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(continued) e Assistant Administrator to enter the permit holder's premises at any reasonable hour to inspect any fish or wildlife held or to inspect, audit, or copy any permits, books, or records required to be kept by these regulations or by the Act. Such person shall display any permit issued pursuant to these regulations or to the Act upon request by an authorized officer or by any other person relying on its existence.

§ 222.302 Procedure for obtaining permits.
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(a) Applications must be submitted to the Assistant Administrator, by letter containing all necessary information, attachments, certification, and signature, as specified by the regulations in parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, or by the Act. In no case, other than for emergencies pursuant to §222.301(a)(2), will applications be accepted either orally or by telephone.

(b) Applications must be received by the Assistant Administrator at least 90 calendar days prior to the date on which the applicant desires to have the permit made effective, unless otherwise specified in the regulations or guidelines pertaining to a particular permit. The National Marine Fisheries Service will attempt to process applications deemed sufficient in the shortest possible time, but does not guarantee that the permit will be issued 90 days after notice of receipt of the application is published in the Federal Register.

(c)(1) Upon receipt of an insufficiently or improperly executed application, the applicant shall be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the applicant fails to supply the deficient information or otherwise fails to correct the deficiency within 60 days following the date of notification, the application shall be considered abandoned.

(2) The sufficiency of the application shall be determined by the Assistant Administrator in accordance with the requirements of this part. The Assistant Administrator, however, may waive any requirement for information or require any elaboration or further information deemed necessary.

§ 222.303 Issuance of permits.
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(a)(1) No permit may be issued prior to the receipt of a written application unless an emergency pursuant to §222.301(a)(2) exists, and a written variation from the requirements is recorded by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

(2) No representation of an employee or agent of the United States shall be construed as a permit unless it meets the requirements of a permit defined in §222.102.

(3) Each permit shall bear a serial number. Upon renewal, such a number may be reassigned to the permittee to whom issued so long as the permittee maintains continuity of renewal.

(b) When an application for a permit received by the Assistant Administrator is deemed sufficient, the Assistant Administrator shall, as soon as practicable, publish a notice in the Federal Register. Information received by the Assistant Administrator as a part of the application shall be available to the public as a matter of public record at every stage of the proceeding. An interested party, within 30 days after the date of publication of such notice, may submit to the Assistant Administrator written data, views, or arguments with respect to the taking, importation, or to other action proposed in the application, and may request a hearing in connection with the action to be taken thereon.

(c) If a request for a hearing is made within the 30-day period referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, or if the Assistant Administrator determines that a hearing would otherwise be advisable, the Assistant Administrator may, within 60 days after the date of publication of the notice referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, afford to such requesting party or parties an opportunity for a hearing. Such hearing shall also be open to participation by any interested members of the public. Notice of the date, time, and place of such hearing shall be published in the Federal Register not less than 15 days in advance of such hearing. Any interested person may appear at the hearing in person or through a representative and may submit any relevant material, data, views, comments, arguments, or exhibits. A summary record of the hearing shall be kept.

(d) Except as provided in subpart D to 15 CFR part 904, as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days after the close of the hearing. If no hearing is held, as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days from the publication of the notice in the Federal Register, the Assistant Administrator shall issue or deny issuance of the permit. Notice of the decision of the Assistant Administrator shall be published in the Federal Register within 10 days after the date of the issuance or denial and indicate where copies of the permit, if issued, may be obtained.

(e)(1) The Assistant Administrator shall issue the permit unless:

(i) Denial of the permit has been made pursuant to subpart D to 15 CFR part 904;

(ii) The applicant has failed to disclose material or information required, or has made false statements as to any material fact, in connection with the application;

(iii) The applicant has failed to demonstrate a valid justification for the permit or a showing of responsibility;

(iv) The authorization requested potentially threatens a fish or wildlife population; or

(v) The Assistant Administrator finds through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, that the applicant is not qualified.

(2) The applicant shall be notified in writing of the denial of any permit request, and the reasons thereof. If authorized in the notice of denial, the applicant may submit further information or reasons why the permit should not be denied. Such further information shall not be considered a new application. The final action by the Assistant Administrator shall be considered the final administrative decision of the Department of Commerce.

