Notice of Additional Public Scoping Meeting Related to the Makah Tribe's Continuation of Treaty Right Hunting of Gray Whales

摘要

NMFS announces its intent to conduct an additional public scoping meeting to gather information to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), related to the Makah Tribe's request that NMFS waive the take moratorium of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to allow for treaty right hunting of eastern North Pacific gray whales in usual and accustomed grounds off the coast of Washington State. This notice briefly describes the background of the Makah's request for waiver; gives the date, time, and location of the additional public scoping meeting; and identifies a set of preliminary alternatives.