[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 8408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02709]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC750]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27077

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 WSP Wild Water Productions 
Limited, St Stephen's Avenue, Bristol, BS1 1YL, United Kingdom, 
(Responsible Party: Joanna Barwick) 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 March 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: The application and related 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. 27077 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 Erin Markin, 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.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to film gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) 
feeding on shrimp in the intertidal zone of Puget Sound, WA. The 
filming is for a natural history television series, which follows the 
journey of rivers from source to sea. Up to 180 gray whales may be 
harassed during filming from vessels, land, unmanned aircraft systems, 
and snorkelers. If encountered, 70 of each of the following species may 
be filmed and unintentionally harassed: killer whales (Orcinus orca; 
west coast transient stock), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), 
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lions 
(Eumetopias jubatus), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). The permit 
would expire on May 31, 2024.
    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: February 3, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02709 Filed 2-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P