Notice2026-02498
Marine Mammals; File No. 29070
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 the University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32608 (Michael Walsh, DVM, Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts of for scientific research.
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]
[Page 5729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02498]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF512]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29070
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 the University of Florida, Aquatic
Animal Health Program, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32608
(Michael Walsh, DVM, Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a
permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts of for
scientific research.
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.
29070 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81cfccc7d2afd1f3b0c2eeecece4eff5f2c1efeee0e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ace2e1eaff82fcde9defc3c1c1c9c2d8dfecc2c3cdcd82cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c42414a5f225c7e3d4f6361616962787f4c62636d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd83808b9ee39dbffc8ea2a0a0a8a3b9be8da3a2acace3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29070 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#1856555e4b36486a295b7775757d766c6b5876777979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d03000b1e631d3f7c0e2220202823393e0d23222c2c632a223b">[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 Jennifer
Skidmore, (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.).
The applicant requests a 10-year permit to study marine mammal
health through research and diagnostic testing of parts. Parts from up
to 700 individual cetaceans and 400 individual pinnipeds (excluding
walrus) may be imported, exported, and received annually. Sources of
foreign and domestic parts may include subsistence harvests, captive
animals, other authorized persons or curated collections, bycatch from
legal commercial fishing operations, and foreign stranded animals.
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. 2026-02498 Filed 2-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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