[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 33233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13425]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB173]


Marine Mammals; File No. 25508

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Sea World LLC (Responsible Party: 
Christopher Dold, DVM), 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, 
has applied in due form for a permit to continue captive maintenance 
and enhancement activities on two non-releasable Guadalupe fur seals 
(Arctocephalus townsendi) with the option of holding up to six non-
releasable furs seals at any given time.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before July 26, 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. 25508 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. 25508 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: Courtney Smith, Ph.D. or Jennifer 
Skidmore, (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 requests authorization for the continued maintenance 
of two previously stranded Guadalupe fur seals that were deemed non-
releasable and placed at Sea World of California for enhancement 
purposes. The proposed enhancement activities for these and other 
Guadalupe fur seals (up to six non-releasable fur seals at any given 
time) would include daily husbandry and veterinary care, behavioral 
observations, and programs to educate the public regarding Guadalupe 
fur seal natural history, distribution and population status. These 
animals would be placed on public display, incidental to the 
enhancement activities, and would not be trained for performance. 
Opportunistic scientific research may occur, under separate 
authorization, pending approval by the SeaWorld Animal Science and 
Welfare Team and the attending veterinarian. The applicant has 
requested a five-year 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.
    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: June 14, 2021.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13425 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P