a species, stock, or individual, or in loss of unique research opportunities. The Office Director also may waive the 30-day comment period required under the ESA in an emergency situation where the health or life of an endangered or threatened marine mammal is threatened and no reasonable alternative is available. If a permit is issued under these circumstances, notice of such issuance before the end of the comment period shall be published in the Federal Register within 10 days of issuance. (7) The applicant or any party opposed to a permit may seek judicial review of the terms and conditions of such permit or of a decision to deny such permit. Review may be obtained by filing a petition for review with the appropriate U.S. District Court as provided for by law. [61 FR 21935, May 10, 1996] § 216.34 Issuance criteria. top (a) For the Office Director to issue any permit under this subpart, the applicant must demonstrate that: (1) The proposed activity is humane and does not present any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of marine mammals; (2) The proposed activity is consistent with all restrictions set forth at §216.35 and any purpose-specific restrictions as appropriate set forth at §216.41, §216.42, and §216.43; (3) The proposed activity, if it involves endangered or threatened marine mammals, will be conducted consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA; (4) The proposed activity by itself or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the species or stock; (5) Whether the applicant's expertise, facilities, and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application; (6) If a live animal will be held captive or transported, the applicant's qualifications, facilities, and resources are adequate for the proper care and maintenance of the marine mammal; and (7) Any requested import or export will not likely result in the taking of marine mammals or marine mammal parts beyond those authorized by the permit. (b) The opinions or views of scientists or other persons or organizations knowledgeable of the marine mammals that are the subject of the application or of other matters germane to the application will be considered. [61 FR 21936, May 10, 1996] § 216.35 Permit restrictions. top The following restrictions shall apply to all permits issued under this subpart: (a) The taking, importation, export, or other permitted activity involving marine mammals and marine mammal parts shall comply with the regulations of this subpart. (b) The maximum period of any special exception permit issued, or any major amendment granted, is five years from the effective date of the permit or major amendment. In accordance with the provisions of §216.39, the period of a permit may be extended by a minor amendment up to 12 months beyond that established in the original permit. (c) Except as provided for in §216.41(c)(1)(v), marine mammals or marine mammal parts imported under the authority of a permit must be taken or imported in a humane manner, and in compliance with the Acts and any applicable foreign law. Importation of marine mammals and marine mammal parts is subject to the provisions of 50 CFR part 14. (d) The permit holder shall not take from the wild any marine mammal which at the time of taking is either unweaned or less than eight months old, or is a part of a mother-calf/pup pair, unless such take is specifically authorized in the conditions of the special exception permit. Additionally, the permit holder shall not import any marine mammal that is pregnant or lactating at the time of taking or import, or is unweaned or less than eight months old unless such import is specifically authorized in the conditions of the special exception permit. (e) Captive marine mammals shall not be released into the wild unless specifically authorized by the Office Director under a scientific research or enhancement permit. (f) The permit holder is responsible for all activities of any individual who is operating under the authority of the permit; (g) Individuals conducting activities authorized under the permit must possess qualifications commensurate with their duties and responsibilities, or must be under the direct supervision of a person with such qualifications; (h) Persons who require state or Federal licenses to conduct activities authorized under the permit must be duly licensed when undertaking such activities; (i) Special exception permits are not transferable or assignable to any other person, and a permit holder may not require any direct or indirect compensation from another person in return for requesting authorization for such person to conduct the taking, import, or export activities authorized under the subject permit; (j) The permit holder or designated agent shall possess a copy of the permit when engaged in a permitted activity, when the marine mammal is in transit incidental to such activity, and whenever marine mammals or marine mammal parts are in the possession of the permit holder or agent. A copy of the permit shall be affixed to any container, package, enclosure, or other means of containment, in which the marine mammals or marine mammal parts are placed for purposes of transit, supervision, or care. For marine mammals held captive and marine mammal parts in storage, a copy of the permit shall be kept on file in the holding or storage facility. [61 FR 21936, May 10, 1996] § 216.36 Permit conditions. top (a) Specific conditions. (1) Permits issued under this subpart shall contain specific terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the Office Director, including, but not limited to: (i) The number and species of marine mammals that are authorized to be taken, imported, exported, or otherwise affected; (ii) The manner in which marine mammals may be taken according to type of take; (iii) The location(s) in which the marine mammals may be taken, from which they may be imported, or to which they may be exported, as applicable, and, for endangered or threatened marine mammal species to be imported or exported, the port of entry or export; (iv) The period during which the permit is valid. (2) [Reserved] (b) Other conditions. In addition to the specific conditions imposed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the Office Director shall specify any other permit conditions deemed appropriate. [61 FR 21937, May 10, 1996] § 216.37 Marine mammal parts. top With respect to marine mammal parts acquired by take or import authorized under a permit issued under this subpart: (a) Marine mammal parts are transferrable if: (1) The person transferring the part receives no remuneration of any kind for the marine mammal part; (2) The person receiving the marine mammal part is: (i) An employee of NMFS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or any other governmental agency with conservation and management responsibilities, who receives the part in the course of their official duties; (ii) A holder of a special exception permit which authorizes the take, import, or other activity involving the possession of a marine mammal part of the same species as the subject part; or (iii) In the case of marine mammal parts from a species that is not depleted, endangered or threatened, a person who is authorized under section 112(c) of the MMPA and subpart C of this part to take or import marine mammals or marine mammal parts; (iv) Any other person specifically authorized by the Regional Director, consistent with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) through (6) of this section. (3) The marine mammal part is transferred for the purpose of scientific research, maintenance in a properly curated, professionally accredited scientific collection, or education, provided that, for transfers for educational purposes, the recipient is a museum, educational institution or equivalent that will ensure that the part is available to the public as part of an educational program; (4) A unique number assigned by the permit holder is marked on or affixed to the marine mammal part or container; (5) The person receiving the marine mammal part agrees that, as a condition of receipt, subsequent transfers may only occur subject to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section; and (6) Within 30 days after the transfer, the person transferring the marine mammal part notifies the Regional Director of the transfer, including a description of the part, the person to whom the part was transferred, the purpose of the transfer, certification that the recipient has agreed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section for subsequent transfers, and, if applicable, the recipient's permit number. (b) Marine mammal parts may be loaned to another person for a purpose described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and without the agreement and notification required under paragraphs (a)(5) and (6) of this section, if: (1) A record of the loan is maintained; and (2) The loan is for not more than one year. Loans for a period greater than 12 months, including loan extensions or renewals, require notification of the Regional Director under paragraph (a)(6). (c) Unless other disposition is specified in the permit, a holder of a special exception permit may retain marine mammal parts not destroyed or otherwise disposed of during or after a scientific research or enhancement activity, if such marine mammal parts are: (1) Maintained as part of a properly curated, professionally accredited collection; or (2) Made available for purposes of scientific research or enhancement at the request of the Office Director. (d) Marine mammal parts may be exported and subsequently reimported by a permit holder or subsequent authorized recipient, for the purpose of scientific research, maintenance in a properly curated, professionally accredited scientific collection, or education, provided that: (1) The permit holder or other person receives no remuneration for the marine mammal part; (2) A unique number assigned by the permit holder is marked on or affixed to the marine mammal specimen or container; (3) The marine mammal part is exported or reimported in compliance with all applicable domestic and foreign laws; (4) If exported or reimported for educational purposes, the recipient is a museum, educational institution, or equivalent that will ensure that the part is available to the public as part of an educational program; and (5) Special reports are submitted within 30 days after both export and reimport as required by the Office Director under §216.38. [61 FR 21937, May 10, 1996] § 216.38 Reporting. top All permit holders must submit annual, final, and special reports in accordance with the requirements established in the permit, and any reporting format established by the Office Director. [61 FR 21937, May 10, 1996] § 216.39 Permit amendments. top (a) General. Special exception permits may be amended by the Office Director. Major and minor amendments may be made to permits in response to, or independent of, a request from the permit holder. Amendments must be consistent with the Acts and comply with the applicable provisions of this subpart. (1) A major amendment means any change to the permit specific conditions under §216.36(a) regarding: (i) The number and species of marine mammals that are authorized to be taken, imported, exported, or otherwise affected; (ii) The manner in which these marine mammals may be taken, imported, exported, or otherwise affected, if the proposed change may result in an increased level of take or risk of adverse impact; (iii) The location(s) in which the marine mammals may be taken, from which they may be imported, and to which they may be exported, as applicable; and (iv) The duration of the permit, if the proposed extension would extend the duration of the permit more than 12 months beyond that established in the original permit. (2) A minor amendment means any amendment that does not constitute a major amendment. (b) Amendment requests and proposals. (1) Requests by a permit holder for an amendment must be submitted in writing and include the following: (i) The purpose and nature of the amendment; (ii) Information, not previously submitted as part of the permit application or subsequent reports, necessary to determine whether the amendment satisfies all issuance criteria set forth at §216.34, and, as appropriate, §216.41, §216.42, and §216.43. (iii) Any additional information required by the Office Director for purposes of reviewing the proposed amendment. (2) If an amendment is proposed by the Office Director, the permit holder will be notified of the proposed amendment, together with an explanation. (c) Review of proposed amendments—(1) Major amendments. The provisions of §216.33(d) and (e) governing notice of receipt, review and decision shall apply to all proposed major amendments. (2) Minor amendments. (i) After reviewing all appropriate information, the Office Director will provide the permit holder with written notice of the decision on a proposed or requested amendment, together with an explanation for the decision. (ii) If the minor amendment extends the duration of the permit 12 months or less from that established in the original permit, notice of the minor amendment will be published in the Federal Register within 10 days from the date of the Office Director's decision. (iii) A minor amendment will be effective upon a final decision by the Office Director. [61 FR 21937, May 10, 1996] § 216.40 Penalties and permit sanctions. top (a) Any person who violates any provision of this subpart or permit issued thereunder is subject to civil and criminal penalties, permit sanctions and forfeiture as authorized under the Acts, and 15 CFR part 904. (b) All special exception permits are subject to suspension, revocation, modification and denial in accordance with the provisions of subpart D of 15 CFR part 904. [61 FR 21938, May 10, 1996] § 216.41 Permits for scientific research and enhancement. top In addition to the requirements under §§216.33 through 216.38, permits for scientific research and enhancement are governed by the following requirements: (a) Applicant. (1) For each application submitted under this section, the applicant shall be the principal investigator responsible for the overall research or enhancement activity. If the research or enhancement activity will involve a periodic change in the principal investigator or is otherwise controlled by and dependent upon another entity, the applicant may be the institution, governmental entity, or corporation responsible for supervision of the principal investigator. (2) For any scientific research involving captive maintenance, the application must include supporting documentation from the person responsible for the facility or other temporary enclosure. (b) Issuance Criteria. For the Office Director to issue any scientific research or enhancement permit, the applicant must demonstrate that: (1) The proposed activity furthers a bona fide scientific or enhancement purpose; (2) If the lethal taking of marine mammals is proposed: (i) Non-lethal methods for conducting the research are not feasible; and (ii) For depleted, endangered, or threatened species, the results will directly benefit that species or stock, or will fulfill a critically important research need. (3) Any permanent removal of a marine mammal from the wild is consistent with any applicable quota established by the Office Director. (4) The proposed research will not likely have significant adverse effects on any other component of the marine ecosystem of which the affected species or stock is a part. (5) For species or stocks designated or proposed to be designated as depleted, or listed or proposed to be listed as endangered or threatened: (i) The proposed research cannot be accomplished using a species or stock that is not designated or proposed to be designated as depleted, or listed or proposed to be listed as threatened or endangered; (ii) The proposed research, by itself or in combination with other activities will not likely have a long-term direct or indirect adverse impact on the species or stock; (iii) The proposed research will either: (A) Contribute to fulfilling a research need or objective identified in a species recovery or conservation plan, or if there is no conservation or recovery plan in place, a research need or objective identified by the Office Director in stock assessments established under section 117 of the MMPA; (B) Contribute significantly to understanding the basic biology or ecology of the species or stock, or to identifying, evaluating, or resolving conservation problems for the species or stock; or (C) Contribute significantly to fulfilling a critically important research need. (6) For proposed enhancement activities: (i) Only living marine mammals and marine mammal parts necessary for enhancement of the survival, recovery, or propagation of the affected species or stock may be taken, imported, exported, or otherwise affected under the authority of an enhancement permit. Marine mammal parts would include in this regard clinical specimens or other biological samples required for the conduct of breeding programs or the diagnosis or treatment of disease. (ii) The activity will likely contribute significantly to maintaining or increasing distribution or abundance, enhancing the health or welfare of the species or stock, or ensuring the survival or recovery of the affected species or stock in the wild. (iii) The activity is consistent with: (A) An approved conservation plan developed under section 115(b) of the MMPA or recovery plan developed under section 4(f) of the ESA for the species or stock; or (B) If there is no conservation or recovery plan, with the Office Director's evaluation of the actions required to enhance the survival or recovery of the species or stock in light of the factors that would be addressed in a conservation or recovery plan. (iv) An enhancement permit may authorize the captive maintenance of a marine mammal from a threatened, endangered, or depleted species or stock only if the Office Director determines that: (A) The proposed captive maintenance will likely contribute directly to the survival or recovery of the species or stock by maintaining a viable gene pool, increasing productivity, providing necessary biological information, or establishing animal reserves required to support directly these objectives; and (B) The expected benefit to the species or stock outweighs the expected benefits of alternatives that do not require removal of marine mammals from the wild. (v) The Office Director may authorize the public display of marine mammals held under the authority of an enhancement permit only if: (A) The public display is incidental to the authorized captive maintenance; (B) The public display will not interfere with the attainment of the survival or recovery objectives; (C) The marine mammals will be held consistent with all requirements and standards that are applicable to marine mammals held under the authority of the Acts and the Animal Welfare Act, unless the Office Director determines that an exception is necessary to implement an essential enhancement activity; and (D) The marine mammals will be excluded from any interactive program and will not be trained for performance. (vi) The Office Director may authorize non-intrusive scientific research to be conducted while a marine mammal is held under the authority of an enhancement permit, only if such scientific research: (A) Is incidental to the permitted enhancement activities; and (B) Will not interfere with the attainment of the survival or recovery objectives. (c) Restrictions. (1) The following restrictions apply to all scientific research permits issued under this subpart: (i) Research activities must be conducted in the manner authorized in the permit. (ii) Research results shall be published or otherwise made available to the scientific community in a reasonable period of time. (iii) Research activities must be conducted under the direct supervision of the principal investigator or a co-investigator identified in the permit. (iv) Personnel involved in research activities shall be reasonable in number and limited to: (A) Individuals who perform a function directly supportive of and necessary to the permitted research activity; and (B) Support personnel included for the purpose of training or as backup personnel for persons described in paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(A). (v) Any marine mammal part imported under the authority of a scientific research permit must not have been obtained as the result of a lethal taking that would be inconsistent with the Acts, unless authorized by the Office Director. (vi) Marine mammals held under a permit for scientific research shall not be placed on public display, included in an interactive program or activity, or trained for performance unless such activities: (A) Are necessary to address scientific research objectives and have been specifically authorized by the Office Director under the scientific research permit; and (B) Are conducted incidental to and do not in any way interfere with the permitted scientific research; and (C) Are conducted in a manner consistent with provisions applicable to public display, unless exceptions are specifically authorized by the Office Director. (vii) Any activity conducted incidental to the authorized