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###### Department of Commerce

###### National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

          - [RTID 0648-XE541]

# AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

# ACTION:

Notice; receipt of application.

# SUMMARY:

                        Notice is hereby given that the Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Responsible Party: Andrew Rossiter, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for an enhancement permit for captive Hawaiian monk seals (                        *Neomonachus schauinslandi*).                    

# DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before February 3, 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. 27539 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request via email to                         *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.*

                        Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to                         *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.*                         Please include File No. 27539 in the subject line of the email comment.                    

                        Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to                         *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.*                         The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jennifer Skidmore or Courtney Smith, Ph.D., (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 Waikiki Aquarium requests a permit for enhancement activities of non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals. Up to two non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals may be maintained at Waikiki Aquarium at any given time. One seal, Ho'ailona (KP2; NOA0006753) currently at Long Marine Laboratory (Santa Cruz, California) for research proposes, will be transported to Waikiki Aquarium for continued permanent care. The seals would be provided with daily husbandry, care and treatment of medical conditions, routine veterinary care, and would be made available for opportunistic research. The Waikiki Aquarium will continue public awareness of monks seals through educational programs. The permit would be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

                    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: December 16, 2024.

Julia M. Harrison,

Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.

[FR Doc. 2024-30304 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P