Federal Register: October 15, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 198)
DOCID: fr15oc09-33 FR Doc E9-24839
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN ID: RIN 0648-XS27
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr15oc09-33
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Marine Mammals; File No. 14676
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before November 16, 2009.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Notice is hereby given that Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).
SUMMARY:
Marine Mammals
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 purpose of
this research is to determine the role of blood oxygen store depletion
in the dive behavior and foraging ecology of California sea lions. This
research would help determine the ability of these animals to adapt to
environmental change. Over the course of five years, up to twenty
animals would be captured, flipper tagged, anesthetized, and equipped
with a backpack blood oxygen recorder during foraging trips to sea.
Animals would be recaptured after the foraging trip to remove the
recorders. Research would occur on San Nicolas Island off the coast of
California. Annually, up to 6000 California sea lions, 500 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 1000 northern elephant seals (Mirounga
angustirostris), and 150 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) may
be incidentally harassed during research. The permit would be valid for 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: October 8, 2009.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E924839 Filed 101409; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Kate Swails or Tammy Adams, (301)713- 2289.