Environmental assessment on the effects of the issuance of a scientific research permit file no. 15552 for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center observer program to conduct sea turtle research from specimens taken in commercial fisheries Issuance of a scientific research permit file no. 15552 for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center observer program to conduct sea turtle research from specimens taken in commercial fisheries

"The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to issue scientific research permit No. 15552 to NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). The purpose of the research is to monitor the take of ESA-listed sea turtle species by observed commercial fisheries and collect data which would estimate by-catch and its effects on sea turtle subpopulations. The permit would authorize SEFSC observers to collect data on juvenile, sub-adult, and adult sea turtles incidentally captured in commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and the Southeast coast of the United States. The research would contribute to the understanding of the pelagic ecology of these species, permit more complete models of their population dynamics, and allow more reliable assessments of commercial fishery impacts. The effects to sea turtles would be short-term and minimal and would allow the collection of valuable information that could help NMFS' efforts to recover sea turtles and better manage human activities"--Cover letter.