[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 9, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 48471]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-17005]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC233]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26562

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 James Hain, Ph.D., Associated 
Scientists at Woods Hole, Box 721, Woods Hole, MA 02543, has applied in 
due form for a permit to conduct research on North Atlantic right 
whales (Eubalaena glacialis).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 8, 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. 26562 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. 26562 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, 
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.), and the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
    The applicant proposes to study North Atlantic right whales (NARW) 
from Cumberland Island, Georgia, south to Jupiter Inlet, Florida. The 
purpose of the research is to continue a long-term study of the 
distribution, abundance, habitat use, behavior, reproduction, and human 
impacts on NARWs. Research would consist of photo-ID, behavioral 
observations, counts, and passive acoustic recordings. Annually, 
researchers may approach up to 25 NARW using boats, and another 40 NARW 
may be approached from unmanned aircraft systems, manned airplanes, and 
blimps. If encountered, ten humpback whales (Megaptera novaenagliae) 
may be studied annually. Up to 60 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops 
truncatus) and 12 Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) may be 
unintentionally harassed annually. The permit would be valid for 5 
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: July 27, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-17005 Filed 8-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P