Biological Opinion on the Issuance of Scientific Research Permit No. 21485 to Jooke Robbins (Center for Coastal Studies) for Research on Marine Mammals in the Western North Atlantic Ocean

This document represents NOAA Fisheries ESA Interagency Cooperation Division’s opinion on the effects of the issuance of Permit No. 21485 on North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)(North Atlantic Distinct Population Units[DPS]), hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii), leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)(Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS) and olive ridley sea turtles(Lepidochelys olivacea)[non-Mexico Pacific Coast Breeding Colonies, (i.e. “All Other Areas” Listing Unit, hereafter referred to as “All Other Areas”)] as well as critical habitat designated for North Atlantic right whales and the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of loggerhead sea turtles.