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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 102117-102118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-29618]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE511]

Marine Mammals; File No. 28286

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 SeaWorld LLC, 6240 Sea Harbor 
Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 (Responsible Party: Chris Dold, DVM), has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research and enhancement 
activities on one stranded, non-releasable beluga whale (Delphinapterus 
leucas) from the endangered Cook Inlet distinct population segment 
(DPS).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 31, 2025.

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 
home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 
28286 from the list of available applications. These documents are also 
available upon written request via email to [email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 28286 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., or Jennifer 
Skidmore, (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 through 226).
    The applicant proposes to conduct research on and provide long-term 
care for one male beluga whale (NOA0010477/``Tyonek'') from the 
depleted and endangered Cook Inlet DPS. This whale stranded as a 
neonate (estimated date of birth: September 1, 2017), and was rescued 
and rehabilitated by the Alaska marine mammal stranding network under 
the authority of the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response 
Program. NMFS determined him to be non-releasable and placed Tyonek 
with SeaWorld of Texas where he has been maintained for research and 
enhancement purposes since March 18, 2018.
    Proposed research activities for this beluga whale include 
behavioral observations, underwater photography/videography, and active 
acoustic sonar imaging. The proposed enhancement activities include 
continued daily husbandry care (feeding, training, monitoring growth 
[measurements, weight, ultrasound]); veterinary care (exams and 
biological sampling including but not limited to blood, breath 
exhalate, oral swabs, skin scrapes, gastric fluids, urine, feces; and 
treatments as warranted); reproductive health assessment (testicular 
ultrasound); behavioral observations; and enrichment.
    Tyonek would be placed on public display incidental to the proposed 
research and enhancement activities but would not be used in 
interactive programs with the public or trained for performance. Tyonek 
would be included in public educational presentations would address the 
endangered status and current threats to the Cook Inlet DPS and may 
include demonstrations of trained husbandry and enrichment behaviors as 
well as natural behaviors. Tyonek may be transported to another 
SeaWorld facility in consultation with NMFS, if deemed necessary for 
socialization or husbandry purposes. The permit is requested for a 5-
year period.
    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.

[[Page 102118]]

    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: December 11, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-29618 Filed 12-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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