[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 12918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04528]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA912]


Marine Mammals; File No. 23960

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 Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 (Responsible Party: Tony 
Fisher), has applied in due form for an enhancement permit for captive 
Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before April 5, 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. 23960 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. 23960 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: Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young, (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 Minnesota Zoological Gardens (MZG) proposes continued 
maintenance of two non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals for enhancement 
purposes. These animals would be provided with daily husbandry care and 
treatment for current medical conditions, routine veterinary care, and 
would be made available for opportunistic research. MZG will continue 
public awareness through education and observation, and non-intrusive 
husbandry and medical studies conducted incidental to the routine care 
and husbandry of the animals. The permit is requested for the maximum 
5-year period.
    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: March 1, 2021.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04528 Filed 3-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P