[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9870-9871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03132]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC768]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27272

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 Stellwagen Bank National Marine 
Sanctuary, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, MA 02066 (Responsible 
Party: David Wiley, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct research on seven species of cetaceans.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 17, 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. 27272 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. 27272 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: Sara Young or Amy Hapeman, (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

[[Page 9871]]

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 seven cetacean species in the 
waters of the northeastern United States as well as Antarctica. The 
purpose of the research is to investigate the foraging ecology, habitat 
use, physiology, and acoustic and social behavior of these species to 
support ecosystem-based management and mitigate anthropogenic harm. 
Research would be conducted from boats and unmanned aircraft systems 
(UAS). Animals would be studied using photo-ID, photogrammetry, 
behavioral observations, collection of fecal samples, skin and blubber 
biopsy sampling, and suction cup tagging by a pole or UAS. Threatened 
and endangered species that would be studied if encountered are: fin 
whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), and North 
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). 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: February 9, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03132 Filed 2-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P