[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 47499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19517]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XR038


Marine Mammals; File No. 23197

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 Wildstar Films, South Parade 
Mansions, 71 Oakfield Road, Bristol BS8 2BB, U.K. (Responsible Party: 
Hugh Pearson), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct 
commercial photography on common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Pacific 
white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), northern right whale 
dolphins (Lissodelphis borealis), and California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 10, 2019.

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, 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: 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 up to 2,000 common dolphins, 300 
Pacific white-sided dolphins, 500 northern right whale dolphins, and 
100 California sea lions off the coast of Newport, CA. Underwater video 
would be taken for a television documentary series on American wildlife 
for the National Geographic Channel. Filming could occur by vessel 
using a pole camera, by unmanned aircraft system, or by scuba diving. 
The permit would expire on December 31, 2020.
    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 5, 2019.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-19517 Filed 9-9-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P