[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 167 (Monday, August 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 59196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20614]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE773


Marine Mammals; File No. 20341

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 Craig Matkin, North Gulf Oceanic 
Society, 3430 Main St., Suite B1, Homer, Alaska 99603, has applied in 
due form for a permit to conduct research on cetaceans.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 28, 2016.

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 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 20341 from the list of available applications.
    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 the File No. 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: Shasta McClenahan or Carrie Hubard, 
(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 continue a long-term research study of 
killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Alaskan waters, focusing on population 
abundance, social structure, feeding behavior, and movement patterns. 
Other non-ESA listed cetacean species would be studied along the North 
Gulf Coast of Alaska in relation to U.S. Navy testing activities. 
Research methods include photo-identification, passive acoustics, 
collection of prey remains, morphometrics, biopsy sampling, and 
deployment of both suction cup and dart tags. Up to 2,000 killer whales 
may be photographed annually, with smaller numbers of whales receiving 
tags or biopsy sampled. Other species to be studied include gray whales 
(Eschrichtius robustus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), 
Baird's beaked whales (Berardius bairdii), Cuvier's beaked whales 
(Ziphius cavirostris), and Stejneger's beaked whales (Mesoplodon 
stenergeri). Prey remains may be collected from up to 25 each of the 
following carcasses: Minke whales, gray whale, harbor porpoise 
(Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals 
(Phoca vitulina), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus 
obliquidens), and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). The permit 
would be valid for five 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: August 24, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20614 Filed 8-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P