scientific research activity must not involve any taking of marine mammals beyond what is necessary to conduct the research (i.e., educational and commercial photography). (2) Any marine mammal or progeny held in captive maintenance under an enhancement permit shall be returned to its natural habitat as soon as feasible, consistent with the terms of the enhancement permit and the objectives of an approved conservation or recovery plan. In accordance with section 10(j) of the ESA, the Office Director may authorize the release of any population of an endangered or threatened species outside the current range of such species if the Office Director determines that such release will further the conservation of such species. [61 FR 21938, May 10, 1996] § 216.42 Photography. [Reserved] top § 216.43 Public display. [Reserved] top § 216.44 Applicability/transition. top (a) General. The regulations of this subpart are applicable to all persons, including persons holding permits or other authorizing documents issued before June 10, 1996, by NMFS for the take, import, export, or conduct of any otherwise prohibited activity involving a marine mammal or marine mammal part for special exception purposes. (b) Scientific research. Any intrusive research as defined in §216.3, initiated after June 10, 1996, must be authorized under a scientific research permit. Intrusive research authorized by the Office Director to be conducted on captive marine mammals held for public display purposes prior to June 10, 1996, must be authorized under a scientific research permit one year after June 10, 1996. [61 FR 21939, May 10, 1996] § 216.45 General Authorization for Level B harassment for scientific research. top (a) General Authorization. (1) Persons are authorized under section 104(c)(3)(C) of the MMPA to take marine mammals in the wild by Level B harassment, as defined in §216.3, for purposes of bona fide scientific research Provided, That: (i) They submit a letter of intent in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, receive confirmation that the General Authorization applies in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, and comply with the terms and conditions of paragraph (d) of this section; or (ii) If such marine mammals are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA, they have been issued a permit under Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and implementing regulations at 50 CFR parts 217–227, particularly at §222.23 through §222.28, to take marine mammals in the wild for the purpose of scientific research, the taking authorized under the permit involves such Level B harassment of marine mammals or marine mammal stocks, and they comply with the terms and conditions of that permit. (2) Except as provided under paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, no taking, including harassment, of marine mammals listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA is authorized under the General Authorization. Marine mammals listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA may be taken for purposes of scientific research only after issuance of a permit for such activities pursuant to the ESA. (3) The following types of research activities will likely qualify for inclusion under the General Authorization: Photo-identification studies, behavioral observations, and vessel and aerial population surveys (except aerial surveys over pinniped rookeries at altitudes of less than 1,000 ft). (b) Letter of intent. Except as provided under paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, any person intending to take marine mammals in the wild by Level B harassment for purposes of bona fide scientific research under the General Authorization must submit, at least 60 days before commencement of such research, a letter of intent by certified return/receipt mail to the Chief, Permits Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3226. (1) The letter of intent must be submitted by the principal investigator (who shall be deemed the applicant). For purposes of this section, the principal investigator is the individual who is responsible for the overall research project, or the institution, governmental entity, or corporation responsible for supervision of the principal investigator. (2) The letter of intent must include the following information: (i) The name, address, telephone number, qualifications and experience of the applicant and any co-investigator(s) to be conducting the proposed research, and a curriculum vitae for each, including a list of publications by each such investigator relevant to the objectives, methodology, or other aspects of the proposed research; (ii) The species or stocks of marine mammals (common and scientific names) that are the subject of the scientific research and any other species or stock of marine mammals that may be harassed during the conduct of the research; (iii) The geographic location(s) in which the research is to be conducted, e.g., geographic name or lat./long.; (iv) The period(s) of time over which the research will be conducted (up to five years), including the field season(s) for the research, if applicable; (v) The purpose of the research, including a description of how the proposed research qualifies as bona fide research as defined in §216.3; and (vi) The methods to be used to conduct the research. (3) The letter of intent must be signed, dated, and certified by the applicant as follows: In accordance with section 104(c)(3)(C) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and implementing regulations (50 CFR part 216), I hereby notify the National Marine Fisheries Service of my intent to conduct research involving only Level B harassment on marine mammals in the wild, and request confirmation that the General Authorization for Level B Harassment for Scientific Research applies to the proposed research as described herein. I certify that the information in this letter of intent is complete, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and I understand that any false statement may subject me to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001, or penalties under the MMPA and implementing regulations. I acknowledge and accept that authority to conduct scientific research on marine mammals in the wild under the General Authorization is a limited conditional authority restricted to Level B harassment only, and that any other take of marine mammals, including the conduct of any activity that has the potential to injure marine mammals (i.e., Level A harassment), may subject me to penalties under the MMPA and implementing regulations. (c) Confirmation that the General Authorization applies or notification of permit requirement. (1) Not later than 30 days after receipt of a letter of intent as described in paragraph (b) of this section, the Chief, Permits Division, NMFS will issue a letter to the applicant either: (i) Confirming that the General Authorization applies to the proposed scientific research as described in the letter of intent; (ii) Notifying the applicant that all or part of the research described in the letter of intent is likely to result in a taking of a marine mammal in the wild involving other than Level B harassment and, as a result, cannot be conducted under the General Authorization, and that a scientific research permit is required to conduct all or part of the subject research; or (iii) Notifying the applicant that the letter of intent fails to provide sufficient information and providing a description of the deficiencies, or notifying the applicant that the proposed research as described in the letter of intent is not bona fide research as defined in §216.3. (2) A copy of each letter of intent and letter confirming that the General Authorization applies or notifying the applicant that it does not apply will be forwarded to the Marine Mammal Commission. (3) Periodically, NMFS will publish a summary document in the Federal Register notifying the public of letters of confirmation issued. (d) Terms and conditions. Persons issued letters of confirmation in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section are responsible for complying with the following terms and conditions: (1) Activities are limited to those conducted for the purposes, by the means, in the locations, and during the periods of time described in the letter of intent and acknowledged as authorized under the General Authorization in the confirmation letter sent pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section; (2) Annual reports of activities conducted under the General Authorization must be submitted to the Chief, Permits Division (address listed in paragraph (b) of this section) within 90 days of completion of the last field season(s) during the calendar year or, if the research is not conducted during a defined field season, no later than 90 days after the anniversary date of the letter of confirmation issued under paragraph (c) of this section. Annual reports must include: (i) A summary of research activities conducted; (ii) Identification of the species and number of each species taken by Level B harassment; (iii) An evaluation of the progress made in meeting the objectives of the research as described in the letter of intent; and (iv) Any incidental scientific, educational, or commercial uses of photographs, videotape, and film obtained as a result of or incidental to the research and if so, names of all photographers. (3) Authorization to conduct research under the General Authorization is for the period(s) of time identified in the letter of intent or for a period of 5 years from the date of the letter of confirmation issued under paragraph (c) of this section, whichever is less, unless extended by the Director or modified, suspended, or revoked in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section; (4) Activities conducted under the General Authorization may only be conducted under the on-site supervision of the principal investigator or co-investigator(s) named in the letter of intent. All personnel involved in the conduct of activities under the General Authorization must perform a function directly supportive of and necessary for the research being conducted, or be one of a reasonable number of support personnel included for the purpose of training or as back-up personnel; (5) The principal investigator must notify the appropriate Regional Director, NMFS, (Regional Director) in writing at least 2 weeks before initiation of on-site activities. The Regional Director shall consider this information in efforts to coordinate field research activities to minimize adverse impacts on marine mammals in the wild. The principal investigator must cooperate with coordination efforts by the Regional Director in this regard; (6) If research activities result in a taking which exceeds Level B harassment, the applicant shall: (i) Report the taking within 12 hours to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, or his designee as set forth in the letter authorizing research; and (ii) Temporarily discontinue for 72 hours all field research activities that resulted in the taking. During this time period, the applicant shall consult with NMFS as to the circumstances surrounding the taking and any precautions necessary to prevent future taking, and may agree to amend the research protocol, as deemed necessary by NMFS. (7) NMFS may review scientific research conducted pursuant to the General Authorization. If requested by NMFS, the applicant must cooperate with any such review and shall: (i) Allow any employee of NOAA or any other person designated by the Director, Office of Protected Resources to observe research activities; and (ii) Provide any documents or other information relating to the scientific research; (8) Any photographs, videotape, or film obtained during the conduct of research under the General Authorization must be identified by a statement that refers to the General Authorization or ESA permit number, and includes the file number provided by NMFS in the confirmation letter, the name of the photographer, and the date the image was taken. This statement must accompany the image(s) in all subsequent uses or sales. The annual report must note incidental scientific, educational, or commercial uses of the images, and if there are any such uses, the names of all photographers; and (9) Persons conducting scientific research under authority of the General Authorization may not transfer or assign any authority granted thereunder to any other person. (e) Suspension, revocation, or modification. (1) NMFS may suspend, revoke, or modify the authority to conduct scientific research under the General Authorization if: (i) The letter of intent included false information or statements of a material nature; (ii) The research does not constitute bona fide scientific research; (iii) Research activities result in takings of marine mammals other than by Level B harassment; (iv) Research activities differ from those described in the letter of intent submitted by the applicant and letter of confirmation issued by NMFS; or (v) The applicant violates any term or condition set forth in this section. (2) Any suspension, revocation, or modification is subject to the requirements of 15 CFR part 904. [59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] § 216.46 U.S. citizens on foreign flag vessels operating under the International Dolphin Conservation Program. top The MMPA's provisions do not apply to a citizen of the United States who incidentally takes any marine mammal during fishing operations in the ETP which are outside the U.S. exclusive economic zone (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)), while employed on a fishing vessel of a harvesting nation that is participating in, and in compliance with, the IDCP. [65 FR 56, Jan. 3, 2000] § 216.47 Access to marine mammal tissue, analyses, and data. top (a) Applications for the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank samples (NMMTB). (1) A principal investigator, contributor or holder of a scientific research permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this subpart may apply for access to a tissue specimen sample in the NMMTB. Applicants for tissue specimen samples from the NMMTB must submit a signed written request with attached study plan to the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) Program Manager, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS. The written request must include: (i) A clear and concise statement of the proposed use of the banked tissue specimen. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed use of the banked tissue is consistent with the goals of the NMMTB and the MMHSRP. (A) The goals of the MMHSRP are to facilitate the collection and dissemination of reference data on marine mammals and health trends of marine mammal populations in the wild; to correlate the health of marine mammals and marine mammal populations in the wild with available data on physical, chemical, and biological environmental parameters; and to coordinate effective responses to unusual mortality events. (B) The goal of the NMMTB is to maintain quality controlled marine mammal tissues that will permit retrospective analyses to determine environmental trends of contaminants and other analytes of interest and that will provide the highest quality samples for analyses using new and innovative techniques. (ii) A copy of the applicant's scientific research permit. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed use of the banked tissue is authorized by the permit; (iii) Name of principal investigator, official title, and affiliated research or academic organization; (iv) Specific tissue sample and quantity desired; (v) Research facility where analyses will be conducted. The applicant must demonstrate that the research facility will follow the Analytical Quality Assurance (AQA) program, which was designed to ensure the accuracy, precision, level of detection, and intercompatibility of data resulting from chemical analyses of marine mammal tissues. The AQA consists of annual interlaboratory comparisons and the development of control materials and standard reference materials for marine mammal tissues; (vi) Verification that funding is available to conduct the research; (vii) Estimated date for completion of research, and schedule/date of subsequent reports; (viii) Agreement that all research findings based on use of the banked tissue will be reported to the NMMTB, MMHSRP Program Manager and the contributor; and the sequences of tissue specimen samples that are used/released for genetic analyses (DNA sequencing) will be archived in the National Center for biotechnology Information's GenBank. Sequence accessions in GenBank should document the source, citing a NIST field number that indentifies the animal; and (ix) Agreement that credit and acknowledgment will be given to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), US Geologic Service (USGS), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Minerals Management Service (MMS), NMFS, the NMMTB, and the collector for use of banked tissues. (2) The applicant shall insert the following acknowledgment in all publications, abstracts, or presentations based on research using the banked tissue: The specimens used in this study were collected by [the contributor] and provided by the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank, which is maintained in the National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank at NIST and which is operated under the direction of NMFS with the collaboration of MMS, USGS, USFWS, and NIST through the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program [and the Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue Archival Project if the samples are from Alaska]. (3) Upon submission of a complete application, the MMHSRP Program Manager will send the request and attached study plan to the following entities which will function as the review committee: (i) Appropriate Federal agency (NMFS or USFWS) marine mammal management office for that particular species; and (ii) Representatives of the NMMTB Collaborating Agencies (NMFS, USFS, USGS Biological Resources Division, and NIST) If no member of the review committee is an expert in the field that is related to the proposed research activity, any member may request an outside review of the proposal, which may be outside of NMFS or USFWS but within the Federal Government. (4) The MMHSRP Program Manager will send the request and attached study plan to any contributor(s) of the tissue specimen sample. The contributor(s) of the sample may submit comments on the proposed research activity to the Director, Office of Protected Resources within 30 days of the date that the request was sent to the contributor(s). (5) The USFWS Representative of the NMMTB Collaborating Agencies will be chair of review committees for requests involving species managed by the DOI. The MMHSRP Program Manager will be chair of all other review committees. (6) Each committee chair will provide recommendations on the request and an evaluation of the study plan to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS. (7) The Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, will make the final decision on release of the samples based on the advice provided by the review committee, comments received from any contributor(s) of the sample within the time provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, and determination that the proposed use of the banked tissue specimen is consistent with the goals of the MMHSRP and the NMMTB. The Director will send a written decision to the applicant and send copies to all review committee members. If the samples are released, the response will indicate whether the samples have been homogenized and, if not, the homogenization schedule. (8) The applicant will bear all shipping and homogenization costs related to use of any specimens from the NMMTB. (9) The applicant will dispose of the tissue specimen sample consistent with the provisions of the applicant's scientific research permit after the research is completed, unless the requester submits another request and receives approval pursuant to this section. The request must be submitted within three months after the original project has been completed. (b) [Reserved] [69 FR 41979, July 13, 2004] §§ 216.48-216.49 [Reserved] top Subpart E—Designated Ports top § 216.50 Importation at designated ports. top (a) Any marine mammal or marine mammal product which is subject to the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce and is intended for importation into the United States shall be subject to the provisions of 50 CFR part 14. (b) For the information of importers, designated ports of entry for the United States are: New York, N.Y. Miami, Fla. Chicago, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Los Angeles, Calif. New Orleans, La. Seattle, Wash. Honolulu, Hi. (c) Additionally, marine mammals or marine mammal products which are entered into Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa or the Virgin Islands and which are not to be forwarded or transhipped within the United States may be imported through the following ports: Alaska—Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks Hawaii—Honolulu Puerto Rico—San Juan Guam—Honolulu, Hi. American Samoa—Honolulu, Hi. Virgin Islands—San Juan, P.R. (d) Importers are advised to see 50 CFR part 14 for importation requirements and information. [39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974. Redesignated at 59 FR 50376, Oct. 3, 1994] Subpart F—Pribilof Islands, Taking for Subsistence Purposes top § 216.71 Allowable take of fur seals. top Pribilovians may take fur seals on the Pribilof Islands if such taking is (a) For subsistence uses, and (b) Not accomplished in a wasteful manner. [51 FR 24840, July 9, 1986. