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###### Department of Commerce

###### National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

          - [RTID 0648-XB861]

# AGENCY:

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

# ACTION:

Notice; receipt of application.

# SUMMARY:

                        Notice is hereby given that Lesley Thorne, Ph.D., School of Marine                               ( print page 12435)                            and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on cetaceans.                    

# DATES:

Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before April 4, 2022.

# 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. 26260 from the list of available applications. These documents are also 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. 26260 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:

Carrie Hubard or Amy Hapeman, (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 collect photo-identification, morphometric, distribution, behavioral, and passive acoustic data on cetaceans in the New York Bight using vessels, unmanned aircraft systems, and acoustic recording devices. As the target species of the research, up to 80 fin (                    *Balaenoptera physalus*), 30 sei (                    *B. borealis*), 150 humpback (                    *Megaptera novaeangliae*), and 150 minke (                    *B. acutorostrata*) whales may be approached annually. Research would also be conducted on an additional 22 cetacean species. The permit would be valid for 5 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: February 25, 2022.

Julia M. Harrison,

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

[FR Doc. 2022-04559 Filed 3-3-22; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P