[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49736-49737]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-20458]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA629


Marine Mammals; File No. 15471-01

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Michael Adkesson, D.V.M., Chicago 
Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, Illinois 60527, has 
applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 15471.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or 
before September 12, 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 home 
page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 15471-01 
from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the following office(s):
    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
    Northeast Region, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930; phone (978) 281-9328; fax (978) 281-9394.
    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 File 
No. 15471-01 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

[[Page 49737]]

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: Laura Morse or Jennifer Skidmore, 
(301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 15471 is 
requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations 
governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    Permit No. 15471 (issued on August 23, 2010; 75 FR 52721), 
authorizes the permit holder to import biological samples taken for 
scientific research from South American fur seals (Arctocephalus 
australis). Unlimited samples from up to 200 salvaged carcasses and 
live female and pup South American fur seals may be received, imported, 
or exported annually. No live animals can be harassed or taken, 
lethally or otherwise, under the permit. The permit expires on August 
31, 2015.
    The permit holder is requesting the permit be amended to increase 
the total number of individuals and include samples from male South 
American fur seals. In addition, the permit holder is requesting to add 
adult and pup South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) from which 
unlimited samples could be received, imported, or exported. No live 
animals would be harassed or taken, lethally or otherwise, under the 
requested amendment.
    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.

    Dated: August 5, 2011.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-20458 Filed 8-10-11; 8:45 am]
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