SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On April 29, 2025, notice was published in the Federal Register (90 FR 17779) that a request for a scientific research permit had been submitted by the above-named applicant. The requested permit was issued on June 4, 2025, 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 (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 through 226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).

The permit authorizes import, export, and receipt of marine mammal parts and the development of cell lines to understand diving, metabolic, and reproductive physiology of marine mammals. The permit expires on June 30, 2035.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

As required by the ESA, issuance of this permit was based on a finding that such permit: (1) was applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA.

90 FR 24387