[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 223 (Thursday, November 19, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 64246-64247] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-30899] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 111298D] Marine Mammals; Scientific Research and Enhancement Permit (PHF# 116-1477)
Agency
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
Action
Receipt of application.
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Summary
Notice is hereby given that Sea World of Texas, 10500 Sea World Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78251, has applied in due form for a permit to take Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) for purposes of scientific research and enhancement.
Dates
Written comments must be received on or before December 21, 1998.
Addresses
The application and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East- West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/713-2289); Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001); and Protected Species Program Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office, 2570 Dole Street, Room 106, Honolulu, HI 9682-2396 (808/973-2987). Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this request, should be submitted to the Director, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301) 713-0376, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Please note that comments will not be accepted by e-mail or by other electronic media.
For Further Information Contact
Jeannie Drevenak, 301/713-2289.
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.), 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.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and wildlife (50 CFR part 222.23). The application is for the permanent transfer of ten (10) currently captive, unreleasable female Hawaiian monk seals from the National Marine Fisheries Service's Kewalo Research Facility to Sea World of Texas for research and enhancement purposes. The primary objective of the proposed activity is to make the seals available for scientific research on an opportunistic basis in order to benefit the wild population of Hawaiian monk seals. A secondary objective is to increase public awareness of the status of the Hawaiian monk seal through education efforts and by providing an opportunity to observe the species in captivity. 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: November 12, 1998. Ann D. Terbush, Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 98-30899 Filed 11-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F