Notice2022-21134
Marine Mammals; File No. 26593
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 29, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Adam Pack, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and other cetaceans.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 188 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 188 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 59063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21134]
[[Page 59063]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XC409]
Marine Mammals; File No. 26593
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 Adam Pack, Ph.D., University of
Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720, has applied in
due form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) and other cetaceans.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before October 31, 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. 26593 from the list of available applications. These documents are
also available upon written request via email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#501e1d16037e002261133f3d3d353e2423103e3f31317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="155b5853463b456724567a7878707b6166557b7a74743b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5917141f0a77092b681a3634343c372d2a1937363838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c38d8e8590ed93b1f280acaeaea6adb7b083adaca2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 26593 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#4907040f1a67193b780a2624242c273d3a0927262828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2ecefe4f18cf2d093e1cdcfcfc7ccd6d1e2cccdc3c38cc5cdd4">[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: Carrie Hubard or Courtney Smith,
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 29 cetacean species in Hawaiian and
Alaskan waters, with a focus on humpback whales. The purpose of the
research is to examine the behavioral ecology, biology and
communication systems of humpback whales as well as the abundance,
distribution, behavior, and physiological stress levels of all cetacean
species in the study area. Research would be conducted from boats,
airplanes, unmanned aircraft systems, and underwater. Animals would be
studied using photo-ID, videogrammetry, passive acoustic recordings,
behavioral observations, collection of fecal and skin samples, and
biopsy sampling. In addition, up to 150 video and acoustic recording
suction cup tags would be deployed on humpback whales, annually.
Threatened and endangered species that would be studied if encountered
are: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), false
killer (Pseudorca crassidens) (Main Hawaiian Islands Insular distinct
population segment (DPS)), fin (B. physalus), humpback (Central America
and Mexico DPSs), North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), sei (B.
borealis), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). 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 26, 2022.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21134 Filed 9-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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