[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 150 (Friday, August 5, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 47985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16808]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RTID 0648-XC239


Marine Mammals; File No. 25987

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 Jim Darling, Ph.D., Whale Trust, 
P.O. Box 384, Tofino, BC V0R2Z0, Canada, has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct scientific 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. 25987 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. 25987 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 Carrie 
Hubard, (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.), and the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
    The applicant requests a five-year permit to study the social 
organization, behavior, and communication of humpback whales (Megaptera 
novaeangliae; Hawaii and Mexico distinct population segments [DPSs]) in 
Alaska and Hawaii. Humpback whales may be taken during vessel surveys 
and aerial surveys (manned or unmanned aircraft systems) for counts, 
above water and underwater photography and videography, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, behavioral observations, passive 
acoustic recording, active acoustic playbacks, exhaled air sampling, 
biopsy sampling, and tagging with suction-cup or dart tags. Ten species 
of non-target marine mammals may be opportunistically studied or 
unintentionally harassed during research including ESA-listed Hawaiian 
monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), false killer whales (Pseudorca 
crassidens; Main Hawaiian Islands Insular DPS), and North Pacific right 
whales (Eubalaena japonica). See the application for numbers of animals 
requested by species and procedure.
    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 2, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-16808 Filed 8-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P