(f) If a permit is issued under §222.308, the Assistant Administrator shall publish notice thereof in the Federal Register, including the Assistant Administrator's finding that such permit—

(1) Was applied for in good faith;

(2) Will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and

(3) Will be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in section 2 of the Act.

(g) The Assistant Administrator may waive the 30-day period in an emergency situation where the health or life of an endangered animal is threatened and no reasonable alternative is available to the applicant. Notice of any such waiver shall be published by the Assistant Administrator in the Federal Register within 10 days following the issuance of the permit.

§ 222.304 Renewal of permits.
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When the permit is renewable and a permittee intends to continue the activity described in the permit during any portion of the year ensuing its expiration, the permittee shall, unless otherwise notified in writing by the Assistant Administrator, file a request for permit renewal, together with a certified statement, verifying that the information in the original application is still currently correct. If the information is incorrect the permittee shall file a statement of all changes in the original application, accompanied by any required fee at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the permit. Any person holding a valid renewable permit, who has complied with the foregoing provision of this section, may continue such activities as were authorized by the expired permit until the renewal application is acted upon.

§ 222.305 Rights of succession and transfer of permits.
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(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, permits issued pursuant to parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter are not transferable or assignable. In the event that a permit authorizes certain business activities in connection with a business or commercial enterprise, which is then subject to any subsequent lease, sale or transfer, the successor to that enterprise must obtain a permit prior to continuing the permitted activity, with the exceptions provided in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section.

(2) Certain persons, other than the permittee, are granted the right to carry on a permitted activity for the remainder of the term of a current permit, provided that they furnish the permit to the issuing officer for endorsement within 90 days from the date the successor begins to carry on the activity. Such persons are the following:

(i) The surviving spouse, child, executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased permittee, and

(ii) The receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or a court designated assignee for the benefit of creditors.

(3) Incidental take permits issued under §222.307, and enhancement permits issued under §222.308, as part of a Safe Harbor Agreement with Assurances or Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances, may be transferred in whole or in part through a joint submission by the permittee and the proposed transferee, or in the case of a deceased permittee, the deceased permittee's legal representative and the proposed transferee, provided NMFS determines in writing that:

(i) The proposed transferee meets all of the qualifications under parts 222, 223, or 224 (as applicable) for holding a permit;

(ii) The proposed transferee has provided adequate written assurances that it will provide sufficient funding for the conservation plan or other agreement or plan associated with the permit and will implement the relevant terms and conditions of the permit, including any outstanding minimization and mitigation requirements; and

(iii) The proposed transferee has provided such other information as NMFS determines is relevant to process the transfer.

(b) Except as otherwise stated on the face of the permit, any person who is under the direct control of the permittee, or who is employed by or under contract to the permittee for purposes authorized by the permit, may carry out the activity authorized by the permit.

Effective Date Note: At 64 FR 14054, Mar. 23, 1999, part 222 was revised, effective Mar. 23, 1999, with the exception of §222.305, paragraph (a), which contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.

[64 FR 14054, Mar. 23, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 57973, Sept. 13, 2002]

§ 222.306 Modification, amendment, suspension, cancellation, and revocation of permits.
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(a) When circumstances have changed so that an applicant or a permittee desires to have any term or condition of the application or permit modified, the applicant or permittee must submit in writing full justification and supporting information in conformance with the provisions of this part and the part under which the permit has been issued or requested. Such applications for modification are subject to the same issuance criteria as original applications.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a permittee may change the mailing address or trade name under which business is conducted without obtaining a new permit or being subject to the same issuance criteria as original permits. The permittee must notify the Assistant Administrator, in writing within 30 days, of any change in address or of any change in the trade name for the business or activity specified in the permit. The permit with the change of address or in trade name must be endorsed by the Assistant Administrator, who shall provide an amended permit to the person to whom it was issued.

(c) All permits are issued subject to the condition that the National Marine Fisheries Service reserves the right to amend the provisions of a permit for just cause at any time during its term. Such amendments take effect on the date of notification, unless otherwise specified.

