[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57403-57404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-23320]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XR047


Marine Mammals; File No. 23169

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Red Rock Films, 625 Sligo Avenue, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Responsible Party: Brian Armstrong), has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational 
photography on marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before November 25, 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: Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, 
(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 marine mammals in Antarctica to 
obtain footage for a National Geographic wildlife documentary focusing 
on social bonds and the complex communications that exist among 
cetaceans. Up to 150 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and 100 
killer whales (Orcinus orca) will be targeted over life

[[Page 57404]]

of permit for filming using vessels, underwater divers, or unmanned 
aircraft systems. Additional non-target marine mammals may be harassed 
and filmed if they are prey of killer whales or if opportunistically 
encountered. These non-target species include up to 10 minke whales 
(Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and 50 each of Antarctic fur seals 
(Arctocephalus gazella); crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), 
leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii), 
southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), or Weddell seals 
(Leptonychotes weddellii) over the life of the permit. The permit would 
expire on February 28, 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: October 22, 2019.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-23320 Filed 10-24-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P