Environmental Assessment, Issuance of a Protected Species Cooperative Conservation Grant to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (Award No. NA10NMF4720035) to Conduct Research on Threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Download or read book Environmental Assessment, Issuance of a Protected Species Cooperative Conservation Grant to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (Award No. NA10NMF4720035) to Conduct Research on Threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtles written by and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 25 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The current EA analyzed the effects of the proposed sea turtle research, which will be conducted in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Specifically, the proposed work includes six components: I) conducting a genetic mark -recapture study to evaluate the annual nesting population size, clutch frequency, site fidelity, remigrations rates and population structure for the Northern Recovery unit of loggerheads; 2) sequencing loggerhead mitochondrial DNA to further define and characterize the genetic structure of nesting and foraging popUlations; 3) monitoring sea turtle mortality through maintenance of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN); 4) monitoring bycatch of marine turtles in North Carolina and Georgia state waters; 5) characterizing pivotal temperatures to estimate sex ratios of loggerhead hatchlings; and 6) continuing a study to characterize and minimize the impacts of boat strikes on sea turtles. Results of this work would be used to assess popUlation status, characterize threats, and develop management strategies to recover the Northern Recovery Unit of loggerhead sea turtles. The proposed action analyzed in the EA would not have significant environmental effects on the target or non-target species; public health and safety would not affected; no unique geographic area would be affected; and the effects of this study would not be highly uncertain, nor would they involve unique or unknown risks. Issuance of this permit would not set a precedent for future actions with significant effects, nor would it represent a decision in principle about a future consideration. There would not be individually insignificant but cumulatively significant impacts associated with the proposed action, and there would not be adverse effects on historic resources. The permit would contain mitigating measures to avoid unnecessary stress to the subject animals"--Cover letter summary.