[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 42790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16744]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB299]


Marine Mammals; File No. 25786

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 NMFS' Southwest Fisheries Science 
Center, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 (Responsible 
Party: George Watters, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct research on six species of Antarctic pinnipeds.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 7, 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. 25786 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. 25786 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 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.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to take 6 pinniped species in the Antarctic 
Peninsula region, primarily at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, as 
part of a long-term ecosystem monitoring and research program 
established in 1986. The six species are: Antarctic fur seals 
(Arctocephalus gazella), southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), 
crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga), leopard seals (Hydrurga 
leptonyx), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii), and Weddell seals 
(Leptonychotes weddellii). The applicant also requests permission to 
import tissue samples collected from any animals captured and from 
salvaged carcasses of any species of pinniped or cetacean found in the 
study area.
    The applicant requests annual capture of: 500 Antarctic fur seal 
adults and juveniles; 400 Antarctic fur seal pups; 30 leopard seal 
adults and juveniles; and 30 Weddell seal adults and juveniles. 
Research on captured animals would include drug administration, 
biological sampling, attachment of scientific instruments, application 
of marks (flipper tags, hair bleach or dye), morphometric measurement, 
and ultrasound. An additional 800 Antarctic fur seals, 40,000 southern 
elephant seals, 318,700 crabeater seals, 1,320 leopard seals, 30,200 
Weddell seals, and 5,256 Ross seals would be taken annually by 
harassment during aerial and ground surveys, including behavioral 
observations, photo-identification, and use of unmanned aircraft 
systems. The applicant has requested an annual incidental mortality 
allowance of: Three Antarctic fur seal adults or juveniles; three 
Antarctic fur seal pups; two leopard seal adults or juveniles; and two 
Weddell seal adults or juveniles. The research would occur over 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: August 2, 2021.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16744 Filed 8-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P