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.72 Restrictions on taking. top (a) The harvests of seals on St. Paul and St. George Islands shall be treated independently for the purposes of this section. Any suspension, termination, or extension of the harvest is applicable only to the island for which it is issued. (b) By April 1 of every third year, beginning April 1994, the Assistant Administrator will publish in the Federal Register a summary of the preceding 3 years of harvesting and a discussion of the number of seals expected to be taken annually over the next 3 years to satisfy the subsistence requirements of each island. This discussion will include an assessment of factors and conditions on St. Paul and St. George Islands that influence the need by Pribilof Aleuts to take seals for subsistence uses and an assessment of any changes to those conditions indicating that the number of seals that may be taken for subsistence each year should be made higher or lower. Following a 30-day public comment period, a final notification of the expected annual harvest levels for the next 3 years will be published. (c)(1) No fur seal may be taken on the Pribilof Islands before June 23 of each year. (2) No fur seal may be taken except by experienced sealers using the traditional harvesting methods, including stunning followed immediately by exsanguination. The harvesting method shall include organized drives of subadult males to killing fields unless it is determined by the NMFS representatives, in consultation with the Pribilovians conducting the harvest, that alternative methods will not result in increased disturbance to the rookery or the increased accidental take of female seals. (3) Any taking of adult fur seals or pups, or the intentional taking of subadult female fur seals is prohibited. (4) Only subadult male fur seals 124.5 centimeters or less in length may be taken. (5) Seals with tags and/or entangling debris may only be taken if so directed by NMFS scientists. (d) The scheduling of the harvest is at the discretion of the Pribilovians, but must be such as to minimize stress to the harvested seals. The Pribilovians must give adequate advance notice of their harvest schedules to the NMFS representatives to allow for necessary monitoring activities. Scheduling must be consistent with the following restrictions: (1) St. Paul Island—Seals may only be harvested from the following haulout areas: Zapadni, English Bay, Northeast Point, Polovina, Lukanin, Kitovi, and Reef. No haulout area may be harvested more than once per week. (2) St. George Island—Seals may only be harvested from the following haulout areas: Northeast and Zapadni. Neither haulout area may be harvested more than twice per week. (e)(1) The Assistant Administrator is required to suspend the take provided for in §215.31 when: (i) He determines, after reasonable notice by NMFS representatives to the Pribilovians on the island, that the subsistence needs of the Pribilovians on the island have been satisfied; or (ii) He determines that the harvest is otherwise being conducted in a wasteful manner; or (iii) The lower end of the range of the estimated subsistence level provided in the notice issued under paragraph (b) of this section is reached. (2) A suspension based on a determination under paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section may be lifted by the Assistant Administrator if he finds that the conditions which led to the determination that the harvest was being conducted in a wasteful manner have been remedied. (3) A suspension issued in accordance with paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section may not exceed 48 hours in duration and shall be followed immediately by a review of the harvest data to determine if a finding under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section is warranted. If a the harvest is not suspended under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, the Assistant Administrator must provide a revised estimate of the number of seals required to satisfy the Pribilovians' subsistence needs. (f) The Assistant Administrator shall terminate the take provided for in §215.31 on August 8 of each year or when it is determined under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section that the subsistence needs of the Pribilovians on the island have been satisfied, whichever occurs first. [51 FR 24840, July 9, 1986, as amended at 57 FR 33902, July 31, 1992; 59 FR 35474, July 12, 1994. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.73 Disposition of fur seal parts. top Except for transfers to other Alaskan Natives for barter or sharing for personal or family consumption, no part of a fur seal taken for subsistence uses may be sold or otherwise transferred to any person unless it is a nonedible byproduct which: (a) Has been transformed into an article of handicraft, or (b) Is being sent by an Alaskan Native directly, or through a registered agent, to a tannery registered under 50 CFR 216.23(c) for the purpose of processing, and will be returned directly to the Alaskan Native for conversion into an article of handicraft, or (c) Is being sold or transferred to an Alaskan Native, or to an agent registered under 50 CFR 216.23(c) for resale or transfer to an Alaskan Native, who will convert the seal part into a handicraft. [51 FR 24840, July 9, 1986. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.74 Cooperation with Federal officials. top Pribilovians who engage in the harvest of seals are required to cooperate with scientists engaged in fur seal research on the Pribilof Islands who may need assistance in recording tag or other data and collecting tissue or other fur seal samples for research purposes. In addition, Pribilovians who take fur seals for subsistence uses must, consistent with 5 CFR 1320.7(k)(3), cooperate with the NMFS representatives on the Pribilof Islands who are responsible for compiling the following information on a daily basis: (a) The number of seals taken each day in the subsistence harvest, (b) The extent of the utilization of fur seals taken, and (c) Other information determined by the Assistant Administrator to be necessary for determining the subsistence needs of the Pribilovians or for making determinations under §215.32(e). [51 FR 24840, July 9, 1986. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] Subpart G—Pribilof Islands Administration top § 216.81 Visits to fur seal rookeries. top From June 1 to October 15 of each year, no person, except those authorized by a representative of the National Marine Fisheries Service, or accompanied by an authorized employee of the National Marine Fisheries Service, shall approach any fur seal rookery or hauling grounds nor pass beyond any posted sign forbidding passage. [41 FR 49488, Nov. 9, 1976. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.82 Dogs prohibited. top In order to prevent molestation of fur seal herds, the landing of any dogs at Pribilof Islands is prohibited. [41 FR 49488, Nov. 9, 1976. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.83 Importation of birds or mammals. top No mammals or birds, except household cats, canaries and parakeets, shall be imported to the Pribilof Islands without the permission of an authorized representative of the National Marine Fisheries Service. [41 FR 49488, Nov. 9, 1976. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.84 [Reserved] top § 216.85 Walrus and Otter Islands. top By Executive Order 1044, dated February 27, 1909, Walrus and Otter Islands were set aside as bird reservations. All persons are prohibited to land on these islands except those authorized by the appropriate representative of the National Marine Fisheries Service. [41 FR 49488, Nov. 9, 1976. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.86 Local regulations. top Local regulations will be published from time to time and will be brought to the attention of local residents and persons assigned to duty on the Islands by posting in public places and brought to the attention of tourists by personal notice. [41 FR 49488, Nov. 9, 1976. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] § 216.87 Wildlife research. top (a) Wildlife research, other than research on North Pacific fur seals, including specimen collection, may be permitted on the Pribilof Islands subject to the following conditions: (1) Any person or agency, seeking to conduct such research shall first obtain any Federal or State of Alaska permit required for the type of research involved. (2) Any person seeking to conduct such research shall obtain prior approval of the Director, Pribilof Islands Program, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1700 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, by filing with the Director an application which shall include: (i) Copies of the required Federal and State of Alaska permits; and (ii) A resume of the intended research program. (3) All approved research shall be subject to all regulations and administrative procedures in effect on the Pribilof Islands, and such research shall not commence until approval from the Director is received. (4) Any approved research program shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Director, Pribilof Islands Program deems appropriate. (5) Permission to utilize the Pribilof Islands to conduct an approved research program may be revoked by the Director, Pribilof Islands Program at any time for noncompliance with any terms and conditions, or for violations of any regulation or administrative procedure in effect on the Pribilof Islands. [43 FR 5521, Feb. 9, 1978. Redesignated at 61 FR 11750, Mar. 22, 1996] Subpart H—Dolphin Safe Tuna Labeling top Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1385. § 216.90 Purposes. top This subpart governs the requirements for using the official mark described in §216.95 or an alternative mark that refers to dolphins, porpoises, or marine mammals, to label tuna or tuna products offered for sale in or exported from the United States using the term dolphin-safe or suggesting the tuna were harvested in a manner not injurious to dolphins. [69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004] § 216.91 Dolphin-safe labeling standards. top (a) It is a violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) for any producer, importer, exporter, distributor, or seller of any tuna products that are exported from or offered for sale in the United States to include on the label of those products the term “dolphin-safe” or any other term or symbol that claims or suggests that the tuna contained in the products were harvested using a method of fishing that is not harmful to dolphins if the products contain tuna harvested: (1) ETP large purse seine vessel. In the ETP by a purse seine vessel of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity unless: (i) the documentation requirements for dolphin-safe tuna under §216.92 and 216.93 are met; (ii) No dolphins were killed or seriously injured during the sets in which the tuna were caught; and (iii) None of the tuna were caught on a trip using a purse seine net intentionally deployed on or to encircle dolphins, provided that this paragraph (a)(1)(iii) will not apply if the Assistant Administrator publishes a notification in the Federal Register announcing a finding under 16 U.S.C. 1385(g)(2) that the intentional deployment of purse seine nets on or encirclement of dolphins is not having a significant adverse impact on any depleted stock. (2) Non-ETP purse seine vessel. Outside the ETP by a vessel using a purse seine net: (i) In a fishery in which the Assistant Administrator has determined that a regular and significant association occurs between dolphins and tuna (similar to the association between dolphins and tuna in the ETP), unless such products are accompanied by a written statement, executed by the Captain of the vessel and an observer participating in a national or international program acceptable to the Assistant Administrator, certifying that no purse seine net was intentionally deployed on or used to encircle dolphins during the particular trip on which the tuna were caught and no dolphins were killed or seriously injured in the sets in which the tuna were caught; or (ii) In any other fishery unless the products are accompanied by a written statement executed by the Captain of the vessel certifying that no purse seine net was intentionally deployed on or used to encircle dolphins during the particular trip on which the tuna was harvested; (3) Driftnet. By a vessel engaged in large-scale driftnet fishing; or (4) Other fisheries. By a vessel in a fishery other than one described in paragraphs (a)(1) through(a)(3) of this section that is identified by the Assistant Administrator as having a regular and significant mortality or serious injury of dolphins, unless such product is accompanied by a written statement, executed by the Captain of the vessel and an observer participating in a national or international program acceptable to the Assistant Administrator, that no dolphins were killed or seriously injured in the sets or other gear deployments in which the tuna were caught, provided that the Assistant Administrator determines that such an observer statement is necessary. (b) It is a violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to willingly and knowingly use a label referred to in this section in a campaign or effort to mislead or deceive consumers about the level of protection afforded dolphins under the IDCP. (c) A tuna product that is labeled with the official mark, described in §216.95, may not be labeled with any other label or mark that refers to dolphins, porpoises, or marine mammals. [69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004] § 216.92 Dolphin-safe requirements for tuna harvested in the ETP by large purse seine vessels. top (a) U.S. vessels. Tuna products that contain tuna harvested by U.S. flag purse seine vessels of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity in the ETP may be labeled dolphin-safe only if the following requirements are met: (1) Tuna Tracking Forms containing a complete record of all the fishing activities on the trip, certified by the vessel Captain and the observer, are submitted to the Administrator, Southwest Region, at the end of the fishing trip during which the tuna was harvested; (2) The tuna is delivered for processing to a U.S. tuna processor in a plant located in one of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or American Samoa that is in compliance with the tuna tracking and verification requirements of §216.93; and (3) The tuna or tuna products meet the dolphin-safe labeling standards under §216.91. (b) Imported tuna. (1) Yellowfin tuna or tuna products harvested in the ETP by vessels of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity and presented for import into the United States may be labeled dolphin-safe only if the yellowfin tuna was harvested by a U.S. vessel fishing in compliance with the requirements of the IDCP and applicable U.S. law, or by a vessel belonging to a nation that has obtained an affirmative finding under §216.24(f)(8). (2) Tuna or tuna products, other than yellowfin tuna, harvested in the ETP by purse seine vessels of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity and presented for import into the United States may be labeled dolphin-safe only if: (i) The tuna was harvested by a U.S. vessel fishing in compliance with the requirements of the IDCP and applicable U.S. law, or by a vessel belonging to a nation that is a Party to the Agreement on the IDCP or has applied to become a Party and is adhering to all the requirements of the Agreement on the IDCP Tuna Tracking and Verification Plan; (ii) The tuna or tuna products are accompanied by a properly completed FCO; and (iii) The tuna or tuna products are accompanied by valid documentation signed by a representative of the appropriate IDCP member nation, containing the harvesting vessel names and tuna tracking form numbers represented in the shipment, and certifying that: (A) There was an IDCP approved observer on board the vessel(s) during the entire trip(s); and (B) The tuna contained in the shipment were caught according to the dolphin-safe labeling standards of §216.91. [69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004] § 216.93 Tracking and verification program. top The Administrator, Southwest Region, has established a national tracking and verification program to accurately document the dolphin-safe condition of tuna, under the standards set forth in §§216.91 and 216.92. The tracking program includes procedures and reports for use when importing tuna into the United States and during U.S. purse seine fishing, processing, and marketing in the United States and abroad. Verification of tracking system operations is attained through the establishment of audit and document review requirements. The tracking program is consistent with the international tuna tracking and verification program adopted by the Parties to the Agreement on the IDCP. (a) Tuna tracking forms. Whenever a U.S. flag tuna purse seine vessel of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity fishes in the ETP, IDCP approved Tuna Tracking Forms (TTFs), bearing a unique number assigned to that trip, are used by the observer to record every set made during that trip. One TTF is used to record dolphin-safe sets and a second TTF is used to record non-dolphin-safe sets. The information entered on the TTFs following each set includes the date, well number, weights by species composition, estimated tons loaded, and additional notes, if any. The observer and the vessel engineer initial the entry as soon as possible following each set, and the vessel captain and observer review and sign both TTFs at the end of the fishing trip certifying that the information on the forms is accurate. TTFs are confidential official documents of the IDCP, consistent with Article XVIII of the Agreement on the IDCP, and the Agreement on the IDCP Rules of Confidentiality. (b) Dolphin-Safe Certification. Upon request, the Office of the Administrator, Southwest Region, will provide written certification that tuna harvested by U.S. purse seine vessels greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity is dolphin-safe, but only if NMFS' review of the TTFs for the subject trip shows that the tuna for which the certification is requested is dolphin-safe under the requirements of the Agreement on the IDCP and U.S. law. (c) Tracking fishing operations. (1) During ETP fishing trips by purse seine vessels greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity, tuna caught in sets designated as dolphin-safe by the vessel observer must be stored separately from tuna caught in non-dolphin-safe sets from the time of capture through unloading. Vessel personnel will decide into which wells tuna will be loaded. The observer will initially designate whether each set is dolphin-safe or not, based on his/her observation of the set. The observer will initially identify a vessel fish well as dolphin-safe if the first tuna loaded into the well during a trip was captured in a set in which no dolphin died or was seriously injured. The observer will initially identify a vessel fish well as non-dolphin-safe if the first tuna loaded into the well during a trip was captured in a set in which a dolphin died or was seriously injured. Any tuna loaded into a well previously designated non-dolphin-safe is considered non-dolphin-safe tuna. The observer will change the designation of a dolphin-safe well to non-dolphin-safe if any tuna are loaded into the well that were captured in a set in which a dolphin died or was seriously injured. (2) The captain, managing owner, or vessel agent of a U.S. purse seine vessel greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) returning to port from a trip, any part of which included fishing in the ETP, must provide at least 48 hours notice of the vessel's intended place of landing, arrival time, and schedule of unloading to the Administrator, Southwest Region. (3) If the trip terminates when the vessel enters port to unload part or all of its catch, new TTFs will be assigned to the new trip, and any information concerning tuna retained on the vessel will be recorded as the first entry on the TTFs for the new trip. If the trip is not terminated following a partial unloading, the vessel will retain the original TTFs and submit a copy of those TTFs to the Administrator, Southwest Region, within 5 working days. In either case, the species and amount unloaded will be noted on the respective originals. (4) Tuna offloaded to trucks, storage facilities, or carrier vessels must be loaded or stored in such a way as to maintain and safeguard the identification of the dolphin-safe or non-dolphin-safe designation of the tuna as it left the fishing