(d) When any permittee discontinues the permitted activity, the permittee shall, within 30 days thereof, mail the permit and a request for cancellation to the issuing officer, and the permit shall be deemed void upon receipt. No refund of any part of an amount paid as a permit fee shall be made when the operations of the permittee are, for any reason, discontinued during the tenure of an issued permit.

(e) Any violation of the applicable provisions of parts 222, 223, or 224 of this chapter, or of the Act, or of a term or condition of the permit may subject the permittee to both the penalties provided in the Act and suspension, revocation, or amendment of the permit, as provided in subpart D to 15 CFR part 904.

§ 222.307 Permits for incidental taking of species.
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(a) Scope. (1) The Assistant Administrator may issue permits to take endangered and threatened species incidentally to an otherwise lawful activity under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. The regulations in this section apply to all endangered species, and those threatened species for which the prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) of the Act, under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Commerce, apply.

(2) If the applicant represents an individual or a single entity, such as a corporation, the Assistant Administrator will issue an individual incidental take permit. If the applicant represents a group or organization whose members conduct the same or a similar activity in the same geographical area with similar impacts on listed species for which a permit is required, the Assistant Administrator will issue a general incidental take permit. To be covered by a general incidental take permit, each individual conducting the activity must have a certificate of inclusion issued under paragraph (f) of this section.

(b) Permit application procedures. Applications should be sent to the Assistant Administrator. The Assistant Administrator shall determine the sufficiency of the application in accordance with the requirements of this section. At least 120 days should be allowed for processing. Each application must be signed and dated and must include the following:

(1) The type of application, either:

(i) Application for an Individual Incidental Take Permit under the Act; or

(ii) Application for a General Incidental Take Permit under the Act;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. If the applicant is a partnership or a corporate entity or is representing a group or an organization, the applicable details;

(3) The species or stocks, by common and scientific name, and a description of the status, distribution, seasonal distribution, habitat needs, feeding habits and other biological requirements of the affected species or stocks;

(4) A detailed description of the proposed activity, including the anticipated dates, duration, and specific location. If the request is for a general incidental take permit, an estimate of the total level of activity expected to be conducted;

(5) A conservation plan, based on the best scientific and commercial data available, which specifies the following:

(i) The anticipated impact (i.e., amount, extent, and type of anticipated taking) of the proposed activity on the species or stocks;

(ii) The anticipated impact of the proposed activity on the habitat of the species or stocks and the likelihood of restoration of the affected habitat;

(iii) The steps (specialized equipment, methods of conducting activities, or other means) that will be taken to monitor, minimize, and mitigate such impacts, and the funding available to implement such measures;

(iv) The alternative actions to such taking that were considered and the reasons why those alternatives are not being used; and

(v) A list of all sources of data used in preparation of the plan, including reference reports, environmental assessments and impact statements, and personal communications with recognized experts on the species or activity who may have access to data not published in current literature.

(c) Issuance criteria. (1) In determining whether to issue a permit, the Assistant Administrator will consider the following:

(i) The status of the affected species or stocks;

(ii) The potential severity of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on the species or stocks and habitat as a result of the proposed activity;

(iii) The availability of effective monitoring techniques;

(iv) The use of the best available technology for minimizing or mitigating impacts; and

(v) The views of the public, scientists, and other interested parties knowledgeable of the species or stocks or other matters related to the application.

(2) To issue the permit, the Assistant Administrator must find that—

(i) The taking will be incidental;

(ii) The applicant will, to the maximum extent practicable, monitor, minimize, and mitigate the impacts of such taking;

(iii) The taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species in the wild;

(iv) The applicant has amended the conservation plan to include any measures (not originally proposed by the applicant) that the Assistant Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate; and

(v) There are adequate assurances that the conservation plan will be funded and implemented, including any measures required by the Assistant Administrator.

