[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 4226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01600]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB740]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26285

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 The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 924, 
Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 (Jenny Atkinson, Responsible Party) has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research or enhancement on 
marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before February 28, 2022.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the 
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 26285 from the list of available applications. 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. 26285 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: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. or Courtney 
Smith, Ph.D., (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.), the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to conduct research for the Soundwatch 
Boater Education Program in the in-land waters of Washington State to 
evaluate vessel regulations and guidelines, characterize vessel trends, 
and prevent vessel disturbances to marine mammals. The primary target 
species are Southern Resident and transient killer whales (Orcinus 
orca), but additional species taken during research may include fin 
(Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), and minke (B. acutorostrata) whales; Dall's 
(Phocoenoides dalli) and harbor (Phocoena phocoena) porpoises. Up to 50 
whales of each killer whale stock and 20 individuals of each of the 
other cetacean species may be taken annually during vessel surveys 
including photography, photo-identification, video recording, and 
behavioral observations. Five species of non-listed pinnipeds may be 
unintentionally harassed during research activities. See the 
application for complete numbers of animals requested by species. The 
permit is requested for five years.
    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: January 24, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01600 Filed 1-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P