Notice2022-19758
Marine Mammals; File No. 26226
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, P.O. Box 932, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 38 species of marine mammals including endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), sei (B. borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56001-56002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19758]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XC363]
Marine Mammals; File No. 26226
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Atlantic
Marine Conservation Society, P.O. Box 932, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, has
applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 38 species of
marine mammals including endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin
(B. physalus), North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), sei (B.
borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before October 13, 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, <a href="https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov</a>, and then selecting File
No. 26226 from the list of available applications. These documents are
also available upon written request via email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cd2d1dacfb2cceeaddff3f1f1f9f2e8efdcf2f3fdfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1afaca7b2cfb193d0a28e8c8c848f9592a18f8e8080cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ed0d3d8cdb0ceecafddf1f3f3fbf0eaeddef0f1ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="521c1f14017c022063113d3f3f373c2621123c3d33337c353d24">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 26226 in the
subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a
written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#06484b40552856743745696b6b63687275466869676728616970"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fab4b7bca9d4aa88cbb99597979f948e89ba94959b9bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>. 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.), and the
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
[[Page 56002]]
The applicant proposes to study 34 cetacean species and four
pinniped species in U.S waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Maine to
Virginia. Researchers seek to (1) document marine mammal seasonal
occurrence and distribution, (2) collect baseline data to maintain
comparative long-term data sets to evaluate changes in species trends,
and (3) identify and document natural and anthropogenic threats to
marine mammals. Researchers would conduct manned aerial surveys and
vessel surveys, including operation of an unmanned aircraft system
(UAS), for counts, behavioral observations, photography, and photo-
identification of marine mammals. Researchers would also conduct ground
surveys of pinnipeds for counts, scat collection, remote video
monitoring, observations, photography or photo-identification, and UAS
operations. Take numbers for each species can be found in the
application's take table. 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 8, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19758 Filed 9-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 13, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.