Notice2025-09803
Marine Mammals; File No. 28217
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
May 30, 2025
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals, including endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B. borealis) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 103 (Friday, May 30, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 103 (Friday, May 30, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Page 23032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-09803]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XE722]
Marine Mammals; File No. 28217
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 Douglas Nowacek, Duke University,
135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form
for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals, including
endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B.
borealis) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 30, 2025.
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.
28217 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d13101b0e730d2f6c1e3230303833292e1d33323c3c733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c6c5cedba6d8fab9cbe7e5e5ede6fcfbc8e6e7e9e9a6efe7fe">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#733d3e35205d230142301c1e1e161d0700331d1c12125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cf8182899ce19fbdfe8ca0a2a2aaa1bbbc8fa1a0aeaee1a8a0b9">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 28217 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#c987848f9ae799bbf88aa6a4a4aca7bdba89a7a6a8a8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c02010a1f621c3e7d0f2321212922383f0c22232d2d622b233a">[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 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 marine mammals in the Northwest
Atlantic Ocean to assess their behavior, foraging ecology, body
condition, health status, population structure, and response to sounds.
Researchers would conduct vessel and ground surveys of pinnipeds for
counts, observations, photography, scat collection, and unmanned
aircraft operations. Researchers would conduct vessel surveys of
cetaceans for observations; passive acoustic recordings; photography;
photo-identification; photogrammetry; temporary marking; biological
sampling (blow, skin and blubber, and sloughed skin); tagging (suction-
cup and dart); active acoustics; unmanned aircraft operations;
tracking; and unintentional harassment. Biological samples collected on
the high seas would be imported into the United States. Tissue samples
may be used for cell line development. See the application's take table
for take numbers by species and procedure. The permit is requested for
10 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: May 27, 2025.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-09803 Filed 5-29-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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