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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 14968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06387]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD748-X

Marine Mammals; File No. 19133

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 Tim Gallagher, Alaska Area 
Manager, HDR, Inc., 2525 C Street, Suite 305, Anchorage, AK 99503-2632, 
has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on spotted 
seals (Phoca largha), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), bearded seals 
(Erignathus barbatus), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), and Beluga 
whales (Delphinapteras leucas).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before April 20, 2015.

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 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 19133 from the list of available applications.
    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 the File No. 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: Brendan Hurley or Courtney Smith, 
(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), and the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
    The area encompassing the Colville River Delta (CRD) on Alaska's 
North Slope is currently being assessed for potential oil and gas (O&G) 
exploration and development. HDR proposes to conduct semi-annual aerial 
surveys over the next 5 years to better characterize the occurrence and 
distribution of three ice seal species (spotted seals (Phoca largha), 
ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus)), 
and provide a framework for understanding the potential impacts of O&G 
exploration and development on these animals in and around the CRD. 
Surveys will occur four times annually (from a Cessna 180 high-mounted 
fixed-wing or a twin engine, low-mounted fixed-wing DA 42 Multi-Purpose 
Platform (MPP) aircraft (or similar fixed-wing aircraft)) at 1,000 
feet, but researchers will drop to an altitude of 700 feet when seals 
are observed. Annual estimated directed takes include up to 780 bearded 
seals, 780 ringed seals, 612 spotted seals, and up to 60 bowhead whales 
(Balaena mysticetus) and 150 Beluga whales (Delphinapteras leucas).
    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 13, 2015.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06387 Filed 3-19-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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