[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 29116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10209]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB998]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26537

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that BBC Studio's Natural History Unit, 
Broadcasting House, 31-33 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2LR, United 
Kingdom, (Responsible Party: Matt Allen), has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine 
mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before June 13, 2022.

ADDRESSES: These documents are 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. 26537 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: Sara Young or Shasta McClenahan, 
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), and the Fur Seal Act 
of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to film California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus) and other marine mammal species opportunistically 
encountered in central and southern California to produce a documentary 
that showcases iconic west coast animal species. Filmmakers may harass 
up to 4,035 California sea lions, 100 northern elephant seals (Mirounga 
angustirostris), 250 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), 20 
Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), 4,000 short-beaked common dolphins 
(Delphinus delphis), and 100 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) 
for photography/videography using a ground crew, vessels, underwater 
divers, and an unmanned aircraft system. Filming is expected to occur 
over a seven-week period in July to December. The permit would be valid 
for one year.
    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: May 9, 2022.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10209 Filed 5-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P