[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56001-56002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19758]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC363]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26226

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 Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Atlantic 
Marine Conservation Society, P.O. Box 932, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 38 species of 
marine mammals including endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin 
(B. physalus), North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), sei (B. 
borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 13, 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. 26226 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. 26226 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: Amy Hapeman or Sara Young, (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).

[[Page 56002]]

    The applicant proposes to study 34 cetacean species and four 
pinniped species in U.S waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Maine to 
Virginia. Researchers seek to (1) document marine mammal seasonal 
occurrence and distribution, (2) collect baseline data to maintain 
comparative long-term data sets to evaluate changes in species trends, 
and (3) identify and document natural and anthropogenic threats to 
marine mammals. Researchers would conduct manned aerial surveys and 
vessel surveys, including operation of an unmanned aircraft system 
(UAS), for counts, behavioral observations, photography, and photo-
identification of marine mammals. Researchers would also conduct ground 
surveys of pinnipeds for counts, scat collection, remote video 
monitoring, observations, photography or photo-identification, and UAS 
operations. Take numbers for each species can be found in the 
application's take table. 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: September 8, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19758 Filed 9-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P