[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22716-22717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09477]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XD887
Marine Mammals; File No. 19444
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 Richard Breezy Wynn, 7216
Wellington Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, has applied in due form for a
permit to conduct commercial or educational photography
[[Page 22717]]
on killer (Orcinus orca) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) whales.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or
before May 26, 2015.
ADDRESSES: These documents are also available upon written request or
by appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376.
Written comments on this application should be submitted to the
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above.
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by
email to [email protected]. Please include File No. 19444 in
the subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the
address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons
why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard or Brendan Hurley, (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.) and the regulations governing the taking
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
The applicant proposes to film killer and beluga whales, focusing
on their relationship with salmon. Filming would occur in Bristol Bay,
Nushagak and Kvichak Bays, Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay, Aialik Bay,
Harris Bay and Blying Sound, Alaska. A maximum of 45 killer whales and
25 belugas would be approached for filming. In addition, 25 harbor
seals (Phoca vitulina), 20 gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), 25
Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli), and 25 harbor porpoises
(Phocoena phocoena) may be incidentally harassed during filming
operations. Filming would occur from boats, a kayak, and an underwater
diver. Hydrophones would be used to record sounds. Researchers familiar
with the key species are working with the applicant as advisors.
Footage would be used in a feature film for theatrical release and
related projects, all focusing on salmon and their environment. Filming
would occur in the summer and fall of 2015. The permit would be valid
until October 31, 2015.
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: April 20, 2015.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09477 Filed 4-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P