```

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Page 7101]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01282]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE618]

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 28286 and 22095

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

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period and proposed permit 
extension.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries 
Service is extending the public comment period associated with the 
notice of receipt for an application for a permit (File No. 28286) to 
conduct research and enhancement activities on one stranded, non-
releasable beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from the endangered 
Cook Inlet distinct population segment (DPS). The application has been 
updated to reflect additional information received from the applicant. 
Additionally, we propose extending SeaWorld's current permit, No. 
22095-01, under which the subject beluga whale is currently held, for 
six months to allow additional processing of the updated application 
(File No. 28286).

DATES: The comment period for the notice published December 17, 2024, 
at 89 FR 102117, is extended. Written comments must be received on or 
before March 3, 2025.

ADDRESSES: The application for a new permit 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 (File No. 28286) and the 
proposed extension to Permit No. 22095-01 should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File Nos. 28286 and 22095, 
respectively, 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: On December 17, 2024 (89 FR 102117), the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published notice of a permit 
application (File No. 28286) submitted by SeaWorld LLC, 6240 Sea Harbor 
Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 (Responsible Party: Chris Dold, DVM).
    The applicant proposes to conduct research and enhancement 
activities on and provide long-term care for one male beluga whale 
(NOA0010477/``Tyonek'') from the depleted and endangered Cook Inlet 
DPS. The permit is requested for a 5-year period. NMFS received a 
request for an extension of the public comment period. Additionally, 
NMFS received updated information from the applicant in response to 
preliminary questions from the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC), 
clarifying research sampling and enhancement activity details in the 
take tables, educational programs, and captive breeding of the subject 
whale. These changes have been incorporated into the application in 
APPS (see also new uploaded document, ``28286_Response to MMC 
Comments_1.2.2024.pdf''. In addition, NMFS is proposing to extend 
SeaWorld's current research and enhancement permit for Tyonek, No. 
22095-01 (75 FR 27418, April 17, 2024), for six months to allow 
additional processing of the updated application (File No. 28286). That 
extended permit would expire on September 15, 2025. Thus, NMFS is 
extending the public comment period for an additional 30 days.

    Dated: January 14, 2025.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-01282 Filed 1-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
```