[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22716-22717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09477]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD887


Marine Mammals; File No. 19444

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 Richard Breezy Wynn, 7216 
Wellington Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct commercial or educational photography

[[Page 22717]]

on killer (Orcinus orca) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) whales.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before May 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: These documents are also available upon written request or 
by appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. 
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by 
email to [email protected]. Please include File No. 19444 in 
the subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the 
address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons 
why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard or Brendan Hurley, (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.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to film killer and beluga whales, focusing 
on their relationship with salmon. Filming would occur in Bristol Bay, 
Nushagak and Kvichak Bays, Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay, Aialik Bay, 
Harris Bay and Blying Sound, Alaska. A maximum of 45 killer whales and 
25 belugas would be approached for filming. In addition, 25 harbor 
seals (Phoca vitulina), 20 gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), 25 
Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli), and 25 harbor porpoises 
(Phocoena phocoena) may be incidentally harassed during filming 
operations. Filming would occur from boats, a kayak, and an underwater 
diver. Hydrophones would be used to record sounds. Researchers familiar 
with the key species are working with the applicant as advisors. 
Footage would be used in a feature film for theatrical release and 
related projects, all focusing on salmon and their environment. Filming 
would occur in the summer and fall of 2015. The permit would be valid 
until October 31, 2015.
    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: April 20, 2015.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09477 Filed 4-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P