(d) Permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in this part, every permit issued under this section will contain such terms and conditions as the Assistant Administrator deems necessary and appropriate, including, but not limited to the following:

(1) Reporting requirements or rights of inspection for determining whether the terms and conditions are being complied with;

(2) The species and number of animals covered;

(3) The authorized method of taking;

(4) The procedures to be used to handle or dispose of any animals taken; and

(5) The payment of an adequate fee to the National Marine Fisheries Service to process the application.

(e) Duration of permits. The duration of permits issued under this section will be such as to provide adequate assurances to the permit holder to commit funding necessary for the activities authorized by the permit, including conservation activities. In determining the duration of a permit, the Assistant Administrator will consider the duration of the proposed activities, as well as the possible positive and negative effects on listed species associated with issuing a permit of the proposed duration, including the extent to which the conservation plan is likely to enhance the habitat of the endangered species or to increase the long-term survivability of the species.

(f) Certificates of inclusion. (1) Any individual who wishes to conduct an activity covered by a general incidental take permit must apply to the Assistant Administrator for a Certificate of Inclusion. Each application must be signed and dated and must include the following:

(i) The general incidental take permit under which the applicant wants coverage;

(ii) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. If the applicant is a partnership or a corporate entity, the applicable details;

(iii) A description of the activity the applicant seeks to have covered under the general incidental take permit, including the anticipated dates, duration, and specific location; and

(iv) A signed certification that the applicant has read and understands the general incidental take permit and the conservation plan, will comply with their terms and conditions, and will fund and implement applicable measures of the conservation plan.

(2) To issue a Certificate of Inclusion, the Assistant Administrator must find that:

(i) The applicant will be engaged in the activity covered by the general permit, and

(ii) The applicant has made adequate assurances that the applicable measures of the conservation plan will be funded and implemented.

(g) Assurances provided to permittee in case of changed or unforeseen circumstances. The assurances in this paragraph (g) apply only to incidental take permits issued in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section where the conservation plan is being properly implemented, and apply only with respect to species adequately covered by the conservation plan. These assurances cannot be provided to Federal agencies. This rule does not apply to incidental take permits issued prior to March 25, 1998. The assurances provided in incidental take permits issued prior to March 25, 1998, remain in effect, and those permits will not be revised as a result of this rulemaking.

(1) Changed circumstances provided for in the plan. If additional conservation and mitigation measures are deemed necessary to respond to changed circumstances and were provided for in the plan's operating conservation program, the permittee will implement the measures specified in the plan.

(2) Changed circumstances not provided for in the plan. If additional conservation and mitigation measures are deemed necessary to respond to changed circumstances and such measures were not provided for in the plan's operating conservation program, NMFS will not require any conservation and mitigation measures in addition to those provided for in the plan without the consent of the permittee, provided the plan is being properly implemented.

(3) Unforeseen circumstances. (i) In negotiating unforeseen circumstances, NMFS will not require the commitment of additional land, water, or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land, water, or other natural resources beyond the level otherwise agreed upon for the species covered by the conservation plan without the consent of the permittee.

(ii) If additional conservation and mitigation measures are deemed necessary to respond to unforeseen circumstances, NMFS may require additional measures of the permittee where the conservation plan is being properly implemented. However, such additional measures are limited to modifications within any conserved habitat areas or to the conservation plan's operating conservation program for the affected species. The original terms of the conservation plan will be maintained to the maximum extent possible. Additional conservation and mitigation measures will not involve the commitment of additional land, water, or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land, water, or other natural resources otherwise available for development or use under the original terms of the conservation plan without the consent of the permittee.

(iii) NMFS has the burden of demonstrating that unforeseen circumstances exist, using the best scientific and commercial data available. These findings must be clearly documented and based upon reliable technical information regarding the status and habitat requirements of the affected species. NMFS will consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

(A) Size of the current range of the affected species;

(B) Percentage of range adversely affected by the conservation plan;

(C) Percentage of range conserved by the conservation plan;

(D) Ecological significance of that portion of the range affected by the conservation plan;

(E) Level of knowledge about the affected species and the degree of specificity of the species' conservation program under the conservation plan; and

(F) Whether failure to adopt additional conservation measures would appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of the affected species in the wild.

