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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 103786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30304]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE541]

Marine Mammals; File No. 27539

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 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 [email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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
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