[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 135 (Tuesday, July 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 42361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15143]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA246]


Marine Mammals; File No. 23966

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 Christopher Cilfone, Be Blue, 193a 
Fleming Rd., Lahaina, HI 96761, has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct commercial or educational photography on humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before August 13, 2020.

ADDRESSES: These documents are also available upon written request via 
email to [email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 23966 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. 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 humpback whales in the waters of 
Maui County, Hawaii. Footage would be used to create a series of 
documentary films that highlight humpback whale and their conservation. 
Up to 100 humpback whales would be filmed annually from a boat, 
unmanned aircraft system, remotely operated vehicle, and by free 
divers. One hundred bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), 100 pantropical 
spotted (Stenella attenuata), and 500 spinner (Stenella longirostris) 
dolphins may be incidentally filmed or harassed annually. The permit 
would expire on December 31, 2025.
    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: July 9, 2020.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15143 Filed 7-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P