[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 75042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26569]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC595]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27029

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 Echo Pictures Ltd., c/o Offspring 
Films, 1st & 2nd floor, Dock House, Welsh Back, Bristol, United 
Kingdom, BS1 4SB, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct 
commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before January 6, 2023.

ADDRESSES: These documents are 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. 27029 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.), and the regulations governing the 
taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to film up to 24 species of non-listed 
marine mammals for a wildlife documentary series. Filming may occur on 
the U.S. east coast from Florida to Maine from platforms including 
vessels, unmanned aircraft systems, and underwater (snorkelers, divers, 
and towed, pole, or drop-in cameras). See the application for species 
and numbers of animals by filming platform. The permit is requested for 
2 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: December 1, 2022.
Amy C. Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26569 Filed 12-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P