[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 149 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 63167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-17068]



[[Page 63167]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE151]


Marine Mammals; File No. 28192

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 Olga von Ziegesar, Winged Whale 
Research, 53254 Marimac Avenue, Homer, AK 99603, has applied in due 
form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera 
novaeangliae; Western North Pacific, Hawai'i, and Mexico distinct 
population segments).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 3, 
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. 
28192 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. 28192 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: Erin Markin, Ph.D., or Carrie Hubard, 
(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.), the regulations governing the taking and 
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (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 continue long-term monitoring of the 
distribution, abundance, behavior, and calving rates of humpback whales 
in Alaskan waters, specifically Prince William Sound and adjacent 
waters. Research may be conducted from a vessel for counts, 
observations, photo-ID, and photograph and video recordings on up to 
140 humpback whales annually. The requested duration of the permit is 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: July 26, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-17068 Filed 8-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P