Biological Opinion on Reinitiation of ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) Permit by Regulation to Authorize Response to Stranded Endangered Sea Turtles
July 27, 2016
This biological opinion evaluates the proposed action for the operation of the sea turtle stranding and salvage network, or STSSN, nationwide and specifically the response to stranded sea turtles in the marine environment.
This biological opinion has been prepared in accordance with section 7 of the ESA, associated implementing regulations, and agency policy and guidance (50 CFR 402). It is based on information provided by participants in the sea turtle stranding and salvage networks, published and unpublished scientific information on the biology and ecology of endangered sea turtles within the action area, and other sources of information. A complete administrative record is on file at the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Turtle Conservation Division, Silver Spring, Maryland.