[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]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P