[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73380-73381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20414]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE275]


Marine Mammals; File No. 28223

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 Steven Emslie, Ph.D., University 
of

[[Page 73381]]

North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, 
601 S. College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 284003, has applied in 
due form for a permit to collect, import, and export marine mammal 
parts for scientific research.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before October 10, 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 
home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 
28223 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. 28223 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 Shasta 
McClenahan, 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 (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 collect, import, and export mummified 
remains of seals from the Ross Sea, Antarctica to study virology and 
evolutionary biology. These parts are estimated to be hundreds to 
thousands of years old and from the following species: crabeater 
(Lobodon carcinophagus), Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii), leopard 
(Hydrurga leptonyx), and southern elephant (Mirounga leonine) seals. 
Parts from up to 10 individuals from each species will be collected, 
imported, and exported for analysis annually. The permit would be valid 
for 3 years from the date of issuance.
    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: September 5, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20414 Filed 9-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P