[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 167 (Monday, August 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 59190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20613]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE766


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 19669 and 20532

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Chicago Zoological Society 
[Michael J. Adkesson, D.V.M., Responsible Party], 3300 South Golf Rd., 
Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (File No. 19669), and Stephen John Trumble, 
Ph.D., Baylor University, 101 Bagby Ave., Waco, TX 76706 (File No. 
20532), have applied in due form for permits to import, export, and 
receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The applications 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. 19669 or 20532 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376.
    Written comments on either of these applications should be 
submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the 
address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to 
(301) 713-0376, or by email to [email protected]. Please 
include the File No. 19669 or 20532 in the subject line of the email 
comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation 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: Shasta McClenahan or Jennifer 
Skidmore, (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).
    File No. 19669: The applicant proposes to import and export 
biological samples taken for scientific research that continues the 
long term evaluation and monitoring of South American fur seal 
(Arctocephalus australis) and South American sea lion (Otaria 
flavescens) population health at the Punta San Juan reserve and marine 
protected area in Peru. The requested duration of the permit is 5 
years.
    File No. 20532: The applicant proposes to import and export 
biological samples from museum holdings and stranded animals worldwide 
for scientific research to chronologically profile anthropogenic and 
physiological data including hormones and pesticides to record exposure 
and stress. Earwax and baleen samples will be from blue (Balaenoptera 
musculus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), 
minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), bowhead whales (Balaena 
mysticetus), and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and earwax 
only from sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Earwax and baleen may 
also be obtained from subsistence hunted bowhead whales in Alaska. The 
requested duration of the permit is 5 years.
    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 activities proposed are 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 applications to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: August 24, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20613 Filed 8-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P