[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 128 (Thursday, July 8, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36107-36108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14548]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB213]


Marine Mammals; File No. 24054

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Terrie Williams, Ph.D., University 
of California at Santa Cruz, Long Marine Lab, Center for Ocean Health, 
115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct research on captive marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before August 9, 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. 24054 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. 24054 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 Courtney Smith, 
Ph.D., (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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant is requesting a permit to continue research 
activities to compare the energetic and cardiovascular responses and 
diving physiology of captive cetaceans and pinnipeds to determine key 
biological capabilities. A maximum of 4 dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 
10 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and 3 Hawaiian monk 
seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) would be maintained and participate 
in the research at Long Marine Laboratory at any given time. Up to 60 
bottlenose dolphins from the U.S. Navy, and up to 10 Hawaiian monk 
seals and 1 non-releasable Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus 
leucas) at other permitted facilities may also participate in the 
research at their respective facilities.
    Other species in rehabilitation status may also be added 
opportunistically and transported to Long Marine Laboratory for 
research purposes (up to 10 species per year with less than 6 animals 
onsite at a time). Typical rehabilitation species are bottlenose 
dolphins, harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), Guadalupe fur seals

[[Page 36108]]

(Arctocephalus townsendi), and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus 
ursinus), among others.
    Research methods include training for voluntary participation to 
the maximum extent feasible to (1) assess body condition and 
morphometrics, (2) measure metabolic rate, (3) sample blood, (4) attach 
instruments (e.g., ECG/accelerometer), (5) monitor tissue blood flow 
via a portable near-infrared spectroscopy, heat flux tags, and 
ultrasound, (6) measure heat flow, and skin or body temperature (see 
application for details by method). In addition, receipt, import, and 
export activities are requested for marine mammal parts from up to 140 
individuals per taxon group (pinniped and cetacean) world-wide. The 
permit is requested for the maximum duration of 5 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: July 2, 2021.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14548 Filed 7-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P