Notice2022-03061
Marine Mammals; File No. 26254
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 14, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (Responsible Party: Lori Quakenbush), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on ice seals in Alaska.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 8235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03061]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XB798]
Marine Mammals; File No. 26254
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Fish &
Game (ADF&G), 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (Responsible
Party: Lori Quakenbush), has applied in due form for a permit to
conduct research on ice seals in Alaska.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before March 16, 2022.
ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species
(APPS) home page, <a href="https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov</a>, and then selecting File
No. 26254 from the list of available applications. These documents are
also available upon written request via email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#024c4f44512c527033416d6f6f676c7671426c6d63632c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bd5d6ddc8b5cbe9aad8f4f6f6fef5efe8dbf5f4fafab5fcf4ed">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f7172796c116f4d0e7c5052525a514b4c7f51505e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d23202b3e433d1f5c2e0200000803191e2d03020c0c430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 26254 in the
subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a
written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b45464d58255b793a486466666e657f784b65646a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e2023283d403e1c5f2d0103030b001a1d2e00010f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>. The request
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application
would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young or Carrie Hubard, (301)
427-8401.
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 a permit to conduct scientific research on
spotted (Phoca largha), ringed (Pusa hispida), bearded (Erignathus
barbatus), and ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata) seals in the Bering,
Chukchi, and Beaufort seas of Alaska. The purpose of this research is
to monitor the status and health of seal species by analyzing samples
from the subsistence harvest and by documenting movements and habitat
use by tracking animals with satellite transmitters. In addition to
sampling harvested seals, the applicant would capture up to 50 bearded
seals, 20 ribbon seals, 50 ringed seals, and 50 spotted seals per year
that would be sedated, measured, sampled (e.g., blood and skin),
flipper tagged, and fitted with transmitters. The applicant requests to
capture an additional 50 bearded seals, 20 ribbon seals, 50 ringed
seals, and 50 spotted seals per year that would be measured, sampled,
and flipper tagged but not fitted with external instruments. The
applicant also requests permission to harass non-target seals of all
four pinniped species as well as beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).
The applicant requests up to five mortalities per species per year for
pinniped captures and one mortality of a beluga whale annually due to
accidental entanglement in pinniped capture nets. Samples would be
imported from Russia, Canada, Svalbard (Norway) and exported to Canada
for analyses. The permit would be valid for 5 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 the application to the Marine
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Dated: February 8, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03061 Filed 2-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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