Marine Mammals; File No. 29841

Issuing agencies

Abstract

Notice is hereby given that Rutgers University (Responsible Party: John Wiedenmann, Ph.D.), 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on cetaceans.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 214 (Friday, November 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 214 (Friday, November 6, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 70067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22646]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XF955]


Marine Mammals; File No. 29841

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 Rutgers University (Responsible 
Party: John Wiedenmann, Ph.D.), 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 
08901, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 
cetaceans.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 7, 2026.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review upon written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1afaca7b2cfb193d0a28e8c8c848f9592a18f8e8080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6927242f3a47391b582a0604040c071d1a2907060808470e061f">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b05060d18651b397a082426262e253f380b25242a2a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="115f5c57423f416320527e7c7c747f6562517f7e70703f767e67">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29841 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#632d2e25304d331152200c0e0e060d1710230d0c02024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c6c5cedba6d8fab9cbe7e5e5ede6fcfbc8e6e7e9e9a6efe7fe">[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: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., 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 
(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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
    The applicant proposes assessing the habitat use and behavior of 
baleen whales within planned offshore wind construction sites and 
shipping areas off New Jersey with a focus on humpback (Megaptera 
novaeangliae) and endangered fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Up to 
85 whales of these species may be taken annually during vessel surveys 
involving observations, photo-identification or video, and tagging 
(dart/barb and deep-implant). Minke whales (Balaenoptera 
acutorostrata), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and 
endangered North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) may be 
unintentionally harassed and opportunistically studied. The permit is 
requested for 5 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 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: November 3, 2026.
Larissa Plants,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22646 Filed 11-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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