vessel. (5)(i) When ETP caught tuna is offloaded from a U.S. purse seine vessel greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) directly to a U.S. canner within the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or American Samoa, or in any port and subsequently loaded aboard a carrier vessel for transport to a U.S. processing location, a NMFS representative may meet the U.S. purse seine vessel to receive the TTFs from the vessel observer and to monitor the handling of dolphin-safe and non-dolphin-safe tuna. (ii) If a NMFS representative does not meet the vessel in port at the time of arrival, the captain of the vessel or the vessel's managing office must assure delivery of the TTFs to the Administrator, Southwest Region, from that location within 5 working days of the end of the trip. Alternatively, if the captain approves and notifies the Administrator, Southwest Region, the captain may entrust the observer to deliver the signed TTFs to the local office of the IATTC. (iii) When ETP caught tuna is offloaded from a U.S. purse seine vessel greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity directly to a processing facility located outside the jurisdiction of the United States in a country that is a Party to the Agreement on the IDCP, the national authority in whose area of jurisdiction the tuna is to be processed will assume the responsibility for tracking and verification of the tuna offloaded. If a representative of the national authority meets the vessel in port, that representative will receive the original TTFs and assume the responsibility for providing copies of the TTFs to the Administrator, Southwest Region. If a representative of the national authority does not meet the vessel, the fishing vessel captain or the vessel's managing office must assure delivery of the completed TTFs in accordance with paragraphs (ii) and (v) of this section. (iv) When ETP caught tuna is offloaded from a U.S. purse seine vessel greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity in a country that is not a Party to the Agreement on the IDCP, the tuna becomes the tracking and verification responsibility of the national authority of the processing facility when it is unloaded from the fishing vessel. The captain or the vessel's managing office must assure delivery of the completed TTFs in accordance with paragraphs (ii) and (v) of this section. (v) TTFs are confidential documents of the IDCP. Vessel captains and managing offices may not provide copies of TTFs to any representatives of private organizations or non-member states. (d) Tracking cannery operations. (1) Whenever a U.S. tuna canning company in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or American Samoa receives a domestic or imported shipment of ETP caught tuna for processing, a NMFS representative may be present to monitor delivery and verify that dolphin-safe and non-dolphin-safe tuna are clearly identified and remain segregated. Such inspections may be scheduled or unscheduled, and canners must allow the NMFS representative access to all areas and records. (2) Tuna processors must submit a report to the Administrator, Southwest Region, of all tuna received at their processing facilities in each calendar month whether or not the tuna is actually canned or stored during that month. Monthly cannery receipt reports must be submitted electronically or by mail before the last day of the month following the month being reported. Monthly reports must contain the following information: (i) Domestic receipts: dolphin-safe status, species, condition (round, loin, dressed, gilled and gutted, other), weight in short tons to the fourth decimal, ocean area of capture (ETP, western Pacific, Indian, eastern and western Atlantic, other), catcher vessel, trip dates, carrier name, unloading dates, and location of unloading. (ii) Import receipts: In addition to the information required in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, a copy of the FCO for each imported receipt must be provided. (3) Tuna processors must report on a monthly basis the amounts of ETP-caught tuna that were immediately utilized upon receipt or removed from cold storage. This report may be submitted in conjunction with the monthly report required in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. This report must contain: (i) The date of removal from cold storage or disposition; (ii) Storage container or lot identifier number(s) and dolphin-safe or non-dolphin-safe designation of each container or lot; and (iii) Details of the disposition of fish (for example, canning, sale, rejection, etc.). (4) During canning activities, non-dolphin-safe tuna may not be mixed in any manner or at any time during processing with any dolphin-safe tuna or tuna products and may not share the same storage containers, cookers, conveyers, tables, or other canning and labeling machinery. (e) Tracking imports. All tuna products, except fresh tuna, that are imported into the United States must be accompanied by a properly certified FCO as required by §216.24(f)(2). For tuna tracking purposes, copies of FCOs and associated certifications must be submitted by the importer of record to the Administrator, Southwest Region, within 30 days of the shipment's entry into the commerce of the United States as required by §216.24(f)(3)(ii). (f) Verification requirements—(1) Record maintenance. Any exporter, transshipper, importer, processor, or wholesaler/distributor of any tuna or tuna products must maintain records related to that tuna for at least 2 years. These records include, but are not limited to: FCOs and required certifications, any reports required in paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of this section, invoices, other import documents, and trip reports. (2) Record submission. Within 30 days of receiving a shipment of tuna or tuna products, any exporter, transshipper, importer, processor, wholesaler/distributor of tuna or tuna products must submit to the Administrator, Southwest Region, all corresponding FCOs and required certifications for those tuna or tuna products. (3) Audits and spot checks. Upon request of the Administrator, Southwest Region, any exporter, transshipper, importer, processor, or wholesaler/distributor of tuna or tuna products must provide the Administrator, Southwest Region, timely access to all pertinent records and facilities to allow for audits and spot-checks on caught, landed, stored, and processed tuna. (g) Confidentiality of proprietary information. Information submitted to the Assistant Administrator under this section will be treated as confidential in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216–100 “Protection of Confidential Fisheries Statistics.” [69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 19009, Apr. 12, 2005] § 216.94 False statements or endorsements. top Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false statement or false endorsement required by §216.92 is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $100,000, that may be assessed in an action brought in any appropriate District Court of the United States on behalf of the Secretary. [61 FR 27794, June 3, 1996. Redesignated at 69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004] § 216.95 Official mark for “Dolphin-safe” tuna products. top (a) This is the “official mark” (see figure 1) designated by the United States Department of Commerce that may be used to label tuna products that meet the “dolphin-safe” standards set forth in the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, 16 U.S.C. 1385, and implementing regulations at §§216.91 through 216.94: View or download PDF (b) Location and size of the official mark. The official mark on labels must allow the consumer to identify the official mark and be similar in design and scale to figure 1. A full color version of the official mark is available at http://swr.ucsd.edu/dsl.htm. [65 FR 34410, May 30, 2000. Redesignated at 69 FR 55307, Sept. 13, 2004] Subpart I—General Regulations Governing Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities top Source: 61 FR 15887, Apr. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted. § 216.101 Purpose. top The regulations in this subpart implement section 101(a)(5) (A) through (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5), which provides a mechanism for allowing, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographic region. § 216.102 Scope. top The taking of small numbers of marine mammals under section 101(a)(5) (A) through (D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act may be allowed only if the National Marine Fisheries Service: (a) Finds, based on the best scientific evidence available, that the total taking by the specified activity during the specified time period will have a negligible impact on species or stock of marine mammal(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of those species or stocks of marine mammals intended for subsistence uses; (b) Prescribes either regulations under §216.106, or requirements and conditions contained within an incidental harassment authorization issued under §216.107, setting forth permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock of marine mammal and its habitat and on the availability of the species or stock of marine mammal for subsistence uses, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance; and (c) Prescribes either regulations or requirements and conditions contained within an incidental harassment authorization, as appropriate, pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. The specific regulations governing certain specified activities are contained in subsequent subparts of this part. § 216.103 Definitions. top In addition to definitions contained in the MMPA, and in §216.3, and unless the context otherwise requires, in subsequent subparts to this part: Arctic waters means the marine and estuarine waters north of 60° N. lat. Citizens of the United States and U.S. citizens mean individual U.S. citizens or any corporation or similar entity if it is organized under the laws of the United States or any governmental unit defined in 16 U.S.C. 1362(13). U.S. Federal, state and local government agencies shall also constitute citizens of the United States for purposes of this part. Incidental harassment, incidental taking and incidental, but not intentional, taking all mean an accidental taking. This does not mean that the taking is unexpected, but rather it includes those takings that are infrequent, unavoidable or accidental. (A complete definition of “take” is contained in §216.3). Negligible impact is an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival. Small numbers means a portion of a marine mammal species or stock whose taking would have a negligible impact on that species or stock. Specified activity means any activity, other than commercial fishing, that takes place in a specified geographical region and potentially involves the taking of small numbers of marine mammals. Specified geographical region means an area within which a specified activity is conducted and that has certain biogeographic characteristics. Unmitigable adverse impact means an impact resulting from the specified activity: (1) That is likely to reduce the availability of the species to a level insufficient for a harvest to meet subsistence needs by: (i) Causing the marine mammals to abandon or avoid hunting areas; (ii) Directly displacing subsistence users; or (iii) Placing physical barriers between the marine mammals and the subsistence hunters; and (2) That cannot be sufficiently mitigated by other measures to increase the availability of marine mammals to allow subsistence needs to be met. § 216.104 Submission of requests. top (a) In order for the National Marine Fisheries Service to consider authorizing the taking by U.S. citizens of small numbers of marine mammals incidental to a specified activity (other than commercial fishing), or to make a finding that an incidental take is unlikely to occur, a written request must be submitted to the Assistant Administrator. All requests must include the following information for their activity: (1) A detailed description of the specific activity or class of activities that can be expected to result in incidental taking of marine mammals; (2) The date(s) and duration of such activity and the specific geographical region where it will occur; (3) The species and numbers of marine mammals likely to be found within the activity area; (4) A description of the status, distribution, and seasonal distribution (when applicable) of the affected species or stocks of marine mammals likely to be affected by such activities; (5) The type of incidental taking authorization that is being requested (i.e., takes by harassment only; takes by harassment, injury and/or death) and the method of incidental taking; (6) By age, sex, and reproductive condition (if possible), the number of marine mammals (by species) that may be taken by each type of taking identified in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, and the number of times such takings by each type of taking are likely to occur; (7) The anticipated impact of the activity upon the species or stock of marine mammal; (8) The anticipated impact of the activity on the availability of the species or stocks of marine mammals for subsistence uses; (9) The anticipated impact of the activity upon the habitat of the marine mammal populations, and the likelihood of restoration of the affected habitat; (10) The anticipated impact of the loss or modification of the habitat on the marine mammal populations involved; (11) The availability and feasibility (economic and technological) of equipment, methods, and manner of conducting such activity or other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact upon the affected species or stocks, their habitat, and on their availability for subsistence uses, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance; (12) Where the proposed activity would take place in or near a traditional Arctic subsistence hunting area and/or may affect the availability of a species or stock of marine mammal for Arctic subsistence uses, the applicant must submit either a plan of cooperation or information that identifies what measures have been taken and/or will be taken to minimize any adverse effects on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses. A plan must include the following: (i) A statement that the applicant has notified and provided the affected subsistence community with a draft plan of cooperation; (ii) A schedule for meeting with the affected subsistence communities to discuss proposed activities and to resolve potential conflicts regarding any aspects of either the operation or the plan of cooperation; (iii) A description of what measures the applicant has taken and/or will take to ensure that proposed activities will not interfere with subsistence whaling or sealing; and (iv) What plans the applicant has to continue to meet with the affected communities, both prior to and while conducting the activity, to resolve conflicts and to notify the communities of any changes in the operation; (13) The suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the species, the level of taking or impacts on populations of marine mammals that are expected to be present while conducting activities and suggested means of minimizing burdens by coordinating such reporting requirements with other schemes already applicable to persons conducting such activity. Monitoring plans should include a description of the survey techniques that would be used to determine the movement and activity of marine mammals near the activity site(s) including migration and other habitat uses, such as feeding. Guidelines for developing a site-specific monitoring plan may be obtained by writing to the Director, Office of Protected Resources; and (14) Suggested means of learning of, encouraging, and coordinating research opportunities, plans, and activities relating to reducing such incidental taking and evaluating its effects. (b)(1) The Assistant Administrator shall determine the adequacy and completeness of a request and, if determined to be adequate and complete, will begin the public review process by publishing in the Federal Register either: (i) A proposed incidental harassment authorization; or (ii) A notice of receipt of a request for the implementation or reimplementation of regulations governing the incidental taking. (2) Through notice in the Federal Register, newspapers of general circulation, and appropriate electronic media in the coastal areas that may be affected by such activity, NMFS will invite information, suggestions, and comments for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. All information and suggestions will be considered by the National Marine Fisheries Service in developing, if appropriate, the most effective regulations governing the issuance of letters of authorization or conditions governing the issuance of an incidental harassment authorization. (3) Applications that are determined to be incomplete or inappropriate for the type of taking requested, will be returned to the applicant with an explanation of why the application is being returned. (c) The Assistant Administrator shall evaluate each request to determine, based upon the best available scientific evidence, whether the taking by the specified activity within the specified geographic region will have a negligible impact on the species or stock and, where appropriate, will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or stock for subsistence uses. If the Assistant Administrator finds that the mitigating measures would render the impact of the specified activity negligible when it would not otherwise satisfy that requirement, the Assistant Administrator may make a finding of negligible impact subject to such mitigating measures being successfully implemented. Any preliminary findings of “negligible impact” and “no unmitigable adverse impact” shall be proposed for public comment along with either the proposed incidental harassment authorization or the proposed regulations for the specific activity. (d) If, subsequent to the public review period, the Assistant Administrator finds that the taking by the specified activity would have more than a negligible impact on the species or stock of marine mammal or would have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or stock for subsistence uses, the Assistant Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register the negative finding along with the basis for denying the request. § 216.105 Specific regulations. top (a) For all petitions for regulations under this paragraph, applicants must provide the information requested in §216.104(a) on their activity as a whole, which includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an assessment of total impacts by all persons conducting the activity. (b) For allowed activities that may result in incidental takings of small numbers of marine mammals by harassment, serious injury, death or a combination thereof, specific regulations shall be established for each allowed activity that set forth: (1) Permissible methods of taking; (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species and its habitat and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses; and (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting, including requirements for the independent peer-review of proposed monitoring plans where the proposed activity may affect the availability of a species or stock for taking for subsistence uses. (c) Regulations will be established based on the best available information. As new information is developed, through monitoring, reporting, or research, the regulations may be modified, in whole or in part, after notice and opportunity for public review. § 216.106 Letter of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, which may be issued only to U.S. citizens, is required to conduct activities pursuant to any regulations established under §216.105. Requests for Letters of Authorization shall be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources. The information to be submitted in a request for an authorization will be specified in the appropriate subpart to this part or may be obtained by writing to the above named person. (b) Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under the specific regulations. (c) Letters of Authorization will specify the period of validity and any additional terms and conditions appropriate for the specific request. (d) Notice of issuance of all Letters of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of issuance. (e) Letters of Authorization shall be withdrawn or suspended, either on an individual or class basis, as appropriate, if, after notice and opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Administrator determines that: (1) The regulations prescribed are not being substantially complied with; or (2) The taking allowed is having, or may have, more than a negligible impact on the species or stock or, where relevant, an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock for subsistence uses. (f) The requirement for notice and opportunity for public review in §216.106(e) shall not apply if the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the