Notice2026-09999
Marine Mammals; File No. 29621
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
May 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that NMFS' Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98118 (Responsible Party: Nancy Friday, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 29118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09999]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF774]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29621
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 NMFS' Marine Mammal Laboratory,
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98118 (Responsible Party: Nancy
Friday, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct
research on northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 18, 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.
29621 from the list of available applications. These documents are also
available upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c22212a3f423c1e5d2f0301010902181f2c02030d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0947444f5a27597b384a6664646c677d7a4967666868276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbf5f6fde895ebc98af8d4d6d6ded5cfc8fbd5d4dada95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="246a6962770a745615674b4949414a5057644a4b45450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29621 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#baf4f7fce994eac88bf9d5d7d7dfd4cec9fad4d5dbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ace2e1eaff82fcde9defc3c1c1c9c2d8dfecc2c3cdcd82cbc3da">[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.), 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 research permit to investigate population
status and trends, demographics, health, disease, and foraging ecology
of northern fur seals. Northern fur seals may be taken annually from
the Eastern Pacific stock in Alaska, including by capture and handle,
harassment, unintentional disturbance, ground and aerial surveys,
observation, photograph/video, capture/handling, and collection of
scat/spew. Samples may be salvaged from pinnipeds found dead, received
from subsistence harvested animals, and exported for analysis. During
capture and handling, animals may receive drug administration, external
instruments, marks, biological sampling, measured and weighed. Up to 4
unintentional mortalities of northern fur seals annually, not to exceed
13 over the life of the permit, are also requested. Steller sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus) from the endangered western Distinct Population
Segment and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) may be unintentionally
disturbed annually during research.
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: May 15, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09999 Filed 5-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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