[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 52073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21318]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XR051


Marine Mammals; File No. 23043

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 Devon Massyn, Natural History 
Unit, 2118 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Unit B, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational 
photography on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and 
northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 31, 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: Carrie Hubard or Shasta McClenahan, 
(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 pinnipeds along the coasts of 
California and Oregon to obtain footage for a National Geographic 
wildlife documentary. The show will focus on predator and prey 
relationships and the complex web of life that draws sharks and 
wildlife from the vast open ocean to the west coast. Up to 60 northern 
elephant seals and 160 California sea lions may be harassed annually 
during filming activities. The applicant would film on land or while 
diving underwater using telephoto lenses and static cameras. Up to 50 
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) may be incidentally harassed during 
filming activities. The permit would expire July 31, 2021.
    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, 2019.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-21318 Filed 9-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P