2022-26569. Marine Mammals; File No. 27029

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Notice; receipt of application.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that Echo Pictures Ltd., c/o Offspring Films, 1st & 2nd floor, Dock House, Welsh Back, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS1 4SB, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.

DATES:

Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before January 6, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

These documents are available upon written request via email to [e-mail].

Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to [e-mail]. Please include File No. 27029 in the subject line of the email comment.

Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to [e-mail]. 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 Carrie Hubard, [phone].

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 up to 24 species of non-listed marine mammals for a wildlife documentary series. Filming may occur on the U.S. east coast from Florida to Maine from platforms including vessels, unmanned aircraft systems, and underwater (snorkelers, divers, and towed, pole, or drop-in cameras). See the application for species and numbers of animals by filming platform. The permit is requested for 2 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: December 1, 2022.

Amy C. Sloan,

Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.