[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 188 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 59063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21134]



[[Page 59063]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC409]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26593

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 Adam Pack, Ph.D., University of 
Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, has applied in 
due form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera 
novaeangliae) and other cetaceans.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 31, 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. 26593 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. 26593 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 Courtney Smith, 
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 29 cetacean species in Hawaiian and 
Alaskan waters, with a focus on humpback whales. The purpose of the 
research is to examine the behavioral ecology, biology and 
communication systems of humpback whales as well as the abundance, 
distribution, behavior, and physiological stress levels of all cetacean 
species in the study area. Research would be conducted from boats, 
airplanes, unmanned aircraft systems, and underwater. Animals would be 
studied using photo-ID, videogrammetry, passive acoustic recordings, 
behavioral observations, collection of fecal and skin samples, and 
biopsy sampling. In addition, up to 150 video and acoustic recording 
suction cup tags would be deployed on humpback whales, annually. 
Threatened and endangered species that would be studied if encountered 
are: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), false 
killer (Pseudorca crassidens) (Main Hawaiian Islands Insular distinct 
population segment (DPS)), fin (B. physalus), humpback (Central America 
and Mexico DPSs), North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), sei (B. 
borealis), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). 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 26, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21134 Filed 9-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P