[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 149 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63164-63165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-17115]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE145]


Marine Mammals; File No. 28171

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 Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D., Keiki 
Kohola Project, 1330 Sabal Lakes Road, Delray Beach, FL 33445, has 
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae; Hawaii distinct population segment [DPS]), 
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins (Stenella 
longirostris), pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), false 
killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens; Hawaiian insular DPS), and short-
finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

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. 
28171 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. 28171'' 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 
health, behavior, and habitat use of humpback whales in Hawaiian 
waters. Research may be conducted from a vessel or unmanned aircraft 
system for counts, observations, and photograph and video recordings 
(above and underwater) on

[[Page 63165]]

up to 1,017 humpback whales annually. Opportunistic research may occur 
on 12 bottlenose, 120 spinner, and 60 pantropical spotted dolphins, 24 
false killer, and 24 short-finned pilot 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 25, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-17115 Filed 8-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P