[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 223 (Thursday, November 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64246-64247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30899]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 111298D]


Marine Mammals; Scientific Research and Enhancement Permit (PHF# 
116-1477)

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

ACTION: Receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Sea World of Texas, 10500 Sea 
World Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78251, has applied in due form for a 
permit to take Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) for 
purposes of scientific research and enhancement.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 21, 
1998.
ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the following 
office(s):
    Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/713-2289);
    Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, 
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001); and
    Protected Species Program Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office, 
2570 Dole Street, Room 106, Honolulu, HI 9682-2396 (808/973-2987).
    Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this 
request, should be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 
20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the 
specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be 
appropriate.
    Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301) 713-0376, 
provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and 
postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Please 
note that comments will not be accepted by e-mail or by other 
electronic media.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannie Drevenak, 301/713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations 
governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and 
wildlife (50 CFR part 222.23).
    The application is for the permanent transfer of ten (10) currently 
captive, unreleasable female Hawaiian monk seals from the National 
Marine Fisheries Service's Kewalo Research Facility to Sea World of 
Texas for research and enhancement purposes. The primary objective of 
the proposed activity is to make the seals available for scientific 
research on an opportunistic basis in order to benefit the wild 
population of Hawaiian monk seals. A secondary objective is to increase 
public awareness of the status of the Hawaiian monk seal through 
education efforts and by providing an opportunity to observe the 
species in captivity.
    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 this application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.


[[Page 64247]]


    Dated: November 12, 1998.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-30899 Filed 11-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F