[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 20, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43944-43945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19977]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF696


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 21217 and 21397

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications.

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[[Page 43945]]

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following entities have 
applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and/or export 
marine mammal parts for scientific research:
    File No. 21217: Aaron Roberts, Ph.D., University of North Texas, 
Biological Sciences, 1155 Union Circle, #310559, Denton, TX 76203;
    File No. 21397: Burke Museum, Mammalogy [Julie Stein, Responsible 
Party], University of Washington, Box 353010, Seattle, WA 98195.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 20, 2017.

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 the 
appropriate File No. 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 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. 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 the application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Lierheimer or Jennifer Skidmore, 
(301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits are 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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226), and/or the Fur Seal 
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    File No. 21217: The applicant proposes to import biological samples 
from up to 30 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and 30 hooded seals 
(Cystophora cristata) from Canada to study the effects of 
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on the fitness and immune 
function in two species of phocid seals. No takes of live animals would 
be authorized under this permit. The permit would be valid for up to 
five years after issuance.
    File No. 21397: The applicant proposes to receive, import, and 
export biological samples from up to 10 cetaceans and 10 pinnipeds 
(excluding walrus) annually for scientific research, curation, and 
education. Receipt, import, and export is requested worldwide. Sources 
of samples may include marine mammal strandings in foreign countries, 
foreign and domestic subsistence harvests, captive animals, other 
authorized researchers or curated collections, and marine mammals that 
died incidental to commercial fishing operations in the U.S. and 
foreign countries, where such take is legal. 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 proposed activities 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 these applications to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: September 14, 2017.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19977 Filed 9-19-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P