[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 27451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09235]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC969]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26939

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 NMFS' Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543 (Responsible Party: Jon 
Hare, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research 
on pinnipeds.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before June 1, 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. 26939 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. 26939 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 Shasta McClenahan, 
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 requests a 5-year permit to conduct pinniped stock 
assessment research, including estimation of distribution and 
abundance, determination of stock structure, habitat requirements, 
foraging ecology, health assessment, and effects of natural and 
anthropogenic factors. Research will primarily be on harbor seals 
(Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), and secondarily 
on harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seals (Cystophora 
cristata). The study area includes waters within or proximal to the 
U.S. and international waters from North Carolina north to Maine, and 
Canadian waters in the Gulf of Maine. Pinnipeds may be harassed during 
vessel and aircraft (manned and unmanned) transect and photo-
identification surveys, and scat collection. Annually, up to 100 harbor 
seals, 350 gray seals, 5 harp seals, and 5 hooded seals will be 
captured, sampled, and released for measurement of body condition, 
biological sampling (e.g., blood, blubber, skin, hair, swab samples, 
vibrissae), and attachment of telemetry devices. An additional 8,180 
harbor seals and 15,765 gray seals may be unintentionally harassed 
annually during research. The applicant requests unintentional 
mortality during captures of up to 5 gray, 5 harbor, 1 harp, and 1 
hooded seals annually. The applicant also requests to import and export 
samples for analysis. See application for detailed numbers by species, 
age-class, and procedure. 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: April 26, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-09235 Filed 5-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P