[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 76 (Friday, April 21, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Page 18739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08031]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF352


Marine Mammals; File No. 21199

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Vanessa Coates, British 
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Natural History Unit, BBC Bristol, 
Whiteladies Road, United Kingdom BS8 2LR, has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct commercial photography on killer whales (Orcinus 
orca), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and Pacific white-sided 
dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before May 22, 2017.

ADDRESSES: These documents are 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.
    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: Sara Young 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 film killer whales at various locations 
outside of Seward, Alaska, over six days in May, and in Juneau, AK over 
six days at the end of July. In Seward, a maximum of 300 killer whales 
will be intentionally filmed while 100 Dall's porpoise, and 400 Pacific 
white-sided dolphins may be incidentally harassed and approached for 
filming. In Juneau, a maximum of 100 killer whales would be 
intentionally filmed. Filming would occur from cameras on board a 
vessel or by helicopter. Hydrophones would be used to record 
vocalizations. Footage would be used for an Alaska Live television 
series to showcase the gathering of wildlife in Alaska that occurs 
around the salmon runs. The permit would be valid through August 31, 
2017.
    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 17, 2017.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-08031 Filed 4-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P