[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 21, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 7454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03540]



[[Page 7454]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG029


Marine Mammals; File No. 21419

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 Shannon Atkinson, Ph.D., 
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK 
99801 has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and 
receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 23, 2018.

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. 21419 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. 21419 
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 these applications would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Shasta 
McClenahan, (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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to receive, import, and export biological 
samples from pinnipeds and cetaceans annually for scientific research. 
Marine mammal parts will not exceed 1,000 animals per year within order 
Cetacea (dolphins, porpoises, and whales) and 1,000 animals per year 
within order Pinnipedia (seals and sea lions, excluding walrus) with 
unlimited samples per individual. Secondary to research, marine mammal 
parts may also be used for educational purposes. Import/export 
activities would occur worldwide. Sources of samples include U.S. 
subsistence harvests and stranded animals in foreign countries. Samples 
may also be obtained within the United States or abroad from animals 
held in captivity, authorized researchers or collections, and soft or 
hard parts that sloughed, excreted, or naturally discharged. No live 
animals would be harassed or taken, lethally or otherwise, under the 
requested permit. 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 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 a copy of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: February 15, 2018.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03540 Filed 2-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P