[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 50112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16210]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD201]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27128

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 Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., 310 W 123rd 
Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99515, has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct research on the endangered Cook Inlet distinct population 
segment (DPS) of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before August 31, 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. 27128 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. 27128 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: Amy Hapeman 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.), 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).
    Dr. McGuire requests a 5-year permit to continue to conduct 
research on the endangered DPS of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. 
The purpose of the research is to identify individual whales and to 
provide information about movement patterns, habitat use, survivorship, 
reproduction, and population size of Cook Inlet beluga whales. 
Researchers would conduct up to 1,600 approaches by vessel that may 
result in Level B harassment for observations, photography, and photo-
identification of whales annually. Up to 100 harbor seals (Phoca 
vitulina) annually could be unintentionally harassed during surveys.
    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: July 26, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-16210 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P