[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 77103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21524]



[[Page 77103]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE303]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27543

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 Marine Ecology and Telemetry 
Research, 2468 Camp McKenzie Trl NW, Seabeck WA 98380 (Responsible 
Party: Greg Schorr), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct 
research on and import specimens of 47 marine mammal species including 
the following endangered species and Distinct Population Segments 
(DPSs): blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead whale (Balaena 
mysticetus), Main Hawaiian Islands Insular DPS of false killer whale 
(Pseudorca crassidens), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), Western DPS 
of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), Western North Pacific DPS and 
Central America DPS of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), 
Southern Resident DPS of killer whale (Orcinus orca), North Pacific 
right whale (Eubalaena japonica), sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), 
and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before October 21, 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. 
27543 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. 27543 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 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 
(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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to assess the biology and ecology of 
cetaceans in U.S. and international waters along the U.S. west coast 
south to the Baja California Peninsula, Hawaii and Alaska. The main 
research objectives are to investigate cetacean (1) distribution, 
abundance, stock structure, habitat use and demographics, (2) 
behavioral ecology, (3) population health and exposure to potential 
stressors, and (4) behavioral responses to military sound sources. 
Research would be conducted from vessel and aerial platforms (manned 
and unmanned aircraft systems), for: counts, sample collection (prey 
remains, fecal, sloughed skin, skin and blubber biopsy, breath), 
observations, acoustic recordings, acoustic playbacks, photo-
identification, videography, photogrammetry, tagging, and tracking. 
Researchers may attach up to two tag types (suction-cup, dart/barb, or 
deep implant) at a time to some animals. Researchers may 
unintentionally disturb seven pinniped species, including the 
endangered Western DPS of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) and 
Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), during studies. 
Biological samples collected in international waters may be imported 
and re-exported. See the application for take numbers requested. The 
permit would be valid for 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: September 17, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-21524 Filed 9-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P