Notice2026-06840

Marine Mammals; File No. 29107

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
April 9, 2026

Issuing agencies

Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Abstract

Notice is hereby given that Susana Caballero, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals and marine mammal parts that are imported, exported, or received.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 68 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 68 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17943-17944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06840]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XF664]


Marine Mammals; File No. 29107

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 Susana Caballero, Ph.D., Nova 
Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 
33004, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 
marine mammals and marine mammal parts that are imported, exported, or 
received.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before May 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. 
29107 from the list of available applications. These documents are also 
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eba5a6adb8c5bb99daa88486868e859f98ab85848a8ac58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d03000b1e631d3f7c0e2220202823393e0d23222c2c632a223b">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ffb1b2b9acd1af8dcebc9092929a918b8cbf91909e9ed1989089"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cf8182899ce19fbdfe8ca0a2a2aaa1bbbc8fa1a0aeaee1a8a0b9">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29107 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#cd83808b9ee39dbffc8ea2a0a0a8a3b9be8da3a2acace3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e2023283d403e1c5f2d0103030b001a1d2e00010f0f40090118">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore and 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.), 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 7-year permit to study genetic diversity, 
population structure, and connectivity of marine mammals in Florida, 
the Caribbean, South America, and Antarctica. Research activities in 
Florida, Puerto Rico, and Antarctica will include behavioral 
observations, photography, filming, close approaches for eDNA sampling, 
and unintentional harassment. In addition, the applicant may biopsy 
sample animals in Puerto Rico and Antarctica including humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), Clymene dolphins (Syenella clymene), 
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic spotted dolphins 
(Stenella frontalis), pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella 
attenuata), leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), Southern elephant seal 
(Mirounga leonina), and crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga). The 
applicant will also import, export, and receive parts taken under other 
authorizations from cetaceans and pinnipeds (except for walrus) 
worldwide. See the application for numbers of animals requested by 
location, species or taxa group, 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.


[[Page 17944]]


    Dated: April 6, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06840 Filed 4-8-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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Indexed from Federal Register on April 9, 2026.

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