wellbeing of the species or stocks of marine mammals concerned. (g) A violation of any of the terms and conditions of a Letter of Authorization or of the specific regulations shall subject the Holder and/or any individual who is operating under the authority of the Holder's Letter of Authorization to penalties provided in the MMPA. § 216.107 Incidental harassment authorization for Arctic waters. top (a) Except for activities that have the potential to result in serious injury or mortality, which must be authorized under §216.105, incidental harassment authorizations may be issued, following a 30-day public review period, to allowed activities that may result in only the incidental harassment of a small number of marine mammals. Each such incidental harassment authorization shall set forth: (1) Permissible methods of taking by harassment; (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses; and (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting, including requirements for the independent peer-review of proposed monitoring plans where the proposed activity may affect the availability of a species or stock for taking for subsistence uses. (b) Issuance of an incidental harassment authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by harassment will be small, will have a negligible impact on the species or stock of marine mammal(s), and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or stocks for taking for subsistence uses. (c) An incidental harassment authorization will be either issued or denied within 45 days after the close of the public review period. (d) Notice of issuance or denial of an incidental harassment authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of issuance of a determination. (e) Incidental harassment authorizations will be valid for a period of time not to exceed 1 year but may be renewed for additional periods of time not to exceed 1 year for each reauthorization. (f) An incidental harassment authorization shall be modified, withdrawn, or suspended if, after notice and opportunity for public comment, the Assistant Administrator determines that: (1) The conditions and requirements prescribed in the authorization are not being substantially complied with; or (2) The authorized taking, either individually or in combination with other authorizations, is having, or may have, more than a negligible impact on the species or stock or, where relevant, an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock for subsistence uses. (g) The requirement for notice and opportunity for public review in paragraph (f) of this section shall not apply if the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals concerned. (h) A violation of any of the terms and conditions of an incidental harassment authorization shall subject the holder and/or any individual who is operating under the authority of the holder's incidental harassment authorization to penalties provided in the MMPA. § 216.108 Requirements for monitoring and reporting under incidental harassment authorizations for Arctic waters. top (a) Holders of an incidental harassment authorization in Arctic waters and their employees, agents, and designees must cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and other designated Federal, state, or local agencies to monitor the impacts of their activity on marine mammals. Unless stated otherwise within an incidental harassment authorization, the holder of an incidental harassment authorization effective in Arctic waters must notify the Alaska Regional Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, of any activities that may involve a take by incidental harassment in Arctic waters at least 14 calendar days prior to commencement of the activity. (b) Holders of incidental harassment authorizations effective in Arctic waters may be required by their authorization to designate at least one qualified biological observer or another appropriately experienced individual to observe and record the effects of activities on marine mammals. The number of observers required for monitoring the impact of the activity on marine mammals will be specified in the incidental harassment authorization. If observers are required as a condition of the authorization, the observer(s) must be approved in advance by the National Marine Fisheries Service. (c) The monitoring program must, if appropriate, document the effects (including acoustical) on marine mammals and document or estimate the actual level of take. The requirements for monitoring plans, as specified in the incidental harassment authorization, may vary depending on the activity, the location, and the time. (d) Where the proposed activity may affect the availability of a species or stock of marine mammal for taking for subsistence purposes, proposed monitoring plans or other research proposals must be independently peer-reviewed prior to issuance of an incidental harassment authorization under this subpart. In order to complete the peer-review process within the time frames mandated by the MMPA for an incidental harassment authorization, a proposed monitoring plan submitted under this paragraph must be submitted to the Assistant Administrator no later than the date of submission of the application for an incidental harassment authorization. Upon receipt of a complete monitoring plan, and at its discretion, the National Marine Fisheries Service will either submit the plan to members of a peer review panel for review or within 60 days of receipt of the proposed monitoring plan, schedule a workshop to review the plan. The applicant must submit a final monitoring plan to the Assistant Administrator prior to the issuance of an incidental harassment authorization. (e) At its discretion, the National Marine Fisheries Service may place an observer aboard vessels, platforms, aircraft, etc., to monitor the impact of activities on marine mammals. (f)(1) As specified in the incidental harassment authorization, the holder of an incidental harassment authorization for Arctic waters must submit reports to the Assistant Administrator within 90 days of completion of any individual components of the activity (if any), within 90 days of completion of the activity, but no later than 120 days prior to expiration of the incidental harassment authorization, whichever is earlier. This report must include the following information: (i) Dates and type(s) of activity; (ii) Dates and location(s) of any activities related to monitoring the effects on marine mammals; and (iii) Results of the monitoring activities, including an estimate of the actual level and type of take, species name and numbers of each species observed, direction of movement of species, and any observed changes or modifications in behavior. (2) Monitoring reports will be reviewed by the Assistant Administrator and, if determined to be incomplete or inaccurate, will be returned to the holder of the authorization with an explanation of why the report is being returned. If the authorization holder disagrees with the findings of the Assistant Administrator, the holder may request an independent peer review of the report. Failure to submit a complete and accurate report may result in a delay in processing future authorization requests. (g) Results of any behavioral, feeding, or population studies, that are conducted supplemental to the monitoring program, should be made available to the National Marine Fisheries Service before applying for an incidental harassment authorization for the following year. Subpart J [Reserved] top Subpart K—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities top Source: 69 FR 5727, Feb. 6, 2004, unless otherwise noted. Effective Date Note: At 69 FR 5727, Feb. 6, 2004, subpart K was added, effective Feb. 6, 2004, through Feb. 6, 2009. § 216.120 Specified activity and specified geographical region. top (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of those marine mammals specified in paragraph (b) of this section by U.S. citizens engaged in: (1) Launching up to 30 space and missiles vehicles each year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, for a total of up to 150 missiles and rockets over the 5-year period of these regulations, (2) Launching up to 20 rockets each year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, for a total of up to 100 rocket launches over the 5-year period of these regulations, (3) Aircraft flight test operations, and (4) Helicopter operations from Vandenberg Air Force Base. (b) The incidental take of marine mammals on Vandenberg Air Force Base and in waters off southern California, under the activity identified in paragraph (a) of this section, is limited to the following species: Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). § 216.121 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from February 6, 2004, through February 6, 2009. § 216.122 Permissible methods of taking. top (a) Under Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106, the 30th Space Wing, U.S. Air Force, its contractors, and clients, may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by harassment, within the area described in §216.120, provided all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and such Letter(s) of Authorization are complied with. (b) [Reserved] § 216.123 Prohibitions. top No person in connection with the activities described in §216.120 shall: (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in §216.120(b); (b) Take any marine mammal specified in §216.120(b) other than by incidental, unintentional harassment; (c) Take a marine mammal specified in §216.120(b) if such take results in more than a negligible impact on the species or stocks of such marine mammal; or (d) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations or a Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106. § 216.124 Mitigation. top (a) The activity identified in §216.120(a) must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitats. When conducting operations identified in §216.120, the following mitigation measures must be utilized: (1) All aircraft and helicopter flight paths must maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 ft (305 m) from recognized seal haul-outs and rookeries (e.g., Point Sal, Purisima Point, Rocky Point), except in emergencies or for real-time security incidents (e.g., search-and-rescue, fire-fighting) which may require approaching pinniped rookeries closer than 1,000 ft (305 m). (2) For missile and rocket launches, holders of Letters of Authorization must avoid, whenever possible, launches during the harbor seal pupping season of March through June, unless constrained by factors including, but not limited to, human safety, national security, or for space vehicle launch trajectory necessary to meet mission objectives. (3) VAFB must avoid, whenever possible, launches which are predicted to produce a sonic boom on the Northern Channel Islands during harbor seal, elephant seal, and California sea lion pupping seasons, March through June. (4) If post-launch surveys determine that an injurious or lethal take of a marine mammal has occurred, the launch procedure and the monitoring methods must be reviewed, in cooperation with NMFS, and appropriate changes must be made through modification to a Letter of Authorization, prior to conducting the next launch under that Letter of Authorization. (5) Additional mitigation measures as contained in a Letter of uthorization. (b) [Reserved] § 216.125 Requirements for monitoring and reporting. top (a) Holders of Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106 for activities described in §216.120(a) are required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. Unless specified otherwise in the Letter of Authorization, the Holder of the Letter of Authorization must notify the Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, by letter or telephone, at least 2 weeks prior to activities possibly involving the taking of marine mammals. (b) Holders of Letters of Authorization must designate qualified on-site individuals, approved in advance by the National Marine Fisheries Service, as specified in the Letter of Authorization, to: (1) Conduct observations on harbor seal, elephant seal, and sea lion activity in the vicinity of the rookery nearest the launch platform or, in the absence of pinnipeds at that location, at another nearby haulout, for at least 72 hours prior to any planned launch occurring during the harbor seal pupping season (1 March through 30 June) and continue for a period of time not less than 48 hours subsequent to launching, (2) For launches during the harbor seal pupping season (March through June), conduct follow-up surveys within 2 weeks of the launch to ensure that there were no adverse effects on any marine mammals, (3) Monitor haul-out sites on the Northern Channel Islands, if it is determined by modeling that a sonic boom of greater than 1 psf could occur in those areas (this determination will be made in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service), (4) Investigate the potential for spontaneous abortion, disruption of effective female-neonate bonding, and other reproductive dysfunction, (5) Supplement observations on Vandenberg and on the Northern Channel Islands with video-recording of mother-pup seal responses for daylight launches during the pupping season, (6) Conduct acoustic measurements of those launch vehicles that have not had sound pressure level measurements made previously, and (7) Include multiple surveys each day that record the species, number of animals, general behavior, presence of pups, age class, gender and reaction to launch noise, sonic booms or other natural or human caused disturbances, in addition to recording environmental conditions such as tide, wind speed, air temperature, and swell. (c) Holders of Letters of Authorization must conduct additional monitoring as required under an annual Letter of Authorization. (d) The Holder of the Letter of Authorization must submit a report to the Southwest Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service within 90 days after each launch. This report must contain the following information: (1) Date(s) and time(s) of the launch, (2) Design of the monitoring program, and (3) Results of the monitoring programs, including, but not necessarily limited to: (i) Numbers of pinnipeds present on the haulout prior to commencement of the launch, (ii) Numbers of pinnipeds that may have been harassed as noted by the number of pinnipeds estimated to have entered the water as a result of launch noise, (iii) The length of time(s) pinnipeds remained off the haulout or rookery, (iv) The numbers of pinniped adults or pups that may have been injured or killed as a result of the launch, and (v) Behavioral modifications by pinnipeds that were likely the result of launch noise or the sonic boom. (e) An annual report must be submitted at the time of renewal of the LOA. (f) A final report must be submitted at least 180 days prior to expiration of these regulations. This report will: (1) Summarize the activities undertaken and the results reported in all previous reports, (2) Assess the impacts at each of the major rookeries, (3) Assess the cumulative impact on pinnipeds and other marine mammals from Vandenberg activities, and (4) State the date(s), location(s), and findings of any research activities related to monitoring the effects on launch noise and sonic booms on marine mammal populations. § 216.126 Applications for Letters of Authorization. top (a) To incidentally take harbor seals and other marine mammals pursuant to these regulations, either the U.S. citizen conducting the activity or the 30th Space Wing on behalf of the U.S. citizen conducting the activity, must apply for and obtain a Letter of Authorization in accordance with §216.106. (b) The application must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service at least 30 days before the activity is scheduled to begin. (c) Applications for Letters of Authorization and for renewals of Letters of Authorization must include the following: (1) Name of the U.S. citizen requesting the authorization, (2) A description of the activity, the dates of the activity, and the specific location of the activity, and (3) Plans to monitor the behavior and effects of the activity on marine mammals. (d) A copy of the Letter of Authorization must be in the possession of the persons conducting activities that may involve incidental takings of seals and sea lions. § 216.127 Renewal of Letters of Authorization. top A Letter of Authorization issued under §216.126 for the activity identified in §216.120(a) will be renewed annually upon: (a) Timely receipt of the reports required under §216.125(d), if determined by the Assistant Administrator to be acceptable; and (b) A determination that the mitigation measures required under §216.124 and the Letter of Authorization have been undertaken. § 216.128 Modifications of Letters of Authorization. top (a) In addition to complying with the provisions of §216.106, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantive modification, including withdrawal or suspension, to a Letter of Authorization subject to the provisions of this subpart shall be made until after notice and an opportunity for public comment. (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.120 (b), a Letter of Authorization may be substantively modified without prior notice and opportunity for public comment. A notice will be published in the Federal Register subsequent to the action. Subparts L–M [Reserved] top Subpart N—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Missile Launch Operations from San Nicolas Island, CA top Source: 68 FR 52138, Sept. 2, 2003, unless otherwise noted. Effective Date Note: At 68 FR 52138, Sept. 2, 2003, Subpart N of Part 216 was added, effective Oct. 2, 2003, through Oct. 2, 2008. § 216.151 Specified activity, geographical region, and incidental take levels. top (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of marine mammals specified in paragraph (b) of this section by U.S. citizens engaged in target missile launch activities at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division facilities on San Nicolas Island, California. (b) The incidental take of marine mammals under the activity identified in paragraph (a) of this section is limited to the following species: northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). (c) This Authorization is valid only for activities associated with the launching of a total of 40 Vandal (or similar sized) vehicles from Alpha Launch Complex and smaller missiles and targets from Building 807 on San Nicolas Island, California. § 216.152 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from October 2, 2003 through October 2, 2008. § 216.153 Permissible methods of taking; mitigation. top (a) Under a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106, the U.S. Navy may incidentally, but not intentionally, take those marine mammal species specified in §216.151(b) by Level B harassment, in the course of conducting target missile launch activities within the area described in §216.151(a), provided all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and such Letter of Authorization are complied with. (b) The activity specified in §216.151 must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent possible, adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. When conducting these activities, the following mitigation measures must be utilized: (1) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must prohibit personnel from entering pinniped haul-out sites below the missile's predicted flight path for 2 hours prior to planned missile launches. (2) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must avoid launch activities during harbor seal pupping season (February to April), when operationally practicable. (3) The holder of this Authorization must limit launch activities during other pinniped pupping seasons, when operationally practicable. (4) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must not launch Vandal target missiles from the Alpha Complex at low elevation (less than 1,000 feet (304.8 m) on launch azimuths that pass close to pinniped haul-out sites). (5) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must avoid, where practicable, launching multiple target missiles in quick succession over haul-out sites, especially when young pups are present. (6) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must limit launch activities during nighttime hours when operationally practicable. (7) Aircraft and helicopter flight paths must maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet (304.8 m) from pinniped haul-outs. (8) If injurious or lethal take is discovered during monitoring conducted under §216.155, the holder of the Letter of Authorization must contact the Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, or his/her designee, at (562) 980–4023 within 48 hours and, in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, launch procedure, mitigation measures, and monitoring methods must be reviewed and appropriate changes made prior to the next launch. (9) If post-test surveys determine that an injurious or lethal take of a marine mammal has occurred, the test procedure and the monitoring methods must be reviewed and