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 Northern elephant seals exhibiting wild behavior during their breeding season at the Año Nuevo State Reserve beaches. Filmmakers would conduct ground- based filming via tripod, gimbal, and remote vehicle, as well as aerial filming via vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft system. Up to 2,300 elephant seals, 115 harbor seals ( Phoca vitulina), and 115 northern fur seals ( Callorhinus ursinus) may be harassed during filming. Filming would occur for no more than 23 days in January and February of 2023. The permit would be valid until February 28, 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 67451