[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 96 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42854-42855]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10769]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD959]


Marine Mammals; File No. 28082

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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[[Page 42855]]

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Pioneer Studios (Responsible 
Party: Ben Hamilton), 2511 Ashton Village Drive, San Antonio, TX 78248, 
has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or 
educational photography on the eastern U.S stock of Steller sea lions 
(Eumetopias jubatus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 17, 2024.

ADDRESSES: These 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. 28082'' 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 Sara Young, (301) 
427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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 up to 400 Steller sea lions and 60 
harbor seals annually in Sitka Sound, Alaska. Filming will occur from 
vessels, unmanned aircraft systems, and divers. Footage will be used 
for a documentary about the diversity of life in the marine and 
terrestrial environments near Sitka Sound. Specifically, the footage 
will focus on the annual herring spawn. The film would be screened 
locally to residents and visitors to the area. The permit would be 
valid through April 2026.
    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: May 13, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-10769 Filed 5-15-24; 8:45 am]
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