[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