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.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).

The applicant requests authorization for the continued maintenance of two previously stranded Guadalupe fur seals that were deemed non-releasable and placed at Sea World of California for enhancement purposes. The proposed enhancement activities for these and other Guadalupe fur seals (up to six non-releasable fur seals at any given time) would include daily husbandry and veterinary care, behavioral observations, and programs to educate the public regarding Guadalupe fur seal natural history, distribution and population status. These animals would be placed on public display, incidental to the enhancement activities, and would not be trained for performance. Opportunistic scientific research may occur, under separate authorization, pending approval by the SeaWorld Animal Science and Welfare Team and the attending veterinarian. The applicant has requested a five-year permit.

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.

86 FR 33233