Notice2024-06000
Marine Mammals; File No. 27342
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
March 21, 2024
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Heidi Pearson, Ph.D., University of Alaska Southeast, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 56 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 20182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06000]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XD819]
Marine Mammals; File No. 27342
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 Heidi Pearson, Ph.D., University
of Alaska Southeast, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, has applied
in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 22, 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, <a href="https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov</a>, and then selecting File No.
27342 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#622c2f24314c321053210d0f0f070c1611220c0d03034c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5aba8a3b6cbb597d4a68a8888808b9196a58b8a8484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d19f9c9782ff81a3e092bebcbcb4bfa5a291bfbeb0b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdb3b0bbaed3ad8fccbe9290909893898ebd93929c9cd39a928b">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 27342 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#a0eeede6f38ef0d291e3cfcdcdc5ced4d3e0cecfc1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c72717a6f126c4e0d7f5351515952484f7c52535d5d125b534a">[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: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., 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 requests a 5-year research permit to study marine
mammal behavior, ecology, health, and movement patterns. Up to 11
species of marine mammals may be harassed including the following ESA-
listed species: fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius
robustus; Western North Pacific distinct population segment [DPS]),
humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae; Mexico DPS), and sperm (Physeter
macrocephalus) whales, and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus,
Western DPS). Research may occur year-round in waters off Southeast
Alaska. Research may be conducted from a vessel or unmanned aircraft
system for counts, photography and video recording (above and
underwater), photogrammetry, passive acoustics, tracking, suction-cup
tagging, and biological sampling (skin and blubber biopsy, skin swabs,
sloughed skin, exhaled air, feces, and eDNA). See the application for
complete numbers of animals requested by species, age-class, and
procedure.
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: March 18, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-06000 Filed 3-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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