87 FR 152 pg. 48471 - Marine Mammals; File No. 26562
Type: NOTICEVolume: 87Number: 152Page: 48471
Page: 48471Docket number: [RTID 0648-XC233]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2022-17005 Filed 8-8-22; 8:45 am]
Agency: Commerce Department
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XC233]
Marine Mammals; File No. 26562
AGENCY:
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION:
Notice; receipt of application.
SUMMARY:
Notice is hereby given that James Hain, Ph.D., Associated Scientists at Woods Hole, Box 721, Woods Hole, MA 02543, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on North Atlantic right whales ( Eubalaena glacialis ).
DATES:
Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before September 8, 2022.
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 (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 26562 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include File No. 26562 in the subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carrie Hubard or Shasta McClenahan, 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 proposes to study North Atlantic right whales (NARW) from Cumberland Island, Georgia, south to Jupiter Inlet, Florida. The purpose of the research is to continue a long-term study of the distribution, abundance, habitat use, behavior, reproduction, and human impacts on NARWs. Research would consist of photo-ID, behavioral observations, counts, and passive acoustic recordings. Annually, researchers may approach up to 25 NARW using boats, and another 40 NARW may be approached from unmanned aircraft systems, manned airplanes, and blimps. If encountered, ten humpback whales ( Megaptera novaenagliae ) may be studied annually. Up to 60 bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) and 12 Atlantic spotted dolphins ( Stenella frontalis ) may be unintentionally harassed annually. 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: July 27, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-17005 Filed 8-8-22; 8:45 am]
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