[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 213 (Friday, November 2, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 55147]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24038]
[[Page 55147]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XG539
Marine Mammals; File No. 22183
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 Michelle Shero, Ph.D., 266 Woods
Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, has applied in due form for a permit
to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptoncychotes weddellii).
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before December 3, 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. 22183 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. 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: Sara Young or Carrie Hubard, (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).
Research activities will take place between October 1 and March 31
for the five austral summer seasons. Each season will encompass two
sampling periods: one during the lactation period (October to November)
and one at the end of the molt (January to March). During the first
period, up to 25 adult females will be given a health exam and dive
recorders/transmitters will be recovered from females handled the
previous molt period. At the end of the molt, up to 25 adult females
will undergo a health and pregnancy status assessment and will be
outfitted with a satellite-relay dive recorder. Unmanned aircraft
system surveys will be used for photogrammetry of handled animals, as
well as unhandled seals in larger area surveys. Up to 500 crabeater
seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) may also be taken by incidental
harassment. Research activities will conducted as part of a larger
assessment of Weddell seals in the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area, led
by the New Zealand Antarctic Program.
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: October 30, 2018.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24038 Filed 11-1-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P