[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 11730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03980]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA878]


Marine Mammals; File No. 24365

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., University 
of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0204, has applied in due 
form for a permit to conduct research on California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 29, 2021.

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. 24365 from the list of available applications. These documents are 
also available upon written request via email to 
[email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 24365 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young or Dr. 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.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The purpose of this research is to determine the role of 
physiological responses, oxygen store depletion, and eventual anaerobic 
metabolism in dive behavior and foraging ecology of California sea 
lions. On an annual basis, up to 15 adult females will be captured and 
instrumented to measure physiological responses (heart rate, stroke 
rate, oxygen depletion, temperature, inspired lung volumes and lactate 
accumulation) during dives. Two unintentional mortalities are requested 
annually. Up to 15 pups of the adult females used in the research, may 
also be marked with a neoprene patch. Take activities for adult animals 
include: Capture, restraint, anesthesia, internal and external 
instrumentation, blood sampling, flipper tagging, clipping vibrissae, 
and weighing, as well as necropsy and salvage of parts from any 
unintentional mortalities. Research will be conducted on San Nicolas 
Island, California. Re-captures for instrument removal will occur on 
San Nicolas Island. Takes of other species annually may include 
temporary disturbance of 100 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 200 
northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), 4,000 California sea 
lions (Zalophus californianus), and 30 northern fur seals (Callorhinus 
ursinus) during captures. The permit would be valid for 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.

    Dated: February 22, 2021.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03980 Filed 2-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P