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 bottlenose dolphins (Charleston Estuarine System Stock) in waters around Charleston County, South Carolina, including Kiawah, Seabrook, and Hilton Head Islands, for a wildlife documentary series that reveals the strand feeding behavior as an example of the success that can be achieved when animals work together. Up to 1,680 bottlenose dolphins may be filmed from land, vessel, or unmanned aircraft systems, annually. Underwater video and vocalizations may be recorded using an underwater pole camera. The permit would expire on December 1, 2023.

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.

87 FR 39803