Biological and Conference Opinion on Proposed Implementation of Program for the Issuance of Permits for Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon Research and Enhancement Activities Pursuant to Section 10(a) of the ESA

The action agency for this consultation is NMFS, Office of Protected Resources (OPR), Permits and Conservation Division (hereafter referred to as the Permits Division). The Permits Division proposes to implement a program for the issuance of permits for research and enhancement activities on Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) and shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) within their United States (U.S.) east coast range from Maine to Florida, international Canadian waters, and including captive populations.