[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49548-49549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21339]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG360


Marine Mammals; File No. 20648

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 Heidi Pearson, Ph.D., University 
of Alaska--Southeast, 11120 Glacier Hwy., AND1, Juneau, AK 99801, has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research on 
marine mammals in southern Alaskan waters.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before November 1, 2018.

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. 20648 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.

[[Page 49549]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Smith 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.), 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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant requests a five-year permit to conduct research that 
would assess the behavior, ecology, and movement patterns of cetaceans 
in the Gulf of Alaska with a focus on Southeast Alaska, particularly 
waters around Juneau. Fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae; range-wide including those from the endangered Mexico 
Distinct Population Segment), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), killer 
(Orcinus orca); minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and sperm (Physeter 
macrocephalus) whales, Dall's (Hocoenoides dalli) and harbor porpoises 
(Phocoena phocoena), and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus 
obliquidens) will be taken during vessel and unmanned aerial surveys. 
Researchers will use the following methods on all or some of the above 
listed species: Observation, photographic identification, 
photogrammetry, passive acoustic recording, tagging (suction-cup), 
remote biopsy and other biological sampling (breath/exhaled air, fecal, 
swabbed and sloughed skin). Humpback and killer whales may be remote 
biopsy sampled. Acoustic disturbance from sonar for prey mapping may 
also occur. Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus; Eastern and Western 
Distinct Population Segments) and harbor seals may be incidentally 
harassed during research activities.
    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: September 26, 2018.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21339 Filed 10-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P