Notice2026-05351
Marine Mammals; File No. 29313
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
March 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Michelle Shero, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 13294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05351]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF554]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29313
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Michelle Shero, Ph.D., Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543,
has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Weddell
seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 20, 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.
29313 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#df9192998cf18fadee9cb0b2b2bab1abac9fb1b0bebef1b8b0a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5152594c314f6d2e5c7072727a716b6c5f71707e7e31787069">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0fefdf6e39ee0c281f3dfddddd5dec4c3f0dedfd1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d39d9e9580fd83a1e290bcbebeb6bda7a093bdbcb2b2fdb4bca5">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29313 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#84cac9c2d7aad4f6b5c7ebe9e9e1eaf0f7c4eaebe5e5aae3ebf2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f1112190c710f2d6e1c3032323a312b2c1f31303e3e71383029">[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: Sara Young or Shasta McClenahan,
Ph.D., (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.) and the regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
The applicant requests a permit to take Weddell seals to assess the
nature and underlying mechanisms that contribute to the significant
heterogeneity observed in reproductive rates and animal fitness that
exist within wild animal populations. To achieve project goals, a
cohort of 20 female-pup pairs (10 high-quality, 10 low-quality) in
Erebus Bay, Antarctica will undergo health assessments across the
austral summer. Dive recorders will also be deployed during this time,
and instruments will be recovered after the winter (gestational)
foraging period. At each handling, female-pup pairs will be given a
health exam, physiological samples collected, and instruments deployed
to monitor dive behaviors. In addition, females will undergo a
reproductive ultrasound examination during late lactation to track
ovulation. Seals may be taken by capture and restraint for drug
administration, biological sampling, blood sampling, instrumentation,
marking, measuring, ultrasound, and weighing. Weddell seals may also be
taken by harassment through counting surveys, collection of molt, scat,
spew, urine, and unmanned aircraft systems for photogrammetry. Up to 15
unintentional mortalities of Weddell seals, including humane euthanasia
if warranted, are also requested across the life of the permit. Samples
collected during research would be imported back into the United States
and may be exported to collaborators. Crabeater seals (Lobodon
carcinophagus) may also be unintentionally harassed during research
activities. The permit would be valid for 10 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.
Dated: March 16, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05351 Filed 3-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 19, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.