Environmental assessment on the effects of the issuance of a scientific research permit file no. 16174 to Michael Salmon to conduct sea turtle research

"The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to issue a scientific research permit to Dr. Michael Salmon (Florida Atlantic University), under Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226). The permit would be valid for two years from the date of issuance. Research authorized under Permit No. 16174 would characterize the population structure, movements and spatial distribution of juvenile green sea turtles. This research would create a better understanding of green turtle habitat utilization in nearshore developmental habitats. Under NOAA Administrative Order 216-6, NMFS issuance of scientific research permits is generally categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) requirements to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS). However, for this permit NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to facilitate a more thorough assessment of potential impacts on endangered sea turtles"--Abstract from EA; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.