[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60664-60665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19010]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD310]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27361

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Brent Stewart, Ph.D., Brent S 
Stewart Associates, 3889 Creststone Place, San

[[Page 60665]]

Diego, CA 92130, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct 
research on pinnipeds in California.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before October 5, 2023.

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. 27361 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. 27361 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: Carrie Hubard 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.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to study California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and 
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) at several sites in California, including 
San Nicolas Island, San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz 
Island, Piedras Blancas, Cape San Martin, and Gorda. The objectives of 
the research are to continue long-term research on the comparative 
ecology, demography, demography, behavior, foraging biogeography, 
pathology and phenology of California pinnipeds and to further 
characterize the resource and habitats used by each species, including 
patterns of spatial and temporal similarities and differences. Seals 
and sea lions would be captured and sampled. Some animals would only 
receive a flipper tag or a dye mark. Other animals would be physically 
or chemically restrained; measured and weighed; have a variety of 
samples taken, including: blood, skin, blubber, and mucus membrane 
swabs; and have tracking or data recording instruments attached. For 
proposed take numbers by species and location and details on sampling 
methodologies, see the application. The applicant has requested 
authorization for the unintentional research related mortality of up to 
four animals of each species annually. The permit would be valid for 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: August 29, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-19010 Filed 9-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P