[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 149 (Thursday, August 4, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 47722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16735]



[[Page 47722]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC198]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26614

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Craig Matkin, Director, North Gulf 
Oceanic Society, 3430 Main St. Suite B1, Homer, Alaska 99603, has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 6, 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. 26614 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. 26614 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: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., 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), 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 continue a long-term research study of 
killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Alaskan waters, focusing on their 
population status, health, and ecosystem interactions. Research methods 
include vessel and aerial (small unmanned aircraft system) surveys to 
conduct photo-identification, photogrammetry, diet sampling (prey 
remain and fecal sample collection), passive acoustic recording, and 
breath and biopsy sampling. Up to 3,000 killer whales may be 
photographed annually, with up to 35 whales biopsy sampled. Prey 
remains may be collected from endangered salmonid species (Oncorhynchus 
spp.) and up to 25 each of the following species minke whales 
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), 
Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), 
Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), northern fur 
seals (Callorhinus ursinus), and other unidentified cetaceans or 
pinnipeds. Prey remains and other samples may be imported and/or 
exported. The permit would be valid for 5 years from the date of 
issuance.
    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: August 1, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-16735 Filed 8-3-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P