Federal Register: December 31, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 249)
DOCID: fr31de07-31 FR Doc E7-25404
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN ID: RIN 0648-XE70
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr31de07-31
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Marine Mammals; File No. 10091
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before January 30, 2008.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1255 West 8\th\ Street, Juneau, AK, 99811 (Doug Larsen, Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to collect, receive, and import marine mammal specimens for scientific research.
SUMMARY:
Scientific research permit applications, determinations, etc.,
SUPPLEMENTAL 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.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
The applicant proposes to collect, receive, possess, import, and export marine mammal biological specimens (hard and soft parts) from pinnipeds (excluding walrus) and cetaceans to obtain information on population status and distribution, stock structure, age distribution, mortality rates, productivity, feeding habits, and health that can be used for conservation and management purposes. Specimens would be taken from dead animals (beachcast, subsistencehunted, or dead incidental to fisheries) or from live animals handled by researchers under different research permits. No takes from live animals are requested under this permit. The applicant has requested an unlimited number of specimens from less than 1,000 pinnipeds and 500 cetaceans annually. The geographic location for the collection activities would include all coastal areas and open waters of Alaska, including the North Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea. Specimens may be imported and exported worldwide to various laboratories and museums for research and curation. The requested duration of the permit is 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 this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: December 21, 2007.
Kate Swails,
Acting Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E725404 Filed 122807; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Amy Sloan or Jennifer Skidmore, (301)7132289.