[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 210 (Tuesday, October 30, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54570-54571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23652]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XG371
Marine Mammals; File No. 22095
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 SeaWorld, LLC., 9205 Southpark
Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819 (Responsible Party:
Christopher Dold, DVM), has applied in due form for a scientific
research and enhancement permit for one non-releasable beluga whale
(Delphinapterus leucas) from the Cook Inlet distinct population segment
(DPS).
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before November 29, 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. 22095 from the list of available applications.
[[Page 54571]]
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 File No. 22095 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: Amy Sloan, Jennifer Skidmore, or
Courtney Smith, (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 parts 222-226).
The applicant proposes to conduct research on and provide long-term
care for one male beluga whale calf from the Cook Inlet DPS. The calf
stranded alone as a neonate when he was less than a month old, and was
rescued and rehabilitated by the Alaska marine mammal stranding network
under the authority of the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding
Response Program's (MMHSRP) scientific research and enhancement permit.
Based on his young age, health conditions, and need for socialization
with other beluga whales, NMFS determined him to be non-releasable and
unable to survive in the wild, and chose SeaWorld of Texas to accept
Tyonek into their beluga population, which was best suited for his
needs. NMFS followed the standard placement process for non-releasable
marine mammals as outlined in the NMFS Placement Process for Non-
releasable Marine Mammals, No. 02-308-02, which is available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/op/pds/documents/02/308/02-308-02.pdf. The calf is
currently held at SeaWorld of Texas under the authority of the MMHSRP
permit (No. 18786-03). SeaWorld is now applying for their own
scientific research and enhancement permit for the long-term care of
this non-releasable animal and to conduct research to benefit the
endangered wild population of Cook Inlet beluga whales.
SeaWorld's proposed research activities for this beluga whale
include investigations of vocalizations (passive recordings) and
hearing development (auditory evoked potential measurements). The
proposed enhancement would include educational presentations on topics
including the endangered status and current threats to the Cook Inlet
DPS; continued daily husbandry care (feeding, training, and monitoring
growth (measurements, weight, ultrasound)); veterinary care (exams and
biological sampling including but not limited to blood, exhalate,
swabs, urine, feces; and treatments as warranted); and behavioral
observations and enrichment. This animal would be placed on public
display incidental to the proposed activities but would not be used in
interactive programs with the public or trained for performance.
Presentations to educate the public may include demonstrations of
trained husbandry and enrichment behaviors as well as natural
behaviors. The permit is requested for a 5-year period, the maximum
duration of a permit.
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.
NMFS has forwarded the application to the Marine Mammal Commission
and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: October 24, 2018.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-23652 Filed 10-29-18; 8:45 am]
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