[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 8, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12075-12076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05080]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE404


Marine Mammals; File No. 18978

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 Pam Miller, Alaska Community 
Action on Toxics, 505 West Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 205, Anchorage, 
AK 99503, has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and 
export specimens of marine mammals for scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before April 7, 2016.

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. 18978 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 this application 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. 18978 
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: Brendan Hurley 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).
    The applicant proposes to measure contaminant levels in 
subsistence-hunted Arctic marine mammals to determine marine mammal 
exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and perfluorinated 
compounds. The proposed research will contribute to information about 
the levels of emerging contaminants in marine mammals. Researchers will 
work with Yupik households and local hunters to obtain samples from a 
maximum of 8 animals per year from minke whale (Balaenoptera 
acutorostrata); ringed seal (Pusa hispida); bearded seal (Erignathus 
barbatus); and ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata). A maximum of 9 
animals per year are requested from bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) 
and spotted seal (Phoca largha). Samples would include organs, meat, 
rendered oils, and blubber. No non-target species will be affected. 
Samples will come from animals subsistence hunted on St Lawrence 
Island, AK. The requested permit period is five 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 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.


[[Page 12076]]


    Dated: March 2, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-05080 Filed 3-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P