Notice2026-07624
Marine Mammals; File No. 29418
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 20, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that the University of Alaska Southeast, 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK 99835 (Responsible Party: Lauren Wild, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals in Alaska.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 75 (Monday, April 20, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 75 (Monday, April 20, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 20983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-07624]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF544]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29418
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 Alaska
Southeast, 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK 99835 (Responsible Party: Lauren
Wild, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research
on marine mammals in Alaska.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before May 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.
29418'' 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="4806050e1b66183a790b2725252d263c3b0826272929662f273e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#713f3c37225f210340321e1c1c141f0502311f1e10105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="652b2823364b351754260a0808000b1116250b0a04044b020a13">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include ``File No. 29418'' 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#4d03000b1e631d3f7c0e2220202823393e0d23222c2c632a223b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d896959e8bf688aae99bb7b5b5bdb6acab98b6b7b9b9f6bfb7ae">[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: Courtney Smith, 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.).
The applicant proposes to conduct research on 18 species of
cetaceans in Alaska, with studies targeted on killer whales (Orcinus
orca; including the Southern Resident Distinct Population Segment
[DPS]) and three endangered species: gray (Eschrichtius robustus;
including the Western North Pacific DPS), humpback (Megaptera
novaeangliae; including the Western North Pacific DPS and Mexico DPS),
and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Four species of pinnipeds
may be unintentionally harassed. The objective of the research is to
further biological understanding of Alaskan cetaceans by evaluating
species abundance, population and stock structure, life history
parameters, foraging behavior and prey specialization, social behavior,
seasonal movements and migrations, and depredation interactions with
longline fishing vessels. Research methods resulting in Level A and
Level B harassment include close approach by vessels and unmanned
aircraft systems to conduct photo-identification, behavioral
observations, underwater photography/video, count/survey, active
acoustic sonar for prey mapping, tagging (suction-cup and dart/barb),
biological sampling (skin/blubber biopsy, prey samples, exhaled air,
sloughed skin, feces), passive acoustic recordings, and collection of
prey remains and water samples for environmental DNA. Some marine
mammal parts may be exported for analysis. See the application for
complete numbers of animals requested by species, stock or listing
unit, life stage, and procedure. The permit is requested for 10 years.
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: April 15, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-07624 Filed 4-17-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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