(h) Nothing in this rule will be construed to limit or constrain the Assistant Administrator, any Federal, State, local, or Tribal government agency, or a private entity, from taking additional actions at his or her own expense to protect or conserve a species included in a conservation plan.

§ 222.308 Permits for scientific purposes or for the enhancement of propagation or survival of species.
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(a) Scope. The Assistant Administrator may issue permits for scientific purposes or for the enhancement of the propagation or survival of the affected endangered or threatened species in accordance with the regulations in parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter and under such terms and conditions as the Assistant Administrator may prescribe, authorizing the taking, importation, or other acts otherwise prohibited by section 9 of the Act. Within the jurisdication of a State, more restrictive state laws or regulations in regard to endangered species shall prevail in regard to taking. Proof of compliance with applicable state laws will be required before a permit will be issued.

(b) Application procedures. Any person desiring to obtain such a permit may make application therefor to the Assistant Administrator. Permits for marine mammals shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of part 216, subpart D of this chapter. Permits relating to sea turtles may involve the Fish and Wildlife Service, in which case the applicant shall follow the procedures set out in §222.309. The following information will be used as the basis for determining whether an application is complete and whether a permit for scientific purposes or for enhancement of propagation or survival of the affected species should be issued by the Assistant Administrator. An application for a permit shall provide the following information and such other information that the Assistant Administrator may require:

(1) Title, as applicable, either—

(i) Application for permit for scientific purposes under the Act; or

(ii) Application for permit for the enhancement of the propagation or survival of the endangered species Under the Act.

(2) The date of the application.

(3) The identity of the applicant including complete name, address, and telephone number. If the applicant is a partnership or a corporate entity, set forth the details. If the endangered species is to be utilized by a person other than the applicant, set forth the name of that person and such other information as would be required if such person were an applicant.

(4) A description of the purpose of the proposed acts, including the following:

(i) A detailed justification of the need for the endangered species, including a discussion of possible alternatives, whether or not under the control of the applicant; and

(ii) A detailed description of how the species will be used.

(5) A detailed description of the project, or program, in which the endangered species is to be used, including the following:

(i) The period of time over which the project or program will be conducted;

(ii) A list of the names and addresses of the sponsors or cooperating institutions and the scientists involved;

(iii) A copy of the formal research proposal or contract if one has been prepared;

(iv) A statement of whether the proposed project or program has broader significance than the individual researcher's goals. For example, does the proposed project or program respond directly or indirectly to recommendation of any national or international scientific body charged with research or management of the endangered species? If so, how?; and

(v) A description of the arrangements, if any, for the disposition of any dead specimen or its skeleton or other remains in a museum or other institutional collection for the continued benefit to science.

(6) A description of the endangered species which is the subject of the application, including the following:

(i) A list of each species and the number of each, including the common and scientific name, the subspecies (if applicable), population group, and range;

(ii) A physical description of each animal, including the age, size, and sex;

(iii) A list of the probable dates of capture or other taking, importation, exportation, and other acts which require a permit for each animal and the location of capture or other taking, importation, exportation, and other acts which require a permit, as specifically as possible;

(iv) A description of the status of the stock of each species related insofar as possible to the location or area of taking;

(v) A description of the manner of taking for each animal, including the gear to be used;

(vi) The name and qualifications of the persons or entity which will capture or otherwise take the animals; and

(vii) If the capture or other taking is to be done by a contractor, a statement as to whether a qualified member of your staff (include name(s) and qualifications) will supervise or observe the capture or other taking. Accompanying such statement shall be a copy of the proposed contract or a letter from the contractor indicating agreement to capture or otherwise take the animals, should a permit be granted.

(7) A description of the manner of transportation for any live animal taken, imported, exported, or shipped in interstate commerce, including the following:

(i) Mode of transportation;

(ii) Name of transportation company;

(iii) Length of time in transit for the transfer of the animal(s) from the capture site to the holding facility;

(iv) Length of time in transit for any planned future move or transfer of the animals;

(v) The qualifications of the common carrier or agent used for transportation of the animals;

(vi) A description of the pen, tank, container, cage, cradle, or other devices used to hold the animal at both the capture site and during transportation;

(vii) Special care before and during transportation, such as salves, antibiotics, moisture; and

(viii) A statement as to whether the animals will be accompanied by a veterinarian or by another similarly qualified person, and the qualifications of such person.

