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.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).

The applicant proposes to continue a long-term research study of killer whales ( Orcinus orca) in Alaskan waters, focusing on their population status, health, and ecosystem interactions. Research methods include vessel and aerial (small unmanned aircraft system) surveys to conduct photo-identification, photogrammetry, diet sampling (prey remain and fecal sample collection), passive acoustic recording, and breath and biopsy sampling. Up to 3,000 killer whales may be photographed annually, with up to 35 whales biopsy sampled. Prey remains may be collected from endangered salmonid species ( Oncorhynchus spp.) and up to 25 each of the following species minke whales ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata), harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena), Dall's porpoise ( Phocoenoides dalli), harbor seals ( Phoca vitulina), Pacific white-sided dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), northern fur seals ( Callorhinus ursinus), and other unidentified cetaceans or pinnipeds. Prey remains and other samples may be imported and/or exported. The permit would be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

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 47722