[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 244 (Thursday, December 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 88372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28151]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD587]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27592

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 Shannon Atkinson, Ph.D., 
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK 
99801 has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and 
receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 22, 2024.

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. 27592 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. 27592 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 Erin Markin, 
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 proposes to receive, import, and export marine mammal 
parts from cetaceans and pinnipeds annually for scientific research. 
Marine mammal parts will not exceed 1,000 animals per year within order 
Cetacea (dolphins, porpoises, and whales) and 500 animals per year 
within order Pinnipedia (seals and sea lions, excluding walrus). 
Secondary to research, marine mammal parts may also be used for 
educational purposes. Import and export activities would occur world-
wide. Sources of samples include U.S. subsistence harvests and stranded 
animals in foreign countries. Samples may also be obtained within the 
United States or abroad from animals held in captivity, authorized 
researchers or collections, and soft or hard parts that sloughed, 
excreted, or naturally discharged. No live animals would be harassed or 
taken, lethally or otherwise, under the requested permit. The requested 
duration of the permit is 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: December 14, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28151 Filed 12-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P