(8) Describe the contemplated care and maintenance of any live animals sought, including a complete description of the facilities where any such animals will be maintained including:

(i) The dimensions of the pools or other holding facilities and the number, sex, and age of animals by species to be held in each;

(ii) The water supply, amount, and quality;

(iii) The diet, amount and type, for all animals;

(iv) Sanitation practices used;

(v) Qualifications and experience of the staff;

(vi) A written certification from a licensed veterinarian or from a recognized expert who are knowledgeable on the species (or related species) or group covered in the application. The certificate shall verify that the veterinarian has personally reviewed the amendments for transporting and maintaining the animal(s) and that, in the veterinarian's opinion, they are adequate to provide for the well-being of the animal; and

(vii) The availability in the future of a consulting expert or veterinarian meeting paragraph requirements of (b)(8)(vi) in this section.

(9) A statement of willingness to participate in a cooperative breeding program and maintain or contribute data to a stud book.

(10) A statement of how the applicant's proposed project or program will enhance or benefit the wild population.

(11) For the 5 years preceding the date of application, the applicant shall provide a detailed description of all mortalities involving species under the control of or utilized by the applicant and are either presently listed as endangered species or are taxonomically related within the Order to the species which is the subject of this application, including:

(i) A list of all endangered species and related species that are the subject of this application that have been captured, transported, maintained, or utilized by the applicant for scientific purposes or for the enhancement of propagation or survival of the affected species, and/or of related species that are captured, transported, maintained, or utilized by the applicant for scientific purposes or for enhancement of propagation or survival of the affected species;

(ii) The numbers of mortalities among such animals by species, by date, by location of capture, i.e., from which population, and the location of such mortalities;

(iii) The cause(s) of any such mortality; and

(iv) The steps which have been taken by applicant to avoid or decrease any such mortality.

(12) 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 a permit under the Endangered Species Act, as amended, 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 Act.

(13) The applicant and/or an officer thereof must sign the application.

(14) Assistance in completing this application may be obtained by writing Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or calling the Office of Protected Resources at 301–713–1401. Allow at least 90 days for processing.

(c) Issuance criteria. In determining whether to issue a permit for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected endangered species, the Assistant Administrator shall specifically consider, among other application criteria, the following:

(1) Whether the permit was applied for in good faith;

(2) Whether the permit, if granted and exercised, will not operate to the disadvantage of the endangered species;

(3) Whether the permit would be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in section 2 of the Act;

(4) Whether the permit would further a bona fide and necessary or desirable scientific purpose or enhance the propagation or survival of the endangered species, taking into account the benefits anticipated to be derived on behalf of the endangered species;

(5) The status of the population of the requested species and the effect of the proposed action on the population, both direct and indirect;

(6) If a live animal is to be taken, transported, or held in captivity, the applicant's qualifications for the proper care and maintenance of the species and the adequacy of the applicant's facilities;

(7) Whether alternative non-endangered species or population stocks can and should be used;

(8) Whether the animal was born in captivity or was (or will be) taken from the wild;

(9) Provision for disposition of the species if and when the applicant's project or program terminates;

(10) How the applicant's needs, program, and facilities compare and relate to proposed and ongoing projects and programs;

(11) Whether the expertise, facilities, or other resources available to the applicant appear adequate to successfully accomplish the objectives stated in the application; and

(12) Opinions or views of scientists or other persons or organizations knowledgeable about the species which is the subject of the application or of other matters germane to the application.

(d) Terms and conditions. Permits applied for under this section shall contain terms and conditions as the Assistant Administrator may deem appropriate, including but not limited to the following:

(1) The number and kind of species covered;

(2) The location and manner of taking;

(3) Port of entry or export;

(4) The methods of transportation, care, and maintenance to be used with live species;

(5) Any requirements for reports or rights of inspections with respect to any activities carried out pursuant to the permit;

(6) The transferability or assignability of the permit;

(7) The sale or other disposition of the species, its progeny, or the species product; and

(8) A reasonable fee covering the costs of issuance of such permit, including reasonable inspections and an appropriate apportionment of overhead and administrative expenses of the Department of Commerce. All such fees will be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the appropriation which is current and chargeable for the cost of furnishing the service.

