Notice2026-02485
Marine Mammals; File No. 29154
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Briana Witteveen, Ph.D., University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2601 Darby Circle Anchorage, Alaska 99508, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research on marine mammals.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 26 (Monday, February 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 26 (Monday, February 9, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5726-5727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02485]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF513]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29154
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Briana Witteveen, Ph.D.,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2601 Darby Circle Anchorage, Alaska
99508, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific
research on marine mammals.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 11, 2026.
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
home page, <a href="https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov</a>, and then selecting File No.
29154 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6888b8095e896b4f785a9ababa3a8b2b586a8a9a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90deddd6c3bec0e2a1d3fffdfdf5fee4e3d0fefff1f1bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd83808b9ee39dbffc8ea2a0a0a8a3b9be8da3a2acace3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1efece7f28ff1d390e2ceccccc4cfd5d2e1cfcec0c08fc6ced7">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29154 in the
subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a
written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#85cbc8c3d6abd5f7b4c6eae8e8e0ebf1f6c5ebeae4e4abe2eaf3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="602e2d26334e301251230f0d0d050e1413200e0f01014e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>. The request
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application
would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., 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 (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 (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.).
[[Page 5727]]
The applicant requests a 10-year permit to conduct research in
Alaska on 15 species of marine mammals including the following
endangered species: blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus); fin whale (B.
physalus); gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus); humpback whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae); North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena
japonica); sei whale (B. borealis); sperm whale (Physeter
microcephalus); and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). The
objectives are to advance knowledge and improve understanding of the
foraging behavior, prey use, and habitat of marine mammals. Target
cetaceans may be taken during vessel surveys for counts, photography
and video recording, photo-identification, behavioral observations,
active acoustic sonar for prey mapping, and biological sampling (feces,
sloughed skin, predation remains, and skin and blubber biopsies). Non-
target cetaceans and pinnipeds may be unintentionally harassed and
opportunistically studied during research. See the application for
complete numbers of animals requested by species, life stage, and
procedure.
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 4, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-02485 Filed 2-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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