Marine Mammals; File No. 25761

AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice; receipt of application.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that Earthscape Productions, Ltd., St Stephens Avenue, Bristol, BS1 1YL, United Kingdom, (Responsible Party: Tina Razdan), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography on pinnipeds.

DATES:

Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before August 2, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

These documents are available upon written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.

Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include File No. 25761 in the subject line of the email comment.

Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. 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 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.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).

The applicant proposes to film pinnipeds in Washington for a film about the foraging and hunting behavior of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Pinnipeds may be filmed from land, an unmanned aircraft system, and underwater via a stationary camera, pole camera, or snorkelers. Up to 450 harbor seals and 90 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) may be filmed annually. The permit would be valid for two 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.