[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 166 (Monday, August 29, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52749-52750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18495]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC313]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26602

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 Alison Stimpert, Ph.D., Moss 
Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 
95039, 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 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. 26602 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. 26602 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 Amy 
Hapeman, (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 5-year permit to take marine mammals in 
the Pacific Ocean to describe fine-scale foraging, determine types of 
acoustic behavior and how these are affected by anthropogenic noise, 
characterize populations, increase understanding of biomechanics and 
physiology, and assess impacts of offshore wind energy systems. Up to 
14 species of cetaceans may be targeted for research including the 
following ESA-listed species: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin 
(Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus; Western North 
Pacific distinct population segment [DPS]); humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae; Western North Pacific, Mexico, and Central America DPSs), 
and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Researchers would conduct 
vessel surveys, including unmanned aircraft systems, for observations, 
photography and video recording, photo-identification, photogrammetry, 
passive acoustic recording, prey mapping, biological sampling (sloughed 
skin and skin and blubber biopsy), tagging (suction-cup and dart tags), 
and tracking. Two species of non-listed pinnipeds may be harassed 
during research. 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.

[[Page 52750]]

    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 23, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-18495 Filed 8-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P