§ 222.309 Permits for listed species of sea turtles involving the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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(a) This section establishes specific procedures for issuance of the following permits: scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species of sea turtles; zoological exhibition or educational purposes for threatened species of sea turtles; and permits that requires coordination with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Marine Fisheries Service maintains jurisdiction for such species in the marine environment. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains jurisdiction for such species of sea turtles in the land environment.

(b) For permits relating to any activity in the marine environment exclusively, permit applicants and permittees must comply with the regulations in parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter.

(c) For permits relating to any activity in the land environment exclusively, permit applicants must submit applications to the Wildlife Permit Office (WPO) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with either 50 CFR 17.22(a), if the species is endangered, or 50 CFR 17.32(a), if the species is threatened.

(d) For permits relating to any activity in both the land and marine environments, applicants must submit applications to the WPO. WPO will forward the application to NMFS for review and processing of those activities under its jurisdiction. Based on this review and processing, WPO will issue either a permit or a letter of denial in accordance with its own regulations.

(e) For permits relating to any activity in a marine environment and that also requires a permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (TIAS 8249, July 1, 1975) (50 CFR part 23), applicants must submit applications to the WPO. WPO will forward the application to NMFS for review and processing, after which WPO will issue a combination ESA/CITES permit or a letter of denial.

§ 222.310 Permit authority for designated agents and employees of specified Federal and state agencies.
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(a) This section constitutes a programmatic permit, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)(A), that authorizes activities by agents and employees of Federal and state agencies, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, to aid stranded endangered sea turtles, and to salvage, collect data from, and dispose of, dead carcasses of endangered sea turtles in the marine environment. For purposes of this section, 'stranded' means endangered sea turtles, in the marine environment, that are alive but sick, injured, or entangled.

(b) If any member of any endangered species of sea turtle is found stranded or dead in the marine environment, any agent or employee of the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, or any other Federal land or water management agency, or any agent or employee of a state agency responsible for fish and wildlife who is designated by his or her agency for such purposes, may, when acting in the course of his or her official duties, take such endangered sea turtles if such taking is necessary to aid a stranded sea turtle, or dispose of or salvage a dead sea turtle, or collect data from a dead sea turtle which may be useful for scientific and educational purposes. Live turtles will be handled as described in §223.206(d)(1). Whenever possible, live sea turtles shall be returned to their aquatic environment as soon as possible. The following data collection activities for live turtles while they are in the marine environment are allowed:

(1) Turtles may be flipper and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagged, prior to release. Flipper tags would be applied to the trailing edge of either the front or rear flippers with standard tagging applicators after the tagging area has been cleaned with alcohol or iodine solution. PIT tags would be inserted according to best practice, approved scientific protocols, after cleaning the insertion site with alcohol or iodine solution. Before application of flipper tags or insertion of PIT tags, all flippers and the neck/shoulder area will be examined and scanned for the presence of any pre-existing flipper or PIT tags.

(2) Turtles may also be weighed, measured, and photographed prior to release.

(3) When handling turtles exhibiting fibropapilloma, all equipment (tagging equipment, tape measures, etc.) that comes in contact with the turtle shall be cleaned with a mild bleach solution.

(c) Every action shall be reported in writing to the Assistant Administrator, or authorized representative, via the agency or institution designated by the state to record such events. Reports shall contain the following information:

(1) Name and position of the official or employee involved;

(2) Description of the sea turtle(s) involved including species and condition of the animal;

(3) When applicable, description of entangling gear, its location on the turtle, and the amount of gear left on the turtle at release;

(4) Method, date and location of disposal of the sea turtle(s), including, if applicable, where the sea turtle(s) has been retained in captivity; and

(5) Such other information as the Assistant Administrator, or authorized representative, may require.

[70 FR 42509, July 25, 2005]