[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 17, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 51002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21001]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XA641
Marine Mammals; File No. 16553
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Brent Stewart, Ph.D., J.D., Hubbs
SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA,
92109, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant seals
(Mirounga angustirostris), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or
before August 17, 2011.
ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the
Features box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File
No. 16553 from the list of available applications.
These documents are also available upon written request or by
appointment in the following offices:
Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD
20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376; and
Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach,
CA 90802-4213; phone (562) 980-4001; fax (562) 980-4018.
Written comments on this application should be submitted to the
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, at the address
listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-
0376, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Please include the
File No. in the subject line of the e-mail comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a
written request to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education
Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the
specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be
appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard or Amy Sloan, (301) 427-
8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226).
The applicant requests a five-year permit to study three species of
pinnipeds in California. The objectives of the research are to continue
a long term study on the comparative ecology, demography, community
ecology, foraging patterns, pathology and phenology of the target
species and to further characterize the resources and habitats used by
each species. The proposed research would: (1) Collect basic
information on the biology of these key apex marine carnivores, (2)
provide insight into the dynamic biotic and abiotic variables
(including anthropogenic factors) that might affect their abundance and
distribution, and (3) investigate the specific mechanisms that might
account for variation in vital rates and population size and trends.
California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and harbor seals would
be captured and samples at several sites: San Nicolas Island, San
Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Piedras Blancas,
Cape San Martin, and Gorda. Some animals would only receive a flipper
tag or a dye mark. Other animals would be physically or chemically
restrained; measured and weighed; have a variety of samples taken,
including: Blood, skin, blubber, and mucus membrane swabs; and have
tracking or data recording instruments attached. For proposed take
numbers by species and location and details on sampling methodologies,
see the application. The applicant has requested authorization for the
unintentional research related mortality of up to four animals of each
species annually.
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: August 11, 2011.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-21001 Filed 8-16-11; 8:45 am]
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