appropriate changes must be made prior to conducting the next missile launch. § 216.154 Prohibitions. top Notwithstanding takings authorized by §216.151(b) and by a Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106, the following activities are prohibited: (a) The taking of a marine mammal that is other than unintentional. (b) The violation of, or failure to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of this part or a Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106. (c) The incidental taking of any marine mammal of a species not specified, or in a manner not authorized, in this subpart. § 216.155 Requirements for monitoring and reporting. top (a) The holder of the Letter of Authorization is required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. (b) The National Marine Fisheries Service must be notified immediately of any changes or deletions to any portions of the proposed monitoring plan submitted in accordance with the Letter of Authorization. (c) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must designate biologically trained, on-site observer(s), approved in advance by the National Marine Fisheries Service, to record the effects of the launch activities and the resulting noise on pinnipeds. (d) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must implement the following monitoring measures: (1) Visual Land-Based Monitoring. (i) Prior to each missile launch, an observer(s) will place 3 autonomous digital video cameras overlooking chosen haul-out sites located varying distances from the missile launch site. Each video camera will be set to record a focal subgroup within the larger haul-out aggregation for a maximum of 4 hours or as permitted by the videotape capacity. (ii) Systematic visual observations, by observers described in paragraph (c) of this section, on pinniped presence and activity will be conducted and recorded in a field logbook a minimum of 2 hours prior to the estimated launch time and for at least 1 hour immediately following the launch of all launch vehicles. (iii) Documentation, both via autonomous video camera and human observer, will consist of: (A) Numbers and sexes of each age class in focal subgroups; (B) Description and timing of launch activities or other disruptive event(s); (C) Movements of pinnipeds, including number and proportion moving, direction and distance moved, and pace of movement; (D) Description of reactions; (E) Minimum distances between interacting and reacting pinnipeds; (F) Study location; (G) Local time; (H) Substratum type; (I) Substratum slope; (J) Weather condition; (K) Horizontal visibility; and (L) Tide state. (2) Acoustic Monitoring. (i) During all target missile launches, calibrated recordings of the levels and characteristics of the received launch sounds will be obtained from 3 different locations of varying distances from the target missile's flight path. To the extent practicable, these acoustic recording locations will correspond with the haul-out sites where video and human observer monitoring is done. (ii) Acoustic recordings will be supplemented by the use of radar and telemetry systems to obtain the trajectory of target missiles in three dimensions. (iii) Acoustic equipment used to record launch sounds will be suitable for collecting a wide range of parameters, including the magnitude, characteristics, and duration of each target missile. (e) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must implement the following reporting requirements: (1) For each target missile launch, the lead contractor or lead observer for the holder of the Letter of Authorization must provide a status report on the information required under §216.155(d)(1)(iii) to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Regional Office, unless other arrangements for monitoring are agreed in writing. (2) An initial report must be submitted to the Office of Protected Resources, and the Southwest Regional Office at least 60 days prior to the expiration of each annual Letter of Authorization. This report must contain the following information: (i) Timing and nature of launch operations; (ii) Summary of pinniped behavioral observations; (iii) Estimate of the amount and nature of all takes by harassment or by other means. (3) A draft comprehensive technical report will be submitted to the Office of Protected Resources and Southwest Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, 180 days prior to the expiration of these regulations and providing full documentation of the methods, results, and interpretation of all monitoring tasks for launches to date plus preliminary information for missile launches during the first 6 months of the final Letter of Authorization. (4) A revised final technical report, including all monitoring results during the entire period of the Letter of Authorization, will be due 90 days after the end of the period of effectiveness of these regulations. (5) Both the 60–day and draft comprehensive technical reports will be subject to review and comment by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Any recommendations made by the National Marine Fisheries Service must be addressed in the final comprehensive report prior to acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service. (f) Activities related to the monitoring described in paragraph (d) of this section, or in the Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106, may be conducted without the need for a separate scientific research permit. (g) In coordination and compliance with appropriate Navy regulations, at its discretion, the National Marine Fisheries Service may place an observer on San Nicolas Island for any activity involved in marine mammal monitoring either prior to, during, or after a missile launch in order to monitor the impact on marine mammals. § 216.156 Letter of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time specified in the Letter of Authorization but may not exceed the period of validity of this subpart. (b) A Letter of Authorization with a period of validity less than the period of validity of this subpart may be renewed subject to renewal conditions in §216.157. (c) A Letter of Authorization will set forth: (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking; (2) Specified geographic area for taking; (3) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking and its habitat; and (4) Requirements for monitoring and reporting incidental takes. (d) Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, and that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations. (e) Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.157 Renewal of a Letter of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106 and §216.156 for the activity specified in §216.151 will be renewed annually upon: (1) Notification to the National Marine Fisheries Service that the activity described in the application for a Letter of Authorization submitted under §216.156 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season; (2) Timely receipt of the monitoring reports required under §216.155, and acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service; (3) A determination by the National Marine Fisheries Service that the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures required under §§216.153 and 216.155 and the Letter of Authorization were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization; and (4) A determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity continues to be small and that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations. (b) A notice of issuance or denial of a renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.158 Modifications to the Letter of Authorization. top (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantive modification, including withdrawal or suspension, to the Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106 and subject to the provisions of this subpart shall be made until after notice and an opportunity for public comment. (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.151(b), the Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106 may be substantively modified without prior notice and an opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published in the Federal Register subsequent to the action. Subpart O [Reserved] top Subpart P—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental To Operating a Low Frequency Acoustic Source by the North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory top Source: 66 FR 43458, Aug. 17, 2001, unless otherwise noted. Effective Date Note: At 66 FR 43458, Aug. 17, 2001, subpart P was added, effective Sept. 17, 2001, to Sept. 17, 2006. § 216.170 Specified activity and specified geographical region. top (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of small numbers of marine mammals specified in paragraph (b) of this section by U.S. citizens engaged in conducting acoustic research using a moored, low-frequency acoustic source by the North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory off Kauai, Hawaii. (b) The incidental harassment of marine mammals under the activity identified in paragraph (a) of this section is limited to small numbers of the following species: humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), blue whales (B. musculus), Bryde's whales (B. edeni), minke whales (B. acutorostrata), North Pacific right whales (Balaena japonicus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, Berardius bairdi, and Mesoplodon spp.), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps), dwarf sperm whales (Kogia simus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), and melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra). and Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). § 216.171 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from September 17, 2001, through September 17, 2006. § 216.172 Permissible methods of taking. top (a) Under a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.176, the Holder of this Letter of Authorization may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by harassment within the area described in §216.170(a), provided the activity is in compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and the Letter of Authorization. (b) The activities identified in §216.170(a) must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, any adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. § 216.173 Prohibitions. top Notwithstanding takings authorized by §216.170(b) and by a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.176, no person in connection with the activities described in §216.170(a) shall: (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in §216.170(b); (b) Take any marine mammal specified in §216.170(b) other than by incidental, unintentional harassment; (c) Take any marine mammal specified in §216.170(b) if such take results in more than a negligible impact on the species or stocks of such marine mammal; or (d) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations or a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.176. § 216.174 Mitigation. top As described in the Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.176., the North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory acoustic source must: (a) Operate at the minimum duty cycle necessary for conducting large-scale acoustic thermometry and long-range propagation objectives. (b) Not increase the duty cycle during the months of January through April. (c) Operate at the minimum power level necessary for conducting large-scale acoustic thermometry and long-range propagation objectives, but no more than 260 Watts. (d) Precede all transmissions from the acoustic source by a 5-minute ramp-up of the acoustic source's power. § 216.175 Requirements for monitoring and reporting. top (a) The holder of the Letter of Authorization is required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. The holder must notify the Southwest Regional Administrator at least 2 weeks prior to commencing monitoring activities. (b) The Holder of this Authorization must conduct a minimum of eight surveys each year from February through early April in the area off the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, as specified in the Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.176. (c) The Holder of this Authorization must, through coordination with marine mammal stranding networks in Hawaii, monitor strandings of marine mammals to detect long-term trends in stranding and the potential relationship to the North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory acoustic source. (d) Activities related to the monitoring described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, or in the Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.176 may be conducted without the need for a separate scientific research permit. (e) In coordination and compliance with marine mammal researchers operating under this subpart, at its discretion, the National Marine Fisheries Service may place an observer on any aircraft involved in marine mammal surveys in order to monitor the impact on marine mammals. (f) The holder of a Letter of Authorization must annually submit a report to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, no later than 120 days after the conclusion of the humpback whale aerial survey monitoring program. This report must contain all the information required by the Letter of Authorization, including the results, if any, of coordination with coastal marine mammal stranding networks. (g) A final comprehensive report must be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service no later than 240 days after completion of the final year of humpback whale aerial survey monitoring conducted under §216.175. This report must contain all the information required by the Letter of Authorization. § 216.176 Letter of authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time specified in the Letter of Authorization but may not exceed the period of validity of this subpart. (b) A Letter of Authorization with a period of validity less than the period of validity of this subpart may be renewed subject to renewal conditions in §216.177. (c) A Letter of Authorization will set forth: (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking; (2) Authorized geographic area for taking; (3) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking and its habitat; and (4) Requirements for monitoring and reporting incidental takes. (d) Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, and that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity, specified in §216.170(b), as a whole, will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or stocks of affected marine mammal(s). (e) Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.177 Renewal of a letter of authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106 and §216.176 for the activity identified in §216.170(a) will be renewed annually upon: (1) Notification to the National Marine Fisheries Service that the activity described in the application for a Letter of Authorization submitted under §216.176 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season; (2) Timely receipt of the monitoring reports required under §216.175, which have been reviewed by the National Marine Fisheries Service and determined to be acceptable; (3) A determination by the National Marine Fisheries Service that the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures required under §§216.174 and 216.175 and the Letter of Authorization were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization; and (4) Renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity continues to be small and that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity, specified in §216.170(b), will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammal(s). (b) A notice of issuance or denial of a renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.178 Modifications to a letter of authorization. top (a) In addition to complying with the provisions of §§216.106 and 216.176, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantive modification (including withdrawal or suspension) to the Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.176 and subject to the provisions of this subpart shall be made by the National Marine Fisheries Service until after a notification and an opportunity for public comment has been provided. For purposes of this paragraph, a renewal of a Letter of Authorization under §216.177 without modification, except for the period of validity, is not considered a substantive modification. (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.170(b), a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.176 may be substantively modified without prior notification and an opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days subsequent to the action. Subpart Q—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) Sonar top Source: 67 FR 46785, July 16, 2002, unless otherwise noted. Effective Date Note: At 67 FR 46785, July 16, 2002, subpart Q was added, effective Aug. 15, 2002, through Aug. 15, 2007. § 216.180 Specified activity and specified geographical region. top Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of those marine mammal species specified in paragraph (b) of this section by the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, while engaged in the operation of no more than two SURTASS LFA sonar systems conducting active sonar operations, in areas specified in paragraph (a) of this section. The authorized activities, as specified in a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.188, include the transmission of low frequency sounds from the SURTASS LFA sonar and the transmission of high frequency sounds from the mitigation sonar described in §216.185 during training, testing, and routine military operations of SURTASS LFA sonar. (a) With the exception of those areas specified in §216.183(d), the incidental taking by harassment may be authorized in the following areas as specified in a Letter of Authorization: (1) Atlantic Polar Biome: (i) Boreal Polar Province (1/BPLR)(i.e., LFA sonar 180-dB exclusion zone); (ii) Atlantic Arctic Province (2/ARCT); (iii) Atlantic Subarctic Province (3/SARC); (2) North Atlantic Coastal Biome: (i) Northeast Atlantic Shelves Province (11/NECS), (A) North/Irish Sea Subprovince, (B) English Channel Subprovince, (C) Southern Outer Shelf Subprovince, (D) Northern Outer Shelf Subprovince, and (E) Baltic Subprovince; and (ii) Northwest Atlantic Shelves Province (15/NWCS), (A) Newfoundland/Nova Scotia Shelf Subprovince, (B) Gulf of St. Lawrence Coastal Subprovince, (C) Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy Coastal Subprovince, (D) Georges Bank/New York Bight Coastal Subprovince, (E) Middle Atlantic Bight Coastal Subprovince, (F) South Atlantic Bight Coastal Subprovince; (3) South Atlantic Coastal Biome: (i) Benguela Current Coastal Province (22/BENG); (ii) Brazil Current Coastal Province (20/BRAZ); (iii) Eastern (Canary) Coastal Province (12/CNRY); (iv) Southwest Atlantic Shelves Province (21/FKLD); (v) Guianas Coastal Province (14/GUIA); (vi) Guinea Current Coastal Province (13/GUIN), (A) Guiana Coastal Subprovince, and (B) Central African Coastal Subprovince; (4) Atlantic Westerly Winds Biome: (i) Gulf Stream Province (5/GFST); (ii) North Atlantic Drift Province (4/NADR); (iii) North Atlantic Subtropical Gyral East Province (18/NASTE); and (iv) North Atlantic Subtropical Gyral West Province (6/NASTW); (5) Atlantic Trade Wind Biome: (i) Caribbean Province (17/CARB); (A) Gulf of Mexico Subprovince; (B) Caribbean Sea Subprovince; (ii) Eastern Tropical Atlantic Province (9/ETRA); (iii) North Atlantic Tropical Gyral Province (7/NATR); (iv) South Atlantic Gyral Province (10/SATL); (v) Western Tropical Atlantic Province (8/WTRA); (6) Mediterranean/Black Sea Biome: (i) Mediterranean Sea Province (16A/MEDI); (ii) Black Sea Province (16B/BLSE); (7) Indian Ocean Coastal Biome: (i) Australia/Indonesia Coastal Province (37/AUSW); (ii) Eastern India Coastal Province (35/INDE); (iii) Northwestern Arabian Upwelling Province (34/ARAB); (iv) Eastern Africa Coastal Province (32/EAFR); (v) Western India Coastal Province (36/INDW); (vi) Red Sea, Persian Gulf Province (33/REDS); (8) Indian Ocean Trade Wind Biome: (i) Indian South Subtropical Gyre Province (31/ISSG); (ii) Indian Monsoon Gyres Province (30/MONS); (9) North Pacific Coastal Biome: (i) Alaska Downwelling Coastal Province (65/ALSK), (A) Canadian/Alaskan Coastal Subprovince, (B) Aleutian Stream Coastal Subprovince, (ii) California Current Province (66/CALC), (A) Oregon-British Columbia Coastal Subprovince, (B) Point Conception/Cape Mendicino Coastal Subprovince, (C) Southern California Bight Subprovince, and (D) Baja California Subprovince; (iii) Central American Coastal Province (67/CAMR); (iv) China Sea Coastal Province (69/CHIN); (10) South Pacific Coastal Biome: (i) East Australian Coastal Province (71/AUSE); (ii) Humboldt Current Coastal Province (68/HUMB); (A) Chilean Coastal Subprovince and (B) Peruvian Coastal Subprovince; (iii) New Zealand Coastal Province (72/NEWZ); (iv) Sunda/Arafura Shelves Province (70/SUND); (11) Pacific Polar Biome: (i) North Pacific Epicontinental Sea Province (50/BERS); (A) Bering Sea Subprovince; (B) Okhotsk Sea Subprovince; (ii) Reserved; (12) Pacific Trade Wind Biome: (i) Archipelagic Deep Basins Province (64/ARCH); (ii) North Pacific Tropical Gyre West Province (56/NPTGW); (iii) North Pacific Tropical Gyre East Province (60/NPTGE); (iv) Pacific Equatorial Divergence Province (62/PEQD); (v) North Pacific Equatorial Countercurrent Province (61/PNEC); (vi) South Pacific Subtropical Gyre Province (59/SPGS); (vii) Western Pacific Warm Pool Province (63/WARM); (13) Pacific Westerly Winds Biome: (i) Kuroshio Current Province (53/KURO); (ii) North Pacific Transition Zone Province (54/NPPF); (iii) Pacific Subarctic Gyres (East) Province (51/PSAGE); (iv) Pacific Subarctic Gyres (West) Province (52/PSAGW); (14) Antarctic Westerly Winds Biome: (i) Subantarctic Water Ring Province (81/SANT), (A) Atlantic Subantarctic Ring Subprovince; (B) Indian Ocean Subantarctic Ring Subprovince; (C) Pacific Ocean Subantarctic Water Ring Subprovince; (ii) Subtropical Convergence Province (80/SSTC), (A) Atlantic South Subtropical Convergence Subprovince; (B) Indian Ocean South Subtropical Convergence Subprovince; (C) Pacific Ocean South Subtropical Convergence Subprovince; (iii) Tasman Sea Province (58/TASM); (15) Antarctic Polar Biome: (SURTASS LFA sonar exclusion zone); (i) Antarctic Province (82/ANTA) (ii) Austral Polar Province (83/APLR). (b) The incidental take by Level A and Level B harassment of marine mammals under the activity identified in this section is limited to the following species and species groups: (1) Mysticete whales—blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), pygmy right whale (Capera marginata), bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). (2) Odontocete whales—Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), right-whale dolphin (Lissodelphis spp.), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), Stenella spp. Lagenorhynchus spp., Cephalorhynchus spp. melon-headed whale (Peponocephala spp.), beaked whales (Berardius spp., Hyperoodon spp., Mesoplodon spp.), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), Shepard's beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi), Longman's beaked whale (Indopacetus pacificus), killer whale (Orcinus orca), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dwarf and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia simus and K. breviceps), and short-finned and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus and G. melas). (3) Pinnipeds—harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), spotted seals (P. largha), ribbon seals (P. fasciata), gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), hooded seal (Cystophora cristata), elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris and M. leonina). Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi), Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus); southern fur seals (Arctocephalus spp.), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea), New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri), and South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). § 216.181 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from August 15, 2002 through August 15, 2007. § 216.182 Permissible methods of taking. top (a) Under Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.188, the Holder of the Letter of Authorization may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by Level A and Level B harassment within the areas described in §216.180(a), provided the activity is in compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and the appropriate Letter of Authorization. (b) The activities identified in §216.180 must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, any adverse impacts on marine mammals, their habitat, and the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses. § 216.183 Prohibitions. top Notwithstanding takings authorized by §216.180 and by a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.188, no person in connection with the activities described in §216.180 shall: (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in §216.180(b); (b) Take any marine mammal specified in §216.180(b) other than by incidental, unintentional Level A and Level B harassment; (c) Take any marine mammal by receiving a sound pressure level greater than 180 dB while operating under a Letter of Authorization in any geographic area for which a Letter of Authorization has not been issued; (d) Take a marine mammal specified in §216.180(b) if such taking results in more than a negligible impact on the species or stocks of such marine mammal; or (e) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of the regulations in this subpart or any Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.188. § 216.184 Mitigation. top The activity identified in §216.180(a) must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitats. When conducting operations identified in §216.180, the mitigation measures described in this section and in any Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.188 must be implemented. (a) Through monitoring described under §216.185, the Holder of a Letter of Authorization will ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that no marine mammal is subjected to a sound pressure level of 180 dB or greater. (b) If a marine mammal is detected within the area subjected to sound pressure levels of 180 dB or greater (safety zone) or within the 1 km (0.5 nm) (buffer) zone extending beyond the 180-dB safety zone, SURTASS LFA sonar transmissions will be immediately delayed or suspended. Transmissions will not resume earlier than 15 minutes after: (1) All marine mammals have left the area of the safety and buffer zones; and (2) There is no further detection of any marine mammal within the safety and buffer zones as determined by the visual and/or passive or active acoustic monitoring described in §216.185. (c) The high-frequency marine mammal monitoring sonar (HF/M3) described in §216.185 will be ramped-up slowly to operating levels over a period of no less than 5 minutes: (1) At least 30 minutes prior to any SURTASS LFA sonar transmissions; (2) Prior to any SURTASS LFA sonar calibrations or testings that are not part of regular SURTASS LFA sonar transmissions described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and (3) Anytime after the HF/M3 source has been powered down for more than 2 minutes. (d) The HF/M3 source will not increase its sound pressure level once a marine mammal is detected; ramp-up may proceed once marine mammals are no longer detected. (e) The Holder of a Letter of Authorization will not operate the SURTASS LFA sonar while under a Letter of Authorization, such that the SURTASS LFA sonar sound field exceeds 180 dB (re 1 µPa(rms)): (1) At a distance of 12 nautical miles (nm) (22 kilometers (km)) from any coastline, including offshore islands; (2) Within any offshore area that has been designated as biologically important for marine mammals under §216.183(f), during the biologically important season for that particular area; (3) Within the offshore boundaries that extend beyond 12 nm (22 km) of the following National Marine Sanctuaries: (i) Monterey Bay, (ii) Gulf of the Farallones, and (iii) Cordell Bank; (4) Within 23 nm (37.4 km) during the months of December, January, March, and May of each year in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. (f) The following areas have been designated by NMFS as offshore areas of critical biological importance for marine mammals (by season if appropriate): ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Months of Name of area Location of area importance ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) 200-m isobath North American From 28° N. to Year-Round. East Coast. 50° N. west of 40° W. (2) Antarctic Convergence Zone.. 30° E. to October 1 through 80° E to March 31. 45° S. 80° E. to 150° E. to 55° S. 150° E. to 50° W. to 60° S. 50° W to 30° E. to 50° S. (3) Costa Rica Dome............. Centered at 9° Year-Round. N. and 88° W. (4) Penguin Bank................ Centered at November 1 through 21° N. and May 1. 157°30[min] W. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ § 216.185 Requirements for monitoring. top (a) In order to mitigate the taking of marine mammals by SURTASS LFA sonar to the greatest extent practicable, the Holder of a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.188 must: (1) Conduct visual monitoring from the ship's bridge during all daylight hours; (2) Use low frequency passive SURTASS LFA sonar to listen for vocalizing marine mammals; and (3) Use the HF/M3 sonar to locate and track marine mammals in relation to the SURTASS LFA sonar vessel and the sound field produced by the SURTASS LFA sonar source array. (b) Monitoring under paragraph (a) of this section must: (1) Commence at least 30 minutes before the first SURTASS LFA sonar transmission; (2) Continue between transmission pings; and (3) Continue either for at least 15 minutes after completion of the SURTASS LFA sonar transmission exercise, or, if marine mammals are exhibiting unusual behavioral patterns, for a period of time until behavior patterns return to normal or conditions prevent continued observations; (c) Holders of Letters of Authorization for activities described in §216.180 are required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and any other federal agency for monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. (d) Holders of Letters of Authorization must designate qualified on-site individuals to conduct the mitigation, monitoring and reporting activities specified in the Letter of Authorization. (e) Holders of Letters of Authorization must conduct all monitoring and research required under the Letter of Authorization. § 216.186 Requirements for reporting. top (a) The Holder of the Letter of Authorization must submit quarterly mission reports to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter beginning on the date of effectiveness of a Letter of Authorization or as specified in the appropriate Letter of Authorization. Each quarterly mission report will include all active-mode missions completed during that quarter. At a minimum, each classified mission report must contain the following information: (1) Dates, times, and location of the vessel during the mission; (2) Information on sonar transmissions as detailed in the Letter of Authorization; and (3) Results of the marine mammal monitoring program specified in the Letter of Authorization. (b) The Holder of a Letter of Authorization must submit an annual report to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, no later than 90 days prior to expiration of a Letter of Authorization. This report must contain all the information required by the Letter of Authorization. (c) A final comprehensive report must be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS at least 240 days prior to expiration of these regulations. In addition to containing all the information required by any final year Letter of Authorization, this report must contain an analysis of new passive technologies and an assessment of whether such a system is feasible as an alternative to SURTASS LFA sonar. § 216.187 Applications for Letters of Authorization. top (a) To incidentally take marine mammals pursuant to these regulations, the U.S. Navy authority conducting the activity identified in §216.180 must apply for and obtain a Letter of Authorization in accordance with §216.106. (b) The application for an initial or a renewal of a Letter of Authorization must be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, at least 60 days before the date that either the vessel is scheduled to begin conducting SURTASS LFA sonar operations or the previous Letter of Authorization is scheduled to expire. (c) All applications for a Letter of Authorization must include the following information: (1) The date(s), duration, and the specified geographical region where the vessel's activity will occur; (2) The species and/or stock(s) of marine mammals likely to be found within each specified geographical region; (3) The type of incidental taking authorization requested (i.e., take by Level A and/or Level B harassment); (4) The estimated percentage of marine mammal species/stocks potentially affected in each specified geographic region for the 12-month period of effectiveness of the Letter of Authorization; and (5) The means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the species and the level of taking or impacts on marine mammal populations. (d) The National Marine Fisheries Service will review an application for a Letter of Authorization in accordance with §216.104(b) and, if adequate and complete, issue a Letter of Authorization. § 216.188 Letters of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked will be valid for a period of time not to exceed one year, but may be renewed annually subject to annual renewal conditions in §216.189. (b) Each Letter of Authorization will set forth: (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking; (2) Authorized geographic areas for incidental takings; (3) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking, their habitat, and the availability of the species for subsistence uses; and (4) Requirements for monitoring and reporting incidental takes. (c) Issuance of each Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, that the total number of marine mammals taken by the activity specified in §216.180 as a whole will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammal(s), and that the total taking will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or stocks of marine mammals for taking for subsistence uses. (d) Notice of issuance or denial of an application for a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.189 Renewal of Letters of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106 and §216.188 for the activity identified in §216.180 will be renewed annually upon: (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under §216.187 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season; (2) Notification to NMFS of the information identified in §216.187(c), including the planned geographic area(s), and anticipated duration of each SURTASS LFA sonar operation; (3) Timely receipt of the monitoring reports required under §216.185, which have been reviewed by NMFS and determined to be acceptable; (4) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under §§216.184 and 216.185 and the Letter of Authorization were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming annual period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization; and (5) A determination by NMFS that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity continues to be small, that the total number of marine mammals taken by the activity specified in §216.180, as a whole will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammal(s), and that the total taking will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or stocks of marine mammals for taking for subsistence uses. (b) If a request for a renewal of a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.188 indicates that a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation or monitoring will occur, or if NMFS proposes a substantial modification to the Letter of Authorization, NMFS will provide a period of 30 days for public review and comment on the proposed modification. Amending the list of areas for upcoming SURTASS LFA sonar operations is not considered a substantial modification to the Letter of Authorization. (c) A notice of issuance or denial of a renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.190 Modifications to Letters of Authorization. top (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantial modification (including withdrawal or suspension) to a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.188 and subject to the provisions of this subpart shall be made by NMFS until after notification and an opportunity for public comment has been provided. For purposes of this paragraph, a renewal of a Letter of Authorization under §216.189, without modification, except for the period of validity and a listing of planned operating areas, or for moving the authorized SURTASS LFA sonar system from one ship to another, is not considered a substantial modification. (b) If the National Marine Fisheries Service determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.180(b), a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.188 may be substantially modified without prior notice and opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days subsequent to the action. § 216.191 Designation of Biologically Important Marine Mammal Areas. top (a) Biologically important areas for marine mammals may be nominated under this paragraph by the National Marine Fisheries Service or by the public. (b) In order for the National Marine Fisheries Service to designate offshore areas of biological importance for marine mammals under this rule, proponents must petition NMFS by requesting an area be added to the list of biologically important areas in §216.184(f) and submitting the following information: (1) Geographic region proposed for consideration (including geographic boundaries); (2) A list of marine mammals within the proposed geographic region; (3) Whether the proposal is for year-round designation or seasonal, and if seasonal, months of years for proposed designation; (4) Detailed information on the biology of marine mammals within the area, including estimated population size, distribution, density, status, and the principal biological activity during the proposed period of designation sufficient for NMFS to make a preliminary determination that the area is biologically important for marine mammals; and (5) Detailed information on the area with regard to its importance for either primary feeding, breeding, or migration for those species of marine mammals that have the potential to be affected by low frequency sounds; (c) Areas within 12 nm (22 km) of any coastline, including offshore islands, or within non-operating areas for SURTASS LFA sonar are not eligible for consideration; (d) If a petition is received without sufficient information for the National Marine Fisheries Service to proceed, NMFS will determine whether the nominated area warrants further study. If so, NMFS will begin a scientific review of the area. (e)(1) If through a petition or independently, NMFS makes a preliminary determination that an area is biologically important for marine mammals and is not located within a previously designated area, NMFS will propose to add the area to §216.184(f) and provide a public comment period of at least 45 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. (2) The National Marine Fisheries Service will publish its final determination in the Federal Register. Subpart R—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction and Operation of Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities in the U.S. Beaufort Sea top Source: 71 FR 11322, Mar. 7, 2006, unless otherwise noted. Effective Date Note: At 71 FR 11322, Mar. 7, 2006, subpart R, consisting of §§216.200 through 216.210 were added, effective Apr. 6, 2006 through Apr. 6, 2011. § 216.200 Specified activity and specified geographical region. top Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of those marine mammal species specified in paragraph (b) of this section by U.S. citizens engaged in oil and gas development activities in areas within state and/or Federal waters in the U.S. Beaufort Sea specified in paragraph (a) of this section. The authorized activities as specified in a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.208 include, but may not be limited to, site construction, including ice road and pipeline construction, vessel and helicopter activity; and oil production activities, including ice road construction, and vessel and helicopter activity, but excluding seismic operations. (a)(1) Northstar Oil and Gas Development; and (2) [Reserved] (b) The incidental take by Level A harassment, Level B harassment or mortality of marine mammals under the activity identified in this section is limited to the following species: bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), ringed seal (Phoca hispida), spotted seal (Phoca largha) and bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus). § 216.201 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from April 6, 2006 through April 6, 2011. § 216.202 Permissible methods of taking. top (a) Under Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.208, the Holder of the Letter of Authorization may incidentally, but not intentionally, take marine mammals by Level A and Level B harassment and mortality within the area described in §216.200(a), provided the activity is in compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and the appropriate Letter of Authorization. (b) The activities identified in §216.200 must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, any adverse impacts on marine mammals, their habitat, and on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses. § 216.203 Prohibitions. top Notwithstanding takings contemplated in §216.200 and authorized by a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.208, no person in