Notice2026-15917
Marine Mammals; File No. 29707
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
August 6, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that the Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, (Responsible Party: Anne-Marie Runfola), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 50808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-15917]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF917]
Marine Mammals; File No. 29707
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 Center for Coastal Studies, 5
Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, (Responsible Party: Anne-Marie
Runfola), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on
marine mammals.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 8,
2026.
ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for
review upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0947444f5a27597b384a6664646c677d7a4967666868276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4907040f1a67193b780a2624242c273d3a0927262828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ad4d7dcc9b4cae8abd9f5f7f7fff4eee9daf4f5fbfbb4fdf5ec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1afaca7b2cfb193d0a28e8c8c848f9592a18f8e8080cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29707 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#551b1813067b052764163a3838303b2126153b3a34347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e6063687d007e5c1f6d4143434b405a5d6e40414f4f00494158">[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 Courtney
Smith, 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
(MMPA; 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 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
The applicant requests a 10-year permit to conduct research on 23
species of marine mammals in U.S. and international waters of the North
Atlantic Ocean. ESA-listed species include: bowhead (Balaena
mysticetus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus),
North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), sei (Balaenoptera
borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. The objectives
are to study marine mammal occurrence, distribution, abundance,
behavior, habitat use, foraging ecology, and health, with a focus on
North Atlantic right whales. Cetaceans may be taken during vessel and
aerial surveys, including uncrewed aircraft systems, for counts,
photography, videography, photogrammetry, thermal imaging,
observations, biological sampling (feces, sloughed skin, and skin and
blubber biopsies), and suction-cup tagging. Four species of pinnipeds
may be unintentionally harassed and opportunistically studied during
research. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested
by species, 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.
Dated: August 3, 2026.
Larissa Plants,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-15917 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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