[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 56 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 20182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06000]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD819]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27342

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 Heidi Pearson, Ph.D., University 
of Alaska Southeast, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, has applied 
in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 22, 2024.

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 
home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 
27342 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. 27342 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 Courtney 
Smith, 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).
    The applicant requests a 5-year research permit to study marine 
mammal behavior, ecology, health, and movement patterns. Up to 11 
species of marine mammals may be harassed including the following ESA-
listed species: fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius 
robustus; Western North Pacific distinct population segment [DPS]), 
humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae; Mexico DPS), and sperm (Physeter 
macrocephalus) whales, and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, 
Western DPS). Research may occur year-round in waters off Southeast 
Alaska. Research may be conducted from a vessel or unmanned aircraft 
system for counts, photography and video recording (above and 
underwater), photogrammetry, passive acoustics, tracking, suction-cup 
tagging, and biological sampling (skin and blubber biopsy, skin swabs, 
sloughed skin, exhaled air, feces, and eDNA). See the application for 
complete numbers of animals requested by species, age-class, 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: March 18, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-06000 Filed 3-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P