connection with the activities described in §216.200 shall: (a) Take any marine mammal not specified in §216.200(b); (b) Take any marine mammal specified in §216.200(b) other than by incidental, unintentional Level A or Level B harassment or mortality; (c) Take a marine mammal specified in §216.200(b) if such taking results in more than a negligible impact on the species or stocks of such marine mammal; or (d) Violate, or fail to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations or a Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106. § 216.204 Mitigation. top The activity identified in §216.200(a) must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitats. When conducting operations identified in §216.200, the mitigation measures contained in the Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.208 must be utilized. § 216.205 Measures to ensure availability of species for subsistence uses. top When applying for a Letter of Authorization pursuant to §216.207, or a renewal of a Letter of Authorization pursuant to §216.209, the applicant must submit a Plan of Cooperation that identifies what measures have been taken and/or will be taken to minimize any adverse effects on the availability of marine mammals for subsistence uses. A plan must include the following: (a) A statement that the applicant has notified and met with the affected subsistence communities to discuss proposed activities and to resolve potential conflicts regarding timing and methods of operation; (b) A description of what measures the applicant has taken and/or will take to ensure that oil development activities will not interfere with subsistence whaling or sealing; (c) What plans the applicant has to continue to meet with the affected communities to notify the communities of any changes in operation. § 216.206 Requirements for monitoring and reporting. top (a) Holders of Letters of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.208 for activities described in §216.200 are required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. Unless specified otherwise in the Letter of Authorization, the Holder of the Letter of Authorization must notify the Administrator, Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, or his/her designee, by letter or telephone, at least 2 weeks prior to initiating new activities potentially involving the taking of marine mammals. (b) Holders of Letters of Authorization must designate qualified on-site individuals, approved in advance by the National Marine Fisheries Service, to conduct the mitigation, monitoring and reporting activities specified in the Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106 and §216.208. (c) Holders of Letters of Authorization must conduct all monitoring and/or research required under the Letter of Authorization. (d) Unless specified otherwise in the Letter of Authorization, the Holder of that Letter of Authorization must submit an annual report to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, no later than March 31 of the year following the conclusion of the previous open water monitoring season. This report must contain all information required by the Letter of Authorization. (e) A final annual comprehensive report must be submitted within the time period specified in the governing Letter of Authorization. (f) A final comprehensive report on all marine mammal monitoring and research conducted during the period of these regulations must be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service at least 240 days prior to expiration of these regulations or 240 days after the expiration of these regulations if renewal of the regulations will not be requested. § 216.207 Applications for Letters of Authorization. top (a) To incidentally take bowhead whales and other marine mammals pursuant to these regulations, the U.S. citizen (see definition at §216.103) conducting the activity identified in §216.200 must apply for and obtain either an initial Letter of Authorization in accordance with §§216.106 and 216.208, or a renewal under §216.209. (b) The application for an initial Letter of Authorization must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service at least 180 days before the activity is scheduled to begin. (c) Applications for initial Letters of Authorization must include all information items identified in §216.104(a). (d) NMFS will review an application for an initial Letter of Authorization in accordance with §216.104(b) and, if adequate and complete, will publish a notice of receipt of a request for incidental taking and a proposed amendment to §216.200(a). In conjunction with amending §216.200(a), the National Marine Fisheries Service will provide for public comment on the application for an initial Letter of Authorization. (e) Upon receipt of a complete application for an initial Letter of Authorization, and at its discretion, the National Marine Fisheries Service may submit the monitoring plan to members of a peer review panel for review and/or schedule a workshop to review the plan. Unless specified in the Letter of Authorization, the applicant must submit a final monitoring plan to the Assistant Administrator prior to the issuance of an initial Letter of Authorization. § 216.208 Letters of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the period of validity of this subpart, but must be renewed annually subject to annual renewal conditions in §216.209. (b) Each Letter of Authorization will set forth: (1) Permissible methods of incidental taking; (2) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species, its habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses; and (3) Requirements for monitoring and reporting, including any requirements for the independent peer-review of proposed monitoring plans. (c) Issuance and renewal of each Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, that the total number of marine mammals taken by the activity as a whole will have no more than a negligible impact on the species or stock of affected marine mammal(s), and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species or stocks of marine mammals for taking for subsistence uses. (d) Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.209 Renewal of Letters of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106 and §216.208 for the activity identified in §216.200 will be renewed annually upon: (1) Notification to the National Marine Fisheries Service that the activity described in the application submitted under §216.207 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season; (2) Timely receipt of the monitoring reports required under §216.205, and the Letter of Authorization issued under §216.208, which have been reviewed and accepted by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and of the Plan of Cooperation required under §216.205; and (3) A determination by the National Marine Fisheries Service that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under §216.204 and the Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.208, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming annual period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization. (b) If a request for a renewal of a Letter of Authorization issued under §§216.106 and 216.208 indicates that a substantial modification to the described work, mitigation or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season will occur, the National Marine Fisheries Service will provide the public a minimum of 30 days for review and comment on the request. Review and comment on renewals of Letters of Authorization are restricted to: (1) New cited information and data that indicates that the determinations made in this document are in need of reconsideration, (2) The Plan of Cooperation, and (3) The proposed monitoring plan. (c) A notice of issuance or denial of a Renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.210 Modifications to Letters of Authorization. top (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantive modification (including withdrawal or suspension) to the Letter of Authorization by the National Marine Fisheries Service, issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.208 and subject to the provisions of this subpart shall be made until after notification and an opportunity for public comment has been provided. For purposes of this paragraph, a renewal of a Letter of Authorization under §216.209, without modification (except for the period of validity), is not considered a substantive modification. (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.200(b), a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §§216.106 and 216.208 may be substantively modified without prior notification and an opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days subsequent to the action. Subparts S–T [Reserved] top Subpart U—Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches from the Kodiak Launch Complex, Kodiak Island, AK top Source: 71 FR 4308, Jan. 26, 2006, unless otherwise noted. § 216.230 Specified activity and specified geographical region. top (a) Regulations in this subpart apply only to the incidental taking of marine mammals specified in paragraph (b) of this section by U.S. citizens engaged in rocket launch activities (up to nine launches per year) at the Kodiak Launch Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska. (b) The incidental take of marine mammals under the activity identified in paragraph (a) of this section is limited to Steller sea lions (Eumetopius jubatus) and Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi). § 216.231 Effective dates. top Regulations in this subpart are effective from February 27, 2006 through February 28, 2011. § 216.232 Permissible methods of taking. top (a) Under a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to §216.106, the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation and its contractors, may incidentally, but not intentionally, take Steller sea lions by Level B harassment, take adult Pacific harbor seals by Level B harassment, and take harbor seal pups by Level B or Level A harassment or mortality, in the course of conducting missile launch activities within the area described in §216.230(a), provided all terms, conditions, and requirements of these regulations and such Letter of Authorization are complied with. (b) The activities identified in §216.230(a) must be conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the greatest extent practicable, adverse impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. § 216.233 Prohibitions. top The following activities are prohibited: (a) The taking of a marine mammal that is other than unintentional. (b) The violation of, or failure to comply with, the terms, conditions, and requirements of this subpart or a Letter of Authorization issued under §216.106. (c) The incidental taking of any marine mammal of a species not specified, or in a manner not authorized, in this subpart. § 216.234 Mitigation, monitoring and reporting. top (a) No more than five launches may occur between May 15 and June 30 within the 5–year period, and no more than 15 launches may occur between June 15 and September 30 within the 5–year period. (b) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must implement the following measures for all launches occurring from June through October: (1) Conduct five replicate fixed-wing aerial surveys of all hauled out Steller sea lions and harbor seals at Ugak Island, each flown at low tide (weather permitting), using a minimum flight altitude of 500 feet (152 meters) above sea level, with an approach no closer than 0.25 mi (0.40 km) to the haulout, and conducted a day prior to, directly following, and for three consecutive days after a launch. (2) At least one biologist observer will accompany the pilot during all aerial surveys. (3) Data gathered during aerial surveys will be gathered visually and through the use of a camera with a zoom lens. (4) A real-time video record of Steller sea lion reactions to launch noise will be made using a video camera system placed upon the Ugak Island haulout before a scheduled launch and then retrieved after the launch. (5) Sound intensities and frequencies of rocket motor noise will be recorded before, during, and after a launch by a sound level monitor mounted upon the Ugak Island haulout and set to highlight sounds greater than 70 dBA. Monitors will be installed one day or more before a launch and retrieved within one day post-launch. (c) A trial effort to obtain real-time video records of harbor seals hauled out at the eastern end of the northern side of the island and their reactions to launch noise will be made as soon as practicable. A brief report summarizing the efficacy of this monitoring effort should be included in the standard monitoring reports for that launch and year. If valuable data may be gathered using this method, real-time video records of harbor seals reactions to launch noise will be made before launches scheduled between May 15 and June 30, and between June 30 and September 30 if the equipment is not being used to record Steller sea lions, and then retrieved after the launches. (d) Security flights immediately associated with rocket launches may not approach closer than 0.25 mile (0.4 km) to occupied pinniped haulout sites on Ugak Island or fly lower than 1000 ft (305 m) when the plane is closer than 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from occupied pinniped sites on Ugak Island unless indications of human presence or activity warrant closer inspection of the area to assure that national security interests are protected in accordance with the law. (e) When pinnipeds are present at haulouts during security overflights associated with rocket launches, and when practicable, a member of the flight crew will note and record whether pinnipeds appeared to flush as a result of the overflight and estimate a number. (f) The holder of the Letter of Authorization is required to cooperate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and any other Federal, state or local agency monitoring the impacts of the activity on marine mammals. The holder must notify the NMFS Alaska Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources and to the NMFS Division of Permits, Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources at least 2 weeks prior to commencing monitoring activities. (g) Activities related to the monitoring described in paragraph (a) of this section or in the Letter of Authorization may be conducted without a separate scientific research permit. (h) In coordination and compliance with the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation, the National Marine Fisheries Service may place an observer on Kodiak or Ugak Islands for any marine mammal monitoring activity prior to, during, or after a missile launch to monitor impacts on marine mammals, provided observers are not within the calculated danger zone of the rocket's flight path during a launch. (i) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must comply with any other applicable state or federal permits, regulations, and environmental monitoring agreements set up with other agencies. (j) The National Marine Fisheries Service must be informed immediately of any proposed changes or deletions to any portions of the monitoring requirements. (k) The holder of the Letter of Authorization must implement the following reporting requirements: (1) If indications of injurious or lethal take are recorded, the NMFS Alaska Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources and the NMFS Division of Permits, Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources, or their designees, will be contacted within 48 hours. In consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, launch procedure, mitigation measures, and monitoring methods must be reviewed and appropriate changes made prior to the next launch. (2) Data from monitoring activities will be reported to the National Marine Fisheries Service within 90 days following cessation of field activities for each launch. After the trial effort to videotape harbor seals at the eastern end of the north side of Ugak island, a summary of the effectiveness of the videotaping will be included in the associated launch report. (3) An interim technical report must be submitted to the NMFS Alaska Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources and to the NMFS Division of Permits, Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources at least 60 days prior to the expiration of each annual Letter of Authorization. This report must contain the following information: (i) Timing and nature of launch operations and monitoring flights; (ii) A summary of marine mammal behavioral observations in relation to recorded acoustic stimuli and other known visual or audio stimuli; (iii) An estimate of the amount and nature of all takes. (iv) A copy of all videotapes containing sea lion and harbor seal footage, and selected illustrative 35 mm or digital pictures, cross-referenced to the appropriate launches and acoustic measurements. (4) A draft comprehensive technical report will be submitted to the NMFS Alaska Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources and to the NMFS Division of Permits, Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources, 180 days prior to the expiration of these regulations with full documentation of the methods, results, and interpretation of all monitoring tasks for launches during all expired Letters of Authorization, plus preliminary information for launches during the first 6 months of the final Letter of Authorization. (5) A revised final comprehensive technical report, including all monitoring results during the entire period of the Letter of Authorization, will be due 90 days after the end of the period of effectiveness of these regulations. (6) The interim and draft comprehensive technical reports will be subject to review and comment by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Any recommendations made by the National Marine Fisheries Service must be addressed in the final comprehensive technical report prior to acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service. § 216.235 Letter of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time specified in the Letter of Authorization, but a Letter of Authorization may not be valid beyond the effective period of the regulations. (b) A Letter of Authorization will set forth: (1) Species of marine mammals authorized to be taken; (2) Permissible methods of incidental taking; (3) Specified geographical region; (4) Means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species of marine mammals authorized for taking and its habitat; and (5) Requirements for monitoring and reporting incidental takes. (c) Issuance of a Letter of Authorization will be based on a determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small, and that the total taking by the activity as a whole will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammal(s). (d) Notice of issuance or denial of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.236 Renewal of a Letter of Authorization. top (a) A Letter of Authorization for the activity identified in §216.230(a) will be renewed upon: (1) Notification to the National Marine Fisheries Service that the activity described in the application for a Letter of Authorization submitted under §216.235 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the described activity, mitigation or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming season; (2) Timely receipt of and acceptance by the National Marine Fisheries Service of the monitoring reports required under §216.234; (3) A determination by the National Marine Fisheries Service that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under §§216.232 and 216.234 and the Letter of Authorization were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization; and (4) A determination that the number of marine mammals taken by the activity will be small and that the total taking by the activity will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammal(s), and that the level of taking will be consistent with the findings made for the total taking allowable under these regulations. (b) A notice of issuance or denial of a renewal of a Letter of Authorization will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of a determination. § 216.237 Modifications to a Letter of Authorization. top (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no substantive modification (including withdrawal or suspension) to a Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to the provisions of this subpart shall be made by the National Marine Fisheries Service until after notification and an opportunity for public comment has been provided. A renewal of a Letter of Authorization under §216.236 without modification is not considered a substantive modification. (b) If the Assistant Administrator determines that an emergency exists that poses a significant risk to the well-being of the species or stocks of marine mammals specified in §216.230(b), a Letter of Authorization may be substantively modified without prior notification and an opportunity for public comment. Notification will be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of the action.