[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 22 (Thursday, February 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 7080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02159]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC724]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26919

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 the Georgia Department of Natural 
Resources, 2070 U.S. Highway 278 Southeast, Social Circle, GA 30025 
(Responsible Party: Jonathan Ambrose) has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct research on cetaceans.

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

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. 26919 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. 26919 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.), 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 study endangered North 
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) to monitor the population 
and its habitat, identify and reduce human causes of mortality and 
serious injury, and implement the recovery plan. Three species of non-
listed cetaceans may be unintentionally harassed and opportunistically 
studied during research. Researchers would conduct surveys from vessels 
or aircraft (manned or unmanned) for counts, photography, photo-
identification, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, video recording, 
observations, passive acoustic recording, tracking, underwater photo/
videography, and biological sampling (exhaled air, feces, and skin and 
blubber biopsy). Marine mammal parts may be exported and imported for 
analysis. 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.
    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: January 30, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02159 Filed 2-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P